Madeira Attractions

Madeira's wealth of tourist attractions is numerous, from natural attractions such as the levada walks and extreme sports to cultural landmarks. Madeira boasts several museums, including the Frederico de Freitas Museum in Funchal, and the Whale Museum in Caniçal. The cathedral, Se, in Funchal is well worth visiting, as is Quinta Monte Palace and gardens. Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, makes an excellent base for exploring the island, with its host of quality hotels, cultural attractions, entertainment and dining options to enjoy. As small islands, both Madeira and Porto Santo are convenient for touring, whether you want to visit Madeira's most picturesque villages like Ribeira Brava, Santana, Camara de Lobos and Porto Moniz, cruise around the islands or view them from on high by balloon or helicopter.

The capital of Madeira, Funchal has a large number of sightseeing opportunities; don't miss the Municipal Square (Praça do Municipio), tiled with hundreds of black and white half-moons made from lava; the captivating Cathedral Sé and the Natural History Museum (Municipal Museum), with its impressive collection of the island's unique flora and fauna. Other renowned museums are the Manor Estate of the Crosses (Museu da Quinta das Cruzes), the Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal) and the Frederico de Freitas Museum for Asian and North African antiques. Also unmissable is the busy and colourful Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores), specialising in exotic flowers, craftwork and fresh fish.

East of Funchal in the fishing village of Caniçal is the Whale Museum (Museu da Baleia) which includes a life-size model whale. The Christopher Columbus Museum on Porto Santo houses some portraits and other artefacts depicting the famous explorer, who lived, married and raised a son on the island.

The people of Madeira take pride in their expertise in making wicker and wine. Discover the art of the local craftsmen and women on a wicker factory tour, with the chance to buy fine wicker furniture, baskets and animal figures.

Madeira Leisure Guide

Madeira offers a vast choice of leisure activities. Take to the crystal Atlantic waters for energetic water sports, hike the levada footpaths, hit the fairways for a round of golf or unwind with therapy treatments at a Porto Santo spa: just a few of the leisure pastimes you can enjoy on the Madeira Archipelago.

• Levada Walks: The vast network of levadas, or irrigation channels, that criss-cross Madeira offer walkers and hikers superb, challenging walks, with most of the trails set within spectacular Laurissilva forest.
• The Madeira Nature Reserve is the ideal place for a flora and fauna and bird-watching walking tours. Covering two thirds of the island, is practically unmissable for that reason, and is easily accessible just three kilometres from Funchal. Also, of botanical interest is the Orchid Garden, Santa Catarina Park and the Botanical Garden, as well as the Municipal Garden in the centre of Funchal.
• Madeira Spas: Madeira and Porto Santo are amongst Europe's top destinations for spa and health breaks. Porto Santo's Vila Baleira Resort and the Thalassotherapy Centre at Madeira's Hotel Crowne Plaza are well-established venues for enjoying soothing seawater and seaweed treatments.
• Boat Trips: Trips lasting several hours in traditional fishing boats are a popular excursion on the Archipelago, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales and countless migrating birds. Or, go where the wind takes you aboard a crewed yacht.
• Deep Sea Fishing: Madeira is a first-class destination for deep-sea fishing. Cast out your line from your charter or commercial vessel and with any luck you'll be hauling in a tuna, marlin or shark!
• Golf: Madeira is graced with three prestigious golf courses, characterised by contoured fairways and fast greens, which are playable all year round and with the bonus of wonderful scenery. Famous course architect, Robert Trent Jones designed the captivating, 27-hole course at Santo da Serra Golf, and as host to the PGA European Tour's Madeira Open each March, plays as tough as you would expect - a fist in a velvet glove. Tight fairways, deep bunkers, mature trees and spectacular views over Funchal mark the Palheiro Golf Club. Seve Ballesteros' Porto Santo Golf Course will soon offer 36 holes of golfing paradise. Tip: The contoured nature of the courses makes hiring a buggy a wise investment.
• Horse Riding: Admire the beautiful landscape of Madeira from the comfort of the saddle with a selection of pleasant rides out of Funchal.
• Extreme Sports in Madeira: Increasingly recognised as a place for extreme sports, Madeira's mountains and deep valleys are ideal for climbing, or canyoning in white water.
• Ballooning, Heli Flights, Paragliding: What better way to appreciate the angular beauty of Madeira and the gorgeous beaches of Porto Santo than from the sky? Float up 150 metres from Funchal marina in a 30-person balloon or take a touring circuit of the islands by chopper - lasting between ten minutes or up to an hour. Or, drift down from on high via a paraglider. Contact your hotel Concierge for details.
• Tobogganing: Before cars and cables came along, the locals used wicker sleds to get down the mountains - and today you can enjoy some of the fun of this 100-year-old tradition with 'guided' descents from Monte.
• Porto Santo beaches: Beach lovers head not for Madeira, but Porto Santo, which boasts nine kilometres of golden beaches set up for all manner of water sports and beach fun.
• Scuba Diving, Windsurfing, Waterskiing: Madeira's miles of dramatic coastline provide a scenic backdrop for these rugged water sports: contact your hotel Concierge for information on how to book.
• Wine Tasting: If you can raise a glass you've enough fitness for this pastime! The world-famous fortified wine of Madeira comes in five varieties, from dry to sweet, and makes a delicious addition to sauces and soups. Sampling them all is certainly one way of passing the time!

Madeira Island Facts

• Languages: Portuguese. English also spoken.
• Time zone: UTC 0
• Currency: Euro
• Religion: Christian (Catholic)
• Geography: The Portuguese autonomous archipelago of Madeira and Porto Santo is located 350 miles (560 kilometres) west of Morocco and 540 miles (869 kilometres) southwest of Lisbon, Portugal. Madeira Island is 36 miles long and 16 miles wide; Porto Santo is 12 miles long and six kilometres wide.
• Climate: Madeira and Porto Santo enjoy mild winters and warm summers, with average temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in January, peaking at 72 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. November yields the most rainfall with an average of 4.2 inches.
• Industry & Produce: Madeira wine, flowers, fishing, agriculture, embroidery, wicker goods, sub-tropical fruits, sugar, honey, rum.
• History: Discovered by Romans and rediscovered by João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vas Teixeira between 1418-1420. Settled by Portuguese from 1432.
• Customs & Etiquette: Tipping: Standard tips are 10% on top of taxi fares; 5-10% at restaurants, though s ervice charges are included in most hotel restaurants, and 2-3 euros for hotel doormen, porters and chambermaids. Dress: Suits are the conventional business attire; otherwise smart casual clothes are worn. Some restaurants and hotel lounges may require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking: Smoking is currently still permitted in restaurants and bars.
• Transport: Direct flights are available from Lisbon and other European cities to Santa Cruz Airport in Madeira. Vila Baleira Airport serves Porto Santo. Ferry and plan transport connects the two islands.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• Police: 291 208 400
• National Emergency Number: 112
• Airport: 291 524 941
• Hospital: 291 705 600
• Red Cross: 291 741 115
• National Information Service: 118