Madeira

[Lancstree]

I'm off to the floating garden Island soon. I'm looking forward to it but we just need to sort some self catering villa or apartment. Has anyone got any tips for things to do, places to buy cheap food and drink etc. I may look at hiring a car too.

[nepia]

As it's such a small place you won't miss much if you hire a car - definitely do that and make it a small one; drive the north coast road (spectacular) and you'll see why.

Make sure you get into the middle of the island too; the yomping is brilliant. You get mountain scenery in a warm climate.

The plants obviously have much to do with the place but don't expect drama from the named gardens; we were very disappointed with them. Stick to the wild.

 

Old Funchal is beautiful but not large. Leave the car on the outskirts and walk in.

 

You'll love it but you'll probably feel like the youngest one there.

[likeitorlumpit]

Walk the Laverdas

Some of them are mighty vertiginous especially with all the landslides last year.

Laverda do nort was one i remember-Best way is taxi to the start then taxi back from the end. Hire cars OK but don't expect one without dents etc in it- they don't seem to check when you return them though.

Brilliant place though- just walk as much as you can - there is lorisilva forest -think thats how you spell it-

No real beaches

[likeitorlumpit]

levarda do norte

check it out on you tube- but expect it to be worse than the video

[likeitorlumpit]

[sawmonkey]

i've been lucky enough to have gone there several times (mainly for the fishing) pm me and i'll give you the number for the local taxi driver i use, he's a brilliant bloke and will take you and show you all the best bits, he is better than any tour guide ive ever heard of and doesnt charge the earth, he will also sort you out with the best places to eat (and you'll pay "local" rates rather than tourist rates)

 

but either way, enjoy yourself

[Lancstree]

Thanks everyone. It looks like we're booking an apartment in Funchal which has everything nearby so a car won't be essential but will price one up at the airport. Sawmonkey I'll send a pm now

[slasherscot]

been to madiera a while back....the airport runaway was short....i mean short.....bound to be longer now.

i remember they have a lot of Eucalyptus trees, it was meant to keep the mosquitos away.

 

i remember going to see a famous sheer drop, i almost froze to the spot. Beaches wernt up to much, Funchal nice at nighttime, food good especially if u like seafood

Edited December 28, 2010 by slasherscot

[Johny Walker]

get yer sen to the brandy & cake factory the wife & i got some what tippsy ther ,some graet trees ther growing out of the rock fasces:thumbup1:

[likeitorlumpit]

been to madiera a while back....the airport runaway was short....i mean short.....bound to be longer now.

i remember they have a lot of Eucalyptus trees, it was meant to keep the mosquitos away.

 

i remember going to see a famous sheer drop, i almost froze to the spot. Beaches wernt up to much, Funchal nice at nighttime, food good especially if u like seafood

 

still short

everyone clapped when we landed

They now see the eucalyptus as invasive and are trying to control them- plenty still there though- mighty fine specimens too