Madeira Holidays

Monte Palace Tropical Garden:

Located in Monte, this beautiful garden features exotic plants, koi ponds, and stunning views of Funchal. Do not miss the Monte Palace Museum with its impressive collection of African art and minerals.

Funchal:

The capital city of Madeira, Funchal, is a vibrant mix of historic sites, modern attractions, and botanical gardens. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores to experience local produce and crafts and take a walk through the charming old town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

Cabo Girão:

Get a cable car up to one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Cabo Girão offers breathtaking views from its glass skywalk. It is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Levada Walks:

Madeira is famous for its network of levadas (irrigation channels) that double as hiking trails. Popular routes include the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, offering lush landscapes and waterfall views, and the Levada do Alecrim, which leads to beautiful lagoons.

Pico do Arieiro:

Drive or hike to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, for stunning sunrise and sunset views. On clear days, you can see as far as the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Carreiros do Monte:

Enjoy a thrilling journey downhill in a wicker toboggan in Monte! Two men will help guide you downhill as the toboggan can reach up to 30 kilometres an hour! This is a must do experience when in Madeira and you can even buy a picture of yourself taken during the ride.

Porto Santo Beach:

Located on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, this beach boasts 9 kilometres of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Praia Formosa:

The largest public beach on Madeira, Praia Formosa, features a mix of pebbles and black sand. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset.

Seixal Beach:

Known for its black sand and stunning cliffside setting, Seixal Beach is one of Madeira’s most picturesque beaches. The clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Machico Beach:

This sandy beach is in the historic town of Machico and offers calm waters, making it perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts.

Calheta Beach:

One of the few man-made sandy beaches on Madeira, Calheta Beach features imported sand from Morocco and Portugal. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Madeira Story Centre:

Located in Funchal, this interactive museum offers a fascinating look into Madeira’s history, from its volcanic origins to its discovery and modern-day culture.

São Vicente Caves:

Explore these impressive lava caves formed over 890,000 years ago. The guided tours provide insight into Madeira’s volcanic past and geological features.

Quinta das Cruzes Museum:

This museum, housed in a historic mansion, displays a collection of decorative arts, furniture, and artifacts from Madeira’s past. The beautiful gardens are also worth exploring.

Sacred Art Museum:

Located in Funchal, this museum features a remarkable collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures, and goldsmith works from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Columbus House:

Visit the house where Christopher Columbus once lived in Porto Santo. The museum offers exhibits on Columbus’s voyages and the history of the island.

Espetada:

A traditional Madeiran dish of marinated beef skewers grilled over an open flame. The meat is often served on a large skewer and accompanied by bolo do caco, a local garlic bread.

Bolo de Mel:

Madeira’s famous honey cake, made with sugar cane honey, spices, and nuts. It’s a rich, dense cake that’s traditionally enjoyed during Christmas but available year-round.

Lapas:

Grilled limpets, a local seafood delicacy, often served with garlic butter and lemon. They are typically enjoyed as an appetizer.

Espada com Banana:

A unique Madeiran dish featuring black scabbardfish served with banana. The combination of flavours is surprisingly delicious and a must-try.

Poncha:

A traditional Madeiran drink made with aguardente (sugar cane rum), honey, and lemon juice. It is a popular choice for an aperitif.

Public Transport:

Madeira has a reliable bus network that connects major towns and tourist areas. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around the island.

Car Rental:

Renting a car is the best way to explore Madeira at your own pace. The island’s road network is well-maintained, and a car allows you to reach more remote areas and scenic viewpoints.

Taxis:

Taxis are readily available in towns and at major tourist spots. They are convenient for short trips or when you prefer not to drive.

Cable Cars:

For a unique way to see the island, take one of the several cable cars in Madeira. The Funchal-Monte cable car offers stunning views of the city and the sea.

Walking and Hiking:

Madeira is a paradise for walkers and hikers. The island’s network of levadas and trails offers endless opportunities for exploring on foot.