exper expert ASK THE


“Madeira has been able to position itself as one of the safest destinations in Europe, and with its mild climate,


stunning landscapes and activities, it’s an ideal destination for a post-lockdown retreat. The destination is underrated and offers far more than just beaches and city, with a landscape that looks like it’s from Jurassic Park. It’s a stereotype that we’re just for the older generation – we attract lots of adrenaline seekers, and Porto Santo is a hidden gem with isolated beaches. About 60% of hotels are open and there is strong demand for villas. Hiring a car is easy; the airport is 20 minutes from Funchal, which makes a good base. We work closely with the UK trade and in June, 120 buyers are due to come for Connections’ first


face-to-face event since lockdown. We are also hoping to release an online agent training course soon.”


Joana Dias, UK account manager, Madeira Promotion Bureau


CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Dolphin-watching boat trip; Prima Caju restaurant; Belmond Reid’s Palace; Funchal PICTURES: Nick Bayntun; Tyson Sadlo; Shutterstock


I hear about the new generation of chefs at restaurants such as Kampo by Chef Julio Pereira, and how many properties are wooing digital nomads – travellers who stay for weeks on end, mixing business with pleasure. But Funchal also retains its appeal


BOOK IT


Sunvil offers a week at The Vine Hotel from £869, based on two sharing on a B&B basis with British Airways flights from Heathrow and private transfers. sunvil.co.uk


FIND OUT MORE


E madeiraallyear.com E winetoursmadeira.com E hittheroadmadeira.com E rota-dos-ceteceos.pt


38 7 JANUARY 2021


to more traditional sunseekers; visitors can follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill, who was once a guest at Belmond Reid’s Palace, and Margaret Thatcher, who stayed twice at the Savoy (now the Savoy Palace, built on the original site and opened in July 2019). Alfresco afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace is a delightful way to experience the hotel’s old-style elegance and superb views (from €36).


ISLAND ADVENTURES Beyond the capital, Madeira seems to be getting a name for itself among adventurous types. On a jeep tour taking in the volcanic island’s rocky peaks with local operator Hit the Road, my guide Jeff de Gouveia highlights how tourism has evolved,


Madeira’s first


tourists were aristocrats coming for their health; now people come for soft adventure such as canyoning and paragliding


especially in the past five years. “Madeira’s first tourists were


aristocrats coming for their health, staying in manor houses called quintas,” he says. “Now people come for soft adventure – epic but still safe, such as canyoning and paragliding. You can be back on the beach within an hour.” The tourist board has created a


website (madeiraoceantrails.com) to highlight these more adventurous activities, emphasising how the island has developed from a


destination for mature tourists and golfers to one that also appeals to younger, more intrepid travellers. Thrill-seekers can enjoy cable car trips, hair-raising downhill rides in traditional wicker toboggans and vertigo-inducing views from Cabo Girão Skywalk, looking over some of the steepest cliffs in Europe. Hikers and wildlife lovers have their share of thrills too. I trekked along a levada – part of a network of irrigation channels – and joined a boat trip to see dozens of dolphins bounding around beside us (from €49.50 with Rota dos Ceteceos).


DIVERSE APPEAL It’s not only for adrenaline-seekers, of course; families will find plenty of sandy beaches in Calheta, on the west coast, and Seixal, in the north, alongside long golden stretches on sister island Porto Santo. Trendy types can head for the funky Maktub bar in Paúl Do Mar, located on Madeira’s eastern tip and known as one of the best spots to watch the sun sink into


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