down! The run was first used to move wine down the mountain to the capital below. Now it’s a must-do for tourists.
Two Madeirans in boaters, known as carrieros, help you sledge through the streets in a wicker basket on wooden runners. They use their rubber-soled shoes as brakes and ropes to steer the basket cars.
It’s more fun – and safer – than it sounds and was a highlight of the trip.
We stayed in Funchal’s five-star Hotel Pestana Casino Park, with ocean views and its own on-site casino. It’s also just a short walk to the old town and its vast array of restaurants.
The farmers’ market is lively and full of fresh food delights such as fish and passion fruit. The traditional pork marinated in wine, vinegar, thyme and chilli peppers is a highlight.
Buy your chillies here too. Madeira is a self-governing region of Portugal, the country which invented the Nando’s staple – Peri Peri sauce! And don’t forget your traditional Madeira wine and cake which, by the way, is dark brown and usually served at Christmas.
Catch a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from the harbour – which is also a lovely spot to eat the local delicacies.
Super Break packages come with a free sightseeing tour. There is plenty of choice. Don’t miss Camara de Lobos, a fishing village with pretty pastel-coloured houses and a boatyard, a favourite spot of Sir Winston Churchill who liked to paint pictures of them.
There’s also Cabo Giaro – the second highest sea cliff in the world – where there’s a new glass walkway which affords great views from 1,903ft.
Eira do Serrado, which overlooks the beautiful Nun’s Valley, a village nestling hundreds of feet below is also worth a visit.
Or go for a swim in Porto Moniz, which has natural volcanic rock swimming pools, perfect for a cooling dip.