Madeira

Holidays by Destination Europe Portugal Madeira 

Madeira is an island around 600km off the coast of Africa, so far into the Atlantic that it was only discovered in the 15th century when its green, wooded slopes led to it being called after the Portuguese name for wood. It is still Portuguese and still green (66% of the island is a protected national park), though the rash of underwhelming multi-storey hotels have not improved key areas of its southern coast.

The tourist board remains keen to see more tourists ? something of a short term strategy on an island just 54km by 23km where most of the land is too mountainous to be developed. To this end it has extended the airport and encouraged more buildiing, including of three-star apart-hotels alongside the more traditional four and five-star properties.

For the moment though, despite growing popularity among surfers, drawn by the Atlantic waves, and others drawn to smart clubs and the odd hip hotel, the clientele is in large part the quieter, better-heeled type. There are strong British links, both trading and tourism, and as a result English is spoken almost everywhere on the island. However, with locals outnumbering tourists by around four to one even in Funchal, the Portuguese culture holds sway.

Madeira became a key stop on trading routes so there are some centuries of history and culture for those who like background to their holiday destination. The stories of pirate raids may appeal to some children while others might feel more attracted to the luxurious 17th and 18th century way of life for successful wine traders.

The island's reputation is as a wintersun destination for older folk. The reasons are a mild year-round climate and low crime rate, along with a lack of the user-friendly beaches traditionally considered important for keeping younger ones amused. Instead, as well as hotel pools, there are ?lidos' and pools at the water's edge, often with a children's pool as well.

For those who need sand, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo has plenty. It is considerably less developed but does offer a handful of hotels and a pleasant little town.