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Thomson Destinations
With a climate that's near perfect, scenery that will knock your socks off, top hotels and great shopping, Madeira is the holiday island par excellence.
Madeira
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Serra de Santo Camacha Dentro
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Santa Achadas da Cruz Seixal Ribeira Ponta do da Vaca 1320 1640 Pargo Ramal Ruivo do Paul Faja da Ovelha Paul da Paul do Mar Calheta
Porto Moniz
Ponta da Calheta
Vila Baleira
Sao Vicente
Rosario
1725 Casado 1657 Pico Grande
Sao Jorge
Santana
Ilha
1818 Pico Arieiro
Faial Porto da Cruz Santo da Serra Canical
Baia de Abra
Nicknamed the Floating Garden thanks to its sub-tropical flowers and plants, not to mention soaring mountains and laurel forests, Madeira packs in some pretty amazing scenery. But it's not just a dream location for an episode of Gardener's World. It's got some of the world's finest resort hotels, designer stores and cutesy art and craft emporia. When it comes to showing you a good time, Madeira's a class act. British holidaymakers have been coming here ever since the island's most famous hotel, Reid's Palace, opened its doors in the 1800s. It attracted a select clientele that put Madeira firmly on the tourist map - the likes of Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw regularly checked in. But this isn't your typical sun, sea and sand destination. What you will find are purpose-built lidos and small rocky coves. And a certain magic that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. Things to see and do Botanical Gardens Madeira has more than its fair share of wonderful parks and gardens. But this is one of the crème de la crème. Created in 1960 on the site of an old colonial plantation, it's got more than 2000 flowers, shrubs and trees, representing just about every variety growing on Madeira. Don't miss the Bird of Paradise flowers and the rare orchid collection. Funchal Municipal Museum If you're into natural history you'll be in your element at this excellent museum, which displays land and sea creatures from the islands of the Madeira archipelago, including morays eels, eagle rays, scorpion fish, sea cucumbers, sea zephyrs, sharp-nosed puffers and loggerhead turtles. Madeira Wine Institute Incorporating the Madeira Wine Museum, this is the place for anyone interested in the history of Madeira wine, or who fancies a taste of the world famous fortified beverage. It's housed in a charming neo-classical palacio built in the 19th century.
Curral das Freiras Poiso Pass Ponto Camacha do Sol Ribeira Monte Brava Palheiro Canico Funchal
Machico Santa Cruz
Camara de Lobos
Canico de Baixo
Madeira
MADEIRA
5 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches Madeira is all about steep cliffs, but there are still plenty of places to stretch out next to the sea and catch some rays - most are pebbly or man-made. The closest to a Mediterranean-style beach is Ribeira Brava, and there's a man-made stretch of golden sand at Calheta. The nearest beach to Funchal is Praia Formosa, three small sandy bits and a larger sweep of pebbles. Prainha on the island's north east tip is a sheltered cove of black, volcanic sand. There are also several bathing complexes
and lidos, including the popular lido in Funchal and Sao Vincente in the north. But for the ultimate lazy day, head to Porto Santo. Just a short ferry ride will bring you to nine kilometres of soft golden sand.
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Canico
Location About 15km southwest of Santa Cruz Transfer time About 20 minutes The resort of Canico de Baixo is perched on a small promontory and is divided into two distinct areas - the traditional Old Village built around a fine 18th-century church and the main square, and the modern resort area with its stylish villas, hotels and holiday homes. The whole area is perfect for sunbathing and good for hiking, walking and golf - the 18-hole Palheiro Golf Course is a 20 minute drive away. There's a good selection of amenities including restaurants, bars, a mini-market and a bank.
Funchal
Location About 25km southwest of Santa Cruz Transfer time 40 to 50 minutes A uniquely spellbinding city, Funchal is like a portion of Portugal with a dash of Garden of Eden and a sprinkle of Edwardian Britain. In town, almost every street uncovers a fascinating sight or historic gem. Wander the old town with its quaint cobblestones, craft shops and pavement cafes. Explore the marina with its seafood restaurants before admiring the city's impressive Sé cathedral with its ornate ceiling and artworks. And take a look around the covered market, a montage of exotic fruit stalls and flower-sellers in traditional costume. Even after this, there's a long list of sights still waiting. Take a cable car to the mountain village of Monte and hurtle back down the cobbles in a wicker toboggan. For more sedate pleasures, try the Botanical Gardens. Or mooch around Funchal's museums and visit a wine lodge to learn wine making secrets.
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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