Month: May 2016

rota das ponchas

A route of ‘ponchas’ in Madeira

I accepted the challenge proposed by a group of friends, to write this article on the blog – A route of the best ponchas in Madeira. (Due to practical issues, the route was divided into 2 parts, this is the route 1, to be coming soon is route 2) Some of the oldest grocery stores of Madeira are called ‘ Vendas or mercearias’ . These are the symbol of our grandparents lifestyle, when life had a quiet pace; other times. At those times, the products were sold by weight, without pre-packaging or pallets. The ‘Vendas’ sold pretty much everything. Since creams, potatoes, brooms and shovels, chewing gum, candies and even string. Right beside the groceries selling area, there was always a bar, selling wine with fizzy orange juice ‘ laranjada’ and local rum drink, Poncha. It was with joy and pleasure that through this route, I was able to relive the old days, where all the bills were registered in a “list” and paid at the end of the month. We were able to glance …

5 good reasons to visit Museums in Madeira

5 good reasons to visit Museums in Madeira Museums are a big part of Madeira’s Heritage. Curious to know were we came from and who we are? Here are 5 good Reasons to get you started … 1. Discover the amazing old manor houses of Madeira ‘Quintas’ Museum Quinta das Cruzes This was once the house of the governor of Funchal, João Gonçalves da Câmara, the son of Zarco. In its gardens you can admire a stunning Manueline style window, a greenhouse of orchids and an “orquestrofone”, a wooden music instrument, which was manufactured by Limonaire Frères in France in 1900. Inside the house “Quinta” there’s a decorative arts museum with a stunning collection of ancient furniture, paintings and other unique pieces of art. Price: 3€ Monte Palace Museum Located in the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, this used to be a popular hotel in the XX century under the name of Monte Palace Hotel. Besides the romantic gardens, you’ll find a Museum with a large collection of minerals, including diamonds, sculptures from Zimbabwe and tiles, …

Saccharum Hotel

Saccharum Hotel Resort & Spa – ‘The sea inside’

Saccharum Hotel Resort & Spa – ‘The sea inside’ In Madeira there are several hotels that offer beautiful views of the sea and a good customer service. However, few are those who combine these two elements with a stunning interior design; the Saccharum Hotel Resort & Spa offers all this and more … Saccharum comes from the Latin word for sugar cane. The Resort reminds us of the history of sugar cane on the island, which takes us back to the late XIV century in which Madeira was the largest exporter of sugar in the world, so-called ‘white gold’ . The western area of ​​Madeira, including Calheta was one of the areas of greatest production of sugar cane. In the Hotel, there is even a museum “Gallery 1425” (Sugar cane was introduced in Madeira around 1425) that pays homage to its plantation. Here, one can admire several old photographs, pieces from the engine, and a video about the production and processing of this plant. This hotel project belongs to the AFA group and the building …