Madeira news blog Der. has a lot more comments, for people who are interested. Add a comment be welcomed.
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(Posted on 2010-07-28 20:01:00 by )
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Hi all, we still can not get back to Madeira at the moment, but hope to be there soon, Did anyone try the snackbar Vieira in Rua queima da Cima Funchal, please let me know if all is well there.
when we were there last we stayed in our son's apartment in Santo Antonio ,Avenida da Madalena right across the road from the Cataplana, the food there is very good. If you go there say hello to them from Dave & Pauline from England and we will see them soon.
All the best great site
from Dave
(Posted on 2010-07-26 20:35:00 by ) -
Madeira news blog Der. comments are now working, though news up dates are not . eveeryone
(Posted on 2010-07-24 22:01:00 by ) -
The Car Boot sales are held on the last Sunday of every month in the Casino car park in Funchal.
(Posted on 2010-07-24 13:13:00 by ) -
Rab, when I was in Funchal at the end of June, They had a carboot sale in the Casino carpark on a Sunday.
(Posted on 2010-07-24 10:24:00 by ) -
Hi Can anyone give me information on car boot sale in Funchal,times day location,im geatfull to anybody who answers.best regards to all.Rab
(Posted on 2010-07-23 03:45:00 by ) -
Apologies everyone for the lack of info on the site this month. Please come back very soon, with new news and information. Also apologies for our sister site www.madeiraactive.com as that has been down for the last week and as of tonight is up and running as it underwent an upgrade.
(Posted on 2010-07-16 22:59:00 by ) -
Hi im going to funchal in early august this will be my second holiday in funchal.can anyone tell me whats happend to the news blog,ive tried the madeiraislanddirect.web site without any luck.thanks to anybody who answers.regards Rab
(Posted on 2010-07-14 23:34:00 by ) -
thank you ulf. The blog not been updated since June. That the one I was on about, it seemed to died off for some reason. I though someone may know something. thank you anyway.
(Posted on 2010-07-14 20:33:00 by ) -
Ulf in answer to your question about the demolition of the Classic Savoy, when I left on the 29th June, most of the building had been demolished. They are well ahead in the process of clearing the site.
(Posted on 2010-07-14 06:42:00 by ) -
Hi guys! Any news about the demolition of hotel Classic Savoy?
(Posted on 2010-07-13 08:13:00 by ) -
Pete! The blog is now named "Madeira News Blog" at the adress: http://madeiraislanddirect.com/blog/
New blog, new sponsors! Der asks för help with articles for the blog!
(Posted on 2010-07-13 08:11:00 by ) -
Hello Corine and Hans, If you have not seen them, you may be interested to read my previous reports on our visit, especially the two I entered on the site on 2010.14.6. These may give you some more information of interest to you.
(Posted on 2010-07-10 14:06:00 by ) -
Thanks for your update Christine. This sounds very good to us.
(Posted on 2010-07-10 08:43:00 by ) -
We were in Madeira end of April/beginning of May. Went to old town and everything was back to normal and all the restaurants looked to be open again. We went to watch the 1st May procession in the old town where they carry the statue of their patron saint along the 2 main streets and up to the Church of Soccorro for a service. This year it seemed more poignant than ever after the terrible devastation they had suffered. The streets were amazingly clean which you wouldn't have thought possible after seeing how they were during the floods.
(Posted on 2010-07-09 11:10:00 by ) -
Hello,
We have been at Funchal for 9 times in a row and we have always stayed in the Old town. The last time we were there was with New Year's Eve last year.
We were very shocked after the flooding and have tried to contact the small restaurants in the Old town (Rue de Santa Maria), but we did not get any response. Please, can anyone yell us what has happened with the restaurants (O Regional, O Tapassol, etc.)?
(Posted on 2010-07-09 08:10:00 by ) -
Do anyone have any idea what happened to madeira blog der on the net? It gone dead quite.
(Posted on 2010-07-07 12:14:00 by ) -
The report of the short taxi journey costing 35 euros is dreadful. Last September our taxi fare Airport/Pestana Palms and return was only 25 euros each way (pre-booked). When we were there in April/May this year, we didn't really notice great changes in prices. We will check this out when we return in September.
(Posted on 2010-07-07 09:30:00 by ) -
Have just returned from the beautiful island. Plane was half empty in economy both ways. Stayed at Pestana Carlton. Only 40% occupied. Taxi driver said we are a 5Star hotel island but because of the price cuts and economy, we have 3 Star tourists ! Anadia shopping centre now open, but escalators are still not working. Very quiet in most Hotels, and the restaurants are charging more than usual as are taxi drivers. A russian family were charged 35 euros from the Carlton to the Dolce a Vita shopping Centre which normally has a fare of 4 euros approx. Will still return as it has not changed much since the bad storm.
(Posted on 2010-06-29 20:23:00 by ) -
not long now fly out on monday 7am our 3rd year staying in same hotel baia azul nice hotel and friendly staff. better be nice and hot
(Posted on 2010-06-24 18:42:00 by ) -
If you need the services of a chemist whilst in Madeira then FARMACIA FUNCHAL at the DOLCE VITA SHOPPING CENTRE is open from 9.00am to midnight EVERY DAY. It has a state of the art robot which you can see collecting the medication and which my husband was totally mesmerised by.
(Posted on 2010-06-23 10:22:00 by ) -
The call of Madeira is strong.
Out on Qeasyjet on tuesday.
Can't miss the "Volta a Madeira"
Love of old cars eh?
(Posted on 2010-06-18 17:06:00 by ) -
FORGOT TO SAY, THE DAMAGE TO BOTH LIDO COMPLEXES WAS CAUSED BY THE SEA DURING THE ONE NIGHT OF THE DREADFUL STORM. THEY ARE BOTH COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND WILL NOT BE RE-BUILT UNTIL NEW HOMES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR ALL THOSE WHO NEED THEM,
(Posted on 2010-06-14 11:17:00 by ) -
ANYONE VISITING MADEIRA FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE DEVASTATING FLOODS, I WOULD ASK THEM TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR A SHOCK. THE SIZE OF THE RUBBLE MOUND ON THE BEACH AT THE SIDE OF THE PIER IS UNBELIEVABLE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS ONLY A THIRD OF WHAT CAME DOWN THE RIBEIROS INTO THE TOWN AS THE REST WENT INTO THE HARBOUR AND IS GRADUALLY BEING DREDGED AND TAKEN OUT TO SEA. SOME OF THE BOULDERS ARE THE SIZE OF A CAR. THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE LIDO AT THE FAR END OF THE OLD TOWN (GO UP THE HILL OPPOSITE THE SOCORRO CHURCH AND LOOK DOWN TO THE BEACH TO SEE IT) AND ALSO THE LIDO ON RUA DO GORGULHO (YOU CAN STILL GO IN THERE TO SEE IT AND THE CAFE IS STILL OPEN) BOTH HAVE TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED. YOU MAY ALSO HEAR HEARTBREAKING STORIES OF LOSS OF LIVES. THE PEOPLE OF MADEIRA CERTAINLY PUT US TO SHAME BY THE WAY THEY HAVE SO QUICKLY REACTED TO THIS TRAGEDY AND CLEARED UP THE DESTRUCTION.
(Posted on 2010-06-14 11:10:00 by ) -
Getting withdrawal symptoms.
Checking cheap rate hotels and flights for this week.
Month's stay would be nice.
(Posted on 2010-06-14 08:20:00 by ) -
We never dine out in the Lido area as it's a tourist trap. As we normally stay in hotels in the centre such as Porto Bay,Do Carmo and next the Hotel Apartamento Da Se we use the restaurants in the old town and around the Mercardo.
Good to hear that the Pingo Doce is re-opening. Anybody know if the Sa Supermarket in the Marine shopping centre is open?
(Posted on 2010-06-01 14:36:00 by ) -
Hello Martin, shocked by the bread price - was this per person? I have a wheat allergy so always say no. Is Antonio's on Rua da Casa Branca (up thehill)? If the Solar ? is opposite the Madeira Palacio then we always go to the "Balcony" above this and have for years-always a good meal. Don't know where you stay but if you go down to the Pingo Doce supermarket on Rua do Gorgulho (opposite Pestana Palms) there is an excellent restaurant called O chefe Steak Grill-to the left and up the steps from the supermarket entrance. Superb food, beautiful surroundings and excellent service-the best we think for a really nice meal and evening in this area. Another we would highly recommend is "RUBI", Rua Nova Do Vale Da Ajuda (up the hill just before the Forum), excellent food and certainly value for money. Cafe/snack bar to front but go in and round past the bar (to left) and dining area for evening dinner or if you prefer a tablecloth for lunch also.
(Posted on 2010-05-29 17:46:00 by ) -
Worst offender was Antonio's.
Can't remeber the names of the others, but one of them was to the left of the Monumental Lido. This tried the expensive wine trick.
All the restaurants in the area of the Lido roundabout were significantly priced upwards as aginst last year.
Nearly all tried the bread trick which was to deliver it with no comment unordered but could be priced at 4 to 5 euros if you let them.The unwary would assume it was included in the price of the main meal.
One had to send it back if you didn't wish to incur a suprise charge.
The most reasonable was called Solar something near to the Angel (Islington?) bordering the new dual carriageway.
Brand new and with very nice food with buffet vegetables or salads.
(Posted on 2010-05-28 16:55:00 by ) -
May I suggest to anyone who is taking MEDICATION and going to Madeira whilst there is still a threat of volcanic ash delaying flights (especially homeward) to take an extra supply. Do not presume you could get them there over the counter or even if you have a repeat prescription from your doctor. I found recently when delayed that I had not taken enough extra ones if we had been another day longer and even if my doctor faxed a prescription to me, they were not available on the island. To my amazement I could purchase co-codamol 35mg/500mg (which are very strong) at the chemist but could not get the 8mg/500mg ones I take. I would not have been be able to drink the wonderful Portuguese wine if I had to take the stronger ones!
(Posted on 2010-05-27 10:39:00 by ) -
Martin, which Lido restaurants are you referring to? We have returned from Madeira last week. I will add a report soon.
(Posted on 2010-05-23 12:07:00 by ) -
Maurice have just heard that the Anadia shopping centre is open and the Pingo Doce supermarket will open approximately on the 9th June.Hope this is good news for you. I will be there from the 17th June so I will report back to you.
(Posted on 2010-05-22 18:51:00 by ) -
Maurice I heard that Pingo Doce supermarket in the Anadia shopping centre would not open for a long time because of the damage done by the floods. Also the Pingo Doce in the Dolce Vita shopping centre was also wiped out during the storm damage. The cost was estimated at 10 million Euros.
(Posted on 2010-05-21 21:25:00 by ) -
Can't understand why Lido restaurants have decided to up their prices to make up for lack of customers.
Their food is just not good enough for HUGE price rises.
For example, 9E for a plain omelette. Chips, salad, bread extra.
An omelette could cost 15/16e if you let them.
(Posted on 2010-05-21 17:52:00 by ) -
That should read 'Pingo Doce'
(Posted on 2010-05-21 14:13:00 by ) -
I see that the Anadia shopping centre has reopened but the Pigo Doce supermarket is still closed. Does anyone know when this is due to reopen? We are coming over in October and I am wondering if this supermarket will be back after all the damage done in February.
(Posted on 2010-05-21 14:12:00 by ) -
I wish that I had won the Euromillions jackpot this week as I would have taken a flight direct to my beloved Funchal and stayed there forever! Funchal you are the best!
(Posted on 2010-05-15 18:57:00 by ) -
My wife and I should have been in Madeira over Christmas & New Year but because of bad weather at both ends we never got there. We are due to arrive on October 2nd fingers crossed.
(Posted on 2010-05-12 11:06:00 by ) -
Maurice you are absolutely right. I have already had one holiday to Funchal cancelled and I have been rebooked to go mid June by my travel company. I will keep my fingers crossed that I get there this time!
(Posted on 2010-05-12 07:43:00 by ) -
You cannot beat nature. If it isn't floods causing trouble it's a volcanic dust cloud closing the airports!!
What a year!!!
(Posted on 2010-05-11 15:25:00 by ) -
We have been going over to the Island for several years now and are due back at the end of June. ANy news on how the Old Town coped with the floods? We stay at the Porto Santa Maria and are bringing my husbands mother with us for her first visits, so are hoping it has all been cleared up
(Posted on 2010-04-23 12:52:00 by ) -
Hello everyone, we have not been to Madeira this year, we were there Christmas 2009 and we where there a lot about six month all together, made lots of friends and we where trying to buy a house there but things went wrong this end in England. I am writing to ask anyone do they know Riccardo and his Mum & Dad they have the snackbar Vieira
Rua da Queimada de Cima 48Funchal if anyone does go there PLEASE tell them Dave and Pauline will been back soon.
Just say we where the ones would had to come home to England because someone broke into our house here they will remember us.
ps I can not get connected to the live chat.
All the best to you all from Dave & Pauline
(Posted on 2010-04-18 18:26:00 by ) -
My doubt is made against the long term prediction not the cash problems.
Many airlines could become insolvent!
Are there many people stuck at the airport not able to return to theirs homes in the north?
(Posted on 2010-04-17 22:15:00 by ) -
No chance of getting to Madeira for a few days.
Maybe some London departures might make it on Monday.
The NATS people are very gloomy suggesting the situation may last several days even weeks.
As the shutdown of airspace is for most of Europe except Portugal and Spain the economic knock on could be grave.
Doubt it myself.
(Posted on 2010-04-17 22:13:00 by ) -
Derek Whitaker. I was due to fly today to funchal for a 14night holiday. All flights have been cancelled due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Have been warned that it may take two weeks before I can get there. I will miss the famous Flower festival which is a big disappointment, but if it is for my safety thats ok.
(Posted on 2010-04-15 19:01:00 by ) -
The ferris wheel whilst being ugly and intrusive would make an ideal Catherine Wheel during firework displays.
Not many ideas coming forward other than a children's play area.
Storage area for sailing yachts?
The mess they make around them attracts artists.
(Posted on 2010-04-07 10:51:00 by ) -
Hi. May I wish everyone at the Madeira Times and all the people who write on this comment form a very Happy Easter.
(Posted on 2010-04-04 21:30:00 by ) -
Thank you for that info Derek. I am sure that most of us who love Madeira would hate the idea of a Ferris Wheel as suggested. Sorry Martin!
(Posted on 2010-04-02 12:14:00 by ) -
hi everyone. i have been speaking with family who live in Funchal.They tell me that the authorities in Funchal have said that the area that has been made by the rubble will be given to a childrens leisure area. i return there in April and will report back . Derek.
(Posted on 2010-03-28 20:08:00 by ) -
It looks like the rubble parked alongside the Avenue do Mar in the ocean has been levelled flat.
No uses for this new part of Funchal( nearly the size of a Parish) have been announced by the Madeiran authorities.
I would like to suggest either an ocean car park or a karting circuit or a Ferris wheel as per London.
I dare say other bloggers have some interesting ideas to suggest to the Madeiran peoples.
I bet a statue of Bertie Jardin is erected on it in any case.
(Posted on 2010-03-23 08:18:00 by ) -
HELLO DEREK, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND COMMENT BUT ALL CREDIT AND THANKS MUST GO TO MR JOHN MURRAY AT STRAWBERRY WORLD. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY NEW PHOTOS BEING POSTED FOR US TO SEE JUST HOW THINGS HAVE PROGRESSED IN OTHER AREAS. THE WEBCAM HAS CERTAINLY KEPT US UP TO DATE WITH THE MARINA AREA. THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF MADEIRA HAVE CERTAINLY PUT IN A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND EFFORT INTO THE CLEARING UP. I HOPE BUSINESS AND TRADE CAN SOON RECOVER.
(Posted on 2010-03-17 15:45:00 by ) -
Hello Christine. Yes the webcams have been sorted thanks to you. I am visiting my favourite island in April to see the famous Flower Festival and again in September and Christmas. You are right they have had far more rain than is usual. I was there last Christmas and we had 4days of sunshine out of 14!It is very unusual so lets keep our fingers crossed for sunshine.
(Posted on 2010-03-17 12:45:00 by ) -
I HAVE JUST CHECKED THE WEBCAM (NOON WEDNESDAY) AND IT IS BACK TO NORMAL. I WILL E-MAIL STRAWBERRY WORLD TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR PROMPT ACTION ONCE AGAIN.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS NORMAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, (WE GO TO MADEIRA END OF APRIL AND SEPTEMBER) BUT THEY DO STILL SEEM TO BE HAVING A GREAT DEAL OF RAIN. I WISH THEY COULD HAVE MORE SUNNY DAYS NOW AFTER WHAT THEY HAVE ALL BEEN THROUGH.
(Posted on 2010-03-17 12:14:00 by ) -
Well done Christine. Thanks.
(Posted on 2010-03-16 18:17:00 by ) -
With regard to the webcam angles, I have e-mailed the approriate contact at Strawberry World and already received a reply saying that this will be rectified as soon as possible. Apparently they have accidently been moved whilst being cleaned.
I received the same quick response when I e-mailed regarding the watermark which was rectified immediately.
A very big thank you and all credit to Strawberry World for providing this service.
(Posted on 2010-03-16 17:11:00 by ) -
Hi everyone. Once again the cameras have been moved with the people cam showing just a tree! Derek.
(Posted on 2010-03-16 16:32:00 by ) -
Good look Funchal I'am glad to see your getting back to your old self what would we do with out are webcams, from alan who loves the Island and the people give us a wave when you pass along the prom.
(Posted on 2010-03-12 18:22:00 by ) -
Thanks Terry!
(Posted on 2010-03-10 17:14:00 by ) -
There is just a small logo in the corner of the webcam picture now. Much better.
Good to see 3 cruise ships in the harbour.
(Posted on 2010-03-08 09:01:00 by ) -
Thankyou Strawberry World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Posted on 2010-03-06 16:25:00 by ) -
Message for Locolizard.
To see the web cams, either
Google Madeira Live Camera, or,
www.strawberryworld.com. and then at bottom of home page, go to Madeira Live and follow the links.
(Posted on 2010-03-06 09:41:00 by ) -
Would someone please provide the url of the webcams to which you are referring? Thank you.
(Posted on 2010-03-05 17:43:00 by ) -
Agree about the webcams-thanks for putting them back to the original angles. Good to see Funchal getting back to normal. Well done to all the hard workers! Logo does spoil the picture tho!!!!
(Posted on 2010-03-05 12:39:00 by ) -
I was wondering why it had Strawberry World all over it. I guess it is because of Copyright.
(Posted on 2010-03-05 11:35:00 by ) -
Please thank Strawberryworld for putting the cameras back to their original position. But why have they put their Logo right across the middle?
(Posted on 2010-03-05 10:54:00 by ) -
I have been assured by Strawberry World that weather permitting, and it is very wet today in Madeira, that the web cam will be tilted back down the way it used to be.
Is this incessant rain ever going to stop?
(Posted on 2010-03-05 09:00:00 by ) -
hope they put the web cam back, it's not good as it is!
(Posted on 2010-03-04 16:48:00 by ) -
I have emailed the web cam man at Strawberry to see if they'll tilt the Marina Shopping centre web cam back down as it used to be.
(Posted on 2010-03-04 16:01:00 by ) -
i,m phil and i live in the uk (kent ) for the last fourten years ,we visit madeira twice a year as we have a property in the seaside town of calheta. we love to go back for the food and the weather not to mension the
friendly people that we meet everytime when we go there , what happen to the madeirans is a dissaster and i,m sure that most people dont have insurance to cover their lost as madeirans dont belive in wasting money on insurance .(but evan if they had it probably wouldent cover the storm)
there was a few days that we were unable to contact our parents in estreito da calheta but eventualy we managed to speak to them and it was nice to know that they were ok .
as i lived a long time in the uk i feel british in some way but after seing the storm on tv something has toutched me and there is no place like home our heart is with all madeirans that lost their family
and their homes , may god help them !
phil and family.
(Posted on 2010-03-03 22:39:00 by ) -
We were in Madeira at the time of the storm. Do not let it stop you from going back. What an Island so very beautiful and the people... They have worked so hard to restore the place. I am sure that when we return in May there will be no sign of the damage inflicted by good old Mother Nature. I have never seen any body work as hard as they have done. I just hope that our favorite restaurent O Regional in the old time has opened again.
(Posted on 2010-03-03 19:02:00 by ) -
move the web-cams back!(is there a problem!!
(Posted on 2010-03-03 14:06:00 by ) -
Hi everyone!
I am from Madeira, but living in London for 10 years now. I've been reading most comments and i have to say that it makes me so happy seeing that last week's disaster hasn't put you off visiting our beautiful island. THANK YOU all, for your support!
Also; for those who would like to visit soon; you should be happy to know that TAP Air Portugal, is starting to offer very low cost flights to Madeira for whoever want to go there for the Flower Festival in May. It's beautiful; you don't want to miss it!
I leave you now, with all my love and gratitude for everyone's great support! Madeira waits for you with open arms...Obrigado! xxx
(Posted on 2010-03-03 12:22:00 by ) -
We too would like the web cams restored to their original position. When not visiting Madeira we watch the web cams daily and do not like the new angles. We visit Madeira two or three times year, and we are coming again in April for the Flower Festival.
The wonderful people of Madeira have worked so hard to clear up after the disaster.
(Posted on 2010-03-03 10:47:00 by ) -
We first came to Madeira in Oct last year and on our return to the UK booked to return in April. Wouldn't dream of letting you down - we will be with you and looking forward to coming back.
(Posted on 2010-03-02 22:23:00 by ) -
Just a short message to all the beautiful people of Madeira. I am so devastated about what has happened to a fantastic island . It will not stop me visiting 3 times a year.I send you all my best wishes and I will see you all in April. Derek.
(Posted on 2010-03-02 12:46:00 by ) -
It's a pity that the webcam on the Marina Shopping center has been tilted 'upwards' so now you cannot see what is happening around the Rotunda Da Caneiro. I wonder if this was to try and hide some of the mess from viewers? Pointless really as we know the storm hit and that it looks like it is going to keep raining for many days yet.
Forca Madeira!
(Posted on 2010-03-02 09:07:00 by ) -
My husband and I wanted to add our best wishes and to let you know that we are thinking of you. You have the most stunning island and we have been shocked by what you have had to go through...my husband and I visited 5 years ago for out 25th wedding Anniversary and fell in love with everything we saw, we have been back every year since and last year for 4 weeks it was amazing, you never disappoint us. We are back again in July and wish we could do something to help. I read a report that we British have already forgotten you please believe that is not true.
(Posted on 2010-03-01 19:27:00 by ) -
My husband and I wanted to add our best wishes and to let you know that we are thinking of you. You have the most stunning island and we have been shocked by what you have had to go through...my husband and I visited 5 years ago for out 25th wedding Anniversary and fell in love with everything we saw, we have been back every year since and last year for 4 weeks it was amazing, you never disappoint us. We are back again in July and wish we could do something to help. I read a report that we British have already forgotten you please believe that is not true.
(Posted on 2010-03-01 19:27:00 by ) -
I live in California and was able to get a hold of my mother's family in Paul do Mar. They said everything was fine there - just the roads in and out were closed for a while.
(Posted on 2010-03-01 08:53:00 by ) -
Hi
My mum's family live in Paul do Mar and you don't hear anything about that part of the island and what has happened there. Are the people ok there. I was born in Funchal but live in Australia. I visited their in June 2008, it absolutely beautiful. My heart goes out to Madeira. I hope my relatives are safe and well.
Maria
(Posted on 2010-03-01 08:39:00 by ) -
Hi, anybody have some info about situation in Santa Cruz ? My parents going to hotel Villa Gale Santa Cruz on Wed (3 th of March) and I am afraid about they vacation in madeira.
Thanks. M.
(Posted on 2010-03-01 08:01:00 by ) -
I am trying to find out more info on the E.R 107 road. The govenrment website says it is partially closed. What does this mean exactly.?We need to get to the Estalagem Eira do Serrado. May thanks
(Posted on 2010-02-27 15:36:00 by ) -
We came to your island the first time in May 2008 and fell in love with your island immediately, then returned last June. Our thoughts are with you all and we will see you again soon.
(Posted on 2010-02-27 15:04:00 by ) -
My wife and I have been travelling to Madeira for about 18 years now and were terribly upset by the devastation to the Island. Seeing pictures of the streets we have walked along many times and the shops we have been in buried in mud and rocks is awful.
But the Maderians are an island people and thus, resourceful and are making sterling efforts to clear up the mess.
I have been watching the news broadcasts from RTP over the Internet and even though I do not understand Portuguese, seeing the reports from them has shown just how bad it is.
I haven't heard how things are along the north coast towns of Porto Moniz, Ribeira Da Janela, Seixal & Sao Vicente. Also, I did hear things were bad in Curral Das Freiras but haven't heard any more.
(Posted on 2010-02-26 08:29:00 by ) -
Mr. Hest,
For information regarding the roads and levada/mountain walks you should visit the Madeira island offical website. As you surely understand i can not post the adress here but you can easily google it.
However by the time you arrive at the island, most of the roads and trails should be open.
Best Regards,
Lauro.
(Posted on 2010-02-25 16:50:00 by ) -
Does anyone know the status of the road from Funchal via Monte to Pico do Arieiro?
We are going to Madeira in early april, but have not been able to find info about roads up to the mountains.
What about levadas around the island, are they generally closed?
We're having a hard time planning our vacation when we dont know the status of the levadas and roads around the island (yes, we love hiking).
Is there a webpage where such info is available and updated as they progress?
Kurt & Sandra
(Posted on 2010-02-25 16:19:00 by ) -
Sorry amend previous information: If the hotel have not told you that they are cancelling your accomodation, then please proceed with your holiday as normal. If you have any doubts please contact your travel agent who will be able to offer you alternative accomodation if there are any problems with the hotle you are already booked with.
(Posted on 2010-02-25 13:02:00 by ) -
Message for Paul and Liz from Dorset:
The road from Ribeira Brava through to Encumeada is closed as this was badly affected by the flood. The hotel may still be cut from communications as is the immediate surrounding area, which is why you cannot get through to them. My advice to you, would be to contact your travel agent regarding this particular hotel as you may be offered alternative accomodation in another area. Please do not let this affect your holiday plans as I am sure that you will still enjoy your vacation as the island still has a lot to offer!
(Posted on 2010-02-25 12:58:00 by ) -
We are still coming to Madeira on the 2 March & bringing our parents for their first time. We are staying at Estalagem Eira do Serrado in Curral das Freiras
but as yet have had no contact from the hotel to confirm the hotel or the road to it is ok. We are doing our bit by still coming to Madeira but the hotel dosnt seem to be helping us with any info. We are now in two minds which is a shame. If anyone knows if the 107 road is ok please let us know.Thanks
(Posted on 2010-02-25 12:24:00 by ) -
Concerning message from H & J Central Scotland. I and my wife are due to visit Madeira one week starting 5th march. We love this Island and we alove also Scotland, we have hired boat from Inverness, almost every autumn
(Posted on 2010-02-25 11:40:00 by ) -
I have visited madeira island 26 times and I have already booked again for September 2010. I will not be cancelling my Holiday, as I find so much peace and healing and happiness from Madeira. The lovely people, the food and of course it is the most beautiful island in the world. !!! In fact I receive "healing" from the Virgin Mary every time I visit. My thoughts are with you all in Madeira, at this most terrible time. Edith Broad. xxx
(Posted on 2010-02-25 09:35:00 by ) -
So, So, sad to see the devastation. We are due to visit on 8th March Having had many , many lovely holidays on your island, we feel it is the least that we can do to continue with our plans, & important to show support to this lovely island & its people.
(Posted on 2010-02-25 09:22:00 by ) -
Visited Madeira for the first time in 2008 and have already booked for Easter 2010. We will go ahead to see your beautiful island again and introduce our daughter to such a welcoming place. While there may be some detours and local travel difficulties, we know we will be able to enjoy a wonderful week while showing our support for all the efforts to bring back some normality.
(Posted on 2010-02-24 23:00:00 by ) -
We have been coming to your beuatiful island for many years and will continue to do so.
All our thoughts are with you during these difficult days
Margaret and Raymond
(Posted on 2010-02-24 22:50:00 by ) -
in reply to my many emails to travel firms-
fred olsen lines have said that they will look into dropping things that may be useful to the islanders, which is nice. everton football club said they would 'pass the bucket round' at the match, thanks to both...come on you others!!
(Posted on 2010-02-24 20:39:00 by ) -
For those of us who have been fortunate enough not to have suffered such a disaster the sights on the news have been truly frightening. Our thoughts are with the Islanders many of whom will have lost all. We will be flying out on the 23rd of March and in October as we have done for many years. Now is the time to support those who have looked after us so well in the past. We look forward to our stay in Pestana Mirmar and The Village.
Brian from Kent.
(Posted on 2010-02-24 19:32:00 by ) -
We've been travelling to Madeira 2-3 weeks each year for the last 15 years, and are deeply saddened to hear about what has happened.
Greetings to all our friends at Royal Savoy, Taj Mahal, Villa Cipriani, Les Faunes and Quinta Palmeira, we hope you and your families are safe and doing well!
Maio de pessoas que perderam a vida nesta tragédia descansar em paz, e nós esperamos que o povo da Madeira vai se recuperar e continuar com suas vidas!
Kurt & Sandra
(Posted on 2010-02-24 17:40:00 by ) -
We also have been visiting Madeira for 5 years or so, and have been shocked and saddened by the news of the devastating storm at the begining of this week.
Of course our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected, especially the bereaved and injured.
We know the warm & strong spirited Madeirans will not be beaten by this; you can see it via the webcams the concentration of heavy plant clearance work in progress. With a strong, community spirit ,everyone's involved in the cleaning up of their local streets.
We have not cancelled our holiday and will still be visiting your island in 3 weeks time, as a sign of support.
I hope others will do the same!
(Posted on 2010-02-24 15:47:00 by ) -
my wifw and I have been coming to madeira for many years and are booked for may 2010 and we WILL still be coming . I am sure that the islanders spirit will overcome this tragedy and our thopughts are with those who have lost loved ones.
(Posted on 2010-02-24 15:43:00 by ) -
We have been visiting Madeira for more than 20 years and were shocked and saddened by recent events. You are in our thoughts and prayers, especially those who have been bereaved and those working to recover and restore. We will next visit in November and trust we will find our many friends in good health and spirits. God bless you all.
(Posted on 2010-02-24 14:50:00 by )
Checkout Shirley Whiteheads new book on Levada walking in Madeira!
The 11th Funchal Jazz festival on the 8th, 9th and 10th July, featuring Kenny Barron and other famous artists.
Plight of the Palm Tree
Under attack by the deadly
Palm Weevil
Click on this image to see more.......
2008 Calender
Picture: Thomas Stan
February Flood Footage
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I saw the comment about the lovely old Savoy being knocked down. What's happened to the Santa Isabel next door? We used to stay there when we first came to Funchal.