Madeira, Top Holiday Destination in the Atlantic
Funchal & Island Tours, Food & Wine, Flower Festival
Sep 24, 2009
Lapped by the Atlantic, roughly 23 by 58 km, the Portuguese island of Madeira claims a pretty capital, a scenic coastline and a lush hinterland of mountains and valleys sprinkled with traditional villages. There are lots of walking trails and excellent roads for those who wish to tour without too much effort.
Along the coast lined with spectacular cliffs and volcanic rock, beaches are few but swimming can be enjoyed in glorious pools and anyone longing for sweeping sands can head for the small sister island of Porto Santo.
Funchal & Island Tours
Funchal the capital nestles on green slopes overlooking the ocean, all tree-lined avenues and shaded squares and gardens full of tropical blooms. Visitors wander around the marina, explore the farmers’ market or relax on the café terrace. Lanes draped in wisteria climb through the old town, right up to Monte where the views are superb and those who dare can whiz down the slopes in a wicker basket. The cable car is a sedate alternative.
Car hire and island tours are easily arranged in Funchal. Favourite excursions include the scenic Nun’s Valley, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and inland tours offering views of the high peaks. Most memorable is the village of Santana and its traditional triangle-shaped cottages with thatched roofs down to the ground.
Food and Wine in Madeira, Top Holiday Destination
Madeira is pure delight for seafood lovers. From bream to red mullet, swordfish or tuna, there is something for every taste but most popular is the local scabbard served with fried bananas. Fish soup comes in many guises as do dried cod and seafood rice. Espetada, beef kebabs flavoured with garlic and bay leaves, go well with fried maize and rounds of flat bread. Food is so good Madeira is holding its first Gourmet Festival in November 09.
Madeira wine came into its own in the 16th century when the local nectar had to be fortified to prolong its life aboard passing ships. Today it may be served as an aperitif or dessert wine or used to flavour a variety of dishes, including cakes. Table wines are also available, sweet or dry, full bodied or light.
Flower Festival in Funchal
Madeira is in bloom year round with ever changing displays, from flamboyant and jacaranda to birds of paradise, wild orchids, rhododendrons and more. There are indigenous plants, others imported from all over the world, mimosa, frangipani and giant ferns in the protected Laurissilva forest.
In early spring, Funchal sets the scene for the annual Flower Festival with a magnificent carpet of flowers on the square and floats parading through the streets, draped in fragrant and multicoloured blooms. It’s a joyful occasion when the island celebrates its natural beauty and unique traditions.
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