Madiera as a one day ship port - Tom & Linda. Date of travel: Dec 2007
Whilst on a holiday cruise, our ship stopped at Madeira and offered several tours of the island. We took the botanical garden tour that went by bus to the church in Monte (which we hiked up to), then rode the scenic cable cars to the botanical garden. We returned to Funchal by bus and chose to stay in town to explore. We went to the open market where we sampled wonderful exotic fruits and bought some local wine. We also bought some Portuguese Christmas cakes that the dog ate when we got home so I don't know if they were good! I’d like to try them next time! We were told that the Madeira locals go to a sister island by ferry, where there are very nice beaches. Madeira is a very arid island and the sister island is more humid and tropical.

Frank and Pauline. Date of travel: Aug 2005
Madeira is very different with loads of sightseeing but no beaches. Excellent walking country( Levada walks) and a real mixtures of restaurants, something for everybody. We spent a week here which was ideal for a week, two weeks could have been too long. Tour Operator: Airtours

Roz and Andy. Date of travel: Aug 2005
Madeira is best suited to couples of all ages who enjoy, exploring, sightseeing and walking. There are no beaches here so if you want a swim make sure you choose accommodation with a swimming pool. The scenery is breathtaking with a dramatic coastline and cliffs. Funchal the capital is very interesting and it has an excellent choice of restaurants. Night life tends to be low key. In our opinion the island is not suited for a traditional family holiday. The islands tends to be on the expensive side and is not the place to come for a budget holiday. We shall be returning and next time we will bring our walking boots so we can go on some Levada walks. Tour Operator: Thomson

James and Jackie. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Madeira is a lush green island with an abundance of flowers including orchids and strelitzia. Funchal is a thriving city but the old town has cobbled streets and plenty to see.. its worth taking the cable car to Monte viewing the magnificent gardens at the top and coming down by basket. Also Nuns valley, Santana and Puerto Moniz are worth visiting. whilst we found Madeira wonderful it is not cheap. Both the cost of accommodation and eating out are expensive. Night life is low key but there are a couple of livelier bars in the centre of Funchal. Tour Operator: Thomas cook

Barry and Jan. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Madeira is a lush garden in the middle of the Atlantic. It is so green as you do get a significent amount of rain here, so take your umbrella. The scenery around the island is magnificent and we enjoyed a couple of the Levada walks but we did take our walking boots and they were needed. Funchal is a busy place and is good for shopping. Do not miss the flower market or the Old Town. There are some very upmarket, expensive and good restaurants here but if you are more on a budget try eating around the Lido area. Tour Operator: First Choice

Robin and Sarah. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Madeira is very much a sightseeing holiday as there are virtually no beaches here. Funchal the capital is a working city and you need to get into the centre for the bus station so you can get to other parts of the island. The Valley of Nuns is well worth a visit, the Botanical gardens are beautiful and you must go up by cable car and come down by wicker basket. Also visit the flower and fish market in the centre. A good selection of restaurants to suit all palates from the budget priced to the upmarket and expensive. It does rain in Madeira as the climate is not as dry as that in the Canary Islands. Consequently lush green scenery. Tour Operator: Thomsoms

Melanie and Tommy. Date of travel: Jun 2005
Madeira certainly cannot be described as a beach holiday as they are none.If you like spectacular scenery, flowers and lush green valleys this is the place to visit.You can do two different day coach tours that will take you around most of the island. however make sure you do not book through tour operator unless you want to pay twice the price for almost the same trip. There is also a lot to see in Funchal itself and don't miss the flower and fish markets. Although quite pricey it is worth eating out at one of the authentic restaurants in the old town. Some of them you have to book in advance. A holiday with a difference. Tour Operator: Portland