vVery little difference to the mainland as far as prices are concerned. The extra cost of importing all the food erc. is offset by Madeira having lower taxation. Take advantage of the various trips to see the island and let bus know that hotel you are likely to stay in. I worked there for some years and my daughter works for the largest hotel chain on the island.

I know it is off topic slightly but the wife and I are off to Madiera on thursday and have to drive from the airport to Sao Vincente so does anyone have any advice on which route to take as we have never been before, any help would be much apprieciated. We are only going for 4 nights so we hope to make the most of it and then maybe go back for a proper holiday in the future. Thanks in advace for any help and advice anyone can give us.

Wow, you couldnt have picked a town further away from the airport. Look at this map
http://www.madeiraarchipelago.com/map/madeira-island.html

You might be able to plan a route here:-
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:N4LJi5lfND4J:www.planetware.com/map/archipelago-da-madeira-map-p-arcmad.htm+%22madeira+Map%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=17&gl=uk