Three of The Best From The Island of Madeira
Madeira is perfect for a winter break – you’ll get an average of 6-8 hours sunshine a day and its warm sun and blue skies are a much needed tonic for anyone who dreads the winter months in northern Europe! There are some great bargains on holidays and flights out there so head for the sun in this tropical paradise and enjoy some of the quirky and wonderful things to see and do!
The Best Madeira Wine Shop
Artur de Barros e Sousa Rue dos Ferreiros 109, Funchal
You are walking up the beginnings of a steep hill, looking for the elusive Medicinal and Aromatic Gardens when you are sidetracked by a touristy wine outlet…tempting, but just past it, on the right hand side, you spot a cobbled corridor, lined with barrels leading into a vine covered courtyard. You go in…the air is filled with the heady scent of sherry wine. There is a seating area, where you are invited to sample your favourite type of wine – be it dry, medium dry, medium sweet or rich. One sip and you are hooked. Artur and his brother keep this family run business going using traditional methods. They buy grapes in small quantities from growers all over the island, making vintage wines which are aged and developed through the traditional barrel method. The wine is heated naturally by moving the barrels through floors of the store house – the heat developing the complex flavours of the grape. They don’t sell their precious wine in shops, or as yet, abroad, but if you decide to buy, you will have a unique opportunity to drink wine of exceptional quality made with care, both for the grape and the grower. The brothers speak good English – and are always happy to settle in for a good chat over a glass. A great experience for lovers of fine wines!
The Best Tea House and Museum – Universo de Memorias
Be prepared for a few surprises. The Universe of Memories is an eclectic collection of memorabilia acquired by ex Secretary of Tourism, Joao Carlos Abreu. The Collection is housed in a beautiful building which is easy to miss! It’s located opposite the entrance to the Quinta da Cruzes Museum on Calcado do Pico in Funchal. When you go through the gates to House, there are patterned walkways, sweeping staircases, flower beds and exotic plants. The patio area, looks over the streets below and is covered in bright pink bougainvillea. Abreu travelled and collected widely in the course of his work; you name it – it’s here. See the original bathroom now full of hats (what else?) and the Tie Collection Room – over 1000 are displayed under glass on the floors, walls and ceilings, stuck on with crystal tipped pins. It’s not a big house but it’s crammed full with over ten thousand items to view – and the collection is still growing! A guide will accompany you, pointing out special items along the way.
The Best Mandolin Orchestra – Madeira
For an entirely different orchestra experience, try and see the Madeira Mandolin Orchestra, who play every Friday at the English Church in Fontal. It was established in 1913 and it is now the oldest Mandolin Orchestra in Europe. They have toured widely, and have been to the UK twice, touring with the Tenor Carlos Guilherme, with Conductor Jorge Salgueiro. They performed at St. George’s Chapel Windors, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and it is hoped they will have a chance to perform at the Diamond Jubilee. Concerts are held in The English Church, Funchal, which has great accoustics, and the orchestra’s current youngest performer is 10 years old. It is mostly tourists who attend the concerts, but they are generally enthusiastic affairs with an appreciative audience and you can buy a CD for a momento.
Enjoy a trip to Madeira, with its uniquely laid back approach. It’s a three and a half hour flight to a tropical island, where the locals are happy to be helpful and not leave you floundering with the madeiran dialect. Book yourself a bargain holiday and flight with easyjet and relax in some warm winter Madeiran sun!