✿Needtravelinsurancethissummer?Compareupto 61 prices
onlineatallcleartravel.co.ukorcall 08006404856 forFREE.Joinover
2.8millioninsuredwithcomprehensivemedicaltravelinsurance!estis listedby
UNESCO as a World Natural
Heritage Site and around
two-thirds of the island is a
protected nature reserve.
We also tackled the
challenging tourist trail that
undulates along the narrow
São Lourenço peninsula.
Expect stunning volcanic
formations and a protected
natural rock garden with sea
views to either side.Capital sights
The HF itinerary includes a
morning tour of Funchal with
a local guide, taking in the
city’s cathedral, the indoor
produce market, and a visit
to Blandy’s Madeira. But
you’ll need those non-slip
soles again if you head uphill
by bus on your free day to
the terraces of Madeira’s
Botanical Garden where steps
divide the topiary, exotic
plants, and Choreographed
Garden,dressedalwaysin
Portugueseredandgreen.From here, I took the cable
ar to lofty Monte for more
orticultural inspiration at
e enchanting Monte Palace
opical Garden, where
ants from around the world
a densely-planted ravine.
scover Portuguese history
rough tiled panels, admire
e sculpture collections, and
ax beside the koi ponds
in the Oriental Gardens
(montepalace.com). From
Monte, a second cable car
glides serenely down to
Funchal in 15 minutes.
Every day has the potential
to surprise and my favourite
walk offered essential
Madeira in a nutshell. Starting
on broad tracks beneath high
mountain peaks, we followed
the Levada do Furado high
above the north coast,
passing beneath rock arches
and through lush vegetation
to look down densely-
forested ravines to the
sparkling Atlantic. And at
journey’s end, a welcoming
village cafe – a fitting finale
to another perfect day on
Madeira’s fabulous footpaths.Beautiful
Monte Palace
Tropical GardenStunning views
from the Cabo
Girão Skywalk✿Choosewinterdepartures
whentemperaturescan
easilyreachthelow20s,or
SeptemberandearlyOctober
(from£1,099includingguided
walks,halfboardandflights).
Visit:hfholidays.co.ukPHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY