Being surrounded by water, it’s no surprise Madeira hauls in its fair share of seafood. Among the island’s seaborn delicacies are limpets or lapas, which are open shellfish resembling a barnacle. Plates of lapas are typically served with garlic and a squeeze of lemon to create a simple yet tasty starter.

The addition of a marina and imported golden sand from Morocco has raised the profile and appeal of Calheta as well as the number of restaurants and cafés. It’s also home to a vintage sugar cane factory and a contemporary arts centre should you be looking for some cultural activities. Casa das Escaleiras is a clean, spacious and light modern holiday rental that sleeps 4 in a quiet location above the village yet close to natural swimming pools.The terrace has lovely views of the ocean and the kitchen is well equipped. Access to the house could be a little difficult if someone has mobility issues but there is parking. Hosts are very helpful. See photos and full description I love digging into regional food and the Sunday market in Santo António da Serra, a mountaintop village in the island’s east, is Madeira’s culinary scene in miniature. Vendors assemble in the early morning and bring a huge variety of tropical fruits – bananas, of course, but also passionfruit, guava, papaya, custard apple, pitanga, tamarillo and other fruit generally more associated with South America. You can get to Porto Moniz by bus but the journey is long and unless you’re happy to stay put once you’re there, it would be best to have a car to give you some freedom. Porto Moniz from above Hotels in Madeira – Porto Moniz There are several private villa and apartment rentals in this area too. Stay in Calheta for the marina and sandy beachUnfortunately, Madeira isn’t exactly a budget destination. Accommodation is relatively expensive, with relatively few hostels or budget options, and a rental car is needed to get to the more remote corners of the island. If you’re visiting Madeira without a car but want to explore the island, it makes most sense to choose accommodation in Funchal. Not only is the old town an interesting destination in its own right – see this post for what to do in Funchal– Madeira’s capital city is also the starting point for most organised tours and bus routes. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Madeira or elsewhere in Portugal, read my best luxury villas in Portugal post for some great ideas. Why Funchal makes a great base Madeira is linked to the world via Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (yes, he’s a native of the island), a destination for international flights, including direct flights from New York City. This small, northwesterly coastal town is most famous for its natural swimming pool complexes. Their popularity means there are several restaurants and accommodation options in Porto Moniz so it could be a useful place to stay if you don’t need much more to keep you entertained.

Read more about golfing in Madeira 4 star boutique accommodation in Funchal Castanheiro Boutique hotel rooftop pool and views This delightful coastal village is a maze of cobbled streets and cute cottages with flower-filled gardens and stunning views. You need a car if you want to go exploring but note that many of these lanes are too narrow to drive down so you may need to leave your vehicle in the central car park and walk to your accommodation. Cobbled lanes, Jardim do Mar, Madeira island star Hotel do Carmo is also handy for exploring the old town and, as a slightly larger hotel, features a rooftop pool and pleasant outdoor spaces in addition to 1960s themed public areas and spacious rooms. Book your favorite room. The most famous natural pool is in Porto Moniz, on the island’s northwestern corner, although with its extensive handrails, bathrooms and changing rooms, it doesn’t feel so natural these days. An even more dramatically-positioned version can be found at Doca do Cavacas, on the island’s south shore. For something much more natural, consider the pools in Seixal or Cachalote, both of which also have the benefit of being free. Taste fortified wine Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol is 4-star design hotel perched on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean and featuring an infinity pool and hot tub with panoramic views. Room décor is totally white and each room has floor to ceiling windows leading onto balconies, some with sea views others with garden views. Customer service is excellent and there is a free shuttle service to the airport if you don’t intend to drive. Get full details and availabilityNote: If you are considering renting a car in Madeira, read my tips here. To compare the best prices visit Discovercars.com or Rentalcars.com. Unless your accommodation offers regular transfers to Funchal, or you’re happy to stay put, you’ll need a car to get around the rest of Madeira. With a vehicle, you have good access from Calheta to many of the popular walking trails in the west of the island. Special places to stay near Calheta The waters that surround Madeira have both an otherworldly azure hue and a temperature that’s accessible year-round. Unfortunately, the island’s rugged geography and stone beaches mean that accessing that water isn’t always easy. Thankfully, on a few different spots across the island, locals have taken advantage of lava outcroppings to sculpt oceanside swimming pools. Smaller than Machico but even closer to the airport is the coastal village of Santa Cruz. It has a pretty historical centre with a few cafés and restaurants, a market and a delightful promenade. Seafront, Santa Cruz, Madeira Where to stay in Santa Cruz DK Eyewitness have thought of almost everything in their guide to the Top 10 (gardens, beaches, museums, walks etc.) Top 10 Madeira (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide)

Dedicated wine buffs should consult this guide Madeira: The islands and their wines (The Classic Wine Library) The beautifully designed Castanheiro Boutique Hotel successfully retains elements of the original building, located on a quiet road yet very close to the old town and amenities. Sea and hill views from the year round rooftop pool and hot tub are spectacular. Rooms are spacious, modern and clean, beds are extremely comfortable and breakfasts are excellent. Book a room. Another lovely apartment is ParadisMare, very close to Sao Roque Beach. It’s clean and cosy with a well equiped kitchen. See availability. If, like me, your interests centre around food and walking, this guidebook may fit the bill Madeira (Walk and Eat) (Walk & Eat) Many of the resort hotels are clustered around the Lido promenade, which is great for ocean views and swimming pools and handy for restaurants and shopping. It’s a bit of a trek into the old town from here, although there are regular buses and taxis shouldn’t cost much. This is the most ‘touristy’ part of the city, good for families and doesn’t involve many hills.If you are more in the market for independent apartments and villas in Funchal, there are plenty to choose from. PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA EAST OF FUNCHAL If you’re looking for an apartment, the 3-bedroomed VIP Baia penthouse apartment is a good option. Spacious, light and well equipped, it features panoramic mountain views, a garden and terrace. It’s centrally located with restaurants and shops very close by and about a minute’s walk from the beach. Underground parking is also available. Get full details The 4-star Vila Galé Santa Cruz has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness and wellness centre and rooms with sea views. They also offer a free shuttle into Funchal a few times a day. Choose a room. Stone Lovers is a charming 1 bedroom cottage set above the village with its own pool and garden and a range of interesting features. See photos and full amenities