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Six great reasons to go

ISLAND-HOP
Madeira’s smaller neighbour, Porto Santo, boasts the archipelago’s big, golden beach. In the main town, Vila Baleira, is a house where Columbus lived (he also married a local girl). Ferries leave hourly from Funchal marina. From there you can also take boat tours to see the world’s second-tallest cliffs at Cabo Girão, or to spot whales.

DRINK
Whether you want to try the island’s famous namesake fortified wine, a classic Portuguese vinho verde or a cold lager on the beach, you’ll find plenty of tavernas in Madeira. For live music and al fresco drinking, try Gloria Latina (Rua Penha de França, +351 291 282 266). The Fugitivo nightclub (Rua Imperatriz D'Amelia 68) is known for its colourful samba shows fronted by Brazilian dancers.

EAT
Fish here beats even mainland Portugal. Most common is swordfish, which comes grilled, fried with banana or cooked in wine and garlic. Arsenio’s ( Rua de Santa Maria 169, +351 291 224 007) in Funchal old town serves fish and seafood dishes and also holds fado sessions until about 10pm.

CAKE
Forget Madeira cake – that’s a British invention. But hop along to one of the cafés on the Rua Dr António Almeida – popular choices are the Funchal and the Apolo – and try the molasses-based bolo de mel (honey cake).

HIKE
Take a walk along 1,000 miles of levadas (irrigation canals that link the north and south of the island.) The starting point of one two-hour walk into the mountainous interior is near Madeira’s most famous gardens, the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro (São Gonçalo, +351 291 793 044), open weekday mornings. Another walk of comparable length links this with the Botanical Gardens (Caminho do Meio, Funchal, +351 291 211 200), which offers a fine introduction to the local flora.

Fly to Madeira
• London Stansted daily from £24.99
• Flights start 29 October
• All fares are single and include tax


Win and escape!
Answer the question 'Which current Manchester United star was born in Madeira?' and you could win a pair of flights plus two nights' accommodation in Madeira.

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