Sunrise

We lingered over breakfast on the terrace. When the morning sunshine started to peep through the sunshade the intense heat led us to retreat indoors.

Processional Cross

We visited the Sacred Art Museum which displays a fine collection of religious art, sculptures and icons. The artwork spans from the 15th to the 18th century.

Café Views

Funchal Cathedral

After our visit we were in need of a refreshing drink which we enjoyed outside in the museum’s café. Suitably refreshed we returned to the Cathedral which, third time lucky, was fully open. Our next port of call was the nearby military museum which was closed for lunch so Mr C walked down to the harbour to check out whale watching sailings whilst I waited in a cool shady area.

Shady Avenue

Golden Gate Cafe

We then had lunch in the Golden Gate Restaurant whilst we waited for the military museum to open. Mr C had a toastie and I chose tempura vegetables.

Military History Museum

The military museum was brief but Mr C enjoyed what was on offer. We strolled back towards the hotel stopping in the municipal gardens for a cooling drink. Whilst we were there a Dutch lady came over to talk to me. She was admiring my skirt, one of my reversible silk sari skirts. She wanted to know where I had got it from. It was disappointing for me to have to tell her that both of my suppliers were no longer trading.

Attention to Detail

We freshened up in the room before returning to the Golden Gate Restaurant for an evening meal. I was expecting to dine inside with the full restaurant menu but Mr C wanted to dine outside. The outdoor main meal menu is a bit limited so I opted for scabbard fish and chips.

Chicken with Mash and Mushroom Sauce

Scabbard Fish & Chips

As had become the norm over the past few days we returned to The Vine’s rooftop bar for a nightcap.

No Comments CherryPie on Oct 26th 2026

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