So with the storm brewing across the UK in early March, we decided to take a 'lucky dip' with a well known budget airline - and we selected Madeira as the weather, levada walks and history looked intriguing.

In summary the holiday was everything that we'd hoped for and everyone's recommendations were outstanding.

We walked two of the levadas and the scenery was outstanding and the emgineering simply mindblowing.

It seems almost unimaginable that the people of Madeira were able to carve these water channels across half the island to provide clean water to the southern half of the island for dinking. cooking and bathing. However, as a result of the influx of tourists, these carved master pieces now offer some spectacular views, often way up in the clouds.

A walk through Funchal old town is a must for any visitor to this island. Whether you love street are, good food, friendly locals or just like to explore narrow streets with intimate art galleries. We were treated by the opportunity to watch one of the local artisits create a stunning piece using oil paints. The skill and beauty of the image was staggering.

Its is also worth venturing in to the famers market (and fish market) in Funchal. They have an array of colourful fruit and vegitables that the variety is only matched by the beautiful aromas. Many of the passion fruit were new to me, so we were offered to try mny varieties and they were all simply devine. What a pleasure to eat from an island that is, and does, grow nearly everything you can imagine. The flora and fauna is startling.

There us much to do on this magical island, with such a temperate climate, great levada walks and stunning coastline, we will definitely be back to sample more of the islands treasures.