'¦and to find new lands is kin to founding new lands “ for the one who sees is the one who conquers!,
These are immortal words of Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator, who devoted his lifetime to 'finding' new lands out in the sea and bringing them all under the flag of his father's empire. Madeira, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, happens to be one of them.
It has been quite difficult for Madeira to disrobe these tales of the past that connect it with colonialism. However, today, it is an integral part of Portugal, a home away from their actual home.
Besides this complicated baggage that the destiny the put on its account, Madeira is best known for its rousing tourism scene and a host of unescapable attractions that entice thousands of tourists every season “ on and off “ to its shores. It is quite unlike a typical holiday island you would imagine. Yes, billionaires do park their yachts here and private mansion do find solitude here, but it doesn't change the fact that Madeira is still as open to average, everyday tourists who truly deserve the peace and calm its waters and shade bring.
If you are a veteran tourist, you would know the importance of being well-informed, well-planned and well-prepared. So, to help you achieve that ground, we are presenting a rudimentary overview of what the state of hotels in Madeira is like.
Looking for an Affordable Hotel in Madeira?
You are not alone. A large quantum of tourists who visit Madeira are often on the lookout for cheap hotels that will help them bring some sense of modesty and balance to their tour budget. If you are striving to do that, then you should definitely read ahead.
Dorisal Mimosa can be a fitting place to kick start your stay in Funchal, Madeira with. It is not just a budget hotel, though. It boasts of a long list of distinguished guests who have, at one time or another, taken shelter in its quiet, unassuming and homely building that bears no signs of pretence whatsoever.
Hotel Pensao Astoria can be a pound-for-pound alternative to Dorisal Mimosa. In fact, both of them are situated in the same district and are quite close to one another.
Among other cheap hotels here in Madeira, you can be sure of getting it right with Borisal Buganvilia and Residential Parque.
Raising The Stakes Higher
It should be put on record here that staying at a listless cheap hotel may not match the notion of an exotic holiday, especially for more wealthy tourists. If you happen to be privileged enough not to think twice while paying hotel bills with the swipe of your credit card, this segment may quite interest you!
Among various luxury Madeira hotels, there are a few select ones that stand out head and shoulders above the rest. Hotel Royal Savoy is certainly one of them.
Perched in a quaint neighborhood is another beautifully ornate luxury hotel “ Belmond Reid's Palace. Its name is not just a posing misnomer. It actually is a palatial hotel that can offer the best of luxury amenities to its guests.
At the beachfront, Pestana Promenade Beach Resort and Hotel is a prominent name, famous for its long wait lists and heavily decorated interiors.
Top Sights and Activities in Madeira
It is often said that the best way to truly enjoy a new place is to get to know its history, its people and its food. In that sense, if you wish to well and truly explore Madeira, you should be ready to let all of your senses soak in the things that Madeira has to put on offer.
For tourists that value an adventurous experience in a higher regard than a fun experience, a trip to Pico di Arieiro can be one to remember for life. This gorgeous peak in Madeira offers a highly challenging hiking experience that tourists are known to cherish. Despite the difficulties they face in hiking, many tourists rate it as the best part of their trip to Madeira.
If you are wondering what the word 'Madeira' actually means, it is high time for you to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. It is not just any other garden, though. It is loaded with exotic varieties of tropical plants and creepers, giving its rustic and small buildings a vintage, exotic look. Also, you can taste the authentic grape wine “ Madeira “ that gave the island its very name, here.
Monte Cable Car provides an exuberant view of the entire island from the dizzying height. Cabo Girao is another place if you want to commit the beauty of Madeira in one panoramic view to your memory. At 1,800 ft. it is also a challenging hike.
Levada Caldeirao Verde is a famous jungle trail that culminates in an enchanting waterfall. It will provide you with an experience that will leave you blissfully happy and your camera hurtfully stuffed with photos.
Talking about food, an authentic Madeira food experience can be had at Blandy's Wine Lodge in Funchal. It is located in the city center of Funchal, and is not too far away from most Madeira hotels.
What You Need to Keep in Mind While Sightseeing in Madeira
Madeira is an excellent place that offers little in way of sightseeing but much more in way of activities and experiences. This means that you won't have a lot of sight hopping to do when you are visiting Madeira. You can allot each attraction its due time so that you can enjoy it fully, to your heart's content.
What you need to remember, however, is the fact that rushing through these activities will be a bad idea and needs to be avoided at all costs.
Also, it should be noted that many hotels in Madeira have insider deals with local tour companies that you can avail of in order to save up.
How to Travel Locally in Madeira?
To be blunt, it's not a problem at all to travel locally when you are visiting Madeira.
This is a small archipelago that is well connected via ferries and buses. So, using public transport should be your priority.
If you really want to prefer convenience over thriftiness, you can seek help from private quarters.