Madeira
Once named Tiles Hotel, the Allegro Madeira is the ideal base camp for exploring the sun-kissed beachfronts of Funchal. This four-star hotel offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and lies just over 20 kilometres from Madeira International Airport. Recently taken over by the Barcélo Hotel Group, this adults-only hotel is a five-minute walk from Lido Promenade, and the dashing ocean views it offers. Just under a kilometre away is one of Madeira’s largest shopping centres.
The perfect location needs the ultimate hotel, and the facilities at Allegro Madeira do not disappoint. The exhilarating Rooftop Bar 360 is the perfect place to sip a peach daiquiri and leave your worries far behind. And, to keep you in top shape, the hotel boasts an impressive wellness centre and fitness studio. The pool bar is open from midday until 6pm daily and is the perfect place to grab a poolside snack. While the Lounge Bar offers the ideal setting for an after-hours glass of wine. The cosy Lido Restaurant offers international flavours, complemented with the most delicious locally sourced ingredients.
Funchal perfectly captures that essence of coastal Portugal. The port itself, as well as the beachfront, certainly draw the crowds. This really is one of the hidden gems of the island of Madeira and taking the Funchal Cable Car is the perfect way to explore the city. This transports tourists to the stunning Botanical Gardens, as well as allowing you to explore the lush, green suburb of Monte. A little further afield you get to enjoy some of Madeira’s more mountainous locations, such as Curral das Freiras – village up in the mountains. The charming Old Town is peppered with 15th-century buildings, luxurious resorts like Allegro Madeira Hotel and some beautiful architecture, such as Socorro Church and Corpo Santo Chapel. Funchal Natural History Museum is one of the main attractions, as is the stunning 80,000 square-metre Botanical Gardens. You could even hunt for delicious local produce at the Mercado dos Lavradores, the incredible farmers market that first opened its doors back in 1940.
