Sunflower Books: WALK & EAT MADEIRA

2nd edition (2008); updated 12/07/08

(To visit the web page for this book on our main site, click here )

Updates for the walks, restaurants, shops and recipes on Madeira given below supplement those provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book and want to "upgrade" to the latest edition at half price, click here.)

Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably in hard copy, by post, to Sunflower Books, PO Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU (or if you prefer, by e-mail, to mail@sunflowerbooks.co.uk).
es is 3km, not 2km.

Telephone numbers: A user recommends a taxi at Arco de São Jorge: 291 578 032 (Sunflower, 3/08)

Walk 3: The old ER107 road has been permanenty blocked for all traffic from the Curral end to Eira do Serrado. All traffic must now use the new tunnel. In the walk description: "As the trail makes a V-turn to the left, you are just level with the old road tunnel under the Eira." At this point it is easy to climb onto the old road and use this to walk down to Curral. With no traffic and still all the splendid views, this turns the walk into an EASY alternative to the described route. The remark "...you'll be a source of some amusement to passing motorists" no longer applies and should be removed. (User, 10/07) [Pat & John comment: We would be surprised if this road is permanently closed as opposed to being made one-way only (like the 'Antiga 101' in the north of the island). We were told in Sep. 2007 that the road was closed for repairs.]

Walk 4: The stretch of the Levada between Sitio das Quatro Estradas and Aguas Mansas suffered a lot of damage in the April storm and is currently not suitable for the casual walker or those with vertigo. In a number of places the bank has been completely washed away leaving only the levada wall to walk on with big drops; in most places the wall is about 10" wide but on one stretch it is only 4" wide. (User, 7/08) [Pat & John: We guess this user means the part of the Levada dos Tornos south of 4 Estradas and Aguas Mansas). + The Levada da Serra has been completely filled in between the access road at Sitio das Quatro Estradas and the one at Aquas Mansas. Two 12" pipes are being laid under the path so the going is very muddy and slippery when wet and in a number of places you have to climb down into the pipe trench and walk along the pipes. It's part of a multi-million ¤ project according to the notices. Pipes have also been laid between Sitio das Quatro Estradas and the water house at Santo da Serra but on this stretch the levada is being renovated too. (User, 7/08) [Pat & John: Since there never was any water on the stretch between the access road at Sitio das Quatro Estradas and the one at Aquas Mansas, filling in the path won't ruin the walk. The work will probably be completed soon.]

Walk 5: Restaurante Ribeiro Frio After completing the above walk and BALCOES on 2 Feb 2008 we were looking forward to dining in the restaurant before catching the 18.35 bus back to Funchal. On sitting at the table it was noticeably cold due to none of the wood burning stoves being lit, so we put our coats back on to try and keep warm. After ordering our food and drink the waitress asked if there was anything else we would like and jokingly I suggested an electric fire. We did get a smile but no fire not even a lit candle on the table which may have helped. The standard of food was generally good but didn't take long to go cold. The bill came to 50 Euros which we didn't take much pleasure in paying. Our verdict - not recommended. We couldn't wait to get on the bus to get warm. We assume you must have visited the restaurant in the summer months to recommend it, so probably a warning would be advisable in your book for the winter period. (User, 3/08) [Pat & John: In the first edition of the book we voiced our reservations about this restaurant (poor service, unfriendly staff), but had some letters from users saying it was fine and implying that we were being unfair. We have usually eaten there in winter, but don't remember it being especially cold - apart from the fact that there are large windows and Ribeiro Frio is exceedingly damp all year round. They close early, and if there are not many people eating around 5pm, they probably let the fires go out. A pity - not least because it is the ONLY restaurant in the area.]

Walk 11: It is now possible to walk from Camara de Lobos to Funchal along the seafront if you are willing to cross the Socorridos where it flows into the sea just before the cement works. When we were there, there was very little water in the river. Then continue ambling over the rocks to Praia Formosa. Having crossed more rocks, you go through the tunnel and continue to Funchal. A boardwalk has been built from Praia Formosa to the cement works, but it was not open yet (at the end of 2007). (User, 3/08)

Walk 12: The "beautifully carved façade of the house on the right" in Serrado is now overgrown and derelict. The walk along the levada was through fire-damaged woods (probably recent). (User, 2/08) [Pat & John: Fires of course occur periodically, but the regrowth is very rapid.]