The picturesque island of Madeira was discovered in the 15th century and has long been a popular holiday destination among people who are searching for intense natural beauty. There is an excellent range of cruise deals to Madeira available right now, which allows holidaymakers to save money to this idyllic cruise destination in Madeira.
The settlement of Funchal lies on the southeast coast of Madeira and boasts an excellent range of amenities, making it a popular place to use as a base while visiting Madeira island. There are plenty of luxurious hotels to be found here, which can be snapped out for a song during the low season. In addition to a wide range of excellent restaurants, shops and bars, Funchal also features a number of interesting attractions, such as the 15th century Cathedral, Santa Maria Maior and the stunning 17th century church “Igreja do Carmo”.
Exploring the Mercado dos Lavradores market in Funchal is a great way to get a feel for local life. People who are able to rise early will be rewarded by the sight of colourful flower sellers, local terrace farmers and fishermen, who all gather together at this marketplace to sell their wares.
Funchal also makes a good base for exploring other nearby destinations. People who want to sample Madeira Wine can do so in the many Wine Lodges in Funchal as well as head on over to the vineyards at Estreito de Camara dos Lobos, where they will have the chance to sample this locally produced tipple. There are many different types of Madeira wine that are just waiting to be tried, and people who have a sweet tooth are sure to enjoy sipping a glass or two of Malmsey or Bual, while Sercial wine is refreshingly dry.
Aside from its wine, Madeira is also famous for its sled rides. The sleds of Madeira are traditionally made from wicker and are driven by a pair of drivers. Twenty minute long sled rides are offered in the Funchal suburb of Monte, which is covered with cobble stones, ensuring that visitors receive a bumpy and exciting ride.
The island of Madeira is just 56 kilometres along and 21 kilometres wide, making it easy to explore for people who have their own transportation. There are 200 kilometres of coastline that are ideal for driving along, and the winding roads are marked with plenty of scenic viewpoints where motorists can stop and take in the scenery.
