Francisco Albuquerque, an internationally-known, award-winning oenologist, describes Madeira as “a basalt ‘rock’, situated in front of Morocco, not easily identified on a map, unique and multicultural, with several microclimates and extraordinary biodiversity”. He then calls to mind the island’s perfect blend of cosmopolitanism and natural beauty, the greatest exponents of which are the Floresta Laurissilva (Laurel Forest) and the Ilhas Desertas e Selvagens (literally, “deserted and wild islands”). The Madeira Wine Company’s oenologist also cites Madeira’s flowers, wine, sea and Porto Santo’s beach as strong elements of attraction. A native of Funchal, where he was born 50 years ago, , and declares that no one can leave Madeira without tracking a “levada” (traditional irrigation channel) through the Laurissilva, diving in the Garajau Marine Reserve and enjoying the beach on Porto Santo Island.
AND HIS BEST OF IS…
VISIT: Jardim Botânico, Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas, Sé Catedral, Pico do Areeiro; ACTIVITIES: Catamaran ride, Dive in Reserva do Garajau, surf in Jardim do Mar and Madalena do Mar, wine tasting in Blandy’s Wine Lodge; SLEEP: Belmond Reid’s Palace, Cliff Bay, The Vine; EAT: Santa Maria Hostel, Il Gallo d’Oro, Villa Ciprianni, Chalet Vicente, Casa de Palha, Abrigo do Pastor, O Viola, Gavião Novo, Maré Alta, Doca do Cavacas, Beef & Wines, Tokos, Il Basilico, Pão, Vinho e Petiscos, Madeira Tapas&Wine, Petit Fours; CAFÉS: FX Club, Café do Teatro, Barreirinha Bar Café, Ritz Café, Santa Maria street bars; NIGHTLIFE: Vespas, Casino, Scat Jazz Club; SHOPPING: Mercado dos Lavradores, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Centro Comercial Dolce Vita, Fórum Madeira.
