Madeira – A tropical Island of Flowers

Madeira is another holiday Island well worth a visit, through the Interval World 3 year leisure package.  There are a number of fine hotels through the passport breaks option in Madeira.I visited Madeira a number of years ago.  It is different from many of the other Islands insofar that if you are looking for Golden beaches for bathing you may struggle a bit.  The few beaches it does have are more of the pebbly type, particularly at the seafront in Funchal, the Island’s capital.  Alternatives however are to swim in the natural pools created by the lava formations at Carnico and Porto Moniz and a number of the hotels also have natural type lidos.There is so much more to see and do on Madeira.  A visit wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the basket sleds from Monte down the hill to Funchal.  

Those of a nervous disposition should think carefully about the ride, although it is very safe!!  The ride from Monte is a very special experience, notwithstanding the fact that it is quite expensive.  The sleds are steered by 2 men who run alongside downhill on the asphalt road.  I will not spoil the experience by saying anymore, but if you go to Madeira get on the sled ride!!Madeira is a Portuguese island and, like the Canary Islands, is mountainous and volcanic.  The weather can change quite dramatically once you travel north into and up into the hills, but the trip is worth it for the magnificent scenery and wonderfully luxuriant flowers that bloom all year round.  The colours of the flowers are fantastic and it’s no wonder that Madeira is called the ‘Island of Flowers in the Atlantic Ocean’.Madeira is also famous for its wine (Madeira fortified wine) and the famous Madeira cake.  Pop into any coffee shop or bar on the island to sample the local delights.Madeira, due to its location, can boast year round temperatures of over 20ºc.  The south of the Island, because of the prevailing winds from the North that hit the mountain range, can have much higher temperatures than in the North of the Island.  Most of the rain falls to the North.Famous people to have visited Madeira include Christopher Columbus; Henry the Navigator, and Elizabeth 1st, but of course its most famous current son is footballer Christiano Ronaldo, who was born and bred here.To summarise, Madeira merits worthy consideration for a holiday trip as part of your 3 year luxury holiday vacation package.