On Monday, after our busy weekend in Funchal, we spend a lazy few hours just enjoying the sunshine at the house. Restless feet get the better of us as usual though, so we head to one of our favourite walks from Boaventura to Sao Jorge. The walk starts by descending down the Caminho do Sao Cristovao behind the roadside Chapel and resting point, the concrete path soon giving way to a steep descent on a rough stones and clay down to an ancient bridge across the gorge. From here it ascends, climbing steadily on a zig-zagging path until you are high above the bay with a spectacular view of the northern coastline. The path is now level and hugs the face of the cliff, with sheer drops to the ocean below. It is quite safe, with a wide path and barriers at the most vertiginous points, and on a good day you can see the Island of Porto Santo 70miles away in the distance. Soon it descends again, although not for long, taking you past crops and vines, to eventually meet the road where a choice of two bars await you. If you climb the concrete steps and walk through the restaurant you can sit on a terrace with a cold beer to marvel at the uninterrupted views of the North Coast and the mouth of the Sao Jorge valley from your vantage point. The way back is to return on the same path where you are rewarded with the views again but in the opposite direction towards Ponta Delgada, Seixal and beyond. It isn't a long walk, maybe 45minutes each way, but it is a very satisfactory way to fill a couple of hours and a good way to earn your supper.
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