Madeira - Arrival

Part of the plentiful gardens at Porto Mare

With it's subtropical climate warmed by the Gulf Stream the volcanic island of Madeira lies 323 miles off the coast of Africa. It's is Portugla's very own floating garden. Landing at the 'Christiano Ronaldo' (more of him in further blogs)is an interesting experience... Hailed as being in the top three of most dangerous airports in the world, we got off fairly lightly. Once infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, make it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots, particularly with a cross wind.

View from reception bar

It is always a 'heart in mouth' scenario travelling to a hotel you know nothing about really. Dropping off other holidaymakers along the way and either sighing with relief or regretting not going to that particular hotel. First impressions were good with the 'Hotel Porto Mare'. It looked to be in a lively but not too lively area. A decent, modern looking building and a nice cool spacious reception.

View from our garden room

We were quickly assigned our room , one with a garden view and a glimpse of the sea if you stretched a bit to the right. The room was bright and spacious and the all important bed seemed comfortable enough. It was by now early evening so just enough time to have a scout around to gather our bearings.

Outside pool- Our room on ground floor in the distance

The Hotel Porto Mare is part of a three hotel complex that are all interlinked through a warren of corridors and floors which initially was very confusing. Never mind initially I was still getting hopelessly lost on the day we were due to leave! I wanted to check out the gym and health suite as it's important to keep in trim even when on holiday, or is that just me? A nice big indoor pool was discovered but wait , it's also an outdoor pool too. You swim under a bridge and you are outside , best of both worlds . Not only that there is a Jacuzzi too , I can see me making good use of both.

Outside part of the indoor pool

The gym wasn't bad really , typical hotel set-up . But it was roomy and mostly machines, also a dumbbell rack which only went up to 20kg. But better than nothing  for sure. So first impressions very good , time to venture outside and find somewhere to eat for tomorrow we shall explore .