Situated off the west coast of Morocco, southwest of Lisbon, the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira is a hidden gem in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. With a verdant and colourful landscape made up of lush river valleys, terraced hillsides and thick, opulent forests; Madeira is often referred to as the ‘Floating Garden’. Fragrant and colourful orchids, bougainvillea, frangipani, wisteria and geraniums dot the landscape making it a naturalist’s haven of scenic beauty. With an abundance of luxurious holiday resorts peppering its Atlantic coastline, Madeira is a paradise for those looking for a hot, relaxing break.
Aside from the stunning mountainous scenery, Madeira has a lively and vibrant atmosphere around its villages and towns. The bustling capital of Funchal, which lies at the base of the hills, is a scenic mélange of colonial whitewashed buildings, black, rock-carved churches and cosmopolitan amenities. Designer boutiques, pavement cafes, restaurants and lively bars line the streets and give you plenty of choice during your Madeira holiday. With so much natural beauty surrounding the rustic villages and lively resorts, Madeira is the ideal destination for a rejuvenating holiday to refresh the senses.
Things to do whilst on your holiday in Madeira:
Walking is a popular pastime on holidays to Madeira and there are many scenic trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape, terraces and hills.
Most of the resorts offer a selection of watersports for discerning sports enthusiasts and you can try your hand at activities such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and diving.
Try the cable car ride up to the peak of Monte which will reward you with spectacular views and you can even have a go at the white knuckle, snowless toboggan ride back down the mountain.
Madeira Cuisine – Influenced by its Portuguese heritage, Madeira’s cuisine is deliciously rustic. Being an island, you can expect freshly caught seafood to be a specialty, with clams, mussels and oysters being a popular choice as well as the more robust option of scabbard fish, tuna steaks or swordfish. ‘Espetada’ which are beef kebabs and 'carne de vinho e alhos', a meal of pork marinated in wine vinegar and garlic are two of many national dishes full of flavour and spice; certainly a must try. Madeira is also world famous for its Madeira wine and cake; in most restaurants you will find a mouth-watering selection of cakes, pastries and wines to compliment your meal.
Nightlife- Although Madeira has something of a reputation for being a quiet island, there is much to do to keep you amused after dark. Pestana Park Resort is home to the island’s casino where you can enjoy a sophisticated drink and a flutter on the roulette or card games. For those looking to party until the small hours, Funchal has a good selection of nightclubs and bars where the music pumps till late and you can dance the night away. So whether you are looking to linger over a tasty meal or enjoy the throng of a lively atmosphere, Madeira will not disappoint.
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