Madeira Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Madeira, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Madeira Information

Overview

Madeira is a singularly beautiful island. The scenery is memorable and remarkably diverse, especially bearing in mind the island’s modest size. Madeira has been described as a ‘floating garden’, reflecting centuries of cultivation. The rich volcanic soil, mild climate and abundant rainfall (especially in the north) have been responsible for contrasting landscapes: lush river valleys, terraced hillsides planted with vines and bananas and dense primeval forest.

The most enjoyable way to explore the island is to follow the course of the levadas (irrigation channels) which crisscross the countryside. The island’s burgeoning coastal resorts are geared to the demands of modern tourism and the expansion of Santa Catarina Airport is expected to lead to a marked increase in the number of foreign visitors over the next decade.


Top Things To See

Do not miss the sights of Funchal, including its remarkable 16th-century Cathedral,  the Museum of Sacred Art and the Botanical Gardens - 5 hectares (12 acres) of terraced hillside, planted with myriad species from around the globe.

Make a beeline for Santana, the most visited village on the island, which is known for its unusual triangular-shaped houses or palheiros.

Take the cable car from Funchal to Monte, where the church, Nossa Senhora de Monte, becomes a centre of pilgrimage on 15 August, when worshippers climb the 74 steps on their hands and knees.

Visit Machico, Madeira’s second-largest town and check-out the 15th-century parish church, the Chapel of Miracles (a place of pilgrimage) and the small but picturesque 18th-century fort.

Drive towards the summit of Pico do Arieiro (1,818m/5,965ft) (the road does not  go all the way) and appreciate the spectacular panorama. The island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,861m/6,106ft), is accessible on foot.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

Hike along the coastal path and savour the dramatic cliff top views. Walk through tranquil terraced valleys further inland. The levadas, a network of ancient irrigation channels stretching some 2,130km (1,333 miles) across the island’s slopes, are popular.

Try a traditional toboggan run. Today, the toboggans carry tourists with two men using ropes to control the wide carro, a large wicker basket mounted on wooden runners. Runs to Funchal are located in Monte and Terreiro da Luta.

Sample some of the distinctive and world-famous Madeira wine. The grapes are pressed where they are grown and carried down the hills in goatskin bags by porters. The famous Madeira Wine Festival takes place annually in September.

Unwind over a round of golf. The Campo de Golfe do Santo da Serra (27-hole) (website: www.santodaserragolf.com) and Palheiro (18-hole) (website: www.palheirogolf.com) are the two courses on the island, the former offering spectacular panoramic ocean views from its 500m- (1,640ft-) high location. 

Have a go at deep-sea fishing, for which Madeira is well-known, particularly blue marlin. A number of companies offer fishing tours to suit all budgets and tastes. Special charters can be arranged for groups.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Regional specialities:
•Caldeirada (fish soup).
•Bife de atum e milho frito (tuna steak and fried maize).
•Carne em vinha d’alho (pickled pork and garlic).
•Espada (fresh black sword fish).
• Bolo de mel (Madeira honey cake).

Regional drinks:
•Malmsey (Malvasia), a popular wine.
•Bual is a sweet dessert wine.
•Serceal is a dry wine.
•Galão, a glass of milky coffee, and bica, a small cup of black coffee, are popular.

Nightlife

Some hotels have excellent nightclubs with music for dancing and international cabaret entertainment. Folk entertainment is also included in the weekly programme of these hotels and, in most cases, non-residents are welcome.

Shopping

In Funchal, there is a wide variety of shops selling everyday goods, as well as many souvenirs. Special purchases include Madeira folk art such as embroidery, tapestry and wickerwork. Madeira wine is a popular gift.


Climate

Mild climate with warm summers and extremely mild winters.

Required Clothing

Mid-seasonal wear.


Contact Addresses

Direco Regional de Turismo

18 Avenida Arriaga, 9004-519, Funchal, Madeira
Tel: (291) 211 900.
Website: www.madeiraislands.travel  




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.