The last few days of vacation is always bittersweet. Even though we have two days in Madrid before we leap back across the pond, it feels like it's winding down.
Unfortunately, very rainy, blustery weather rolled in a few days ago and has waylaid a few of the higher up hiking trails we wanted to do. We've had to move lower in elevation, which means no more peak bagging and overall, not quite as exciting of adventures. So we've hit a few more levadas than we thought, which are very cool, however very flat. But they have their own beauty. I've included some pictures below from these hikes.
Overall, we have absolutely loved Madeira. Never have we traveled to a friendlier place for walking and hiking. The food is cheaper than in the US and there are wonderful hotels and guest houses for well under $100. The wine is fantastic, views are amazing and it's relatively easy to get around. Car rental prices are reasonable and driving isn't too bad if you're good with hill starts on a manual, but they also have a great public bus infrastructure and taxis. The food is fresh, basic and not overdone. The people are welcoming and helpful and speak pretty good English. Come visit!! It's a gem only an hour and a half from Lisbon.
We are looking forward to Madrid, even if it's a quick stopover. The weather that moved in here ended up grounding flights for a day or two, so of course we hope it's all clear tomorrow! Now, to fit everything back in my suitcase. Ugh.
Unfortunately, very rainy, blustery weather rolled in a few days ago and has waylaid a few of the higher up hiking trails we wanted to do. We've had to move lower in elevation, which means no more peak bagging and overall, not quite as exciting of adventures. So we've hit a few more levadas than we thought, which are very cool, however very flat. But they have their own beauty. I've included some pictures below from these hikes.
Overall, we have absolutely loved Madeira. Never have we traveled to a friendlier place for walking and hiking. The food is cheaper than in the US and there are wonderful hotels and guest houses for well under $100. The wine is fantastic, views are amazing and it's relatively easy to get around. Car rental prices are reasonable and driving isn't too bad if you're good with hill starts on a manual, but they also have a great public bus infrastructure and taxis. The food is fresh, basic and not overdone. The people are welcoming and helpful and speak pretty good English. Come visit!! It's a gem only an hour and a half from Lisbon.
We are looking forward to Madrid, even if it's a quick stopover. The weather that moved in here ended up grounding flights for a day or two, so of course we hope it's all clear tomorrow! Now, to fit everything back in my suitcase. Ugh.
Along Levada Nova, you can see the clouds blanketing the mountains.
A waterfall we walked behind.
This was the scene on top of the island, around 5-6000ft. Total whiteout. Hiking? No thank you.
We tried to go up high again today to see this Levada fall. Unfortunately it was still in the clouds but we braved the wind and rain long enough to reach our goal!
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