The other day I heard someone describing their ideal day in Funchal. It included a trip to the beach, swimming in the sea followed by a lunch with limpets, ‘bolo do caco’ and coral beer. My ideal day passes by the Funchal Marina, in a walk through the Avenida do Mar and to the pier, on my way to the Old Town. There’s something about this location, which makes me feel at home. I can’t identify what it is, precisely, but I think it has to do with the emotional connection and stimuli I get when I’m there. As a child, I remember going for walks on Sunday mornings, to the pier, to see the boats floating by (it was preceded by grass races on the Santa Catarina Park). I remember the sound of the waves, pebbles rolling, the black sand beach and the Beatles boat, the benches on the pier and the wind blowing strong when it comes to an end. Already in my days of teenager, the Funchal Marina was the highlight of …

Palheiro Gardens I’ve been told that, in the times that Portugal was ruled by a dictator named Salazar, these gardens were the perfect getaway to meet your lover, away from the crouds and surrounded by the most dreamy sceneries. I was pleased to see that the outstanding variety of flowers, such as magnolias, camellias, roses and exquisite trees are very well looked after, inspiring and well worth a visit, even if not for romantic purposes. You can easily spend a nice afternoon there, sitting under the trees, reading a book or admiring the beauty of this place. Palheiro gardens used to be a hunting resort for the Carvalhal Count in the 19th century. This property was bought in 1885 by the Blandy’s Family, remaining in this family throughout generations until the present days. Here you can also find a golf course and a stunning Hotel, Casa Velha do Palheiro, which belongs to the chain of Hotels Relais and Chateaux. The views over the bay of Funchal are so beautiful and being at 500 meters above …