Synopses & Reviews
With its dramatic scenery and unique Portuguese and British history, the semi-tropical island of Madeira is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. From arid mountaintops to verdant forests, from sleepy coastal villages to hidden art treasures, this comprehensive new guide explores all the corners that can easily be missed. It brings to life the culture and characters that informed the island's past and shaped its present. Each year Madeira's flora and spectacular landscape attracts thousands of tourists and hikers. Cadogan's guide has a special color flower-viewing section and outlines the most beautiful and peaceful hikes. If visitors want to wander further afield, the guide includes a section on Porto Santo, Madeira's own desert island and the only place to find a stretch of beach; and the Desertas, rocky outcrops inhabited only by rare plants and birds. Sample the best Madeira wine in Funchal; taste the delicious regional specialties, seafood, and fruit; and shop for world-famous embroidery and wickerwork. With Cadogan, visitors will uncover untold delights from the jacaranda-lined avenues of Funchal to the harsh beauty of the craggy coastline--contrasts that only enhance this unique island.
o Divides the island up into regions to give full coverage to all the villages and sights where the architecture changes dramatically within just a few miles
o Our discerning author picks out the best places to stay, eat, drink, and shop
o Practical, reliable advice on prices, tours, train, and bus information, walking routes in the rugged interior, and details of festivals
Review
"The most literary and fluently written of the available guidebooks."
--The Observer (UK)
"North Americans are generally unaware that the island is beautiful and warm in the winter. Perhaps the appearance of this comprehensive guide will have an influence on the flow of arrivals there."
--Travel Trends Magazine (US)
"The Cadogan guide to Madeira is the best general guide."
--Here! Magazine (UK)
Synopsis
With its dramatic volcanic peaks and cliffs, and its unique Portuguese and British past, the semitropical island of Madeira is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. This detailed guide, whose author fell in love with the island, brings to life the culture and the characters that formed the island's past and shape its present. 40-page color photo insert. 17 maps.
Synopsis
Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of miles from any shore, the island of Madeira rises dramatically from the sea in sharp peaks and cliffs cut by ravines and water channels. But what was once a bare volcanic rock has been transformed over centuries by its Portuguese and British settlers, and by its soft semi-tropical climate, into a green garden paradise, with flowers of dizzying hue, wine fit for the gods, and fruit to make you swoon. Take a boat trip, a helicopter ride, a levada walk or a toboggan run, seek out rare tiles in village churches, discover museums hoarding Flemish Old Masters, visit gracious quintas, or simply sink into dreamy indolence amid the chink of teacups in hushed hotels; this enchanted island offers it all.
Inside you will find: over 80 hand-picked hotels, residencials and pensions; over 90 restaurants, bars and cafes; 13 detailed maps; chart of flowers, fish and fruit is season; stunning color photo essay; color touring-map section; special walking section; how to plan, what to take, and a selection of helpfully graded walks.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-215) and index.
Synopsis
From arid mountaintops to verdant forests, from sleepy coastal villages to hidden art treasures, this comprehensive new guide explores all the corners that can easily be missed.
About the Author
Rodney Bolt has written the Cadogan Guides to Amsterdam, Germany, and Bavaria. He fell in love with Madeira several years ago and has been a frequent visitor ever since. He lives in Amsterdam.
Table of Contents
Photo Essay; Introduction; Practical A-Z; History; Arts, Crafts and Architecture; Wine, Walks and Wildflowers; Funchal; The Eastern Spur; Inland and the North; The Western Coast; Porto Santo and the Desertas; Chronology;
Language; Further Reading; Index