February 22, 2010

Madeira - Open For Business

Filed under: Luxury Hotels in Madeira, Portugal, Tourism, Travel News, World News — admin @ 10:01 pm

The travel industry is being urged to continue supporting Madeira’s tourism despite the devastating floods over the weekend.

The Portuguese island – a favourite destination for winter sun-seekers – was hit by violent storms that caused torrents of water to sweep through streets and buildings. Forty-two people lost their lives.The worst affected area was the centre of the capital, Funchal.

The Madeira Tourist Board says the airport is operating as normal and the majority of hotels, which are located on the periphery of Funchal, have not been affected. Most areas now have electricity and water, and the harbour and main roads are now open, excluding the main route to the north.

Atlantic Holidays, a specialist Madeira tour operator in the UK, wants the industry to know that the island is open for business as usual. Sales and Marketing Manager, Dino Toouli, said:

“As many will know, Madeira heavily relies on tourism for its economy and the last thing we want now is for people to stop visiting the island.”

by Andy Moreton

Luxique features five of the finest luxury hotels in Madeira, including the celebrated Reid’s Palace, set on cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic, where traditional afternoon tea is an event not to be missed.

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May 6, 2008

Downhill All The Way

Filed under: Madiera, Portugal — admin @ 10:53 am

I saw a magazine feature about Madeira the other day and was reminded of one of the unusual tourist attractions in this Portuguese island in the Atlantic.

It’s a toboggan ride, but not as we know it. Instead of travelling on snow, the sledges take a route of about a mile and a quarter down smooth, narrow winding roads from the village of Monte perched up in the hills to the capital, Funchal. The custom goes back to 1850 when the villagers needed a speedy means of transport.

Each two-seater wicker sledge glides on wooden runners, pushed and steered by two men traditionally dressed in white cotton clothes and straw hats.

Readers, I have experienced this tradition and if you think some theme park rides are scary, try hurtling downhill at 30 mph in a glorified beer-crate with a couple of gondoliers using only their rubber-soled boots as brakes.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique offers a unique selection of Madeira luxury hotels.

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