Madeira - the Garden Isle

I was lucky enough to travel to the beautiful Island of Madeira in April of this year. Set in the eastern Atlantic, this beautiful island is only a 3 and a half-hour flight from the UK.

The island is 35 miles long and 16 miles wide and its subtropical climate and moderate rainfall mean that Madeira is well worth a visit at any time of the year. Madeira has been dubbed 'The Garden Isle' and your decision about when to travel may well be dependent upon which flowers you want to see in bloom. There are also plenty of festivals and local celebrations throughout the year. For warm, clear weather, ideal for hill and mountain walking, spring, summer and autumn are best, but when you want to escape the british winter, Madeira is an ideal choice at any time of year.

If you are looking for a holiday that boasts golden sandy beaches then Madeira may not be the place for you. However the majority of hotels offer comprehensive leisure facilities that include great swimming pools, overlooking the beautiful seas or the stunning gardens surrounding the hotels.

Whilst I was there I visited 7 hotels including:

Reids Palace – Famous for Afternoon Tea, attentive service, old-world charm and modern amenities. A firm favouring amongst Miles Morgan Travel's customers.

Cliff Bay – Stylish and luxurious cliff top hotel with a wealth of facilities and amenities.

Pestana Casino Park - superb location, just a short walk from the centre of Funchal.

Quintinha De Sao Joao – a relaxed atmosphere and a small and friendly hotel. The restaurant also serves a desert to die for – The Chocolate Bomb!

Quinta Casa Velha Do Palheiro – a stunning small retreat set in beautiful and natural surroundings. Conveniently located for golf and botany enthusiasts.

Quinta Do Estreito Vintage House – nestled amongst the vineyards, a walk through the gardens brings you to the Adeta Da Quinta Restaurant – a must visit!

Quinta Jardins Do Lago – last but not least, this was my favourite, set in six acres acres of botanical gardens along with an ornamental lake and the Quinta’s giant pet tortoise – Colombo! The Quinta was homely and the service and food exceptional!

My Top 3 suggestions of things to do would be;

Funchal – the island’s capital is home to mosaic-patterned streets, embroidery shops, elegant town houses with balconies dripping with flowers and an array of restaurants to choose from.

Levada Walking – an extensive network of irrigation canals, you can simply navigate by map and follow your own trail or join a walking tour led by professional hikers and guides.

Cable Car to Monte followed by Monte Toboggan – the 15-minute cable car trip offers magnificent views over Funchal with a ride back down in a wicker basket controlled by two conductors in traditional dress who push, pull and brake as required! Got to be seen to be believed!

All in all I found Madeira to be a charming little gem of an island that stole my heart!