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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Anybody been to Madeira?

15 replies

scratchmyback · 04/05/2010 11:16

Has anybody been to Funchal in Madeira? We have just booked to go for a couple of weeks and wondered if anyone had been and can give me any idea of what it was like.

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girlywhirly · 04/05/2010 14:57

Funchal was lovely when we went a couple of years ago. Sadly since all the flooding I don't know whether it has been restored fully. The island is composed of several microclimates, which enables a wide variety of fruit and veg to be grown. The cable cars are great, and the gardens at the top are beautiful. I enjoyed the food very much, lots of grills and the most perfect avocadoes I've ever tasted. The place where the Madeira is made does tours and tastings (Blandys)

We stayed on the sea front near the old town and harbour, a lot of the big tourist hotels are at the other end of the town.

omnishambles · 04/05/2010 15:01

Yep we went last year - lots to do for aweek - longer then you'll have to get out and about round the whole island...oh and theres not much sand. but there are lidos and a water park somewhere.

The tropical gardens up the cable car are great - ds' favourite thing was the fish market bizarrely oh and we also did a dolphinwatching trip for about 30each - wouldnt take anyone dc younger than 4 on that though...

girlywhirly · 04/05/2010 15:06

We bought two guides, the AA map and guide and the Thomas Cook Travellers Madeira book, available from bookshops. Useful for planning what you'd like to see/do.

ajandjjmum · 04/05/2010 15:15

We went there about three years ago. Not a traditional 'sunny holiday island', but we enjoyed it, although the weather in May wasn't great.

Called in for a day off a cruise a few weeks ago. Funchal has been largely cleared up from the flood damage, although you could see some of the damage travelling on the cable car.

The museum (by the cable car base) was really interesting, the flowers absolutely gorgeous and the lace unbelievably expensive! Tea on the terrace at Reids was lovely.

ScaredOfCows · 04/05/2010 16:59

We went this February - got back just before the floods. It is a really beautiful island. I'd recommend hiring a car for a few days to make the most of it. The mountains inland are stunning.
Plenty to do and some lovely restaurants. Better to stay near the centre of Funchal, I think.

Original poster
scratchmyback · 04/05/2010 19:24

Thanks for all your replies, great info here. I had read about the cable cars and am planning to go on one of those.

But, its also just me and dp going for a chill out for 10 days. We will do some sightseeing but also want to just sit by the pool and do nothing some of the time. Will it be warm enough to do this in July do you think?

We are staying at Pestana Carlton hotel and its meant to be in the centre of Funchal.

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omnishambles · 04/05/2010 22:13

It will be absolutely baking...so yes...the sun is really powerful as well (it took us by surprise) - so take care

Original poster
scratchmyback · 05/05/2010 10:32

Really? Baking? I thought the absolute maximum it got to was about 23 degrees?

Oh I will have to be careful - I dont do strong sun very well so am going to have to stock up on high factor.

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omnishambles · 05/05/2010 10:43

It seems cooler because of the sea breezes but the sun is really very strong - we were there in July and after 10am it was too hot to walk in the sun with the children for any length of time at all.

ScaredOfCows · 05/05/2010 10:47

Pestana Carlton isn't in the centre of Funchal, but I don't think it is too far out. Pestana Casino is the one closest to the centre, all the other big hotels are further out than that.

BeenBeta · 05/05/2010 10:51

The weather is very changeable. One minute intense sun, next rain, next wind.

The sun can play tricks and DW got very burnt. It feels cool because of the ocean breeze but the sun is intense - even if cloudy.

It is a beautiful place, been back several times. Not sure what it looks like after the floods though.

Original poster
scratchmyback · 05/05/2010 14:27

Well that makes it tricky for packing BeenBeta - suppose i need things to cover all weather!

But I will make sure I cover up with suncream as the sun can be decieving if there is a breeze.

Do you know if the hotel within walking distance of the centre ScaredofCows?

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BeenBeta · 05/05/2010 14:32

We always take a cagoul in a fold away pack, one warm jumper for evenings and several lighter ones for just taking with you during the day plus the normal summer beach type clothes.

Most importantly take some sensible walking shoes plus normal beach/holiday type footwear. The place is very hilly and you may want to take in a walk in the levadas (drainage channels) where the flowers are.

BeenBeta · 05/05/2010 14:35

Yes the Pestana Carlton is quiet walkable to town - in sensible shoes. It is down a fairly steady hill into town but you may well want to take a taxi back.

Original poster
scratchmyback · 05/05/2010 20:37

Thanks BeenBeta, I am really looking forward to it now, it sounds great.

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