Madeira, Portugal
One of the most spectacular of all the Atlantic islands, Madeira enjoys a wonderful year-round climate, magnificent scenery, towering mountains, lush valleys and breathtaking views. The capital, and main resort, Funchal, is a pretty, olde-worlde town with attractive cobbled streets in the centre, tree-lined avenues, a wealth of excellent shops, bars and restaurants and a busy harbour with a splendid waterfront promenade.
The town rises on three sides in an almost amphitheatre-like way and offers visitors fabulous views of Funchal Bay, the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The cable car ride from the harbour area to the hills above Funchal is a must. The island is also home to an enormous variety of exotic trees, flowers and plants whilst the famous ‘levadas’ – centuries-old irrigation channels – twist and turn around the mountains and valleys and offer some of the most visually stunning and rewarding walks you are liable to find anywhere.
Old traditions are in evidence everywhere with colourful fiestas, fireworks (a free display every weekend in June!) and wine festivals occurring throughout the year. Charming, friendly, elegant, beautiful, rewarding – Madeira is all of these things and more. A wonderful holiday destination!
