Madeira Island

Madeira

Madeira Island can lure you away from some of Europe's busier beach resorts with its spectacular landscape, tranquility and quiet.

It's well known that Captain Cook was astonished when he first saw the Madeira Island's natural beauty and it's almost certain that it will have a similar result on you! The Madeira scenery swoops down the mountain sides of Pico Ruivo to a dramatic shoreline with vertical cliffs that are gentry lapped by the finest blue seas. Madeira island has shingle and pebble beaches, but the lidos on the seafront in Funchal are a good place for a swim.

Madeira Island is ideally seen on foot and if you are a keen hiker it's worth seeing the well-ordered hiking paths along the old Levadas (irrigation channels). You will love the scenic routes and views past banana plantations, vineyards and hills with the vibrantly coloured flowers. You could also take the time to see Porto Santo or Canico.

Beach activities aren't on the menu but you can take part in some excellent scuba-diving and exceptional deep-sea fishing. If you'd prefer a round of golf, you'll have to decide between two eighteen hole golf courses. Garden lovers will be in total heaven with a profusion of remarkable flowers and plants to take pleasure in.

Situated between the mountains and the sea, the capital of Madeira, Funchal has lots to do and see with terrific restaurants, wine and shopping, a casino and a handful of nightclubs.

Madeira Island is great for couples and just right if you want a holiday away from the more traditional beach family holiday.