Madeira and Porto Santo

With its dramatic land and seascapes, exuberant subtropical vegetation and temperate year-round climate, it is no wonder that the Portuguese island of Madeira can proudly look back upon a long history of playing host to discerning visitors. The island first came to fame around the middle of the 18th century, when the reported health benefits of its climate - and the existence of a couple of rather fine hotels - made it the in-place for aristocrats and assorted members of the high society from all over Europe to spend the winter months. But whilst this legacy means that today's visitors can enjoy a remarkable degree of comfort and sophistication, the island's image as a place where the wealthy come to relax in colonial splendour is only part of the story.

In fact, few other places that can be reached so easily from the UK offer such dramatic land and seascapes, and even the most active holidaymaker would suffer no shortage of things to do. Stunning scenery, exotic vegetation and a temperate climate all year round conspire to make this an island begging to be explored, whether on foot, by car or from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus. The beautifully laid-out tropical gardens provide a strong draw for aspiring gardeners and amateur botanists; an extensive network of footpaths running along 15th-century irrigation channels known as levadas have established Madeira as a mecca for walkers; and there are excellent leisure facilities, including two golf courses and a renowned scuba diving centre. Charming local towns and picturesque rural villages invite you to linger and absorb the traditional ambience, and the bustling capital, Funchal, offers a host of cosmopolitan pleasures whilst retaining its distinct colonial charm.

With a population of almost 300,000, Funchal is a proper city and is where the vast majority of visitors to the island opt to stay, but thanks to its size the place never feels overly touristy, especially as many tourists head straight for one of the hotels of the Lido area and rarely venture outside. Whilst the city has enough diversions to keep visitors entertained for the course of a holiday, it would be a shame to miss rural Madeira, and unlike most other UK tour operators, we have included a wide range of accommodation all around the island in our programme.

The best way to explore the breathtaking countryside is of course on foot, and there is an unrivalled network of footpaths, many running along the ancient levadas. With majestic peaks soaring to heights of 6,000 feet and sea cliffs plunging almost vertically into the ocean, mountainsides cloaked in dense forests and high plateaus covered in low shrubbery, deep gorges revealing ancient laurisilva and steep hillsides turned over the centuries into agricultural terraces, the terrain is varied enough to offer something for all levels of fitness and enthusiasm. The less energetic, who choose to drive or join one of the varied coach excursions on offer, can still enjoy the spectacular scenery as country roads bordered by agapanthus, estrelicia, eucalyptus
and chestnut lead to rural villages, revealing tantalising glimpses of the ocean and the mountain tops with every twist of the road.

Madeira's mountains and the ocean meet each other in quite a dramatic fashion, so the island is not best suited for those primarily seeking a beach holiday. However, there are some modest volcanic beaches to be found, as well as a man-made sandy beach at Calheta and several natural seawater swimming pools, the most famous of which are in Porto Moniz in the north west of the island. Those wishing to enjoy Madeira's spectacular scenery but not wishing to miss out on a truly magnificent sandy beach should consider a split-centre holiday with the small neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Whether you seek simplicity or sophistication, active pursuits or complete relaxation, Madeira has much to offer and can be enjoyed whatever the season.