The ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal is a restored Madeiran mansion that boasts suites which are located in the original mansion, while the studios are situated in the modern annex. Besides its panoramic views over the city, the mountains and the sea, there is a lovely botanical garden in which to relax. Choose your view.

Madeira’s signature dish is espetada, chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves, skewered on a laurel branch or metal skewer, and grilled. To serve, the skewers are hung from unique contraptions, and diners pair them with bolo do caco, a type of bread made in part with sweet potato that’s toasted and slathered with garlic butter; milho frito, cubes of deep-fried polenta; and a green salad.I love digging into regional food and the Sunday market in Santo António da Serra, a mountaintop village in the island’s east, is Madeira’s culinary scene in miniature. Vendors assemble in the early morning and bring a huge variety of tropical fruits – bananas, of course, but also passionfruit, guava, papaya, custard apple, pitanga, tamarillo and other fruit generally more associated with South America. Read more about golfing in Madeira 4 star boutique accommodation in Funchal Castanheiro Boutique hotel rooftop pool and views Driving in Madeira has its challenges. The island is incredibly hilly, and its roads can be intimidatingly steep and winding. If you don’t feel confident driving in these circumstances, be sure to rent an automatic (more expensive than the standard European manual, but worth it in this case). How long do I need in Madeira? Unless your accommodation offers regular transfers to Funchal, or you’re happy to stay put, you’ll need a car to get around the rest of Madeira. With a vehicle, you have good access from Calheta to many of the popular walking trails in the west of the island. Special places to stay near Calheta Vila Flora has 3 bedrooms, a garden and a private pool. It’s a very tranquil place with great ocean views. The perfect spot to relax. Take a look at these gorgeous photos.

This small, northwesterly coastal town is most famous for its natural swimming pool complexes. Their popularity means there are several restaurants and accommodation options in Porto Moniz so it could be a useful place to stay if you don’t need much more to keep you entertained. Smaller than Machico but even closer to the airport is the coastal village of Santa Cruz. It has a pretty historical centre with a few cafés and restaurants, a market and a delightful promenade. Seafront, Santa Cruz, Madeira Where to stay in Santa Cruz Stone Lovers is a charming 1 bedroom cottage set above the village with its own pool and garden and a range of interesting features. See photos and full amenitiesWhen it comes to mains, meat lovers can sink their teeth into espetadas (beef cubes speared with a bay leaf twig) and wine-marinated pork carne de vinho e alhos, while fish lovers can go for espada, or scabbardfish.

Casa da Graça is a clean, bright 4-bedroomed holiday home that boasts a great location and views from the terrace. You can make use of the hot tub after a long day of sightseeing and there is free car parking. See photos and prices. Using Santa Cruz as a place to stay on Madeira Island Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol is 4-star design hotel perched on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean and featuring an infinity pool and hot tub with panoramic views. Room décor is totally white and each room has floor to ceiling windows leading onto balconies, some with sea views others with garden views. Customer service is excellent and there is a free shuttle service to the airport if you don’t intend to drive. Get full details and availability

Sampling the local hooch

Ponta do Sol is a small, attractive town on the southern coast of Madeira with a pebble beach and could be a possible base if you have a car or stay in a hotel that offers transfers. Ponta do Sol, Madeira Hotels in Madeira – Ponta do Sol Unfortunately, Madeira isn’t exactly a budget destination. Accommodation is relatively expensive, with relatively few hostels or budget options, and a rental car is needed to get to the more remote corners of the island. The beautifully designed Castanheiro Boutique Hotel successfully retains elements of the original building, located on a quiet road yet very close to the old town and amenities. Sea and hill views from the year round rooftop pool and hot tub are spectacular. Rooms are spacious, modern and clean, beds are extremely comfortable and breakfasts are excellent. Book a room.

Many of the resort hotels are clustered around the Lido promenade, which is great for ocean views and swimming pools and handy for restaurants and shopping. It’s a bit of a trek into the old town from here, although there are regular buses and taxis shouldn’t cost much. This is the most ‘touristy’ part of the city, good for families and doesn’t involve many hills. The luxurious, 5-star all-inclusive Enotel Lido Madeira Hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and sauna and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with direct access to the oceanfront promenade. Get more details. If you are more in the market for independent apartments and villas in Funchal, there are plenty to choose from. PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA EAST OF FUNCHAL Guide books for Portugal rarely go into any detail about the Madeira islands so you should consider buying a dedicated book.

Ditching the beach for spectacular seaside pool complexes

If, like me, your interests centre around food and walking, this guidebook may fit the bill Madeira (Walk and Eat) (Walk & Eat) You can get to Porto Moniz by bus but the journey is long and unless you’re happy to stay put once you’re there, it would be best to have a car to give you some freedom. Porto Moniz from above Hotels in Madeira – Porto Moniz Madeira is linked to the world via Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (yes, he’s a native of the island), a destination for international flights, including direct flights from New York City. The addition of a marina and imported golden sand from Morocco has raised the profile and appeal of Calheta as well as the number of restaurants and cafés. It’s also home to a vintage sugar cane factory and a contemporary arts centre should you be looking for some cultural activities. If you’re looking for an apartment, the 3-bedroomed VIP Baia penthouse apartment is a good option. Spacious, light and well equipped, it features panoramic mountain views, a garden and terrace. It’s centrally located with restaurants and shops very close by and about a minute’s walk from the beach. Underground parking is also available. Get full details