lobo_mau

The main open air activity in Madeira are Levada walks (google "levada walks" for lots of info). Levadas are man made irrigation channels in the mountains, most of which date more then 400 years old. They have been used by the locals to move between villages are now used as a touristic asset, allowing for incredible sightseen spots and photo opportunities. Some Levadas walks may be dangerous and the choice requires professional advice according with the experience, age and skills and personal interests of the walkers.

http://www.madeira-island.com/featur...oduction2.html

Ride in carros de cesto:
http://www.saga.co.uk/travel/resorts...C55C&sel=4


Madeira is an Island of ashtonishing beauty, but their beaches are of black sand and rocks. Alternatively the locals and people from the continent have choosen Porto Santo (the golden Island) as a favourite spot of leisure and active holidays.
Porto Santo is a very tiny Island, with less to see but superior to Madeira as far as leisure and relax is concerned.
Porto Santo is connected to American history because Colombus maried the daughter of the local governor and lived there for a while.

http://www.ucp-tours.co.uk/portosanto/portosanto.shtml


Interesting link, map and photos:
http://www.gajos.org/travel/Madeira2004/index.shtml.en

photos:
http://portugal-hotels.com/com/fotos...=648&lg=pt

lobo_mau

Suggestion to Sher: if you are considering Madeira and Porto Santo, I believe this is worthwhile reading: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/088...s&v=glance
From the previews online I think it it interesting and the girl in the coverfront is lovely.

Further to the previous considerations, if you are interested in Flemish art, I think that Madeira has the biggest collection of Flemish art outside Flemish countries, spread in Churches in Museums

Sher

Thank you very much.
Sherry

lobo_mau

don't thank me, only strangers do. Family and friends don't need.

claire_david

We were in Portugal this past October and got a great deal on pousadas - groups of 4 nights for 72.50 Euros per night. On a Saturday night in Evora we had to pay a 50 Euro surcharge, but it was worth it. In all of our travels, this is hands down the best deal we've ever gotten - these are great hotels steeped in history with outstanding service, mostly great food, usually right in the thick of things or actually part of an historic site. We only used these on the mainland, not in Madeira. Found the deal by goggling pousadas in portugal and arranged everything in advance by email. Claire and David