General Chat

Hi, Has anyone been on holiday to Madeira, if so what is it like? and can you give me any tips on what to see, where to go, where to eat and how much 'dough' we are likely to need. We are off on the 28th June & booked for Bed & Breakfast. Any tips on what to take regarding clothing etc, would be appreciated, my first time flying and abroad!! ahh well I'm only 48! Lynn.

Thanks Lynda, will certainly try Reeds Hotel my hubby likes a nice ironed paper!!! Staying near Funchal ourselves. Lynn

Linda - Went to Madeira about 8 years ago (December time) and it was beautiful. Plenty of gardens etc. to explore, also loved the food markets, the fruit is out of this world! Enjoyed walking, plus one coach sightseeing trip which included dramatic coastal scenery - Cabo Girao, one of the highest cliffs in Europe - not a huge island so you should get to see quite a bit of it. Found locals friendly, eating out can be pricey, as are souvenirs (embroidered table linen a speciality). One minor problem we had, being plagued by timeshare sellers, though they may have 'moved on' by now! A lovely destination, have a great time! Madeira noted for it's good climate, so shouldn't be too hot - I'd pack something warm and waterproof just in case!

Lynn, what don't you want to know about Madeira!! We've been about 10 times, as recently as Easter and going again in July. Don't worry about flying only 3 and a half hours and they've lengthened the runway so it's not such a short landing. Where are you staying, how long for, and do you like walking? Best guide books Rough Guide to Madeira, AA and the Cadogan Guides, you may be able to find them in the Library. 1st place to visit is the tourist office and buy a bus timetable and a free one for the local orange Funchal buses. Best bus trip is the No 80 from Funchal, leaves at 10 and arrives in Porto Moniz at about 1, take your swimming stuff and go for a swim in the sea pools, costs about 1€ each. The bus then leaves at 16:45 and gets back to Funchal a couple of hours later (takes a different route. If you like walking then John and Pat Underwoods book by Sunflower guides is the best, available on the Island, direct from the publisher or from Amazon (version 7 is the latest). Many walks are along levadas, small water canals that supply irrigation and sometimes drinking water, good soled shoes are needed preferalby walking boots. Even in Funchal you need good shoes as they have a lot of cobbled pavements, and also uneven paths, watch your ankles. The Botanical Gardens are a short bus ride out of Funchal, with good views over the town. Monte Palace Gardens are also at the end of a bus ride, or if you fancy up on the cable car. There are also Orchid gardens, but it is now out of season for orchids. There are also a couple of Municipal Gardens, that you can wander around and enjoy the plants and from Santa Caterina gardens, the harbour. Food is reasonably cheap, beer and wine much cheaper than here. Tap water in Funchal is safe to drink, but bottled water is cheap from the Supermarkets if you prefer not to drink the tap water. Plenty of restaurants to chose from. Avoid those on the front, near the "Beatles Boat" they are aimed at the tourists and are a bit kitsch. Down below right by where the boats moor there are some more cafes and bars. One called Baralinhos is very good, Rita the waitress is a hoot!! What to wear, it will be warm, but can go chilly in the evenings and it can rain!! Monte Palace Gardens are 600 metres up, and it can be cooler. Weather info on Wunderground(.)com We have never been to Reids so cannot comment on it. Afternoon tea is at 3, dress is smart, but rules have been relaxed. Eat as much as you want, can't remember how much it costs. Timeshare touts are still about, usually now in the guise of holiday clubs. They are about on Reids bridge and on the central quay. They can be rude especially Sean the Aussie, best tip if you spot them, split up, they are not supposed to stop single people or same sex couples. If the police are about they wont be. After all this you do mean Madeira Island, Portugal and not Madeira Beach, Florida? If you want to no anything else email me direct. Ros.

Thanks Sheila and Ros for the great info and feedback. Answers to the questions Oasis, Atlantic Canico, 7days & yes the body likes to walk but the bunions don't!! Will print off your recomendations and take with us, only my husband and I going, bliss. Lynn

I think Canico is outside Funchal a few miles, we went 14yrs ago, end Feb/beg March, and had a good time. Weather should be warm at this time of year, We liked eating out in Funchal Old Town best, and we had afternoon tea at Reids. Also went to Casino for Silver wedding anniversary as a treat. Our son is there at the moment, so waiting to hear how they enjoyed it. Not the place for a beach holiday, and is quite hilly, we hired a car and went all round the island, but a lot of people who hire cars take them back after a day, as the driving is pretty horrendous, they love to overtake on a blind bend with horn blaring. We enjoyed drinking maracuja, (passion fruit drink Would love to go again, when the Jacaranda trees are in bloom as these line the high street, I think would be April. Have a happy holiday, you should enjoy it. Val

Thanks Val, At least no-one has said 'oooh no you don't want to go there!' not yet anyway!!! Lynn.