Maderia & Azores recomendations?

[Tim Good]

If everything goes to plan I’ll be able to return to Gran Canaria and retrieve my boat in early July. I then plan to sail back to Plymouth via Maderia, Azores, Southern Ireland, Scilies. Haven’t been to any of the above before.

I know it’ll be a whistle stop tour but I’d to at least make the most of what time I’ve left of this summer and so I’d like some recommendations for ports to call at, nice things to do, good anchorages and any other top tips for those that have been.

Notes:
- I’ll be singlehanded so ports that are easy to approach alone or at night would be helpful.
- I like walking, climbing and adventurous things.
- I like good food
- I have a decent bicycle aboard and like cycle touring / camping.

Any top tips much appreciated!

 

[Tradewinds]

Porto Santo, Madeira.

 

[Deleted member 478]

Rather head south to the Canaries and go get pissed with @capnsensible

 

[Spuddy]

Yep, Porto Santo; also Islas Desertas - the chaps who supervise the wildlife sanctuary there are great, anchor off their base but they'll prob offer you their mooring.
Madeira interior is very craggy and spectacular - walks along the levadas.
Watch out for acceleration zone at the headlands when leaving .
I loved the 4 Azores islands we visited. Santa Maria was small and charming. We got to Terceira during their music festival week. All sorts going on: folk music, marching bands. We took in one of their bull fights; they don't get killed but are teased with multicolored umbrellas.
Good sense of bluewater community especially rafted in Horta.
Azores high could be a problem arriving or leaving. Allow enough diesel for lengthy motoring in case you get impatient

 

[webcraft]

Canaries to Madeira and Madeira to the Azores are against the prevailing wind. I've done it in a 27ft boat, but we had a lot of time and could wait for a favourable forecast.

Santa Maria, Sao Miguel and Terceira were all amazing.

- W

 

[MAURICE]

Well if you go to Madiera a must restaurant is Mozarts which is near the bottom of the cable car near the marina at Fanchul the main town. The food is brilliant and the wine is constant dont miss it. I have flown back there a few times just for that restaurant. Last time i think it was 35 euros for a 4 course meal including wine which as soon as you turn your back the glass is filled.

 

[mattonthesea]

The cafe next to Peter's Sports Bar in Horta had a menu del dia for €5 back in 2011. Best cheapest meal I've ever had - several times!

Catch the bus to the other end of the beach at Porto Santo and walk back. Or walk to the end of the island the other way.

Flores is lovely but weird. It's cleaner than a Persil advert; there are more houses than people and only two roads; the airport is pristine and would like to meet an aircraft one day! Much truth in jest...!