The most romantic things to do in Madeira

Flowers are the cheapest and most fragrant way to win a fair maiden’s heart. You could always pick them from the garden and surprise the target of your affections for nothing, but it is always good to support local businesses, and there are Brownie points in that. Head on over to the Mercado dos Lavradores and ask the florists at the main entrance, who all wear traditional Madeiran dress, for some advice. From birds of paradise to dragon trees, you will not leave empty-handed. It is not possible to be more in bloom and fragrant.

Wrapping up warm and climbing the tallest peak to watch another dawn is a good plan at any time of year (just make sure the clouds play ball to ensure you get the full spectacle of the sun lighting up the peaks and valleys). To minimise the effort but still make a splash, call on the services of VANTASTIC (96 251 0484, gibrunchmadeira@gmail.com), a healthy concept designed by Ruben Freitas, offering cold-pressed fruit juices, functional plans and light refreshments. He will can also provide a basket with fruit juice, sandwiches and bowls to take with you to watch the sunrise (from €14 per person). Then just let nature do her thing in one of the best places to watch daybreak.

Pack a more formal outfit and book dinner at the Forte, a restaurant that opened in 2001 in the Fortaleza de São Tiago. Its ceiling is covered in floral wallpaper, its tables are well laid out with linen cloths, and the lights are low – all creating a romantic atmosphere. As well as its à la carte menu, it also has a range of packages to help create a romantic evening. For example, you could choose the Romantic Package in which the evening begins with you being picked up in a classic Austin 12 and served with sparkling wine and strawberries and chocolate on arrival, followed by a three-course mean and selection of wines (€67.50 per person). Then there is the Gold Package, with you being picked up at your hotel in a classic Rolls Royce, with an aperitif on the terrace at the Fortaleza, followed by a three-course meal (€85 per person). The Forte restaurant is a popular venue for weddings, Christenings and other events – so try the catering now to see if you like it.

Delightful days and luxurious nights are waiting for you at a Madeiran 5-star hotel. There is a wide range of options, including The Cliff Bay, which also has two Michelin stars and direct access to the sea; Belmond Reid’s Palace, a historical Madeira hotel offering a discrete and refined service, beautiful views and gardens that you and your better half can get lost in; the Savoy Palace with its imposing building and galactic restaurant those in the know say will soon have a shining Michelin star; or The Vine, the name of which is a pun on the words “vine” and “divine”, and which was decorated by Nini Andrade Silva, who is a big name on the island.

Quinto do Furão in Santana, on the island’s north coast, is a good place to stop and have lunch (ask for a table on the veranda, which gives the illusion of being suspended over the sea), go for a walk, have a dip in the outdoor swimming pool that is in the middle of the vineyards, and, who knows, even spend the night. The restaurant is run by chef Hugo Doria, who has focused on regional cuisine while adding a touch of modernity – whatever happens, you must not leave without tasting the sweet potato bread baked in a wood oven. There are even packages that can be arranged through the hotel, where you can knead the dough, take a guided tour of the gardens or enjoy a tasting of Madeiran wines. If you prefer to stay, the recently-refurbished Quinto do Furão has 45 rooms, all in light colours to match the beautiful views.

Walking hand in hand through the greenery is always relaxing, but the incredible views of Funchal bay on offer from the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens ensure this will be a very romantic walk. It has exotic plants, koi carp, azulejo tile panels and an ostentation of peacocks, a raft of ducks and a bevy of swans. While there you should visit the exhibition of gemstones – take your time and get some ideas for the one to be set in your ring one of these days.

Chocolate comforts us when we are lonely; but is can also act as an aphrodisiac. If you want to conquer the object of your affections with food, then you should choose handmade chocolate produced right here on the island, with fillings like poncha, Madeira wine, pitanga and cane sugar honey. Add sugar to your relationship and get fat together. Buy them at Uau Cacau’s main shop (R. da Queimada de Baixo, 11) or at the Mercado dos Lavradores (make the most of your visit and also get flowers, to come away with two gifts).

Forget about amateur massages until you return to the comfort of your home, and book an afternoon with a difference at the spa. Lie down on the table, side by side, and let the professionals take care of you. Check out the selection of couple’s massages at The Vine, where the spa has three treatments for couples (starting at €155) or at the Vidamar Thalasso Sea Spa, which has treatments for two with such names as harmonia e sonhos do oceano (ocean harmony and dreams) or simply apaixonante (passionate), with prices starting from €115.