We Take the High Road Bus to Monte Madeira

If you come to Madeira do not be afraid to use the public transport, local bus services to get about. It is relatively easy and if you are in doubt you can ask a local. Everyone we spoke to was very helpful and many Madeiran people spoke reasonable English. Local buses are very cheap compared to taking a taxi and we found their journeys a very entertaining experience.
This is a record of our trip from central Funchal up to Monte. We actually walked back down again but if you do so you will find it difficult as it is steep, bendy and there are no footpaths. The bus cost around 2 Euro each. A taxi will cost around 20 Euro and you will not see much as you are whisked along. From a bus you will see the views and the local houses.
Poster DD called in to tell me that last year 2017, 12 people were killed and dozens injured at a religious festival at the plaza at the end of the video! The horror incident was at at the Festa da Senhora do Monte when an ancient oak tree fell on people queued to buy candles. We didn't know about this.

[@joanburnison8071]

Another enjoyable tour Tom. Thank you.

[@TomMcClean]

Always great to know you are watching Joan.

[@alexmachanic6438]

Fun fact I live in madeira and recently unfortunatly we had a bus renovation that the bus you are on fleet number 264 license plate MA-94-48 is one of the lucky survivores its still in service along with two more but unfortunatly they wont make it to 2025 I think

[@TomMcClean]

These buses are a legend Alex. That is a tough climb route. the drivers never bat an eye never mind what the encounter! It was like driving along a roller coaster at times!!!!! lol What fun! We had a super time in Madeira! Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills of Northern Ireland.

[@andybrown223]

Am sure they are mate,going up and down them Hill's lol👏👍left hand drive too.

[@TomMcClean]

These Madeiran drivers really put the foot down. They really were tramping on on wee narrow roads overlooking cliff edges! Nuts!

[@DiogoF.]

It is quite a ride. Madeira is perilous itself. Did you know that on that plaza at the end of your video a tree fell and kill a dozen people last year on Monte's annual celebrations?

[@TomMcClean]

Hey great to hear from you DD. Thanks so much for dropping in with this. No, we had no idea that this tragedy happened. We took the local bus to Cabo Girao too. It was another very interesting challenging journey into the sky! lol These buses are very cheap but scary! The locals of course are so well used to the huge gorges and drops outside their bus windows!

[@jeanettekennedy7433]

i dont fancy these buses thanks for showing

[@TomMcClean]

They were a bit challenging jeanette! lol