Madeira

[Kathyan]

Has anyone been to Madeira? We've just booked a holiday there for two weeks in November and we've never be before.

[Jennykenny]

Lovely island, not the most exciting in the world, but great restaurants, friendly people and amazing scenery. If you are hiring a car be warned that the roads are steep and scary. Are you based in the capital, Funchal? I only saw the capital, so can't comment on the rest of the island, but loads of friends have been and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is perhaps an island for older people rather than lots of nightlife and discos, but I'm sure you will enjoyed it anyway. Take walking/hiking shoes as the interior is very steep and hilly. Fantastic gardens and flowers everywhere.

[emeritus]

Went a few years ago now in September. The weather was very pleasant not too hot. Beautiful Scenery up in the mountains and lots of organised walks along Levadas (Irrigation Channels) if you feel energetic. Its very much a Seniors type of place very little in the way of Nightlife but plenty of nice restaurants / Bars. Because it is Sub Tropical the Flora and Fauna is also spectacular.

The main travel company on the island is Strawberry World their site may give you some more info although I am not advertising or recommending them hope you enjoy

http://www.strawberry...al/madeira/index.html

[VHG]

You book a holiday THEN ask what it is like ?

[Prudie]

LOL VHG and very true! I wouldn't like it as it has no beaches.

[jamesnan]

I have been a couple of times, and would say, book a car if only for a couple of days (do it locally for a good price) and drive over the whole island - you can do the right hand side to the top coming back right the way down the middle on one day, and the other side the next. Lots of fantastic scenery, more mountainous than you would think, and very enjoyable.
Try the Espada, which is the local fish, very nice indeed. Don't forget the local wines either, you can have tasters of the madeira wine, and the madeira cake there is not the same as the one available here.
Go up to the top of the cable car, where the botanical gardens are, and spend some time there, wandering around the plants. It is cooler there as well, so if the weather is a bit warm in Funchal, then that is the time to go.
Have a good time.

[ubasses]

Went in September a few years ago, temperature in the 30's. Did loads of walking along the Levadas, bought a book telling us about them. Went everywhere by bus as we were staying in Funchal, we thought the old town was best, more traditional restaurants. Took a coach tour to see most of the island in a full day. Go to the market, really colourful site.

[Kathyan]

Thanks everyone. We are not beach people so not bothered about that. We are nearing senior age and just go on holiday to relax. I have arthritis and can't walk far, but the idea of hiring a car is good.

[lilacben]

Have been there a couple of times. It is a pretty island but very steep and hilly. Not the place for someone with difficulty in walking. The Levada walks are good and you see the countryside. Just love the local fish...Espada, just wish you could get it in this country. I am not that good with fish but love this one. Hire a car and see the island yourslef or go on a trip. There is just one beach but I am not sure where it is now. There was a hotel there and it was in the front of that. Peaceful place and if you feel like something special go to Reids (I think it is called) Hotel for an afternoon Tea costs about £20 or so but supposed to be good. Enjoy it. x

[Matheous-2]

Take a camera- the mountain scenery is breathtaking! We were there in February, was quite warm then.....I'm sure you'll love it!

[atalanta]

Had a dreadful time. Poured with rain the whole time, often torrential. We rented a car but the one-way streets are so badly signposted that you cannot help turning into one going the wrong way.
And we got burgled - the hotel managers were indignant that we accused them of lack of security, but they didn't seem remotely surprised. It clearly happens far more often than you are told. The police, too, are very familiar with tourists being robbed and burgled in the hotel rooms - even while they are sleeping.

[malagabob]

Have not read the answers in detail but i dont think anyone has mentioned the cheese sledges. Starting point not far from the botanical gardens.
At the finishing point there is a small bar, well its a little old ladies front room 10x6. Worth a visit for a beer or wine.