Maderia

[Islander]

Hi all, has anyone been to the above? Any recommendations ? I am looking at a break in winter , not full of nightlife ). I like history, scenery, and good eating. My OH has not been abroad before, so is it a good place for a holiday ?

[ubasses]

Went there a few years ago, loved it. There is only one town, the capital Funchal which has a great market. It is divided into the modern and old town, most of the traditional restaurants are in the old. You can take the cable car up the hill where here are some beautiful botanical gardens and then get the sleighs down (no snow required). It is ideal for walking as all the levadas are mapped out with good written directions, we used the buses to get around, which can be a bit confusing as different companies have the same number bus, but we coped and never ended up in the wrong place. Not much by way of beaches but that did not bother us, I believe some of the smaller places have now been developed a bit to make them more toursity. Temperatures at the beginning of October were still in the high 20's.

[EdmundD]

Yes, but quite a few years ago for Xmas in Funchal. We both enjoyed it - I liked the simplicity of the place.

[mikey4444]

I have heard that there are lovely gardens on the island, and beautiful, rather gentle walks to be had as well. Seems ideal if you are not into Union Jack shorts and the Costas !

[Jennykenny]

If you can, get a hotel actually in Funchal itself, in the centre. Many of the hotels are on hills leading out of town, and you can spend a lot in taxies.
We stayed at the Porto Santa Maria Hotel which was excellent. If you do opt for that hotel, try and get a sea-facing room. It was fascinating watching the huge cruise ships come in and out, often leaving in silence just after dawn, all lit up.

[Cloverjo]

I went a few years ago. Very nice. Not very beachy, as ubasses said, but you're looking at winter so you won't really miss a beach. It's very beautiful. Hire a car and drive around the perimeter of the island.
The weather can be changeable. You might have mist and rain, and then blue skies and sunshine, so pack some warm clothing.

[KJN]

Seems like you have been informed of how nice Madeira is so all I will add is this :-
Recommend this hotel visited twice, in the last two years ,check it out on Trip Advisor.

http://www.regencycliff.com/en/hotel/madeira-regency-cliff-hotel

[Islander]

Thank you all for taking time to answer. Much appreciated.

[Captain2]

Agree, very nice place, all year round I think.

But just as a PS - don't look out of the window when taking off ;))

[Cloverjo]

Why not, captain?

[DaisyNonna]

Stopped off there many years ago returning from South Africa by sea
Loved it and always wanted to return

[ubasses]

It is supposed to be one of the most challenging airports in the world and Pilots have to undergo special training to fly there. Not as bad as it used to be though now they have extended the very short runway.

[Cloverjo]

Thanks, ubasses. Now you mention it, I think I do remember the alarmingly short runway.

[atalanta]

Best time to go would be late Feb or early March, as the flowers will be glorious. Or even a bit later.
BUT be very careful. When I was there, we were staying in a second floor room with a balcony. My partner insisted on sleeping with the patio door open a few inches, but someone managed to climb - first to the balcony below us, and from there to ours, break into the room, and steal a lot of money from a bag right next to my head.
Madeira is said to be almost crime free, but don't you believe it.