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Santa Cruz Madeira Portugal Europe
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Funchal Madeira Portugal Europe
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Madeira Resorts & Breaks

Sub-tropical Madeira has a superb year-round climate, lush scenery and lots to do, making it a perfect place for a short break. If you love walking, a trip to a Madeira resort is a treat - the famous levada (canal) trails cross mountaintops carpeted with wildflowers. On a Madeira break you can also go swimming with dolphins or whale-watching.

In the Madeira resort of Santa Cruz you can swim and sunbathe at the fabulous pools, sheltered bay and waterpark. Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is a delightful resort facing the Atlantic with a backdrop of mountains. Like all Madeira resorts, it is rich in stunningly colourful, subtropical gardens. On our Madeira breaks you shouldn’t miss a visit to the enchanting botanical gardens at Quinto do Bom Sucesso. A visit to the mountaintop village of Monte with its pilgrims’ church could be another highlight of your trip to Madeira.

FUNCHAL

Your holiday resort lies at the end of a beautiful bay and rises up the hillside in tiers. The Parque de Santa Catarina overlooks the harbour with views over the whole town. The main avenue and the surrounding tiny cobbled streets are filled with embroidery shops, wine lodges, restaurants, cafes and bars. Additional sights include the Museum of Sacred Art, the Quinta Magnolia, the cathedral and the produce market.

Transfer time from Funchal airport to Funchal town: 50 mins approximately.

For an introduction to Santa Cruz, see page 66.

SANTA CRUZ

Set against a mountainous backdrop on the eastern shore of Madeira, Santa Cruz is one of the oldest towns on the island and the gateway to Madeira. Surrounded by rich farmland, lush flora and beautifully manicured gardens, this idyllic resort overlooks a picturesque harbour and several small beaches while the tranquil town centre has a good selection of shops and restaurants to choose from.

Transfer time from Funchal airport to Santa Cruz: 15 mins approximately.

Out & About

MONTE

At an altitude of nearly 1,800ft, Monte is a country resort, set amidst magnificent lush vegetation, which gives it a welcoming cool climate. It is the site of the pilgrimage church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, as well as the starting point for the famous 'Carros de Cesta' (wickerwork toboggans).

TERRACES AND LEVADAS

Due to the fact this predominantly agricultural island is largely unfit for cultivation the inhabitants set about forming thousands of expertly cultivated terraces on the hillsides on which to grow their crops. The island's agricultural prosperity however, is as a result of its 'levadas', a complex network of irrigation channels which hug the hillsides.

SUBTROPICAL VEGETATION

The whole island of Madeira is a mass of flowers. Every hillside and garden is filled with hydrangeas, bougainvillaeas, fuchsias and geraniums; and certain species of plant, particularly orchids and strelitzias (Bird of Paradise) are grown for export. Plant lovers should visit the Botanical Gardens and the Worker's Market in Funchal where the flower sellers dress in traditional costume.

Gardens of Madeira

8 days from £509

Relax and enjoy this beautiful, subtropical island with its lush vegetation, tropical plants and flowers.

Quinto de Palheiro Gardens & Levada Walk
Your Madeira holiday includes a tour of the beautiful Quinto de Palheiro Gardens. Originally laid out in the 18th century, the fascinating themed garden is bursting with luxurious foliage and abundant colourful flowers. After time to admire the spectacular blooms, enjoy a pleasant walk alongside one of the area's levadas to take in the glorious mountain views.

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Madeira Panoramico

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Set in an elevated position on the western slopes of Funchal's natural amphitheatre-shaped bay, Madeira Panoramico is ideally positioned for spectacular sweeping views of the ocean, bay, city and mountains. With bright, comfortable accommodation and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Madeira Panoramico is an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of Madeira.

8 days from £509

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Quinta Penha de Franca

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A charming converted manor house with traditional country house style, the family run Quinta da Penha de Franca is a welcoming and informal property perched on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Nestled amidst lush, subtropical gardens and overlooking the ocean, this idyllic hotel is a relaxing, comfortable retreat offering a good selection of amenities and easy access to Funchal.

8 days from £585

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Girassol

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Centrally located in the heart of Funchal, Hotel Girassol is nestled amidst beautiful manicured gardens on the Estrada Monumental promenade, close to the Lido area and the beach. Offering spacious, comfortable, recently refurbished bedrooms and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Girassol is perfect for a relaxing break in Madeira's capital.

8 days from £635

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Quintinha de Sao Joao

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Cosy and tranquil, Quintinha de Sao Joao is an enchanting property with a friendly ambience and a well-respected history of providing traditional hospitality. Offering extremely spacious, comfortable accommodation and a wealth of facilities including a spa and two swimming pools, the hotel is embellished with delightful finishing touches such as traditional Madeiran embroidery and an extensive, well-established garden brimming with fragrant subtropical vegetation.

8 days from £705

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Vila Galé Santa Cruz

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Offering expansive views of the ocean, Vila Galé Santa Cruz is a modern, purpose built complex set close to the charming town of Santa Cruz. Combining contemporary, comfortable décor and a good selection of amenities with traditional hospitality and a tranquil ambience, Vila Galé Santa Cruz is a great base from which to explore the heart of Madeira.

8 days from £715

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