Wicker toboggan ride

Wicker toboggan ride in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The Madeiran wicker taboggan ride is among the 7 of the world's coolest commutes, according to CNN (February 23, 2015).

Although more tourists than locals now use this unusual form of transport, visitors to Madeira can still see the odd businessman being guided down the city's hills to work, says CNN.

The wicker sledges and their rubber-soled pushers first appeared in the 19th century, when locals invented the mode of transport as a way of getting to Madeira's city center from the hilltop district of Monte.

Today this one-mile journey remains the most popular route on the system.

Guest message 56

December 2014

Key words & ideas:

"Thank you for the nice time."

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Why Madeira is well worth a visit

 

photo origin/copyright

Lush tropical gardens, quaint old villages, famed wines, quirky art, and untouched nature as far as the eye can see. This is Madeira, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, an island so remote and sophisticated, it feels like another world entirely.

THE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Well-maintained botanical gardens, lush greenery, and breathtaking exotic flowers at every turn gave Madeira its nickname of “The Floating Garden in the Atlantic”. But what really mesmerizes and enthralls the visitor is the diversity of its astonishing landscapes. You can enjoy everything, from gloriously green mountains vistas to coastal views that rival the best in the world. Please, read on.

Guest message 55

November 2014

Key words & ideas:

"We loved the village. Everyone was so friendly and helpful"; "Good walk, fantastic waves"; "The home was ideal and Sofia was so friendly"; "Our stay was all too short..."

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Guest message 54

November 2014

Key words & ideas:

"Enjoyed the time in this very beautiful house, which inspired us for future plans"; "Maybe next time we bring the children in the Spring or in the Summer"; "Sofia's kindness."

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Guest message 53

October 2014

Key words & ideas:

"House so pleasant"; "Peaceful small village"; "Allowed us to rest and enjoy an exceptional weather"; "Charming inhabitants, grandiose landscapes;" "We liked a lot our holidays."

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Calheta municipality in Madeira

Jardim do Mar (Calheta - Madeira island*) where Sofia's Place is located

Jardim do Mar (and Sofia's Place) is located in Calheta municipality. It is the home to close to 12 thousand people and it is located between the southern and western end of the island of Madeira. Its area of approximately 116 Km2 makes it the longest of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The village of Calheta houses the Arts Centre Casa das Mudas, a project designed in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape, which features a wide cultural offer. Casa das Mudas holds exhibitions of various kinds, plays, musicals, conferences and many other events.

In Calheta you can also visit a working rum distillery that dates back to the 19th century. You can take a self-guided tour to see how the local rums and poncha liqueurs are made, and you can sample the rums in the tasting room for a small fee.

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*Photo rights: FC Turismo da Madeira

Guest message 52

October 2014

Key words & ideas:

"We had a wonderful time in Jardim do Mar"; "The house is beautiful and well equiped"; "Next time we will bring our whole family."

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