Madeira

I have just returned from the beautiful island of Madeira, where I was a guest of the Madeira Tourist Board. Madeira is a small volcanic island situated approximately 500 miles off the West African coast. It was discovered in 1419.

I flew on a direct flight from Manchester to Funchal,l which took 3 hours. Madeira Airport is small, so I was soon through immigration and collecting my case. There is no time difference between Madeira & the UK.

I was collected at the airport with a transfer and taken to the hotel. The roads were upgraded in 1999, when tunnels were made in the rocks, and new roads were built. The transfer is about 20minutes to Funchal.

You can also use Uber or Bolt.

Where did I stay?

I stayed at the 5* Cliff Bay hotel (featured above), which is situated in a prime cliff-top position with sweeping views of the port and city of Funchal. It is part of the Portobay Hotel chain comprising 7 hotels worldwide. There is a lift down to sea level, where there is a large saltwater pool and a jacuzzi, a jetty to access the sea, and a restaurant. The hotel also has a spa with a heated indoor/outdoor pool. There were lots of sunbeds scattered around the hotel grounds in secluded areas.

The hotel has 2 bars & 5 restaurants, including a 2-Michelin-star restaurant called Il Gallo d‘Or.

I stayed in a Funchal Bay View Room, which had amazing views across the bay towards the harbour and the city of Funchal. The room was very spacious,s with a large bathroom with a bath & separate shower, and twin sinks.

Can I recommend any nice restaurants?:

KAMPO by chef Julio Pereira. The meals are prepared in the open kitchen, so the customer has a front-row seat. Meals in Madeira are mainly beef and locally caught fish.

AVISTA, which is located in Les Suites at the Cliff Bay. This Michelin-star restaurant serves Mediterranean & Asian cuisines and has amazing views over the bay.

RESTAURANT IL VIVALDI is situated in the historic Caso do Turista building on the promenade facing the marina.

NINI DESIGN CENTRE is located at the top of the old fortress at the port of Funchal. There are amazing views of both Funchal and the sea. There is also an exhibition & shop. The modern glass restaurant has black & white tones. The restaurant serves local and Atlantic cuisine.

VILA DO PEIXE is a seafood restaurant situated in CCâmarade Lobos. It has great views over the old fishing village.

QUINTA DAS MALVAS is situated in a working vineyard with views over Funchal. We had a Blandy‘s madeira wine tasting. We then had a lunch cooked by the chef paired with home-produced wines.

​

AUDAX is a recommended Michelin-star restaurant situated near the seafront of Funchal. We received an 8-course meal of Madeiran cuisine paired with local wine.

What is there to see & do?

We did a city walking tour visiting Funchal Farmers Market, Bordal Embroidery Factory, and Santo Antonio Traditional Confectionery.

We took a tour along the coast and up to the north coast of Madeira.  We met & helped prepare a traditional Madeiran lunch in a local‘s home. We also visited the dramatic volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz.

You can ride the cable car from Funchal up to Monte. You can visit the tropical gardens and take in the breathtaking views over Funchal.

You can then take the Madeira Toboggan, which is an iconic 170-year-old downhill ride in a wicker basket sledge. It is 2km in length, and you are guided by traditional drivers called carreiros. Payment is made in cash, and there are no online reservations. You can avoid the queues and pay to fast-track.

You can take a 2-hour ferry across to the island of Porto Santo if you fancy a slower pace of life.

Football fans can visit the Cristiano Renaldo museum by the port and have their photo with his statue.

This was my first visit to Madeira, nd I absolutely loved it. I will certainly be back to do more exploring.