AIDA Canary Islands 2015 · Page 2

The next morning we reached Madeira. We had already booked a Tukxi from Germany. Tukxis are converted Ape three-wheelers used as taxis. Various tours of different lengths are offered. We had chosen a 4-hour tour including one hour of swimming.

At 10 a.m. sharp the driver picked us up at the terminal. It was a great feeling to zip through the warm summer in the open Ape. The first stop was the Ronaldo statue.

We continued along the mountainside to the first viewing platform. From there we already had a great view of the highest sea cliff in Europe. Then on up the steep roads. The next stop was the platform at the highest point.

The glass floor and the view down into the depths are really impressive – 580 metres straight down. With its 2-stroke engine, the Tukxi sometimes had quite a struggle on the steep roads, but it made it over every pass. You'll find lots of small painted bollards.

Back down from the mountain, we stopped in the oldest fishing village on the island. Traditionally, scabbard fish are caught here from a depth of over 100 metres. The church is the fishermen's sanctuary.

After that we stopped at the natural swimming pool – a natural basin made of reefs and rocks that is filled with seawater by the waves. Admission is two euros per person. The water was nice and warm. You still have to be careful, though, as the depths are deceptive. A little boy hit his head on his third jump into the water – luckily only a cut on the head.

Our guide didn't want to come swimming and waited for us in a café in the meantime. After swimming we continued through the town, along the oldest street on Madeira, to the government house and so on.

After exactly 4 hours we were back at AIDAsol. We can recommend this tour to everyone, as it was very personal and individual. The guide only speaks English, but is easy to understand.

The following day was a sea day, and we had booked a day in the spa. The spa is a special secluded area with loungers and its own whirlpool. The day there was wonderful and super quiet. Admission is for people aged over 16. Repeat factor: 100%.

On Thursday we called at Lanzarote. As we already know Lanzarote, we hadn't booked an excursion. The way from the port into town is relatively long, but AIDA offered a shuttle service for 6 euros per person, which we used. The shuttle took us straight into the city.

There are some traders along the waterfront, and from there we reached the fortress. At the fortress itself there are some beautiful spots to see.

This is also where Arrecife's shopping street begins. A little to the left of the shopping street, in the narrow lanes, you'll find lots of shops with considerably lower prices.

In the evening AIDAsol cast off again, heading for Tenerife.