Public perceptions of a country can be difficult to dispel but easy to attract. First time visitors however should be wary of believing everything they hear – Madeira is for the older generation (yes, but family travel is becoming more and more popular); Madeira is full of smart, traditional hotels; Madeira is boring (not if you enjoy the outdoors, watersports, golf and sports fishing); Madeira is expensive (not if you take one of the many tour operator packages available).
Nothing is as it seems – even the Madeira cake enjoyed over here in the UK is known as the “English cake”, eaten by the English when they enjoyed a glass of Madeira – real Madeira cake is heavier, made with molasses, fruit and nuts.
So, if we discount the accepted norm – what are we left with? An intriguing island, peopled by friendly Madeirans who greet you with warmth and hospitality; exotic fruits and fish leading to enjoyable fusion menus, a temperate climate which houses one of the last remnants of the primeval rainforests of 10,000 years ago; stunning flowers and orchids exclusive to Madeira – and 600 years of history.
With the opening of Madeira’s Cable Car, the world turns full circle and the area around Monte, previously only the preserve of the rich, aristocratic English families, is accessible to all – with a return trip on one of Madeira’s famous toboggan sledges – not for the faint hearted!
Madeira deserves to be visited again – soon – by people with open minds and inquisitive spirits.
September 2002