Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira (Travel Guide)

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The most famous natural pool is in Porto Moniz, on the island’s northwestern corner, although with its extensive handrails, bathrooms and changing rooms, it doesn’t feel so natural these days. An even more dramatically-positioned version can be found at Doca do Cavacas, on the island’s south shore. For something much more natural, consider the pools in Seixal or Cachalote, both of which also have the benefit of being free. Taste fortified wine Madeira’s signature dish is espetada, chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves, skewered on a laurel branch or metal skewer, and grilled. To serve, the skewers are hung from unique contraptions, and diners pair them with bolo do caco, a type of bread made in part with sweet potato that’s toasted and slathered with garlic butter; milho frito, cubes of deep-fried polenta; and a green salad. Ponta do Sol is a small, attractive town on the southern coast of Madeira with a pebble beach and could be a possible base if you have a car or stay in a hotel that offers transfers. Ponta do Sol, Madeira Hotels in Madeira – Ponta do Sol Note: If you are considering renting a car in Madeira, read my tips here. To compare the best prices visit Discovercars.com or Rentalcars.com. Casa da Graça is a clean, bright 4-bedroomed holiday home that boasts a great location and views from the terrace. You can make use of the hot tub after a long day of sightseeing and there is free car parking. See photos and prices. Using Santa Cruz as a place to stay on Madeira Island

The luxurious, 5-star all-inclusive Enotel Lido Madeira Hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and sauna and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with direct access to the oceanfront promenade. Get more details. There are several more original, boutique style hotels scattered throughout the hills of Funchal old town if you want a more unique experience. Old Town, Funchal Funchal Market Lido, Funchal 5 star hotels in Funchal Driving in Madeira has its challenges. The island is incredibly hilly, and its roads can be intimidatingly steep and winding. If you don’t feel confident driving in these circumstances, be sure to rent an automatic (more expensive than the standard European manual, but worth it in this case). How long do I need in Madeira? If you’re looking for an apartment, the 3-bedroomed VIP Baia penthouse apartment is a good option. Spacious, light and well equipped, it features panoramic mountain views, a garden and terrace. It’s centrally located with restaurants and shops very close by and about a minute’s walk from the beach. Underground parking is also available. Get full details

Ditching the beach for spectacular seaside pool complexes

Many of the resort hotels are clustered around the Lido promenade, which is great for ocean views and swimming pools and handy for restaurants and shopping. It’s a bit of a trek into the old town from here, although there are regular buses and taxis shouldn’t cost much. This is the most ‘touristy’ part of the city, good for families and doesn’t involve many hills. Dedicated wine buffs should consult this guide Madeira: The islands and their wines (The Classic Wine Library)

You can get to Porto Moniz by bus but the journey is long and unless you’re happy to stay put once you’re there, it would be best to have a car to give you some freedom. Porto Moniz from above Hotels in Madeira – Porto Moniz Rest assured, Madeirans don’t always put their wine in a blender and are the custodians of a fortified wine that has found itself in some important glasses throughout history. The Americans got a taste for Madeira wine after it was collected and distributed during trade-route stopovers. The tipple was subsequently used to toast America’s Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776 as well as the inauguration of George Washington as the USA’s first president in 1789. Smaller than Machico but even closer to the airport is the coastal village of Santa Cruz. It has a pretty historical centre with a few cafés and restaurants, a market and a delightful promenade. Seafront, Santa Cruz, Madeira Where to stay in Santa Cruz Madeira’s eponymous wine was created when barrels of the stuff spent months on ships baking in the hot sun. This happy accident caused the wines to oxidize, giving them an entirely new and desirable set of flavors and aromas. Today, seven houses on Madeira make fortified wines in this style, nearly all of whom offer tours and tastings. H.M. Borges, in Funchal, was founded over a century ago and is one of the more traditional houses on the island – they offer a visit and tasting with advance notice. Barbeito is one of the more progressive houses and offers a variety of tastings daily.If you are more in the market for independent apartments and villas in Funchal, there are plenty to choose from. PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA EAST OF FUNCHAL

If you’re visiting Madeira without a car but want to explore the island, it makes most sense to choose accommodation in Funchal. Not only is the old town an interesting destination in its own right – see this post for what to do in Funchal– Madeira’s capital city is also the starting point for most organised tours and bus routes. DK Eyewitness have thought of almost everything in their guide to the Top 10 (gardens, beaches, museums, walks etc.) Top 10 Madeira (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide) If you want sand, head to the man-made beaches at Calheta or Machico, or take the ferry to Porto Santo, which has a 7.5km (4.6 miles) fine-sand beach that’s considered one of Europe’s best. Eat an espetada Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol is 4-star design hotel perched on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean and featuring an infinity pool and hot tub with panoramic views. Room décor is totally white and each room has floor to ceiling windows leading onto balconies, some with sea views others with garden views. Customer service is excellent and there is a free shuttle service to the airport if you don’t intend to drive. Get full details and availabilityWhen it comes to mains, meat lovers can sink their teeth into espetadas (beef cubes speared with a bay leaf twig) and wine-marinated pork carne de vinho e alhos, while fish lovers can go for espada, or scabbardfish. Unless your accommodation offers regular transfers to Funchal, or you’re happy to stay put, you’ll need a car to get around the rest of Madeira. With a vehicle, you have good access from Calheta to many of the popular walking trails in the west of the island. Special places to stay near Calheta The 4-star Vila Galé Santa Cruz has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness and wellness centre and rooms with sea views. They also offer a free shuttle into Funchal a few times a day. Choose a room.