We arrived to airport nicely, 2 hours ahead. But during check-in we were informed that our flight is delayed by 5 hours. It would be less terrible if Schwechat had enough seats, but it is mostly standup gig (at least terminal for budget operators is like that).

Later, we learned probable reason why other flights of the same operator were delayed only for one hour - there were only 37 people on our flight. So they probably shuffled available planes in way that destination with least number of passengers will be delayed over 4 hours.

Together with long time spent at car rental company, we arrived to our accommodation after 10pm. So our plan to spend our first evening in Madeira to shop at local market was trashed.

Cantinho Do Céu Madeira, Jardim Botânico

Contrary to our preferred approach, we decided to stay at one accommodation whole time.

We have found it at House Trip. I was never so nervous before. I relaxed only when we accommodated there. I feared it could be a scam. Whole site and booking experience made me believe so (e.g. good price; no contact allowed with owner outside their messaging system and that is possible only after you book it; e-mail with "owner confirmed availability, but hurry, because there are 3 other requests"). Fortunately, I was wrong :-)

Rented flat is at ground level. Lino Henriques, the owner, lives upstairs, but we met him only a couple of times during our stay. He is very nice person.

It was nice place to be at, completely sufficient for our needs (sleeping, using bathroom, cooking, eating, drinking delicious Madeira wine outside, wifi). We did not try TV, but used washing machine once.

It also offers nice views of Funchal and we could not find closer location to botanical garden (Jardim Botânico) - its entry is at across the road. It is important to note, that Jardim Botânico is also station of cable car to Monte.

There is, however, one thing not mentioned at House Trip (could we miss it?). It is not visible from road, where it is located. There is tall wall next to road, with not very obvious gate and stairs up. I learned not to trust completely Google Maps regarding some addresses, but this one is correctly marked.

With elevated location comes huge advantage - nice views.

This is not actually view from the accommodation. It is photo from botanical garden, but it fits into text about elevated location.

Cabo Girão

Due to our ruined plan of shopping for supplies on the day of arrival we spent Saturday morning in Funchal center. Good thing was that Mercado dos Lavradores (market) is more colorful and full on Saturdays compared to other days. We have spent most of afternoon at botanical garden so only time left to us was for short trip to one of the highest cliffs of Europe.

It was the first trip and we have learned interesting thing already. Roads and tunnels are built and changed so quickly that navigators cannot cope with that. Our navigator got lost immediately after getting off the motor way. I am not sure which way it wanted to go, but we refused to follow it and we managed to get there.

That does not mean roads are bad. Contrary, they are very good and tunnels make traveling much shorter. They are just quite steep and curvy often. That should be expected on mountainous island.

Going up to Cabo Girão - a look back.

View of Funchal from Cabo Girão.

Standing at glass viewing platform, about 580m above the sea.

Another, more airy part of viewing platform at Cabo Girão.

Looking down from viewing platform

Eucalyptus forest at the top of Cabo Girão.