Madeira (Portugal) > Reviews > Visited Madeira twice in 2000

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around

Advantages:	No extremes of temperature, interesting food, sheer beauty and still not too spoiled by tourism
Disadvantages:	No beach, most of Madeira is hillside

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I visited Madeira in May and December 2000. I stayed at Raga Hotel and Quinta de Sol, travelling each time from Manchester. I got about using the bus service which, once the various timetables have been mastered, provides interesting journeys into the countryside. The views are stunning though not too good for those with a fear of heights. There are many interesting restaurants in Funchal and some of them put on floor shows of Madeiran music. This music and dance is remarkably like the English morris dancing. If visiting without a car it would be best to stay in or around Funchal. If one stayed in one of the outlying villages one would be rather cut off without a car. The island is a gardener's paradise and I would make special mention of the Botanic Garden and Monte.