Fireworks in Madeira

Photograph by Lee Harrison SWT
Casa Velha do Palheiro


Madeira is the perfect holiday destination for those wanting to escape the stresses everyday life. It is a beautiful island with an abundance of nature. There is no golden sand although the island boasts a few manmade beaches. There are numerous lidos and wonderful hotel poo1s often overlooking the ocean or situated in magnificent tropical gardens which make Madeira an ideal destination for sunworshippers. The hotel standards are high, the people are friendly and there are few places where you would enjoy better or more courteous service. Madeira also boasts the 4th Best Fireworks display in the World at New Year. Book at enquiries@selectworldtravel.co.uk


Funchal

Located on the south east coast of the island in a picturesque bay, Madeira's capital, Funchal, lies between the deep blue of the ocean and the lush green of the mountains behind. Approximately half of the island's population lives in Funchal; the centre of town is especially busy where the 16th century streets attempt to cope with 21st century traffic! Most of the hotels are located west of the city centre at Funchal Lido - an important tourist area with shops, restaurants and cafes. The style is changing, however, with colonial mansions being converted into luxurious hotels although many enclaves and the port still retain an old fashioned feel mixed with the commercial buzz of its working environment.

Funchal's port area provides a fabulous vantage point to gaze at the rich (and sometimes famous) as cruise ships moor up for their overnight stops. A short walk from the port is the old part of town, interesting to meander through during the day and excellent to visit in the evening when the cafes and restaurants spill out onto the streets allowing you to enjoy alfresco dining.
During the day the streets and old squares of Funchal are alive with flower sellers. With the blue sea in front, the greenery of the mountains behind and the pavements alive with the vibrant colours of the Birds of Paradise, Arum lilies and Amaryllis flowers, you can wander for hours. There is interesting 16th century architecture, a smattering of worthwhile museums and, if you love to shop, you can easily while away a morning or afternoon in the designer shops or at the local market which is well worth a visit - packed with local produce and heaps of freshly caught Espada (Scabbard Fish).
A 'must do' during your stay in Funchal is to travel up in the cable car to Monte. The journey takes 15 minutes and there are wonderful views on the way up and from the top. A fun outing at the top is to visit Quinta do Monte for a typical Madeiran drink 'Poncha' then with a light head, toboggan back on one of the infamous wooden sleds!

Places to Visit
Funchal, Madeira's capital is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a multitude of good places to stay. Choose from a wide variety of excellent quality hotels and Quintas. Quinta is the Portuguese word for country manor and a Madeiran Quinta can either he a converted manor house or a property built in the style of a country house. Wherever you stay in Funchal you will always have easy access to the port and the lively town centre with its numerous restaurants. Outside the town centre there are some steep streets and many of the hotels and Quintas have their own shuttle buses to take you to and from the centre of town.
And there are plenty of other places to stay and visit outside the capital. Although just a small island 35 miles by 16, it seems much bigger due to its mountainous terrain. The island is extremely rugged and travellers should be prepared for long, winding roads full of twists and turns. You can easily explore by car, taxi, local bus or organised excursion. Our Resort Team is on hand to give you advice on the best way for you to get around:

Boaventura: to the north of the island is an agricultural village with mountainous landscape. Numerous bars provide the excellent stopping points to sample local wines. There is a demanding levada close by with superb views over the north of the island.

Cabo Girao: do not miss the view from one of the highest sea cliffs in the world (1900ft).

Camacha: the island's wickerwork centre; great for souvenir shopping.

Camara de Lobos: a favourite with Winston Churchill, this picturesque village to the west of Funchal is the centre of the fishing community; the fishermen are experts in catching Espada from depths of up to 800 metres.

Canical: once the centre of Madeira's whaling industry and now a marine mammal sanctuary. Well worth a visit to the whaling museum in the old whaling company's office.

Desertas Islands: 20 miles to the southeast of Funchal, these uninhabited (deserted) islands provide a spectacular backdrop especially at sunset. Protected as a sanctuary for the monk seal, access is restricted but authorisation can be obtained, although fishing is forbidden.

Eira do Serrado: 10 miles to the north of Funchal and right in the centre of the island, wonderful views over the Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley).

Encumeada: a pass at 3,300ft with superb views from Sao Vicente in the north down the Serra d'Agua valley to the south.

Jardim Botanico: beautifully laid out gardens overlooking Funchal with plants from all over the world.

Jardim da Serra: picturesque wooded region with excellent levada walks.

Jardim do Monte Palace: delightful gardens full of rare tropical species native to Madeira.

Jardim Orchidea: a relatively new orchid breeding project, the gardens contain more thar 4,000 varieties of delicate orchids.

Machico: historical fishing port where Zarco the Explorer first discovered Madeira.

Monte: picturesque village high above Funchal. Visit by cable car and leave by toboggan.

Piro do Arieiro: Madeira's third highest mountain, tremendous views of dramatic mount ridges.

Pica Ruivo: the highest point on the island, 6,1O9ft ? can only be reached by foot.

Ponta do Sol: now a fishing village and holiday resort, once a thriving sugarcane centre.

Porto Moniz: pretty whaling village surrounded by terraces typical of the north of Madeira. Most famed for natural swimming pools cut into the volcanic rock.

Porto Santo: Madeira's neighbouring island with 5 miles of golden beaches and sands with supposed curative properties. Stay at Hotel Porto Santo or visit on a day trip.

Queimadas: nature reserve close to Santana. Original Madeiran flora.

Sao Vicente: pretty authentically-renovated village which has won conservation awards.

Santana: famous for its triangular thatched houses, unique to Madeira. Hillsides abound with fruit, vegetables and willow branches cultivated for wickerwork. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes in Madeira.

Santo da Serra: filled with weekend villas for Madeira's wealthiest residents and home to a championship 27-hole golf course.

Western Madeira: Ponta Delgada and Jardim do Mar p1us other seaside coves are special favourites for surfers with world class surfing conditions.