Madeira

Madeira-the "island of eternal spring"-greets honeymooners with striking volcanic peaks fringed with exotic flowers, the ultimate bouquet for the sophisticated, adventurous couple.

Closer to Morocco than Lisbon, and settled almost 600 years ago, the island is a seamless blend of European culture and rugged beauty. Located off Africa's west coast, Madeira is blessed with moderate year-round temperatures, low humidity, and a paucity of biting insects-in short, the perfect conditions for hiking the hundreds of trails that crisscross the island. These range from easy to challenging, with the best following the route of Madeira's ancient levadas-irrigation canals that bring water from the mountains to the green valleys and plains below.

While two-thirds of Madeira has been preserved in its natural state, there's no need to "rough it" during your stay. Lining the steep cobblestone streets in the capital city of Funchal are lively bars and discos, historic fishermen's homes converted to fine restaurants, and compelling historic sites, including the Se Cathedral, virtually unchanged since its construction in 1514.

Funchal is also home to most of Madeira's finest hotels, including the "very British" Reid's, named by the readers of Cond Nast Traveler as one of Europe's best resorts. The 164-room hotel sits amid 10 acres of mature gardens overlooking Funchal Bay and is renowned for its old-fashioned charm and service. Another grand, European-style hotel is the Savoy, which beckons to honeymooners with its 325 balconied rooms, sea-level bathing complex, and classic 1920s-style lounge.

The Pestana Carlton Park is less sedate, both in setting and architecture: This cliff-top hotel was designed by modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer and is home to Madeira's casino and a variety of fine restaurants. Madeira's most romantic property is the Hotel Cliff Bay, it includes the island's best spa. Brides and grooms alike can indulge in healing massages, facials, aromatherapy and algae wraps before taking a plunge in the resort's seawater lagoon. Madeira's landscape is corduroyed with vineyards...

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