I’m just back from a few days in Madeira where Jill and I went down to look at all the properties we have down there and I’m thrilled with everything we saw.

I was last in Madeira in 1989 and I came away quite disappointed BUT in the 23 years since my last visit, Madeira has been transformed. The road network and tunnels are amazing; there are more tunnels there than in Switzerland and getting around the island is now so easy. There has been massive investment in tourism; there are plenty of new hotels, much more in the way of shops, restaurants and bars. The island is transformed and it really is a brilliant holiday destination.

Funchal, the capital is a very pretty town. There is a great market most days, it boasts some beautiful public parks and gardens and it’s now a favoured port of call by many cruise ships.

The must do things in Funchal are to take the cable car from the sea front in the old town up to Monte where you may visit the public gardens and church where the tomb of the last Austrian Emperor, Charles is located. It’s a 1.5km cable car ride and the views are breathtaking. For something different you can take a taboggan back down but be warned these are pricey. You could continue from Monte to the stunning Botanical Gardens via cable car up to the gardens.

One other must do is to visit one of the traditional Madeira Wine Lodges, the most famous being Blandys. There are a small number of hotels in Funchal but the main tourist centre where most hotels are located is about 2 to 3 kilometres to the west of capital. It’s an easy walk into Funchal but the tourist centre built around the Lido area is the best place to be located for your holiday.

Most of our hotels are here, the Four Views Monumental, the stunning Cliff Bay, the Porto Mare Resort with the Eden Mar, the Alto Lido and the Baia Azul. These properties are all close to each and close to the waterfront and surrounded by restaurants and bars.

There are a number of key events every year in Madeira including the May flower festival, the Atlantic Festival and New Year fireworks. During the Flower Festival and at New year flights and hotels are busier so expect to pay a bit more.

Inspite of it’s amazing coastline Madeira does not boast many sandy beaches, there is a beach near Funchal at Praia Formaosa, it’s dark sand and pebbles. However all along where the hotels are located in the lido area it’s easy to get into the sea from the jetties.

We took a day trip to Cabo Girao and Porto Moniz, covering the west and north of the island. There are countless excursions options whilst on holidays in Madeira. I’d opt for the organised excursions over car hire here but the choice is yours. Either way you will never be short of things to do when on holidays in Madeira.

Our first stop was at Pico da Torre with splendid views over the picturesque town of Câmara de Lobos, this was one of Churchill’s favourite places on the island. The next stop at Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest sea cliff, and we then drove to the picturesque village of Ribeira Brava on the southwest coast. We then cut across the island and stopped off at Encumeada to enjoy the view over both sides of the island.

We had lunch in Porto Moniz on the north coast; it is the most western point of the island. There are stunning natural bathing pools here so bring the swim gear, the pools are set amongst the bizarre rock formations. There are also some great walks along the levadas all over the island.  Madeira is a paradise for walkers, just wish we had more time to explore.

Madeira is actually part of an archipelago of islands and one of the nearby islands has great sandy beaches, that’s the island of Porto Santo. There are daily ferry and flight services from Funchal to Porto Santo. There are very few hotels there and it has a very laid back, chilled out feel, very much geared to the beach lovers.

There is plenty to do at night in Funchal, the Hole in One is a really nice bar, check out their facebook page and also O’Brien’s Irish bar near the CS Madeira hotel in the Lido is a great spot.  Marginal, Jam and Vespas are the main nightspots and of the 3, Vespas would be the main nightclub on the island. The place to people watch and be seen is the very trendy Cafe do Teatro this is next to the municipal theatre.

If I was to say who is Madeira best suited to I’d say couples of all ages, from honeymoon couples right the way up the age scale. It is not particularly geared to families. It’s better suited to people who are looking for very good accommodation in beautiful surroundings.

The value doesn’t stop at the hotels, food and drink is also great value. We stayed in the 5* Melia Madeira Mare, it’s a great hotel and our top seller for holidays to Madeira. If you want something extra special I’d suggest the Cliff Bay or if you’re looking for a great 4* value, you’re spoiled for choice with the Alto Lida, Baia Azul, Porto Mare, Eden Mar and the Four Views Monumental.

All the hotels are on our website and we’ve visited each one so call or email us with any questions and we’ll be able to match you to the hotel that’s right for you.

Sata fly direct from Dublin every Sunday from May to November. It’s a three and half hour flight.  Sata are a well established Portuguese airline which mainly serves the Azores and Madeira.

Madeira is exceptional value for money. You get excellent 4 & 5* hotels here for a fraction of the price in Spain and the Canary Islands. Madeira has to work harder to attract holidaymakers. Madeira is a quality destination in terms of accommodation, scenery, things to do and it’s great value for money, you should go, you’ll be back.

Must eat

Espada – Black Scabbard fish, it is a soft white meat fish, mouth watering

Espetada – These are cubes of beef, barbecued over wood and hung on skewers mounted on your table, the flavour is superb, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuj_b9Jaq9o

A couple of things you may not know about Madeira…

  • It is home to the highest sea cliff in Europe and 2nd highest sea cliff in the world, see my photos of Cabo Girao
  • It is the most densely populated part of Portugal
  • The island was not populated at all when it was discovered in the 16th century and it’s now home to over 250,000 luck inhabitants

The main tourist board website is  http://www.visitmadeira.pt/ — Paul!