Highlights of Madeira!

On Boxing Day, we kicked out our guests and headed to Madeira, a mere three and a half hours flight from Gatwick. West of Morocco, the weather was warm, mostly jeans and t shirt weather. A lovely break from the UK winter! Madeira was less touristy than I thought it would be. Funchal has its fair share of luxury hotels, however hop into a car for the day and you can explore lovely authentic coastal villages and towns which look like they haven’t changed in decades. It’s a very natural place, not overdeveloped, with lush forests and dramatic cliff views. The people are friendly, the food is tasty and inexpensive. Madeira might be known for having a more mature set of visitors, but there is plenty to do there to suit all ages. Diving, whale watching, golf, levada hiking, and many different water sports are available. Here are some of our highlights of Madeira: Nicest beach: Calheta, lovely yellow sand beach, one of only two on the island. Favourite activity: Admiring the views on the cable car from Funchal to Monte. Once there you can explore the fantastic botanical gardens. Most frightening: Testing my driving skills and nerves with some extremely steep roads on our road trip around western Madeira. Yummiest snack: Steak with fried egg and chips Most delicious drink: Sangria (large!) Madeiran hero: Cristiano Ronaldo (footballer) Most random place to have a Christmas tree: In an aquarium