"Madeira: the garden island in the Ocean " a Madeira Island Travel Page by PALLINA

Actually I wished to go to Porto Santo, a small island near Madeira with a 7-km golden beach. I was addressed to Madeira, instead and now I have really to thank the person to conviced me about Madeira.

Not many Italians visit it. Most of the tourists are from UK, Germany or France. And Portogal, obviously. I hardly found a travel book in Italian; the new release of Lonely Planet's Portugal does'n include Madeira (can someone tell me why?) and also on the web, looking for the same travel book in English, seems no Lonely Planets guide haven't been written about it. Very strange. But I found a good replacement: Madeira (Dumont pocket guide to travel). Nice photos and descriptions, restaurants tips not always to be followed. OK.

I think the reason why Italians (thanks God there is still a place on the Earth without Italian barbaric invasion...) don't go there is - as far as understand- the lack of long and sandy beaches. Moreover, ocean is too cold for us to swim.

1.To hire a car from your arrival at the airport and leave it at the airport’s departure. Unless you want to stay only in Funchal, a car is absolutely necessary.
2.Travel the coastal road. Sometime it’s better to avoid galleries to enjoy the beautiful views. Do not miss: Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Punta do Pargo
3.Visit its capital Funchal, in particular its colorful market (flowers, flowers, fruits and vegetable and fish)
4.Visit Monte and have a ride on certain wooden vehicles driven by locals. It’s an old traditional transportation mean for Englishmen living in Madeira
5. Have a swim in Porto Moniz’s natural piscinas
6. Visit little villages like Camara do Lobos, Sao Vicente, Machico, Ribeira Brava
7. Visit Santana and its typical roof houses
8. Have a hiking tour from Pico de Areiro
9. Do not look for sandy beaches: there is only one, small and overcrowded. Do not look for beaches in general (especially if you come from Mediterranen region: every beach will disappoint you)
10.Jardim Botanico

Pico de Areiro is more or less 1800 meters high. It's very nice to enjoy the view from its several miraduoros, but it can be ever nicer if you have good trekking shoes and follow the paths. Have fun!
Moreover:
If you come from, let's say, central European countries, you'll find Portugal very chap. Madeira is cheap also, but averagely more expensive than Lisbon.
You have to hire a car if you want to see Madeira; the air conditioning is not strictly reccomanded during summer but it can help! Madeirans drive very very speedly. Pay attention, especially after galleries (there are many galleries). Choose also the old streets and NOT only the freeway, otherwise you will not see the island.
Everybody can speak or, at least, understand a bit of English.