Madeira - the islands of eternal spring. It was known to the Romans as one of the ' Purple Islands'. Today it's more widely called the 'Floating Garden' on account of its magnificent sub-tropical flowers and plants.They are famous for their natural beauty and for the hospitality of their people where you find traditional Portuguese culture and overwhelming beauty.

     Many have heard of Madeira but not many know where it is - at 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent.

     Lush, green valleys and gardens bursting with orchids, hydrangea and strelitzia, natural and botanical beauty are undoubtedly the hallmarks of Madeira, but this sun drenched island also offers traditional villages, water sports and a good standard of living.

Funchal is a five-century-old capital with rocky mountains, sparkling seas and stunning floral displays. Funchal can be divided into three historically important sections - São Pedro, Santa Maria and Sé. One of the favourite ways of whittling away time in Madeira’s capital of Funchal, is to ride the cable car.

     Porto Santo is a small island off Madeira is a haven of peace and tranquillity, with unspoilt scenery, rolling dunes and a 9 km long stunning beach.  Ribeira Brava created its own man made stretch of sand making the resort one of the few traditional seaside resorts on the island.

Machico is Madeira's original capital and boasts Madeira's oldest church and two forts where the locals stood their ground against pirates. There's also a stretch of seafront that comes as close to a beach as anywhere on the island. Machico is a beautiful resort retains a traditional and relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll down to the picturesque downtown area of Machico.

   Just 12 kilometres from fascinating Funchal, Canico is a pretty Madieran village with tonnes of authentic charm, and a hand-picked selection of good quality accommodation offering cheap holidays to Canico. Caves and grottos around the coast are teeming with life.

     When you rent a holiday home in Madeira through owners-direct.org, you deal directly with the owner, who is your best source of information for local attractions, restaurants, entertainment near your accommodation in Madeira. Local knowledge helps to make the most of holidays in Madeira. Use this site to book your Madeiraholiday, Madeira villa, Madeira apartment, Madeira house or farmhouse holiday and arrange your Madeira flights and travel and excursions.

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