Madeira:
Madeira is a volcanic island, a very rugged landscape, with steep mountains and plunging valleys...brilliantly verdant. Its moderate subtropical climate--spring-like all year round ,and rich volcanic soil, hosts a wild melange of foliage... Frangiapanne, Hibiscus, Bermiliads, Birds of Paradise, Cactus....it is an island of flowers.
Hiking the 'Levadas', gentle seaside walks, swimming, diving, windsurfing and golf for the active. Settled in the mid 1400's, also much in historic sites and museums for the reflective.
Madeirans will feed you many savory stews and soups. The bread is wonderful. They are mad about fish and love to roast meats over an open fire. The food is excellent.
Madeirans practice an easy, quiet style infused with an old world sense of pride and respect. They are kind, gracious and very hospitable.
The climate is outstanding. The food is wonderful. The views are grand. The people are great. It is an island of unique charm. You will want to return, again and aga
Hiking/ Walking the Levadas:
The mountains of Madeira are criss-crossed with a 2500km network of irrigation canals which brings water from
the rainier North side of the island to the drier South side. The borders of these small channels are maintenance paths.....and, they also serve as hiking trails.. Walkers of all ages and abilities can take in the exquisite views as they stroll the easy grades ....dramatic, narrow valleys tease soaring peaks....subtropical vegetation, flowers, pine and cedar forest. These trails are world-renown amongst hiking/walking enthusiasts and the trails are quite accessible via public transport.
Golf Madeira:
The Palheiro Golf Course, an 18 hole course designed by Cabell Robinson, is set in the mountains above Funchal. It offers the challenges of classic Madeiran terrain (steep hills, ridges and deep valleys) incorporated in the course design plus extraordinary views of the city and the Bay. It is about 7km away from the apartment.
Santo Da Serra (Campo do Golfe), a 27 hole course which is part of the PGA European Tour was designed by Robert Trent Jones this course sits high up on a plateau.....marvelous views out over the Atlantic with the mountains at your back.
Santo da Serra is about 13km from the apartment.
