Mein Schiff Relax 2026 · Page 4

1st stop: Mercado dos Lavradores

Funchal's famous market hall – colourful fruit stalls, exotic fruit, flowers and fish. An authentic introduction to the city.

2. Rua de Santa Maria – painted doors

Through small side streets we continued into the historic old town. Particularly impressive: the artistically painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria – each one a work of art in its own right.

3. Pico do Torre

Then the route led right across the city and uphill to Pico da Torre. The climb took some effort, but was rewarded with a spectacular view over Funchal and the Atlantic. A real highlight of the tour.

4. Fishing village – Câmara de Lobos

On the way back we stopped in the famous fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill also painted and stayed for a time. Colourful boats in the harbour, small bars and the typical, unspoilt Madeira flair made this stop particularly charming. A coffee in the narrow lanes is a must.

Another stop took us to the Madeira Botanical Garden. Exotic plants, well-kept terraces and impressive views of the city and sea again and again – a peaceful contrast to the sporty route.

Back at the ship we returned the bikes – but the day wasn't over yet. We walked into the nearby centre of Funchal again for a relaxed stroll: small shops, cafés and the mild climate made the afternoon perfect.

Day 5 was another classic sea day, this time heading for Tenerife. The sea was calm, with only the occasional wave, and the sun shone all day – ideal conditions for enjoying life on board to the full.

A relaxed day without a fixed schedule: enjoying the sun, the sea view, perhaps a coffee with a view out to the horizon. It's exactly days like these that make a cruise so special – unhurried, calm and yet full of atmosphere.

In the morning Mein Schiff Relax reached the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The booked excursion started punctually just before 9 a.m. After about 45 minutes on the bus, we reached our destination: the famous Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz.

Loro Parque isn't a classic zoo but an extremely well-kept, tropically designed attraction.

• lush vegetation

• Asian-inspired architecture

• spacious, modern enclosures

• very well-kept grounds overall

Particularly impressive is the great variety of species – from parrots (which gave the park its name) to penguins and large marine mammals.