Magnificent Madeira
Funchal, the islands capital has famously colourful gardens and a cobbled old town that comes with a 15th-century cathedral and loads of traditional restaurants. There are plenty of shops, sophisticated bars, and a smart marina ringed with upscale places to eat.
For the first 5 nights of our trip, we stayed B&B at the Pestana Village & Miramar Garden Resort. The resort is located amongst 5,000 square metres of tropical gardens. The Miramar section of the resort is built within an old manor and has incredible views over the city of Funchal. There are 2 outdoor pool areas and a heated indoor pool. Our two girls randomly wanted to spend most of the time in the indoor pool!!
The village atmosphere is one of the resort’s greatest strengthens, offering peace and relaxation alongside welcoming and friendly service. The hotel is positioned between the city centre and the Lido area of the city so great for exploring both these areas on foot.
The final 2 nights of our holiday we stayed at the Enotel Lido resort which has recently been refurbished and has a great setting overlooking the Funchal Lido coastline. The hotel offers an All Inclusive Plus concept offering a variety of restaurants to dine in, rather than just a standard buffet. You can also enjoy internationally branded spirits and not the usual local drinks offered with standard All Inclusive. There is a spa if you want to escape, and also the location gives you easy reach of the local bars and restaurants around the Lido if you fancy venturing out.
The Lido coastal promenade in Funchal is lined with palm trees and bordered by lovely botanical gardens, this promenade links with the pebbled Praia Formosa beach at the western end of Funchal, offering breath-taking views over the sea.
During our stay we visited the Lido Bathing Complex, which features a large solarium, two saltwater pools, whose water is renewed every day. If you are feeling brave, there is a high driving board into the sea!
Another must thing to do in Funchal is a trip to Monte on the cable car. This trip offers magnificent panoramic views high above Funchal and provides access to botanical gardens. To get back down you can take the ‘toboggan ride!' and go sliding at high speed on narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. These wicker sledges glide on wooden runners, pushed and steered by two men traditionally dressed in white cotton clothes and a straw hat, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes!
There is so much more the city and island in general has to offer that we didn’t have chance to explore. Our only regret from the trip is not hiring a car in advance to explore the island and this will be a most on our next visit this beautiful, welcoming island!