Lying about 500 miles south of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira covers an area of only 270 square miles. But despite its small size, the mountainous terrain mans that distances between the various town and places of interest are much greater than they would be otherwise. However, unlike some volcanic islands, the land is surprisingly lush and fertile. Whatever he season, the island is a perpetual floating garden. Orchids and hibiscus, bougainvillaea, blood-red poinsettias and ‘red-hot pokers’ all thrive in the mild subtropical climate.

     Bananas and grapes also flourish on the island. Madeira has long been associated with the fortified wine, which bears its name, and vineyards are to be found all over the island.

Funchal

Funchal, Town Hall Square

     Funchal, Madeira’s tiny capital, makes a good base from which to tour the rest of the island. The town itself is best explored on foot, but take your time. Funchal is not a place to be rushed. Quiet squares bordered by elegant 17th and 18th century buildings, parks, pavement cafes and benches on the shady streets invite you to linger and take in the atmosphere. Even the pavements demand your attention - the painstakingly constructed mosaics that pattern the cobbled streets are real works of art.

     Se Cathedral is the towns most important landmark. Dating from the 15th century, the design is delightfully simple with the exception of a finely carved Arab-style ceiling. Besides the cathedral, the town has dozens of other churches, most of which are richly decorated with paintings, carvings and crystal chandeliers.

     For a small town, Funchal has more than its fair share of museums. Quinta das Cruzes has a fascinating 'archaeological garden’ where tombstones, relics from old buildings, waterspouts and fountains taken from locations all around the islands are displayed. At the Museu de Arts Sacra, art lovers are treated to a rare collection of 15th and 16th century Flemish paintings, a legacy from the island’s early trading with the Belgian city of Bruges.

     Madeira is primarily a place of natural beauty and most visitors really enjoy Funchals’ many parks and gardens. The Botanical Gardens are a feast of colour, size and shape with species from all over the world. Its hillside location giving spectacular views over the town is an added bonus.

Madeira’s fortified wines - dry, medium and sweet

Funchal marina

     Wherever you go in Madeira, you will be greeted with the same lush countryside made up of terraced farms, patch works of green fields, banana plantations, vineyards, cold streams, rivers and waterfalls.

     There are several ways to explore the island. If you don’t want to join organised coach excursions, you can rent a car or hire a taxi with a qualified driver-guide which is inexpensive and convenient. Whichever way you choose, do try to include at least one levada walk. Levadas are narrow canals, built as an ingenious method of channelling water to irrigate terrace crops. Madeira has a network of over 600 miles of levadas. Since they cut through the heart of forests, a levada walks allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the island in a way that cannot be experienced from the window of a car or coach.

     Due to the rough terrain, a one day island tour is impossible. Most organised tours offer separate visits to the east and west of the island. Porto Moniz, on the north-west tip of Madeira has a series of natural rock pools, and is reached by an exhilarating cliff drive. Santana, a village in the north-east, with a charming collection of picturesque thatched cottages, is not to be missed.