Dramatic soaring mountains attract a great deal of moisture making this beautiful island lush and the vegetation luxuriant. The interior is dotted with small villages, some precipitously perched, others deeply set in the valleys, surrounded by terraces of vines and produce.
MADEIRA has an enormous variety of exotic sub-tropical vegetation with an abundance of flowers, vast mountains, deep green valleys and a network of vines covering the hillsides and providing grapes for the famous Madeira wine. A visit to one of the wine lodges including a tasting is a must. There are over six hundred miles of ancient irrigation channels (levadas) winding along the hillsides, some passing through deep tunnels and providing gushing water for the terraces below. Many have paths running beside them giving superb walks through breathtaking countryside.
FUNCHAL, the capital and port, is a busy city. The old town has many fine buildings, narrow cobbled streets and a colourful market selling exotic flowers, fruit, vegetables and fish. There are several parks, orchid gardens and interesting BOTANICAL GARDENS. Eating out is a pleasure at Funchal’s many restaurants with fish and meat dishes in Portuguese and Madeiran style.
Madeira is a beautiful garden island and ideal for plant lovers and for walking and painting. Being a volcanic island, there are very few beaches, but there is plenty to do while you are in Madeira. Leisurely boat trips can be arranged with the chance of seeing dolphins and whales. Apart from joining some good tours of the island, including jeep safaris, which take you high into the mountains and along the coastal roads, passing through picturesque villages, you may like to hire a car for a few days. The roads are winding and the views superb. Alternatively, there are good bus services and both hotels have a complimentary minibus into Funchal. Taxis are also readily available.
It is possible to join organised walks up into the mountains, or you may like to head off and explore on your own, taking a bus from Funchal to one of the many starting points. Excellent descriptions of all the routes and walks can be found in 'Landscapes of Madeira' by John and Pat Underwood.
REPRESENTATIVE/TRANSFERS
You will be met at the airport by our local airport Representative and transferred to your hotel by VIP taxi - 20 mins. Our hotel Representative will then visit you at the hotel twice a week, do everything possible to help you enjoy your stay and make arrangements for any tours you wish to join.
WEATHER
Madeira has a year-round moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 15°C- 24°C, although it is colder in the mountains. Being an island, Madeira's weather is full of surprises and can vary from hot sun and clear blue skies, to clouds descending from the mountain tops with rain on occasions. The result of this combination of sun and moisture has made Madeira a luxuriant garden island.
