Now I know these two spots may not be totally comparable, but I am interested to hear any comments from people have been to either (or ideally both) spots.

We're interested in a relaxing, yet somewhat active trip in mid may that involves some hiking, good food, wine, and perhaps some time by a pool...

Any comments for or against either location would be appreciated, as well as any specific recommendations.

Also - we've got an extra night in London on our way home in London and want to go out for a wonderful celebration meal - it's a Saturday night so Restaurant Gordon Ramsay won't work, but I'd love to hear some other suggestions.

Thanks so much, happy travels.

J.

ttt

I haven't been to Madeira since I was a teenager, but I remember lots of hiking through forests, along beaches, next to canals... Waterfalls, watermills... I don't think the hiking near Assisi offers anywhere near as much variety. I was there in summer, and it wasn't particularly hot. You might want to check what sort of weather to expect in mid-May.

Assisi has more cultural treasures to see and perhaps better food, and obviously Assisi provides the option of visiting other Umbrian towns.

It's hard to weigh Madeira up against the Amalfi coast - they're completely different. A bit like... oh I don't know... Cape Cod against Yosemite as holiday destinations maybe...? I'm a huge enthusiast for Madeira, as it has:-

+ some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery anywhere in Europe

+ wonderful fresh air and weather all year round

+ stunning gardens

+ amazing walking/hiking opportunities

+ amazing seafood and local wines

+ fab luxury hotels

+ reserved but kind local people.

Both are fantastic but if I could only return to one place it would be Madeira. Gordon R has given some great reasons to visit Madeira, the only thing I will add is the abundance of flowers. That's why they call it the Floating Island.

May I suggest 15 for your London dinner in the upstairs restaurant. I ate downstairs last week and it is still superb.
This is Jamie Oliver's venture, where he trains 15 lucky people and they were top notch as was the food. A reservation is a must.

Oops. How did I read "Assisi" in your title?? In my mind I was comparing two completely different destinations for presumably two different experiences...

Anyway, I've visited the Amalfi Coast too and done some hiking on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Most of what Gordon_R says about Madeira could describe the Amalfi Coast. But if hiking is the primary consideration, then I'd probably pick Madeira. If other sights/options of an area are equally (or more?) important, then I'd probably pick the Amalfi Coast for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Naples, Caserta, the beautiful coastal towns (and Capri!), mozzarella-making farms... Mid-May would be heaven on the Amalfi Coast.




http://www.europeupclose.com/hiking-...-amalfi-coast/

http://www.ondaverde.it/trekkingi.htm

Wow. Did you see the news clips on the flooding on Madeira today? Sadly, 32 killed and many homes destroyed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35496312...d_news-europe/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8526288.stm

OMG, this is awful!! I attended a wedding in Madeira in 2006, I will email the bride immediately. I hope they are all OK.

Thanks very much for the responses thus far...

the flooding in Madeira is terrible, we feel so badly for the people who live there and are traveling there.

while we'd still love to go, we're not sure whether we'd be foolish to book for May - any suggestions / advice?

May is 3 months away, I'm sure things will be back in order long before then. I stand by my recommendation for Madeira, I think you will love it.