The British have been regular visitors for over 300 years, inparticular last century, when wealthy Victorians chose the island as their favourite retreat to avoid cold, damp winters. They fell in love with the warmth, natural beauty and the Madeiran people – not much has changed since.
The isolated island, 400 miles from the Moroccan coast and just 35 miles long and 14 miles wide, is made up of jagged volcanic mountains soaring above the clouds to 6000 feet. Much of the island is covered in forest and is protected as national parkland. Once the important stepping stone for the New World trade routes many examples of exotic plants exist and today English Roses grow alongside Asian Orchids. Hydrangeas, bougainvillaea, magnolias and azaleas bloom effortlessly in the warm gulf-stream climate and the magnificent parks and gardens are a joy to explore.
The high quality accommodation, Madeiran service and hospitality, along with the islands natural beauty, combine to make the ideal holiday choice for couples and families alike.
Funchal
The capital city of Funchal is like a giant amphitheatre. Bordered on three sides by steep hills, the city sweeps around the south-facing bay and magnificent harbour. The majority of the hotels are situated in Funchal which have, over many years, earned a reputation for high standards of service.
What makes Funchal enjoyable is that it is not primarily a holiday resort, but a small city, with a population of 140,000, more than half of the total island population. The secret is to relax and do things at the Madeiran pace of life. Wander the tiny cobbled streets, visit the enchanting gardens, stroll along the harbour front and you will soon capture the magic of this small city.
Golf
There are two Championship Golf Courses that play host to the PGA Madeiran Open each spring. Palheiro Golf Club is an 18 hole course sitting high above Funchal amongst undulating forest adjacent to the famous Palheiro Gardens. More centrally located is Santo de Serra, which has 27 holes and sits high up on a plateau with spectacular sea and mountain views making it one of the most picturesque courses in Europe. Golf can either be pre-booked or arranged locally and special green-fee discounts are available at each of the hotels.
Levada Walks
The man-made irrigation channels or “Levadas” running down the mountain hillsides have been utilised to create a complex system of mountain walks. These walks are either guided or can be tackled independently and are graded as to their degree of length and difficulty. Each of the hotels have detailed information of these walks.
Gardens
Madeira’s myriad or exotic plants and flowers are on display in a number of well tended, landscaped gardens. The most spectacular is the Botanical Garden in the upper part of Funchal. The Palheiro Gardens above Funchal are famous not only for the variety of plants, but the beauty of the setting. The Boa Vista Orchid Garden features thousands of varieties of orchids situated just to the east of Funchal.
The Monte Toboggan Ride
Sliding down a cobbled street in a wicker basket on runners might not sound very comfortable, but for many visitors this is the essential Madeiran experience! Originally designed as transport from Monte to Funchal this traditional ride is a must for all visitors.
