Madeira Holiday
The bewitching isle of Madeira rises up from the sparkling waves of the Atlantic Ocean like an emerald jewel. Boasting a balmy, sub-tropical climate, Madeira is renowned for its stunning scenery, simply overflowing with exotic flora. Awash with color throughout the year, Madeira is affectionately called the 'Floating Garden'. Dramatic mountains overlook terracotta-roofed villages and vineyards heavy with grapes while lush meadows, speckled with fuchsia pink and bright orange blooms, spill down valleys and volcanic hillsides to a dramatic coastline lapped by waters of deepest blue.
"Famed for its profusion of colorful, exotic blooms, rolling hillsides and cascading, terraced vineyards, sun-blushed Madeira is a sub-tropical paradise."
Madeira Holiday - Beaches
Home to some of the steepest cliffs in the world, Madeira is actually the summit of an underwater mountain that rises up above the ocean. As such, the island is not renowned for its sandy shores. However there are some beaches where you can stretch out beneath the sub-tropical sun. Canical on the east coast plays host to a small sandy cove while some pebbly beaches can be found in Santa Cruz and Machico. There's also a public lido in Funchal which has access to the sea for swimming and makes for a perfect alternative to the beach. Neighboring Porto Santo is just a short island hop away if you're looking for fine golden sands with its 9km stretch of beach.
Shopping
Funchal is excellent for shopping. The capital boasts a good number of shopping centers and most are open 7 days a week. Away from the malls, take a stroll through the old town's cobblestone alleyways - stumble upon an Aladdin's cave of small, locally run shops and watch women work painstakingly on the island's famous embroidery. Wicker is Madeira's most popular souvenir and wherever you go there are wicker baskets and furniture of all shapes and sizes for sale. The largest choice can be found in the small village of Camacha. Another popular purchase is Madeira wine. Remember in most of the wine lodges you can try before you buy! Most of the wine companies expertly pack your bottles up so you don't have to worry about getting them home in one piece and this is often the case if you choose to buy rare blooms such as orchids and bird of paradise flowers from the colorful markets.
Nightlife
While far from being frenetic, Madeira's nightlife is sophisticated and vibrant, reflecting the island's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Whether you want to dance the night away or simply enjoy a fruity cocktail, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Put on your glad rags for a night on the town in Funchal where you'll find a good number of discerning bars and smart clubs. For a really glamorous night out, head to the capital's exclusive casino and try your luck at blackjack or roulette. Alternatively, the old town's winding alleyways brim with traditional bars where you can sample a taste of local life. Many of the hotels stage live music and cabarets including folklore nights so there's never a dull moment.
Tucked away between the sea and the mountains, Madeira's lively capital, Funchal, brims with elegant colonial-style whitewashed buildings interspersed with churches made from jet black basalt rock. The modern part of the city exudes cosmopolitan charm and effortless sophistication. So, whether you want to shop for designer clothes in the smart boutiques or simply relax out in a pavement cafe, it's up to you.
Local Specialties
Madeira is known for its wine production and its range of fortified 'Madeira' are of particular renown. The wine is 'cooked' in the sun for six months and then topped up with brandy. Why not enjoy a spot of wine tasting at one of the famous lodges in Funchal and learn how to tell a 'Malmsey' from a 'Verdelho'? While its wine is unique, Madeira's cuisine is generally influenced by Portuguese cooking. There are countless cafes and restaurants whose menus, as you would expect, centre around fish. For a real taste of the island try the local specialty dish 'peixe espada', black scabbard fish. This is a delicious, long, thin fish and is particular to Madeira. 'Espatada', skewered beef, is another favorite and is usually served with an array of fresh vegetables. You can wash all this down with the local fire water, 'poncha', before tucking into a Madeiran must, 'bolo de miel', Madeira cake.