Looking to book your next holiday, then Madeira should certainly be a destination for consideration. It was a retreat for Prime Minister Winston Churchill due to its contrasting landscape and out of this world views of coast from practically anywhere on the island.
With its mild climate all year round, the island is a hit for anyone seeking a variety of experiences, relaxation and a large dose of natural un-spoiltl beauty.
The island boasts two golf courses situated amongst the most beautiful scenery, allowing you to play a round, or take a look at the islands natural beauty by exploring the natural landscapes.
The island is located in a region also known as Macronesia, an ancient geographical region with a unique characteristic, with the remains of a forest dating back to before the ice ages. This distinction and natural beauty is why it’s listed as a Unesco World Natural Heritage site.
If you are after a bit of culture make time to visit one of several harbours scattered around the island or head inland and explore the palaces, monuments and temples that are as important to the country’s heritage today as the sugar trade was in its height many moons ago, a time often referred to the golden era of Madeira’s.
Maderia’s clean-up has been swift despite the heavy winter storms
In the aftermath following the unexpected heavy floods of Saturday 20th February 2009, the community and emergency services in Maderia have been working 24/7 to clean up the affected areas. The communities in Madeira and all its surrounding small villages remain highly positive.
Michael Blandy, of Blandy Group which has various hotels on the idylic island was quoted this week when interviewed:
"In reality it is a very small area that has been affected and the authorities are working incredibly hard to restore the infrastructure and ensure a return to normality."
Whilst the damage was stronger in localised areas which is clearly apparent, many of the tourism areas, including the hotels and holiday rentals in the city of Funchal and on the coast have not been affected and remain open as normal.
If you are booking a private rental what should you look for?
We have contacted our home owners on the island and are very happy to report that they are the majority of their properties were unaffected by these heavy floods.If you have booked a private rental in Madeira and your trip will be taking place in the near future, then we would advise you follow these simple steps. This will help you to be specific to the holiday home you will be staying in.
1: Contact the home owner of the property
2: Ask if any damage was been caused by the floods. Most of the cases the property will be totally unaffected by the adverse weather.
3. If for any reason the holiday home you will be staying in has been affected, ask the owner to what extent damage has taken place and whether this will affect your stay. Check your travel insurance documents.
Extra Information
Funchal Airport is open
On 1st March, the first cruise ship arrived since the floods wit 4,500 people on board
Majority of the island has been unaffected by the storms
The Museums have all reopened and in full operation
Public transport is back to normal |
