Madeira wine is unique, not just for its sometimes nutty or burnt butter taste, but also its resilience.

Spend a night discovering the bars and restaurants of Zona Velha, ascend to Monte on a cable car, and explore Quinta das Cruzes- all with your trusted travel companion. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. To serve, the skewers are hung from unique contraptions, and diners pair them with bolo do caco, a type of bread made in part with sweet potato that’s toasted and slathered with garlic butter; milho frito, cubes of deep-fried polenta; and a green salad.If you want to explore outside the city, head to the countryside where you can find relaxing vacations at rural tourism houses, surrounded by mountains and forests or nestled in deep valleys: look for accommodation in places like Curral das Freiras or Santana. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item.

Lonely Planet`s Pocket Guide will give you both encouragement to explore and much very useful information. For a beach break, Calheta, Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol are some of the island's top destinations for seaside escapes.

Hiking, swimming, diving and surfing are not only accessible but exist at a variety of skill levels. The tipple was subsequently used to toast America’s Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776 as well as the inauguration of George Washington as the USA’s first president in 1789. Madeira is covered in levadas – narrow irrigation canals – which were dug as far back as the 15th century and have been used over the centuries to disperse water.

For a low-key tipple, try Beerhouse – a microbrewery with a view to the Funchal marina and several beers on tap, including local Coral. Fresh fish, tender beef skewers and the thought of homemade melting garlic butter on a warm piece of bolo do caco (a local flatbread made with sweet potatoes) should give foodies enough motivation to book that direct flight. Forget everything you think you know (or might have heard) about Portugal – Madeira is a world apart. The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira, a colorful, easy-to-use and handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, provides on-the-go assistance for those seeking only the can't-miss experiences to maximise a quick trip experience. For an upscale experience, swing by Il Gallo d’Oro, a two-star Michelin restaurant with an 8- to 11-dish menu (Terroir Experience) featuring contemporary approaches to traditional local dishes.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Brave the crowds at Mercearia da Poncha to try the unmissable poncha (a highly alcoholic drink mixing sugar cane aguardente, honey, sugar and fruit juice). Located off the coast of Africa but also an autonomous region of Portugal, Madeira has its own unique identity.

Read more about the condition Very Good: A book that has been read and does not look new, but is in excellent condition. With a long black body, giant goggly eyes and teeth resembling a disorganised pincushion, the espada might just be the ugliest fish ever created. Sun-chasing Europeans flock there year-round thanks to the subtropical climate ⁠— 70°F (21°C) on average, all year ⁠— but this beautiful island may soon be seeing more new visitors. Originally used to shift goods and crops, today Madeira’s cable cars also transport tourists and day-trippers. Also impressive is the cable car that descends to Fajã dos Padres, a rocky beach that is home to a farm and banana plantation, a cafe/restaurant and a dock for swimming.In general, and especially outside of the relatively wet period between November and February, rain is only an occasional concern on Madeira. The Wine and Food Walking Tour with Discovering Madeira is a perfect intro, courtesy of vibrant born-and-raised Madeiran, Sofia Maul. For something much more natural, consider the pools in Seixal or Cachalote, both of which also have the benefit of being free.