funchal, madeira

[mandimoo]

anyone been? whats it like, good and bad points? for a mid 30's couple, no kids who like wine and good food and not tacky discos? thanks in advance x x

[Dee Sa]

you will enjoy it there, wild flowers even orchids growing on the side of the road. Do the basket ride down the hill, everyone does, the botanical gardens are lovely. Lovely restaurants and friendly people.
May I suggest you hire a car for a few days and explore the island yourselves in your own time, if you do the coach tour they only do half the island and you have to go another day to see the other half, so @ �33 approx per person each day it is easier & cheaper to hire a small car, we found a restaurant that was a few feet away from the one where a whole coach load was entering, our restaurant was empty the man said they didnt do lunches anymore but if we went to visit a beauty spot near by and came back in 45mins his wife would make us a meal, no deposit required just trust and back we came and a lovely local dish had been prepared and they said pay what you think is fair.
Yes you will enjoy, if we win the lottery we would retire there.

[JoolsTwo]

It is a lovely island, I agree with what Dee Sa says. We had a wonderful time there. We went at Christmas and there were lots of local traditional things going on. Lots of traditional dress and dancing going on through the streets. Try and have afternoon tea at Reeds - expensive but very nice. Loads of places to eat to suit any budget. And hiring a car is a good idea. We drove to the other side of the island, it is very different from the Funchal side, so is the weather. I am sure you will enjoy it.

[Dee Sa]

Jim Jools we didnt have tea at Reeds 'cos Chief Stout [ ie Mr Sa] refused to don a jacket & tie.
Dee

[lilacben]

You will love it. My husband and I both in our 50's have been twice and love it there.The people are so friendly and good delicous. Try the local fish Esparda which is so nice. With garlic and wine even better.! Enjoy!!

[SteveD]

I can't really answer your question because we haven't been yet (we're going in September). We have booked a flight/hotel package which also includes three levada walks selected from here:

http://www.naturemeetings.com/programmes/monda y.html

Maybe you have already come across this site:

http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/index.html

When will you be going? Please report back on this thread after you return (I'm going to subscribe to the thread).

[mandimoo]

hi all, well it sounds lovely so i think it will be on the cards. steve d - i havent booked yet. no been on many hols abroad in my life, and my last one was a bit of a disaster. booked a last minute to kardamena in kos, knowing nothing about the place, and we hated it, didnt want to make a similar mistake!

[lilacben]

Just one word of warning I forgot to mention it is very hilly there so be prepared to have your to legs ache for a couple of days. Brenda

[Stellabe]

hey. I agree with everyone else. Maderia is a very beautiful place to visit. The views of the ocean are fantastic. The airport/runway is amusing is also. The things i would recommend you do is the basket ride (just hang on), go onto a catamaran (they take you to see the dolphins and let u swim around also) and my favourite thing was a jeep ride over the whole island. I went when i was 23 yrs old and i loved it. Lazing around in the sun all day and going to see the sights. A definate must do holiday!

[SteveD]

Have you been yet, mandimoo? I would be interested to hear your coments as we are going next month.