From the port you get a good view of Funchal as it sprawls up the hill sides. Wandering round in the centre reveals flower filled balconies, quiet squares and relaxed pavement cafes.
Sunday and it was very quiet but so easy to walk into the centre. There were not many places open but this meant plenty of space to stroll through the narrow streets and read the descriptions of the houses on multi-lingual plaques.We also popped into a church service and sat and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was very informal with people coming and going and greeting each other all the time the service was taking place.
I liked Vigo! It was raining hard all day, very little was open except the massive shopping centre by the port although it was ten in the morning-perhaps I should have left it till later. But I still liked the place. We headed up a steep side street and into what must have been the oldest part of the town as it was full of tall townhouses with iron balconies. The largest ones had carved heraldic signs and must have been owned by wealthy merchants at some time. There are some specialist shops here selling lace and embroidery. The shopping centre has an excellent wine shop and the assistant in the souvenir shop in the port wraps everything up beautifully if you say it is for a gift.
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