As reported by the Official Madeira Islands Tourism website, Funchal is experience its best year in terms of arrivals with 254,939 passengers disembarking during this period, some 50,000 more than previously recorded and 23 more vessels stopping at the deep water harbour.

Located on the southern side of the main island, Funchal is the cosmopolitan capital of Madeira, home to 150,000 people making it the most populous Portuguese city outside mainland Portugal.

Steven Worboys, MD of the Madeira property experts at Experience International, comments,

“Funchal enjoys a unique position with the surrounding hills acting as a natural amphitheatre rising some 1200m from the deep water harbour which has long been a stopping point for many cruise ships and yachts. It is encouraging to see that more and more people are discovering the magical beauty of Madeira not only by plane but by sea as well.”

Madeira has certainly seen a surge in tourist interest in recent years. Over 1 million people visit annually (Tourism & Transport Regional Secretary of Madeira, 2008), the majority are from within the EU with a recent report in Travel Daily News ranking Madeira the fifth most sought after island by Brits.

Worboys continues,

“Awareness of the beauty and serenity of Madeira has certainly increased in the UK. No longer the preserve of the retired community, the islands are attracting individuals, young couples and families alike both for holidays and also second homes.“

The property market of Madeira still remains relatively undeveloped with the limited availability of viable land and low supply of high quality accommodation creating exclusivity. There are however some stunning residences to be considered such as the completed Palheiro Estate. Located on a prime hilltop site overlooking Funchal, the 130 hectare Palheiro estate has grown from an early 19^th century hunting lodge and summer retreat for nobility into a low density luxury resort destination.

The high quality apartments and villas afford stunning views over the harbour with owners able to enjoy the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and sun deck, golf facilities and first class hotel amenities on site. Prices start from €325,000 and regular inspection visits operate from the UK.

For more information on visiting the magical islands of Madeira or indeed the Palheiro Village contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.