A base for a couple of weeks horticultural adventuring – and a little relaxation – on the island of Madeira, a volcanic outcrop in the midst of the Atlantic with a bewildering variety of exciting plant life to explore.
Our hotel, Quinta da Casa Branca, despite the greenery and seclusion evident from these photographs, is only a short walk from the Port and Old Town of Funchal, the capital and only significant town on the island. Beautifully tended gardens surround the low buildings, with the original Quinta forming the dining room with the remainder of the accommodation in a long single-storey structure and a more recent two-storey block, with a garden pavillion down by the pool. Oh, a spa too….
Everything grows on this island – ‘if you plant it, it will grow’ we were told and it is very true – I’ll be adding photos of the Jardim Botanico, Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Palheiro Gardens shortly – and of a tour around the mountainous interior and Western Coasts.
If you are looking for a quiet base from which to explore the island, yet close enough to walk into the Old Town, I’m very happy to recommend Quinta da Casa Branca….
http://www.quintacasabranca.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeira
The Teddington Gardener 