Cadogan Madeira & Porto Santo

Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of miles from any shore, the island of Madeira rises dramatically from the sea in sharp peaks and cliffs cut by ravines and water channels. But what was once a bare volcanic rock has been transformed over centuries by its Portuguese and British settlers, and by its soft semi-tropical climate, into a green garden paradise, with flowers of dizzying hue, wine fit for the gods, and fruit to make you swoon. Take a boat trip, a helicopter ride, a levada walk or a toboggan run, seek out rare tiles in village churches, discover museums hoarding Flemish Old Masters, visit gracious quintas, or simply sink into dreamy indolence amid the chink of teacups in hushed hotels this enchanted island offers it all. Inside you will find: over 80 hand-picked hotels, residencials and pensions; over 90 restaurants, bars and cafes; 13 detailed maps; chart of flowers, fish and fruit is season; stunning color photo essay; color touring-map section; special walking section how to plan, what to take, and a selection of helpfully graded walks.Bolt, Rodney is the author of 'Cadogan Madeira & Porto Santo ', published 2003 under ISBN 9781860111044 and ISBN 1860111041.