FUNCHAL for under £100 a night!
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Sitting on Madeira’s sunny south coast overlooking the Atlantic, Funchal’s terracotta-roofed houses spread up over the lower slopes of a mountain range. nicknamed the Floating garden of the Atlantic, palm trees line the roads, green spaces are awash with vibrant hues, while the rocky coastline is fringed with ever-flowering bougainvillea and poinsettia. throw in a favourable year-round climate (temperatures rarely dip below 18c) and you can see why more than a million tourists visit each year.
Where to stay
÷ Se Boutique Hotel A two-minute walk from the cathedral, this blue-fronted hotel in the centre of Funchal offers 54 sober-coloured, contemporary rooms juxtaposing the lobby’s eclectic style with its Venetian chandelier, old-fashioned radiogram and mini-bar made from a converted wardrobe. make sure you pop up to the quirky terrace bar (which serves drinks from 4pm to 11pm) to admire the panoramic views. B&B doubles from £76 (seboutiquehotel.com) ÷ Hotel do Carmo tHiS city centre hotel has a rooftop pool and bar with superb 360-degree views. inside, it’s like returning to the Sixties, thanks to huge images of icons from the decade — including Paul newman and Andy warhol — adorning bedroom walls.
the theme continues with the monochromatic colour scheme and collection of vintage tills, radios and other items scattered around the hotel.
All 80 bedrooms are smart and 49 have balconies (these cost £8.85 extra for limited views). B&B doubles from £53 (hoteldocarmomadeira.com) ÷ Santa Maria Hostel Don’t be deterred by the word hostel. Yes, there are dorms and twin rooms with shared bathrooms, but this former school in the heart of the old town also has two tastefully decorated private suites with tVs, king- size beds and stand-alone bath tubs. Friendly staff greet you in the ruby redwalled reception. B&B twin rooms from £35; suites from £53; breakfast included (santamariafunchal.com) ÷ Dorisol Hotels tHRee aparthotels in one are found in this complex, within easy walking distance of the town and promenade. For the best views, choose Hotel mimosa, its 99 studio apartments were redecorated this year. Although only three-star, this 50-year- old family-run complex scores highly for its tennis court, swimming pools, restaurants and evening entertainment. B&B doubles from £45 (dorisol.com) Where to eat ÷ Riso, Risottoria del Mundo witH its cliff-top canopied terrace overlooking the ocean, Riso specialises in rice dishes from around the world — even for dessert. Fine food is complemented by the sight and sound of the ocean crashing against rocks below. try beetroot risotto with goat’s cheese au gratin (£11.98) followed by delicious black thai rice with coconut milk and mango (£4.80). Address: Rua de Santa Maria 274, riso-fx.com ÷ Cafe do Museu Pick a table outside in the cobbled courtyard and watch the world go steak sandwich (£4.25) or the tomato and onion soup with poached egg (£3.99). Address: Avenida Sa Carneiro ÷ Esplanada O Verdinho StRoll along the promenade and stop at this harbourside open-air cafe (open until 1am). Sample traditional honey cake (£1.73) with a glass of madeira wine (£2.88) while watching boats coming and going. Address: Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses How to get there eASYJet has returns from £37.98 ( easyjet. com). the Funchal Aerobus to the city centre costs £4.45 one way or £7.11 return and takes around 30 minutes.
For more information, go to visitmadeira.pt