Portland Package Holidays : Holidays to Madeira; Cheap Holidays to Madeira; Bargain Holidays to Madeira |
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Enter your holiday requirements below, to search for Portland package holidays to Madeira. Search for your perfect holiday to Madeira, with Portland Holidays DirectMadeiraThe bewitching isle of Madeira rises up from the sparkling waves of the Atlantic Ocean like an emerald jewel. Boasting a balmy, sub-tropical climate, Madeira is renowned for its stunning scenery, simply overflowing with exotic flora. Awash with colour throughout the year, Madeira is affectionately called the 'Floating Garden'. Dramatic mountains overlook terracotta-roofed villages and vineyards heavy with grapes while lush meadows, speckled with fuchsia pink and bright orange blooms, spill down valleys and volcanic hillsides to a dramatic coastline lapped by waters of deepest blue.Food & Wine in Madeira Madeira is known for its wine production and its range of fortified 'Madeira' are of particular renown. The wine is 'cooked' in the sun for six months and then topped up with brandy. Why not enjoy a spot of wine tasting at one of the famous lodges in Funchal and learn how to tell a 'Malmsey' from a 'Verdelho'? While its wine is unique, Madeira's cuisine is generally influenced by Portuguese cooking. There are countless cafes and restaurants whose menus, as you would expect, centre around fish. For a real taste of the island try the local speciality dish 'peixe espada', black scabbard fish. This is a delicious, long, thin fish and is particular to Madeira. 'Espatada', skewered beef, is another favourite and is usually served with an array of fresh vegetables. You can wash all this down with the local fire water, 'poncha', before tucking into a Madeiran must, 'bolo de miel', Madeira cake. Days & Nights in Madeira While far from being frenetic, Madeira's nightlife is sophisticated and vibrant, reflecting the island's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Whether you want to dance the night away or simply enjoy a fruity cocktail, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Put on your glad rags for a night on the town in Funchal where you'll find a good number of discerning bars and smart clubs. For a really glamorous night out, head to the capital's exclusive casino and try your luck at blackjack or roulette. Alternatively, the old town's winding alleyways brim with traditional bars where you can sample a taste of local life. Many of the hotels stage live music and cabarets including folklore nights so there's never a dull moment. Sights & Sounds in Madeira Sightseeing: Ideally explored on foot, Madeira is a walker's paradise. If you're a keen rambler, it's worth checking out the well-organised walking tours around the ancient irrigation channels known as 'levadas'. Dug into the mountainsides, they were once used to carry water from high up in the hills to the fields and villages below. You're sure to be enchanted by the breathtaking views, crisp mountain air and scenic routes past verdant vineyards, banana plantations and slopes cloaked with colourful flowers. Sun & Sand in Madeira Home to some of the steepest cliffs in the world, Madeira is actually the summit of an underwater mountain that rises up above the ocean. As such, the island is not renowned for its sandy shores. However there are some beaches where you can stretch out beneath the sub-tropical sun. Canical on the east coast plays host to a small sandy cove while some pebbly beaches can be found in Santa Cruz and Machico. There's also a public lido in Funchal which has access to the sea for swimming and makes for a perfect alternative to the beach. Neighbouring Porto Santo is just a short island hop away if you're looking for fine golden sands with its 9km stretch of beach. Find out more about Portland Holidays, including prices and availability. Portland Holidays have 1000's of package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to search for a holiday in any of Portland Holiday's package holiday resorts. Thomas Cook Holidays have over 100 package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to search for a holiday in any of Thomas Cook's package holiday resorts. Thomson Holidays have over 100 package holiday resorts around the world. We have provided details of the most popular locations. However, you can use the search facility at the top of this page to search for a holiday in any of Thomson Holiday's package holiday resorts. |