Madeira advice please

[Rs2oo]

Decided to holiday in Madeira this year. Which is the best area/resort to stay ? We like the look of Funchal but Calheta looks nice. We want a relaxing holiday but want restaurants and bars/shops etc but not too busy. Thanks !

[Ultuous]

Can't report on Calheta, but stayed in Funchal a few years ago (slightly out of town, hotel courtesy bus into down each day) and it offered just what you seem to be after - had a great holiday and absoultely loved the food!

[The Leaper]

I've been to Madeira twice in the past 6 years. We stayed at a friend's superb apartment in the Royal Savoy, Funchal; very nice indeed!

I have a spreadsheet about the some of the restaurants nearby that we used. Thye may or may not still be there, of course. I could e-mail a copy to you if you wish.

R.

[rich1231]

Stayed at Choupana Hills a 2 years ago http://www.choupanahills.com/en/en_index.html

It was great but quiet.

[2.5pi]

rich1231 said:

Stayed at Choupana Hills a 2 years ago http://www.choupanahills.com/en/en_index.html

It was great but quiet.

It also was very cloudy when we were there because it is ..ahem in the hills. So much so that we checked back into Reids Palace as we could see that bathed in sunshine. Wasn't cheap but sea bathing and great pool and food made for a great break.

PS we haven't been back because we felt we'd arrived there too young by a few decades

[marcosgt]

2.5pi said:

PS we haven't been back because we felt we'd arrived there too young by a few decades

We went to Madeira a couple of years back.

If you want to party, its not for you, but we all enjoyed it as its just relaxing and peaceful.

It feels a classy place to holiday and there are plenty of active things to do if you want, walking in the hills, scuba diving, sailing, jeep safaris, etc.

Would happily go back. Good food at reasonable prices too.

We stayed here - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g189167-... - great hotel, full of character and charm, but no all night disco or poolside bar

M

Edited by marcosgt on Sunday 10th February 17:47

[Old Merc]

We are staying at the Calheta Beach Hotel next month,will report back if that`s not too late.I did it DIY online looks a nice place.I`ve also booked a cheap flight with Easy Jet with a car.The hire car costs less than the hotel charges for two return airport trips.

[Amateurish]

Calheta is tiny! Not much in the way of restuarants and bars. We went over Christmas and the place was dead.

Funchal is much more lively. A lovely town.

[Broomsticklady]

Not much in Madeira is reasonably sized other than Funchal as I recall! We were there at Christmas -Quinta Da Casa Branca - brilliant - won't go elsewhere!! Hired a car and toured first week - basically went from viewpoint to viewpoint round the island and found it a pretty good 'route' to follow. Ate out of town a few nights but unless I had a car I'd not be looking to stay out of Funchal.