The weather has been atrocious lately, but fortunately I have plenty of holiday photos to share with you. Oh, how I’d love to be back in the sunshine! A couple of days after I got back I packed all my Summer clothes away. As hard as it was, I had to face up to the fact that I won’t be wearing them for a while.
Amongst the clothes I packed away was this pretty pink cotton sundress that I wore for a day of sightseeing in Madeira. We’d picked out a few things that we really wanted to do. Top of the list was the famous cable cars and toboggans between Funchal and Monte.
A short walk from the cable car stop is the Church of Our Lady of Monte. The view from the top of steps down to Funchal is incredible. The church was open so we went in for a look; it’s not massive, but quite impressive nontheless.
One of the things I really wanted to do in Madeira was ride in a Monte sledge; these wicker toboggans are a major tourist attraction on the island. The basket sledges date back to the early 19th century when they were used as a means of transport by the residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal.
The toboggans are driven by two runners dressed in white and wearing straw boaters. It cost 45 euros for the three of us, so not exactly cheap, but it’s something you only do once. It was great fun – especially going sideways around the bends! You can reach speeds of up to 30km per hour!
The basket ride ends in Livramento – halfway between Monte and Funchal where there’s a cafe and shops selling souvenirs. The ride takes about 10 minutes, and from there you can get a taxi, bus or walk, which is what we did. It’s a steep descent down to Funchal – not easy on the knees – but a very pleasant walk. I really felt it in my hips for a couple of days afterwards!
Later in the day we all went to the Jardins do Lago hotel (which is just across the road from the apartment) for afternoon tea. The hotel’s botanical gardens are so tranquil and pretty…the perfect setting for enjoying tea and scones.
Madeira is known as the island of flowers and it’s easy to see why here. Appropriately I was wearing my new freesia brooch from Eternal Collection. They have a fabulous range of brooches at the moment – I had a difficult time deciding which one to choose…I know, not a bad problem to have!
The afternoon tea was delicious – the wonderfully helpful staff provided a vegan scone and muffin for me with no prior warning. It was all very civilised and left us feeling stuffed…we certainly didn’t need an evening meal!
Sundress c/o Oeyes (first seen here) | Ribelle sandals (old) | bag from TKMaxx (old) | Ottoman Hands ring | handmade rose quartz bracelet | Mango hat (old) | Eternal Collection freesia brooch c/o
Disclaimer: I was gifted the brooch by Eternal Collection. All words and opinions are my own.
Last week’s favourites were…
Laura of I Do deClaire, Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style and Alison of Midlife and Beyond!
Ooh, I love your pretty pink dress. What a nice time it looks like you had! I’m going to have to Google that wicker ride to see it in action, it sounds like so much fun!
Bettye
Thank you so much for the mention Emma. We are frequent visitors to the Canary Islands, but have never been to Madeira. It looks so lovely. Love your pink dress, perfect for exploring.
Alison xx
Sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll bet you miss the sun now! I do! Thanks for the feature! I appreciate it!
I know how you feel! I could so use some of that sunshine right now! It looks beautiful there Emma xx
Such a gorgeous dress and love your photos 🙂
Happy week
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2019/11/6-ways-to-transition-your-wardrobe.html?m=1
Emma, I love this pretty pink dress on you. Your photos are all so beautiful! And how fun is the wicker toboggan riding!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Such great pictures! The pink dress looks gorgeous!
Ellibelle’s Corner
This looks like such a fun trip! Your pink dress is beautiful! Thank you so much for featuring my post from last week! It made my day!
Sounds like you’re having a great trip, and your pink dress is so much fun—I love the tassel details!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
I love that dress! It looks beautiful with the brooch and hat. You’ve made me very interested in going to Madeira – one of my colleagues has also just got back from there.
This dress is so pretty and love all these beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing your trip and for the link up as well.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
That pink dress is incredibly pretty, Emma! And the location looks stunning.
Hugs
Suzy xx
I really love your dress!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
What a gorgeous dress!
That is a cute brooch and how clever to find matching mauve flowers Emma. Looks like you’re get-away was super – I hear you at putting away summer clothes! I’m not going to Abu Dhabi or Dubai now, so that’s a real disappointment for me! Thanks for hosting Hun. Jacqui x
OK, Madeira is now officially on my travel list! Your sweet pink dress is perfect for a warm weather vacation.
xx Darlene
Love your dress and the tabbogan ride sounds so cool!
I just LOVE this dress on you! It is the perfect summer dress! The color, the tassel details, etc. So beautiful! It is always so hard to pack away the summer stuff!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Such a sweet dress. You look fabulous!
Michelle
https://bijoubeadboutique.com
Oh, Madeira look so beautiful. It seems that there is a lot of fun for family. Sounds like this destination is going to my travel bucket list.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Looks so nice there and I love that pink dress on you! Have a lovely weekend.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Midiera looks beautiful! And you look lovely in this print dress! Love the detail and your new brooch! I want to see the wicker rides in action!
So glad you had a great time.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com