Madeira is a beautiful Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. Madeira, with its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, offers a paradise-like destination that will leave you awe-inspired at every turn. The island's mild climate, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, ensures that you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore its wonders no matter when you visit. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxation in a picturesque setting, Madeira has it all.
Funchal City Tour
Start your trip by exploring Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. Funchal is a vibrant and picturesque destination with a rich history and diverse attractions you must see.
Start your tour by exploring the historic center of Funchal. Wander through the charming narrow streets, adorned with colorful facades and traditional Madeiran houses. Take your time to soak in the relaxed atmosphere and discover hidden gems like local shops, cafés, and art galleries.
Visit the Sé Cathedral, a striking Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at its intricate architecture and step inside to admire the beautiful interior, including impressive wooden ceilings and decorative tiles.
Stroll through the Municipal Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Funchal. This well-maintained public park is adorned with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and exotic trees. Take a leisurely walk, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax on a bench while taking in the serene surroundings.
Take a cable car ride from Funchal to Monte and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This stunning garden features a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and sculptures from around the world. Explore its winding paths, encounter koi ponds, and admire breathtaking views over Funchal and the surrounding landscape.
Experience a unique mode of transportation by taking a thrilling toboggan ride from Monte back down to Funchal. Traditional wicker sleds guided by carreiros (drivers) navigate the steep streets of Funchal, providing an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Mercado dos Lavradores, the Farmers' Market. This bustling market offers an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local products. Be sure to taste the exotic fruits and sample regional delicacies like the famous Madeira honey cake (Bolo de Mel).
Discover the island's rich winemaking heritage by visiting one of the Madeira wine lodges in Funchal. Take a guided tour to learn about the wine production process, from grape harvesting to aging. End the tour with a tasting session, where you can savor different varieties of Madeira wine, known for its unique flavors and characteristics.
Levada Walks
Levada walks are one of the most popular activities in Madeira, allowing visitors to explore the island's stunning landscapes and experience its unique irrigation system. What are Levadas? Levadas are narrow irrigation channels that were originally built to transport water from the rainy northern part of the island to the drier southern regions, where most of the agriculture is located. These channels were constructed in the 16th century and have since become a defining feature of Madeira's landscape. Levada walks refer to the hiking trails that follow the levadas, offering scenic routes through Madeira's mountains, valleys, and forests. These walks are suitable for people of various fitness levels, with different routes catering to different preferences and abilities.
Levada walks provide a unique perspective of Madeira's natural beauty. As you walk along the levadas, you'll pass through lush green landscapes, encounter enchanting waterfalls, and marvel at the island's diverse flora and fauna. The trails often offer breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and even the coastline.
Madeira offers a wide range of levada walks catering to different levels of difficulty and preferences. Some popular levada walks include: Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Risco, Levada das 25 Fontes, Levada do Rei and Levada do Norte.
While levada walks are enjoyable, it's important to take some precautions. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and bring appropriate clothing, especially in areas where weather conditions can change rapidly. It's also recommended to carry a map, follow signposts, and let someone know about your plans.
Madeira's East Coast Exploration
Exploring Madeira's scenic east coast offers a delightful combination of charming villages, coastal beauty, and historical landmarks. Below you will find a plan for one day trip.
Begin your day by driving to Santana, a picturesque village known for its traditional triangular-shaped houses called "casas de colmo." These colorful houses with thatched roofs are a symbol of Madeira's architectural heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admire the charming houses, and perhaps visit the Santana Theme Park for a deeper understanding of Madeiran culture and traditions.
From Santana, continue your journey to Porto da Cruz, a coastal village famous for its volcanic pools and scenic beauty. Explore the village's rugged shoreline, which features stunning basalt formations and towering cliffs. If weather and conditions permit, take a refreshing dip in the natural lava pools or relax on the black sand beaches.
After that proceed to Machico, the second-largest city in Madeira, which offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Visit Machico Beach! This golden sandy beach is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean, and perhaps try some water sports activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. You can also explore the historic center of Machico, where you can find beautiful churches, traditional buildings, and quaint squares. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Mother Church of Machico, which dates back to the 15th century and boasts intricate architectural details.
If you have some extra time, consider visiting Caniçal, a small fishing village located east of Machico. Take a leisurely stroll along the Caniçal promenade, which offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to spot local marine life.
Throughout your East Coast Exploration, enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery, appreciate the traditional architecture of Santana, relax on the beaches, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the coastal villages. The region's natural beauty and historical landmarks make it a captivating part of Madeira to explore.
Madeira's West Coast Trip
Exploring Madeira's west coast promises stunning landscapes, charming villages, and unique natural attractions. Here's a more detailed itinerary for your one day west coast trip.
Start your journey by visiting the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, located just west of Funchal. Known for its colorful boats, vibrant waterfront, and Winston Churchill connection (the famous British statesman painted here), Câmara de Lobos offers a charming atmosphere. Take a stroll along the harbor, admire the scenic views, and perhaps indulge in some local seafood delicacies at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Then proceed to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, for breathtaking panoramic views. Visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that extends out from the cliff, providing a thrilling experience and sweeping views of the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the vineyards below. If you enjoy hiking, consider exploring the walking trails around Cabo Girão, which offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Continue your journey to Ribeira Brava, a charming coastal town nestled between mountains and the sea. Visit Ribeira Brava's pebble beach, where you can relax, soak up the sun, or take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic waters. Explore the pleasant promenade, lined with cafes and shops, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Don't miss the Church of São Bento, an architectural gem that dates back to the 15th century. Admire its beautiful façade and step inside to appreciate the intricate Baroque-style interior.
Conclude your west coast trip by visiting the natural pools of Porto Moniz, a unique volcanic formation. The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are formed by volcanic rocks and filled with crystal-clear seawater. Take a dip in these natural pools, which offer a safe and beautiful swimming experience amidst the stunning coastal surroundings. Wander around Porto Moniz and explore its charming village center, which features quaint streets, local shops, and restaurants.