The first stop was at Sao Vicente lava cave and volcanism centre. From Sao Vicente town, we turned east and followed the coast.
Next we stopped at Ponta Delgada. The church and the wild sea -
We continued, through Boaventura and up to a view point -
and the view the other way -
We had lunch at Arco, and had espada fish, which is black scabbard. A really ugly, predator fish. I had seen them in the market
Onto the Sao Jorge viewpoint, in Santana district.
Next stop was the rum factory at Porto da Cruz. This is the only steam operated rum distillery left on the island. Free entry and you are allowed to wander around. There is a small shop next door and you can taste the rums for a cost.
Nice coastline by the distillery -
Canical is the very east of the island. The weather was better and it was distinctly warmer, being away from the north coast. Good views including Funchal airport. The landing at Funchal is one of the most dangerous in Europe, due to the Atlantic winds. The runway is supported on 180 pillars.
We were supposed to have our last stop in Santa Cruz but as there was a festival in Machico, we went there instead. It was the Medieval Market. Machico is the old capital.
The festival celebrates the early days on the archipelago. For a weekend in June, the streets are decorated with colourful flags and tents, locals are dressed in full medieval costumes – from knights and ladies to merchants and minstrels. Entertainment includes dramatic historical re-enactments, open-air theatre, music, fire-eaters and acrobats. Market stalls sell a wide selection of handicrafts and offer demonstrations of pottery, weaving and woodwork.
Machico also has a sandy beach. This is not natural, the sand was imported from the Algrave.
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