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Madeira Sometimes called the "Hawaii of Europe", and for good reason. This beautiful archipelago, with its sun, landscapes, nature and beaches, attracts tourists from Europe and the whole world throughout the year. Like Hawaii, Madeira is also very far from the "mother continent". It is located west of the coast of Africa, quite deep into the Atlantic Ocean, and about four hundred kilometers north of the Spanish Canary Islands. The largest island in the archipelago is Madeira, and its capital city, Funchal, is its largest urban and tourist center.
Madeira's nickname, the island of eternal spring, reveals a hint about the almost ideal weather that prevails on the island. The winter is not too cold and rainy, and the summers are also not unbearable in heat and humidity. For those who think that this is a classic European destination, where the winters freeze the bones and the summer is a steaming and humid oven, a pleasant surprise awaits (literally).
On top of that, Madeira is a destination that suits almost every type of traveler and tourist. It suits you whether you are old or young. Whether you are looking to stay in a luxury resort, or in dormitory rooms in a guesthouse. Both avid trekkers and sports and extreme chasers will find their place in it.
Nature in Madeira, as you might expect, is second to none almost anywhere else. Many crown it as one of the most beautiful places they have seen in their lives, and they are hardly exaggerating. The forces of nature and the weather shaped the archipelago and created landscapes that are hard to find elsewhere. Cliffs, hills and ravines, sunrises and sunsets, they all look different in Madeira. look more original.
When you arrive in Madeira you probably expect that the main threat to the island's inhabitants will be the weather and sea waves. Nevertheless, the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most exciting and active in the world. However, history shows that the greatest threat to the archipelago in general and Madeira in particular came precisely from the pirates who operated in the area, and who terrorized the ocean travelers and their inhabitants.
The place of refuge chosen by the local nuns, for them and for the treasures of the churches on the island, is the valley that is today called the valley of the nuns. This is an almost inaccessible place, which the pirates would not have tried to reach due to its distance from the coast. It is located in the center of Madeira, and the only access to the village where it is located today is only through a tunnel that goes through one of the mountains that surround it. The dramatic views along the way and the many observation points will not leave you indifferent. Most likely you have never seen such a view in your life.
On top of that, foreign influences had a hard time penetrating this isolated village, making it one of the most important refuges of the local culture.
Since the island's economy is largely based on agriculture, it is no wonder that a variety of crop growing methods have been developed there. One of the biggest problems faced by the island's inhabitants is its mountainous nature, which makes it difficult to channel the abundant water that flows down and flows through it to their fields. This problem led to the construction of many water canals on the sides of the mountains, which ensured that the rain falling on the island would reach all the farmers equally. These water canals, called Levadas, are a fascinating window into the local culture and way of life practiced on the island.
Although a tour along water canals may sound boring, this is not the case at all. The total length of all the Halbadas on the island reaches two thousand kilometers (!), and because they are located on the sides of the mountains, they offer spectacular views. The window for understanding the local culture through the Halbadas is also no small thing. Their importance and the fact that there are so many of them, has led many tourist companies to build tours that will take you to the more interesting parts of Halvedas, and let you know their secrets.
A cliff rising to a height of 580 meters above the southern coast of Madeira. This is the highest cliff in Europe, and a view from it towards the coast can definitely make you dizzy. However, it is not recommended at all to give up the view from the cliff. Here you can also watch the ocean, the capital of the island of Funchal, and the town of Camara de Lobos. In fact, the view here is so impressive that a few years ago the authorities built a glass floor here, called Skywalk through which you can see the view under your feet. It is not recommended to give up the experience.
Due to the impressive height of Cabo Jaro, it is a serious attraction for paragliders and the like.
There are tons of treks in Madeira, and if you are a fan of the genre, you just have to choose what suits you. This route, also called Vereda Pico Ruivo, is one of the shortest. It is a three kilometer route (each way), between Achada and Teixeira, and it is also suitable for those who are not so experienced in walking in nature. Remember to bring enough water and warm clothes with you, as the closer you get to the top, the colder the weather and the stronger the winds. The sunset seen from the top is one of the most beautiful you will see on the island.
It is not possible to reach this trek without a car or taxi, as public transport does not reach it. It is recommended to choose it over its better known and more touristic sibling, Vereda do Areeiro, as it is much less crowded with tourists.
This is probably one of the most beautiful towns you will see in your life. This town, located on the northern coast of Madeira, includes natural swimming pools, waterfalls spilling into the sea, stunning views and a forest of bay trees recognized as a World Heritage Site. If you are interested in the route from Seychelles to the Brides Viewpoint, which is halfway to the village of Sao Vicente, it will bring you to a mesmerizing view point.
It seems that the natural landscapes and the rich vegetation of Madeira were not enough for Charles Murray, an English consul who lived there and purchased the area in the nineteenth century, who turned the area on which the palace stands today into a vacation residence that was used by many wealthy families in Madeira. At the end of the century, Alfredo Ghuilherme Rorigues turned the place into a palace and garden in the style of the palaces he saw on the banks of the Rhine in Europe.
Exotic plants from around the world were brought to the palace and the garden surrounding it, including Scotland, Belgium, the Canary Islands and more. In addition, two artificial lakes were built in the grounds of the palace gardens, in which fish of various types live and white and black swans swim in them at ease. In the rest of the garden you will find turkeys and normal chickens, ducks, geese and more. Artifacts from all over the world are scattered throughout the garden, including rock formations, sculptures and building forms.
The palace and garden are at Caminho do Monte 174 in Funchal. One way to get there is by car, or by bus on lines 20, 21, 22 or 48. The other way is by cable car from which you will enjoy stunning views (11 euros one way, 16 euros round trip). Both ways will show you amazing views.
Entrance to the gardens and the palace itself costs 12.5 euros, and is free for children under 15.
A vacation in Madeira can be a very active vacation thanks to the multitude of attractions and activities offered by the archipelago itself. Some of them are suitable for fans of extremes or high energies and some for those who are looking for calmness. Either way, they are also a great opportunity to get to know the island a little more and enjoy a vacation exactly as you want.
One of the phenomena that is not unique to Madeira, but takes on an almost completely new meaning, is the phenomenon of natural pools. You will find these in the town of Seychelles mentioned above, but if you are into natural pools, the place for you is Porto Muniz. This town is in the northwest corner of Madeira, and where you can find exceptionally large natural pools naturally adapted for swimming.
These pools were created by volcanic lava that slid to the ground, creating an amazing natural phenomenon that covers an area of almost 4 dunams. Here you will find a pool for adults, a pool for children and even a playground. The pools are filled naturally by the salty ocean water, and on the spot you can rent a variety of services that will make your stay pleasant, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and more.
For those who dive (and also for those who want to try or experience for the first time), there is no better place than the Garajau diving beach. The marine reserve is characterized by crystal clear waters, and you will find a huge variety of marine animals and plants. At the beach there is a large and equipped diving center, where you can rent the necessary equipment and receive instruction.
The beach can be reached in two ways, with the cable car recommended. The cable car doesn't cost much, and it will give you a beautiful view of both the beach and the borders of the island. If you decide it's not for you, there is a short route that will allow you to go down to the beach on foot.
An interesting point in the area is another interesting point in the area The statue of Christ, which is on the peak above the beach. Traditionally, at this site the bodies of islanders who died there and were not Catholic were thrown, so that in the eyes of the islanders they were not entitled to burial (and bringing them to burial was against the law). Only many years later, a Jewish cemetery and a non-Catholic Christian cemetery were opened on the island, and the law changed.
Madeira is dotted with surfing beaches that seem to have been created especially for you and your surfer. The Atlantic Ocean is known for its impressive waves, so it's no wonder that many of the island's beaches are surfable (assuming you know what you're doing). If you want to diversify, you can also surf on the nearby island, Porto Santo. The surfing season is between October and March, with the most recommended months being November and February.
If you are a beginner or want to try the surfing experience for the first time, at Faja de Areia beach you will find conditions that are more suitable for your level. However, keep in mind that the beach's relatively friendly waves make it attract a lot of vacationers who aren't necessarily looking to surf, which can make it a bit crowded (especially in the summer months). Another beach that can sometimes suit the level of beginner surfers is on the southern coast of the island of Porto Santo.
This is a very unique experience, which despite the fact that it is insanely touristy, will probably still be one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Here you will climb the mountain Monte (Monte), until you reach its summit. For those who are already tired from walking, you can take a cable car that will take you to the top.
When you reach the top, you will notice a very strange sight. Locals are dressed in traditional clothes, and wear special shoes with extra thick soles. Their role will become clear as soon as you board these sleds/carriages. The sled drivers will stand behind you, and slide you along the narrow alleys until you get back to the lower city. It's an experience that comes very close to extreme sports, and although it's very touristy, it's also pure fun. The drivers will use the thick soles of their shoes to slow down the slide and steer the sled so you don't find yourself too intimately close to parked vehicles. The cost of the experience is 40-25 euros, depending on the number of passengers in the sled.
A visit to museums or heritage sites is an opportunity to get to know the history of the place, to learn about the culture, the people and the stories that accompany the destination for many years. This is also the case in Madeira, where there are interesting museums (although not too many) and some special buildings.
This museum, if it can be called that, is a collection of items collected or created by the Secretary of Tourism and Culture of Madeira. It is a collection of gifts, letters, items of clothing and various works of art, all related in one way or another to his travels around the world in an attempt to promote the island. For example, there is a room dedicated entirely to horses, while another room is full of ties.
This is not a museum in the simple sense of the word, but it is definitely worth a visit. In addition, at a price of 3.5 euros per ticket, you can also enter and enjoy the beautiful garden of the museum, overlooking the Funchal Bay. The coffee in the place is also not bad at all.
The Mira Archipelago in general, and the island of Porto Santo in particular, is of great importance when it comes to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer of the fifteenth century. He spent several years in Porto Santo, and even married the home of the local governor. His house was converted into a museum dedicated to the life, work and discovery of the famous adventurer. You can find the museum at Travessa da Sacristia Street 2-4 on the island of Porto Santo.
In 2010, at the initiative of local artisans and with the support of the government, the old town of Funchal underwent a facelift and rebranding. The doors of most of the city's buildings were repainted and some of them had elaborate paintings added. Restaurants and galleries have opened, turning the formerly shady neighborhood into a vibrant center of art and color. Today, Funchal's old town is a center of attraction for crowds of tourists, and you won't have enough fingers to count the number of lunch orders you will receive from waiters waiting just for you at the restaurant doors.
Despite the commercialization of the area, it is highly recommended for a visit. You will find here an interesting and up-to-date scene, mostly galleries and shops where you can purchase arts and crafts products made by local artisans.
Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the most famous phenomenon to come out of Madeira, second only to its line. The famous footballer was born and raised in Funchal, and even if you are not a big football fan, it will be hard for you to avoid his name. The local airport is named after him, as well Hotel CR7. Fans will be able to design their entire trip in the light of the superstar footballer who started his career here.
In the museum you can learn everything you want about Ronaldo's illustrious career, starting from humble beginnings on the pitches of Madeira and going through every award and trophy he ever won. For those who even this is not enough, the nearby hotel (CR7, which is partially owned by Ronaldo, and named after him) will be able to complete the experience for you. For those who accompany an ardent fan, but prefer to spend their time outside, the museum and hotel are adjacent to Parque do Mar (Parca do Mar), on Carneiro Avenue in Funchal.
If even the hotel is not enough for you, you will surely be happy to hear that Funchal has the pub with the largest collection of football scarves in Europe. The pub is called O Avo, and the chance that you won't find your favorite team's scarf is very low.
It is a museum that prides itself on telling the full story of Madeira's settlement and conquests. Being a strategic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira has changed hands many times over the years. In this museum, history is presented in a detailed but also interactive way, so that visitors of all ages can enjoy it.
In addition, you will find gardens with plants unique to the archipelago. Those who wish to experience the flora of the island in a deeper way, will be able to do so in the botanical gardens of Madeira. The special climate of the archipelago has resulted in these gardens containing a huge variety of plants, one of the largest in the world. There you will also find the Natural History Museum of Funchal. The location of the botanical gardens at the top of one of the mountains towering above Funchal, ensures that you will not be disappointed with the views you will see when you finish the tour among the exotic plants. You will also find here a short cable car that will bring you to the top of Mount Monte, from where you can descend back to the lower city using the Toboggans mentioned above.
The museum is at Rua D. Carlos I 27, in Funchal. You will find the botanical gardens and nature museum in Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso in Funchal.
Due to Madeira's excellent weather, the archipelago hosts an exceptionally wide variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Some of the events are religious, some are sporting, some are agricultural, and there are also some dedicated to the various aspects of the local culture. The festivals are an excellent opportunity to experience the Midair culture and understand a lot of the history and way of life there. We will review here only a few of the many that are held in Madeira every year.
This carnival is one of the largest in Europe, and if you visit it you will almost feel as if you have arrived at its brother in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. It falls on the weekend before Ash Wednesday (a Christian holiday usually starting in February or early March), and the island's weather ensures it's a festival you won't want to miss. Although the events begin during the weeks before the festival weekend itself, the production at the festival weekend significantly exceeds everything that preceded it.
This is one of the special celebrations in Madeira, and it celebrates the memory of three Christian saints, Pedro (the saint of fishermen), Antonio (the saint of love) and Joao (the patron saint of the island of Porto Santo). It falls during the month of June, and during the festival the towns of the archipelago wear a holiday. It's a colorful and activity-filled festival, and it's a popular time for weddings with locals, as a tribute to romantic St. Antonio.
This small town in the north of Madeira hosts one of the biggest music festivals in the region, in the month of August. Tourists and locals from all over the island and the world come to the town to enjoy the works of a multitude of artisans, both local and international. In addition to this music, during the festival you will find several cultural and traditional music events that will allow you to enrich your perspective on the archipelago and its inhabitants.
Madeira is an archipelago that includes several islands, of which the inhabited are Madeira Island, and the nearby island of Porto Santo. You can visit both the desert islands (Desertas Islands) and Porto Santo, in order to complete the experience of visiting the archipelago.
It is a group of small islands, located about twenty-five kilometers off the east coast of Madeira. These islands are uninhabitable, as they do not have sufficient water sources and the climate is very unstable. However, they are one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Madeira, as they have unique landscapes and animals. Among other things, you can find here the Madiri lizard, a Madiri wolf spider and several types of birds and mammals. The most interesting is the monk seal (Monk Seal), which is an extremely rare species of seal that is in danger of extinction and lives in these islands. When the islands were declared a nature reserve (in 1980) there were 8 seals on the island, and today there are more than twenty.
Today's boat trip from Madeira to the deserted islands includes instruction on the nature reserve, and on the attempts to restore the seal population. In addition, this cruise is a good opportunity to try to watch whales and dolphins.
The smallest inhabited island in the archipelago. It includes a stretch of beach of golden sand about nine kilometers long, which is usually full of vacationers since it is the only one in the archipelago. Most of the vegetation unique to the island was destroyed due to the settlement there, and what man did not do, the rabbits he brought with him did.
In addition to the popular beach, you can find the aforementioned Christopher Columbus Museum on the island, as well as a golf course for enthusiasts. You can reach it both by international flights, and by ferries as part of a day trip from Madeira.
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