Madeira Island Travel Forum

We have the chance of a good deal to Funchal in late Feb. However,though we understand the weather should be ok give or take the odd shower, we are concerned that we will miss out on flowers in bloom. Would it be worth us waiting and paying more for a May booking?

I have been to Madeira over Christmas, there were plenty of flowers then in the botanical gardens and Blandy gardens so I would say February should be fine - I think different flowers bloom all year round in Madeira as it never gets really cold.

Have you been to Madeira before? Perhpas not, then do come...you will find lots of flowers (different ones) about. One tip I would say is to make sure you visit the Botantical Gardens. From the centre (down by the habour), you get bus 31 (there are others too) that stop outside the Gardens. Entrance is currently Euro 3 each (great value), you could spend several hours here, depending on how much you like flowers/plants (there are always flowers year round, although maybe more in the summer. I went to the BG in March 2006, November and December 2007 and there was plenty of photo opportunities. The BG is the far best value paid entrance garden. There are lots of other gardens to see and lots to do see here (Santa Catrina park is well worth a visit, its just outside downtown, walking distance), also the Municipal Gardens in downtown, opposite the theatre. Do you know which hotel you would be staying at? Do you have any walking difficulties? I ask because Funchal is very hilly, except the odd places! If you would like any info on the island please ask, I will help where I can.