Bargain Holidays in Madeira | Travel in Madeira

Travel to Madeira

The capital town is Funchal and is also the location for the airport, when entering by air you fly over the 3 deserted islands just off the coast and amazingly quite arid compared to Madeira itself, the tropical gardens are everywhere and there is an aroma of exotic flowers wherever you go, when the hills get too much don’t worry just jump in one of the ubiquitous yellow Taxis that are everywhere, over 500 on the island, 300 based in Funchal. Funchal also boasts a large harbour where ferries and cruise liners depart daily, Cruise liners like Holland and America are regular visitors. Ferries depart daily to the nearby Island of Porto Santo which is about 2.5 hours sailing away; this geologically is older than Madeira and boasts lovely sandy beaches as well as interesting mountains and Fauna. Madeira has no natural beaches being volcanic and although many tour guides talk about Praia Formosa beach, don’t go there as it is still under construction and is unlikely to be ready before 2008.

Madeira discovered in the 15th century and named after the Portuguese word for wood (Madera) as it was almost entirely forest, still boasts beautiful forests some of which are no longer found in Mainland Europe, the Levadas (walks) of Caldeirao Verde is perhaps the best and is a full days hike through some of the most spectacular scenery on the Island and through the largest Laurel forest in Europe. N:B recently there have been instances of robberies on the Levadas so beware and don’t take too much personal possessions with you, Police have been posing as tourists and made a number of arrests but caution should be your byword.

Accommodation in Madeira

Madeira is an upmarket destination that has an enormous amount of five star Hotels some very famous like Reid’s Palace Hotel where many famous people have stayed including Bill Clinton and Winston Churchill who was a regular visitor to the islands to paint at the little fishing village of Camara do Lobos (sea wolves). Newer hotels like Tivoli Park and the Pestana Grand are beachside in western Funchal but for the budget conscious there are also Estalagems (guest houses), Pensions and 3 and 4 star hotels as well as self catering Villa holidays in rural Madeira, A new addition to Funchal are the timeshare resorts or shared ownership schemes which are proving remarkably popular amongst the British and Irish, one in Funchal and the other in Porto Santo.

Madeira is famous for its wines and Madeira cake but most recently its most famous export is none other than Manchester United’s footballer Christiano Ronaldo born in San Antonio the wealthy suburb of Funchal and his picture can be seen everywhere in the bars and sports shops.

Attractions

Sao Vicente Caves, travel though the Lava channels that are over 5 million years old and visit the museum of vulcanicity where you are also treated to a 3d film that takes you the centre of the earth and rediscover the birth of Madeira, combine this with a tour to the Caves and North coast and discover the old coast road with its tunnels, waterfalls and precipes, one of Madeira’s most famous sights. This is a wild and unspoilt region where mountainous seas beat increasingly against the rocky cliffs in an unforgettable display of power. CarrisTur Portugal +35 966 923 943 for information.

Eira do Serrado Monte. Situated high above Funchal is the gorgeous Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) at 1094m above sea level the views are extraordinarily beautiful at its peak named after the area where they used to separate the wheat from the chaff it is a photographers delight, The Village of the Curral das Freiras (Nuns) is named after the first nuns who fled there to escape the invasion from the French, sadly not too many Nuns frequent the area these days but it is undoubtedly one of the worlds most attractive spots and is a must see.

Monte. Monte is below Eira at 550m and is home to the beautiful church of Iglesia do Nuestra Senora del Monte and the Botanical Gardens plus the exhilarating sled ride pushed downhill in a wicker basket by some of Madeira’s strongest men the journey takes 10 mins and covers 2 kms and the views take your breath away, the best way to get to Monte is to take the cable car in old town Funchal, buy a single combined ticket to the botanical gardens, take the sled down to the old tavern and then pick up one of the taxis for the return journey.

Madeira Theme Park. Have a fun day with your children and learn about the history of the Island. Enjoy a great day out at the Shows, Exhibitions, Rides and Boat rides in the enormous gardens.
+35 291 570 410 www.parquetematicodamadeira.pt

The top ten Hotels to stay in Madeira are:

Cliff Bay ***** Located on the cliff top over Funchal Bay 201 rooms fitness room and Spa access from Beach.
+35 291 707 700 www.portobay.com

Crowne Plaza ***** Located right on the Seafront close to Funchal 276 rooms, 24 suites health Spa.
+35 291 717 700 www.madeiracrowneplaza.com

Madeira Palacio ***** Renovated in 2001, 250 rooms, health club and Spa.
+35 219 702 702 www.hotelmadeirapalacio.com

Madeira Regency Palace ***** Close to central Funchal 219 rooms, health club and Spa.
+35 291 703 000 www.regency-hotels-resorts.com

Pestana Grand ***** Latest Hotel from Portugal’s largest Hotel and Leisure group opened in 2004, 193 rooms, the hotel features the largest heated salt water pool on the Island, health club and Spa and the best view of Cabo Girau the 2nd highest cliff face in the world
+35 291 707 400 www.pestana.com

Quinta Da Casa Branca ***** The original Quinta houses the Casa Brancas fine dining restaurant, the Reception, Health Spa and Restaurant are set in the new wing, easy walking distance to the centre of Funchal.
+35 291 700 770 www.quintacasabranca.pt

Quinta Perestelo **** Restored 160 year old property, 37 rooms, outdoor pool and centrally located to Funchal, relaxing public areas with restaurant.
+35 291 706 700 www.charminghotelsmadeira.com

Reid’s Palace Hotel ***** an enduring emblem of Madeira’s past, fully restored in April 2006, Reid’s is known worldwide for its old world charm and exacting service. 130 rooms and 34 suites, swimming pool and luxurious spa.
+35 291 717 171 www.reidspalace.com

Royal Savoy ***** The Royal is newly built all suite accommodation next to the old Savoy Hotel. 162 suites and penthouse suites, health Spa and fitness centre, centrally located in Lush tropical gardens overlooking the bay of Funchal.
+35 291 213 500 www.savoyresort.com

Tivoli Ocean Park ***** Located in the popular Lido area and above the new seafront promenade. 317 rooms and suites. Health Spa, heated pool, several Bars, squash courts and a gymnasium, banqueting facilities for 790 delegates.
+35 291 702 000 www.tivolihotels.com

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