South East Tour

Garajau

The South East Tour starts with the pickup from your Cruiseship.

Garajau is Portuguese for tern and the village is named after the attractive black-headed seabirds. Garajau´s prominent landmark is the huge statue of Christ, which was erected in 1927. It is a replica of the Christ, in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon. It offers fine views of Funchal and of passing cruises heading for the harbour.

Santa Cruz

Your next first stop is to the town next to the Airport, Santa Cruz. It is a rewarding place for a short stay. The pebbled beach is lined with large palm trees and the colourful fishing boats lay between them. The market hall is famous for its fresh fish, unimaginable fruit and vegetables. There is a large tiled frieze at the entrance depicting the fishermen. The white attractive church is from the sixteenth century and is well preserved. From Santa Cruz we head to Machico

Machico

Machico´s bay was the first place where Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed when Madeira was discovered. It has an uncommonly shaped valley, which looks as if a balcony overlookes the sea and the mountains, in a municipality with great abundance in water. The sugar cane crops and its mills activities made it become very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of Machico bay is dominated by Pico do Facho a 320 mts (1050 ft) a high peak. It was named after the beacon (facho) that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates

Sao Lourenco

Ponta de São Lorenço. The eastern most point of the island. The area around Caniçal and Sao Lorenço has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. It is noticeable that the nature vegetation is different here .The north and south coast can be seen simultaneously. On a clear day Porto Santo can also be seen. Beautiful rock formation can be found in this region and one of the coast plants, the ice plant

Toboggan -Ride or visit the Monte Church

There are several good reasons, why Monte is an interesting place to stop. The church of “Nossa Senhora do Monte”, the toboggan rides, the beautiful gardens and the panoramic view over the bay of Funchal. The hilltop town of Monte lies at 550m (1805 ft). Once you walk through the cobbled stone path that leads through the beautiful municipal gardens, you are able to see the twin towered church of “Nossa Senhora do Monte”(Our Lady of Monte), who is also the patriot saint of Funchal. Here you will find the Emperor Charles I, black coffin. In front of the church is a steep flight of 74 stone steps. These steps lead to the famous

The excursion ends in front of your Cruiseship .