Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Travel / Places to Visit => Topic started by: GordonT on October 02, 2014, 11:44:04 PM

Title: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: GordonT on October 02, 2014, 11:44:04 PM: We are looking for advice for the botanically inclined traveler visiting Portugal and Madiera later in October. At the moment our itinerary is quite open. Our dilemma in Portugal is what region should be our focus. Douro valley and northern Portugal, or would the Algarve and Alentejo region be where we should spend our time? We would welcome any input on what to see/do while there. It is much the same with Madiera- given limited time, what should a first time visitor not miss?
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: GordonT on October 13, 2014, 11:55:47 AM: Any advice on spots of botanical interest would be welcome. Our flight goes tomorrow!
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 13, 2014, 12:05:28 PM: Have you tried using the 'Search' section? I know John Finch has done Madeiran blogs before now and I am sure they could be good pointers.
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 13, 2014, 01:01:08 PM: Madeira has many wonderful gardens to visit: the botanical gardens, Quinto de Palheiro, Monte Palace, Santa Catharina Park near the harbour to mention a few. All are very easy to access using public transport.

Try to go on a walk on the levadas - there are several companies which organise outings.

Try Google!
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Alan_b on October 13, 2014, 01:02:03 PM: This is probably what Brian had in mind http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6401.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6401.0)
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 13, 2014, 01:07:08 PM: Oh, not to be missed, Reid's Palace for afternoon tea and a wonderful garden.

The place where, when we dropped in to book afternoon tea, the gentleman at reception gave me an unhappy look-over and commented, "Sir, will of course, wear trousers on that afternoon".

We had dropped in after a day traipsing around gardens, shorts and sandals!

However, the afternoon teas was wonderful and the staff on duty the most perfectly helpful. The garden was closed at the time but the waiter showed me the gate and told me he wouldn't be looking in that direction for several minutes.
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Maggi Young on October 13, 2014, 01:41:09 PM: Quote from: Brian Ellis on October 13, 2014, 12:05:28 PM
Have you tried using the 'Search' section? I know John Finch has done Madeiran blogs before now and I am sure they could be good pointers.
See here for Kentgardener's blog : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6401.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6401.0)

Ooops! Sorry, I hadn't seen Alan's post.
Title: Re: Travel query- Portugal and Madiera
Post by: Chris Johnson on October 13, 2014, 05:28:12 PM: Quote from: Paddy Tobin on October 13, 2014, 01:07:08 PM
Oh, not to be missed, Reid's Palace for afternoon tea and a wonderful garden.

In company with Read's Palace, a visit to one of the estufas in Funchal is a must.

Chris