Explore this amazing archipelago in the Atlantic
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. Below are just 14 of the many wonderful experiences in Madeira.
1. CABO GIRÃO SKYWALK
An attraction that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, the Skywalk on the cliffs of Cabo Girão should not be missed on your trip to Madeira. Jutting out of the side of some of the highest cliffs in Europe (580 meters above sea level), the glass walkway offers incredible views of the Madeira coastline, Funchal and the town of Câmara de Lobos.
2. CÂMARA DE LOBOS
It was this traditional fishing village, situated five kilometres from Funchal, which inspired Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. The village was given its name by the explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many Mediterranean monk seals (‘lobos’) living there at the time.
3. CURRAL DAS FREIRAS (VALLEY OF THE NUNS)
The Curral das Freiras is a stunning natural depression in the mountainous interior of Madeira that was the sanctuary and hiding place of a convent of nuns during a particularly unpleasant pirate raid. The view is regarded as one of the most spectacular views of Madeira and this is on an island with many stunning view points. Curral das Freiras makes for an enjoyable excursion from Funchal and offers great hikes, stunning views and a charming little town selling chestnut cakes!
4. FUNCHAL CABLE CAR
The Funchal Cable Car is a gondola lift that transports people from the lower section of Funchal, Madeira to the suburb of Monte. Construction of the cable car system began in September 1999; it was opened in November 2000 and has been in service since then. The bottom station is located at Almirante Reis Park in central Funchal. The length of the cable car line is 3,718 m and the height difference 560 m; the journey takes approx. 15 minutes.
5. LEVADA WALKS
Madeira is a volcanic Island and considered to be one of the best in the world when it comes to walking, trekking or hiking. With a breathtaking natural beauty, Madeira offers a variety of walking paths around the Island, all abundant with picturesque landscapes of steep green valleys. Madeira Levada Walks are the most well known. Levadas are man-made water channels designed to carry water from excess rainfall in the interior to the agricultural fields that extend all around the island. They are public property, along which anyone may enjoy a walk.
6. MADEIRA WINE
Madeira is a fortified wine made on the islands. Madeira is produced in a variety of styles ranging from dry wines which can be consumed on their own as an aperitif to sweet wines usually consumed with dessert.
7. MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES (FARMER’S MARKET)
The Farmers' Market, inaugurated in 1940, features New State architecture, including large tile panels that decorate the facade, the entrance and the fishmonger.
The Farmers' Market, in the Funchal’s city center, was dedicated on 24th November 1940. This project designed by Edmundo Tavares (1892-1983), features New State architecture, and reflects the intention to make it the major supply point of the city. Large Batisttini Faience tile panels of Maria de Portugal, dated 1940 and painted with regional themes by João Rodrigues, adorn the facade, the main entrance and the fishmonger.
8. MONTE PALACE TROPICAL GARDEN
The Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses an huge exotic plant’s collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans and duck’s, that populates the central lake, peacocks and chickens, that walk free in the main areas of the property.
9. MUSEU CR7
The Museu CR7 is a museum that is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo's trophies. It is located in Funchal, Madeira. Above the museum is a hotel built in a partnership between Ronaldo and Pestana Group. In front of the museum, there is a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, made by the Brazilian-born Madeiran sculptor Ricardo Velosa.
10. PARQUE FORESTAL DE QUEIMADAS
The Queimadas Forest Park is located in Santana. This park is the ideal place to observe the Laurel Forest and features a picnic area. Many walks and trails of unparalleled beauty that lead to different locations on the island start here, particularly the PR 9 – Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk and the walking trial that allows access Pico das Pedras.
11. PICO RUIVO
The Pico Ruivo is the highest point on the mountainous Madeira and standing at 1,862m above sea level the summit provides spectacular views over the entire island. The climb to the top of Pico Ruivo provides for a challenging hike and there are two excellent routes of varying degrees of difficulty.
12. PONTA DE SÃO LOURENCO (POINT OF SAINT LAWRENCE)
Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the island of Madeira. It is inside the town of Caniçal and forms a part of the municipality of Machico. Its terrain is made up of rocks and herbaceous vegetation. Since 1982, the headland is a nature reserve.
13. PORTO DA CRUZ
Porto da Cruz is a beautiful village on the northeast corner of the island of Madeira. It is popular with surfers, sunbathers, and hikers. It got its name because the founder of the town marked the harbour with an iron cross.
14. VEREDA DOS BALCÕES
Vereda dos Balcões is a 2.6 kilometre moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Ribeiro Frio, Madeira, Portugal that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
SLEEP, EAT & PLAY AT THESE FINE EXPERIENCES IN MADEIRA (CLICK ON THE HEADINGS FOR MORE DETAILS & TO BOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BEST PRICES):
1. SLEEP AT FOURVIEWS BAIA HOTEL
Modern hotel with amazing views. With a stunning view over the bay of Funchal, and snuggled by the hills around it, the FourViews Baía Hotel combines all the features you need to enjoy a quiet holiday with all the advantages of a city resort in the Madeira island.
SLEEP AT FOURVIEWS MONUMENTAL HOTEL
Family friendly hotel. Situated in the heart of the Lido, the most important tourist area in Funchal, the FourViews Monumental Hotel is a fine choice for an invigorating holiday in Madeira, full of pleasure and fun.
SLEEP AT FOURVIEWS OÁSIS HOTEL
Ocean front luxury. Located by the sea in the picturesque village of Caniço, the FourViews Oásis Hotel embraces the ocean and offers all the facilities you need for a relaxing holiday in Madeira Island.
SLEEP AT HOTEL MADEIRA
At Hotel Madeira you'll find everything you need for relaxing and unforgettable holidays: comfortable equipped rooms with all contemporary ways of connection (telephone with a direct line to the exterior, Wi-Fi Internet access) and recreation zones (open swimming pool on the top floor with a panoramic view of Funchal city, sundeck, coffee bar, snooker table).
SLEEP AT QUINTINHA SÃO JOÃO
Enchanting small hotel. Quintinha São João is the perfect example of an old and indeed actual typical Madeiran Quinta. With a history passed on through the generations- with some secrets yet to be revealed, the Quinta has witnessed various goings-on prior to becoming the illustrious five star hotel with 42 rooms that you see today. The “Quintinha”, as they affectionately call it, keeps its essence full of history that can be sensed as one ambles through its gardens and various corners of the interior of the hotel.
EAT AT ARMAZÉM DO SAL
For dinner, the Armazém do Sal restaurant is the choice of all those who seek refinement and sophistication at the table. Their gastronomic proposals are a treat for the palate and a treat for eye. Armazém do Sal is a rustic - style restaurant with lots of character and charm thanks to the combination of traditional wood and stone and modern art on display. A contemporary take on traditional cuisine.
EAT AT BOHO BISTRO
A Chef's place...Cooking with a view: fusion cuisine that combines elements of the Portuguese and Asian culinary traditions, cooked within view of diners in a relaxed yet refined space, in downtown Funchal. Boho Bistrô is a small open theatre of fusion cuisine that combines the best traditional Portuguese and Asian flavours, in a cosy and classy atmosphere.
EAT AT RESTAURANTE DO FORTE
Restaurante do Forte, established in 2001, is located at the Historical Fortress of São Tiago (17th Century) and is distinguished by its gastronomical diversity and by its service of excellence. Restaurante do Forte blends together regional, national and international cuisines and brings creativity and a unique style to its dishes.
EAT AT THE WANDERER MADEIRA
Hidden, right in the center of Funchal... A secret place for wanderers and gourmets. One table and one menu...For an evening of culinary discoveries and conviviality.The Wanderer look to share a memorable moment with the guests they welcome into their place. Conviviality is at the heart of the evening. Illustrated by the one large dining table, around which all guests are seated. The 6 course Discovery Menu, a culinary journey, showcases home-grown ingredients and highlights unique seasonal products from Madeira island.
PLAY AT FEELING MADEIRA TOURS & WALKS
Madeira is a beautiful and fascinating island that represents all year holiday destination. The island consists of a breathtaking natural landscape, with huge mountains, rugged cliffs, lush forests and beautiful flower gardens. The people of Madeira are warm and hospitable. Feeling Madeira... a holiday destination that has so much to offer! Feeling Madeira offers tours, walks and airport transfers.
PLAY AT PEARL OF THE ATLANTIC MADEIRA
Pearl of the Atlantic Madeira, is a travel agency and they will help you to organize your vacation. They take care of your flights, accommodation and your daily activities. They offer airport transfers, full day and half day tours, walks, garden visits, sunrise and sunset tours, Madeiran traditional dinner, canyoning, diving, paragliding and much more.
PLAY AT PLANET MADEIRA
Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colors of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest laurel forest in the world is located. Planet Madeira Guided Tours offers guided tours by minibus, guided tours by mountain guide, traditional dinner with folklore, and airport transfers.
PLAY AT UP MOUNTAIN MADEIRA
Up Mountain Madeira(UMM) love Madeira island.. and they want you to share that feeling with them and that is why they want you to explore Madeira with no crowds. Up Mountain Madeira, is a small team of local certified guides, who love to show you Madeira island as it is, not just sightseeing tours for Madeira’s amazing views, but also with its people, its food, its drinks and all the good stuff there is in this paradise, far away from the crowds and tasteless impersonal tours..they believe in people, not numbers!
HOW TO GET THERE: Being an island, there are two ways of getting to Madeira - either by air or by sea. The archipelago has two airports (Madeira and Porto Santo), as well as several ports and marinas for tourists arriving on cruise liners or boats, namely Port of Funchal and Porto Santo Harbour.
VISAS: The Schengen Treaty is fully applied in Madeira. For EU countries or those under the Schengen Treaty, you may remain in Madeira as a tourist for a period not exceeding three months.You need a valid passport or identity document for entry to and exit from Madeira.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The weather is sunny and warm all year round. If you want the hottest and driest months, the best time to visit Madeira is May-August, when average temperatures are in the mid-20s and you only have a handful of rainy days each month.
CURRENCY: Euro
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