Balabanova All Over

Monthly Archives: September 2025

[Achadas da Cruz / Porto Moniz / Seixal, Maderia, May 13, 2025] After yesterday’s car fiasco, it was time to attempt the west side of Maderia again. We had three main stops in mind, and added 2 more quick stops for a viewpoint and a waterfall. Achadas da Cruz Out of all 4 cable cars in Madeira, Teleferico de Achadas da Cruz is the best. Nestled in the north-western corner of Madeira,… Read More

[Caniçal / Santana, Madeira, May 12, 2025] After our fun day in Funchal, it was time to leave the walkability of Madeira’s capital behind and start driving around the island. For our first day outside the capital, we decided to head west. Our plan was to check out the highest skywalk in Europe, then continue west to Madeira’s famous natural pools in Porto Moniz. But our day turned out entirely different. We… Read More

[Funchal, Maderia, May 11, 2025] Parking was free in Funchal on Sunday. We took it as a sign to leave the car behind and spend the day in the city. As we headed out, we encountered a small parade part of the Madeira Flower Festival. We walked by the Madeira sign again, and I had to take a photo! We walked along the ocean front and I marveled at these huge concrete… Read More

[Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, May 10, 2025] Finally, the destination this whole trip was centered around was on the docket – Madeira! The 4-island archipelago is located just 320 miles west of Morocco and 500 miles southwest of mainland Portugal. The two populated islands are Maderia and Porto Santo, with Maderia being the larger one. Madeira was uninhabited when Henry the Navigator discovered it in 1419 and claimed it for Portugal. The archipelago… Read More