Raimundo Quintal knows that only in Madeira does Spring last 12 months and he believes that no one can leave the island without having enjoyed a stroll along a “levada” (traditional irrigation channels). In his opinion, a perfect day begins with a morning visit to the mountain and ends with an afternoon swim in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 60 year old Raimundo Quintal was born and bred in Funchal, where he still lives. He is a researcher at Lisbon University’s Centre for Geographical Studies and is publically acclaimed for his leadership of various nature conservation, landscape requalification and environmental education projects, the highlights of which were the creation of Funchal’s Ecological Park and the capital’s achievement of the European Floral City gold medal award in the year 2000. Quintal was once Environmental Councillor for the Funchal City Council and has authored numerous books on levadas and the island’s flora. He now hopes to undertake research in the fields of ornamental flora and of garden tourism. An unconditional lover of nature, Raimundo Quintal assures that all the archipelago’s counties deserve an attentive visit.
AND HIS BEST OF IS…
VISIT: Praia do Porto Santo, Pico Branco, Floresta Laurissilva, Pico Ruivo, Jardins do Palheiro, Museu de Arte Sacra, Casa das Mudas, Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas; ACTIVITIES: Passeios nas levadas e veredas, a visit to the villas, parks and gardens; SLEEP: Quinta Jardins do Lago, Quinta da Casa Branca, The Cliff Bay, Resort Vila Porto Mare; EAT: Tokos, Casa de Palha, Doca do Cavacas; CAFÉS: Café do Teatro, Theo’s, Barreirinha Bar Café.
