Madeira: the most enviable island on earth?

Dramatic cliffs line the coast of Madeira (photo: Alamy; MWC)

"Madeira is not Ibiza. It attracts a more mature clientele, and raving is limited to enthusing about the island’s dramatic scenery and botanical wonders." This is how the article on The Telegraph on the 9th of March 2015. Please, read on.

One of the earliest ravers was H N Coleridge, nephew of the poet, who waxed lyrical after a visit in 1825: “I should think the situation of Madeira the most enviable on the whole earth. It ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury.” Madeirans know this of course, and over the years have enhanced their quality of life by producing a cornucopia of fine food and wine. They have also helpfully provided access to their tumultuous countryside by building more than 1,000 miles of irrigation channels, accompanied by footpaths that snake through the kind of striking landscapes dreamt up by J R R Tolkien.

Paradise isle: Madeira

Explore unspoilt Madeira

photo copyright: Madeira Islands Tourism

A volcanic island that juts majestically out of the ocean, the geographical tapestry of Madeira is amazing; sheer cliffs, ancient laurel forests, a jagged and rocky coastline and mountain tops cloaked in mist. Best of all, it’s cheap and easy to reach. Ankita Mahabir checks out the scenic isle (WTG 2012).

For outdoor lovers:
Madeira is full of contradictions; you could be sitting on a sunny beach one moment and driving through rain and rainbows the next. Its high mountains and low valleys make it a great destination for hikers. Few man-made creations can rival nature's work but the levadas (water channels) of Madeira might just be one of them. Built almost 400 years ago, this 2,000km-long (1,242 miles) network also substitutes as a walking path.

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"We have had a wonderful holiday"; Sofia's place is so comfortable, home from home"; "Thank you for making us so welcome"; "The Christmas goodies and decorations were very much appreciated"; "Jardim do Mar is a very special place"; "We hope to return again soon."

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Wicker toboggan ride

Wicker toboggan ride in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The Madeiran wicker taboggan ride is among the 7 of the world's coolest commutes, according to CNN (February 23, 2015).

Although more tourists than locals now use this unusual form of transport, visitors to Madeira can still see the odd businessman being guided down the city's hills to work, says CNN.

The wicker sledges and their rubber-soled pushers first appeared in the 19th century, when locals invented the mode of transport as a way of getting to Madeira's city center from the hilltop district of Monte.

Today this one-mile journey remains the most popular route on the system.

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Why Madeira is well worth a visit

 

photo origin/copyright

Lush tropical gardens, quaint old villages, famed wines, quirky art, and untouched nature as far as the eye can see. This is Madeira, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, an island so remote and sophisticated, it feels like another world entirely.

THE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Well-maintained botanical gardens, lush greenery, and breathtaking exotic flowers at every turn gave Madeira its nickname of “The Floating Garden in the Atlantic”. But what really mesmerizes and enthralls the visitor is the diversity of its astonishing landscapes. You can enjoy everything, from gloriously green mountains vistas to coastal views that rival the best in the world. Please, read on.

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November 2014

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November 2014

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"Enjoyed the time in this very beautiful house, which inspired us for future plans"; "Maybe next time we bring the children in the Spring or in the Summer"; "Sofia's kindness."

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