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Madeira - What to Do
Balloon Rides - Funchal has a panoramic balloon that goes
up to 150 meters to show visitors a different perspective of the
wonderful city bay and the surrounding areas. With capacity for
approx. 30 passengers, Madeira’s latest sight seeing attraction
also comprises a museum at the station showing the history and
traditions of the island.
Big Game Fishing - The Madeira Island being ideally
located on the migratory routes of big game fish, record size
catches of Blue Marlin (with more than 1,000 lbs) and Big Eye
Tuna are not uncommon during the season from June to September.
Other species to be fished in the bountiful waters of Madeira
are White Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Blue Fin Tuna, Long Fin Tuna
(Albacore), Blue Shark, Hammerhead, Mako, Dolphin, Barracuda,
Bonito, Spearfish, Swordfish, Dolphin and Wahoo. Due to the
rapid drop in depths excellent fishing grounds can be found
already within about 5 minutes after leaving the harbour.
Cable Cars & Elevators - Funchal is connected to the
beauty of Monte situated in the hills above the city. This is
an exciting way to show Madeira's hidden beauty without doing
any harm to the environment. The departure station is at the
Almirante Reis Park located in the old part of the town. The
Monte station is situated near Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The
inclined course, which takes approximately 15 minutes, is 3,718
metres (around 12,000 ft), long and has a vertical rise of 560
metres (1,837 ft). The 39 cabins, with eight seats each, can
transport 800 passengers per hour, and the reduced speed at
both stations makes it easier for disabled passengers to climb
aboard or disembark.
The cable car at Achadas da Cruz (Porto Moniz) is an attractive
experience making the connection between Achadas da Cruz and
the beach. Don't be surprised if you see farmers coming up with
their crops. Many locals have their lands down there and to
facilitate their access was one of the main reasons that led to
the installation of this cable car. The Achadas da Cruz cable
car runs everyday between 10.00 hrs. and 18.00 hrs.
The cable car at Rancho (near Cabo Girão) is a means of
transportation for farmers. There are two cabins with 6 seats
each connecting Rancho and Fajãs do Cabo Girão. Descending by
cable car to this lower area may be a daunting experience for
those not impressed by heights, but on arrival the beach is
definitely worth a swim. Rancho is located at Estrada de Santa
Clara and is open everyday (Sunday - 09.00 hrs. to 19.00 hrs;
Monday - 08.00 hrs. to 09.00 hrs. and 17.00 hrs. to 20.00 hrs;
Tuesday to Friday - 08.00 hrs. to 19.00 hrs.)
The new cable car system at the Botanical Gardens links this
highly popular tourist attraction with the charming village of
Monte. The new cable car consisting of 12 cabins, each with 8
seats, takes the visitors on about 14 unforgettable minutes
(round-trip) on a new panoramic route with extraordinary views
of the Funchal Bay and over the River of João Gomes, an area of
rare exotic beauty including the important Laurissilva forest.
An additional asset of this new cable car is that it also
provides a faster access to the levada walks of Tornos, Bom
Sucesso and Curral dos Romeiros, which are very popular with
keen walkers.
Golf Courses - Golf is available on three courses, the
Palheiro Golf Course and the Santo da Serra Golf Club on
Madeira Island, and the Porto Santo Course on the island of
the same name. The Santo da Serra is the annual host of the
PGA Madeira Open. The Porto Santo Course is the most recent
and was designed by Seve Ballesteros.
Helicopter Rides - Several sightseeing circuits which
range from 10 to 45 minutes are being operated everyday until
sunset. A minimum of 4 persons (maximum of 5) and good weather
conditions are required for take off. Flights to Porto Santo
Island can also be organized. This package includes a two-way
flight of about 45 minutes and a 2-hour stop in Porto Santo to
give you the opportunity to visit Madeira’s neighbour island.
Instead of flying back, it is also possible to return free of
charge with the ferry ‘Lobo Marinho’. Please arrange this
alternative with the ticket seller when booking your trip.
Further information can be obtained from the small Santana
house at the liners’ pier (Pontinha) in the harbour of Funchal
or call +351 291 232 882.
Madeira Story Centre – The Madeira Story Centre located
in Funchal visitors can learn everything about Madeira’s
history and development up to the present day. An interactive
museum allow you to travel a virtual journey and ‘relive’ in
chronological sequence the archipelago’s great historic events,
from its volcanic birth 14 million years ago to the first
hydroplane landing in Madeira. Local and international artists
exhibit work. A further attraction is a multifunctional
panoramic terrace equipped with telescopes providing views over
the Funchal. The Madeira Story Centre is open daily (except on
Christmas Day) from 10.00 hrs. to 18.00 hrs.
Madeira Theme Park – The ‘Theme Park’ in Santana includes
many attractions for young and old related to history,
traditions and culture of the people of Madeira. Covering an
area of around 17 acres where visitors can find themed
attractions such as a machine, which simulates the island's
discovery, a 'zoom-in-zoom-out' circuit, a smaller replica of
the Monte train making the connection between these attractions,
a bullock cart and a trip in one of the mini boats reminiscent
of the Câmara de Lobos fishing boats. In other parts of this
village, visitors can practice radical sports such as cable
sliding, bungee-jumping, wall climbing, etc. There are also two
restaurants and a bar. Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 hrs.
to 19.00 hrs. (except on Christmas Day).
Monte Toboggan Rides - Originally a fast means of
transport down to Funchal for people living in Monte, these
toboggan sledges appeared around 1850. Still in use today, they
attract thousands of tourists every year who want to make this
exciting experience of sliding at high speed on narrow, winding
streets down to Funchal. These two-seater wicker sledges glide
on wooden runners, pushed and steered by two men traditionally
dressed in white cotton clothes and a straw hat, and using
their rubber-soled boots as brakes. The downhill journey to
Funchal is made in about 10 minutes on a total course of 2 kms,
reaching at times a speed of 48 km/hour. Adventurous, yet safe,
an ‘old-fashioned’ toboggan ride to make your way down from
Monte is the perfect contrast to the high-technology cable car
going up to Monte. Find the Monte toboggans at the bottom of
the stairs leading to the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church (Tel.
291 783 919).
Museums – (Please Click Here)
Porto Santo Ferry - The Porto Santo Line Company has a
new ship that some say that it is similar to a mini-cruise
liner. The ship with a capacity for 1153 passengers now makes
the journey between the two islands in two hours, cutting an
hour off the previous boat's time.
Riding - There are also several private stables
offering horse riding on exciting adventure tours and also
provide horse riding courses. There is a good Riding
Association and for more information the address: Associação
Hípica da Madeira at Quinta Vila Alpires - Caminho dos Pretos
– Funchal (open from Tuesday to Sunday). This association
provides several training levels and organizes riding tours
in the area.
Santa Cruz Aqua Park – This ‘Theme Park’ in Santana,
is divided in several parts and includes many attractions for
young and old relating to the history, traditions and culture
of the people of Madeira. It covers an area of about 17 acres
where visitors can find attractions such as a machine which
simulates the island's discovery, a 'zoom-in-zoom-out'
circuit a smaller replica of the Monte train making the
connection between these attractions, a bullock cart and a
trip in one of the mini boats reminiscent of the Câmara de
Lobos fishing boats. In other parts of this village, visitors
can practice radical sports such as cable sliding,
bungee-jumping, wall climbing, etc. This facility has a
capacity for over 1,000 people and boasts five toboggan rides
and four fast slides, two swimming pools (one of which
reserved for children), a lazy river running round the pools,
a bar and locker rooms. There are also two restaurants and a
bar. Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 hrs. to 19.00 hrs.
(except on Christmas Day).
Santa Maria Ship - The wonderful and unique experience
of long passed times you can live on the ‘Santa Maria’, a
replica of the 15th century Columbus’ ship, which is cruising
daily along Madeira’s beautiful south coast. Rob Wijntje, has
built this a replica as close to the original as it was
possible and it is 22 meters long, has 3 masts, the tallest
of which is 16 meters high, and is built entirely of mahogany
wood. The ‘Santa Maria’ serves as an excursion boat, cruising
twice a day along Madeira’s south coast, or, it can be
privately hires for special charters. During the excursions
you will be able to watch a galleon ship crew (who look
actually more like pirates… of course friendly ones!) doing
their daily routine work while you are enjoying the views
over the sea to the island of Madeira with the opportunity
to spot dolphins! Free Madeira Wine and honey cake are
offered to the passengers during the trip. For more
information, please contact their kiosk at the Funchal
Marina or call +351 291 220 327.
Scuba Diving (PADI) - A mild climate all year round
and water temperatures of 18 to 23°C (depending on the
season), crystal clear waters and the likelihood of viewing
species like barracudas, monkfish, dolphins, rays and even
mantas, are the main reasons why lovers of this sport. There
are several diving schools in Funchal and Caniço de Baixo,
which provide courses for all levels, diving excursions for
more experienced divers and also equipment hire.
Surfing – Due to its location the Madeira archipelago
is a privileged spot to receive swells of the North Atlantic
and has all sorts of waves, from point breaks to reef breaks.
The coast is rough and steep and the rocks at the bottom of
the sea generate not only excellent waves but require also
require precautionary measures. If you are a beginner you
should be careful with the rock formations and the stones.
The subtropical climate is responsible for water
temperatures between 59º F (15º C) in the colder season and
21º C (70º F) in the hot season. We advise you to bring a
full-length wetsuit. The surfing months are considered low
season tourist months, which allows you to choose a hotel
or rent-a-car at much cheaper rates.
Tennis and Squash – Almost every large hotel resort
has its own tennis courts. Squash courts you will find at
Quinta Magnólia, Baía Azul Hotel, Alto Lido Hotel, Ocean
Park Hotel, Eden Mar Hotel, Panorâmico Hotel, Clube Naval
do Funchal, Madeira Regency Palace, Madeira Regency Club,
Galomar and Onda Vital Club (the two latter are in Caniço
de Baixo).
Tours – There are approximately 27 locations of
natural attraction which are covered by local Tour
Companies. It is obvious that some places will offer more
than others depending on the interest of the visitor.
The Volcanism Centre is located in São Vicente on the north
coast, sitting at the end of the valley where the formation
of the island started. This centre manages to convey
culture and education in a very entertaining way by
providing the visitors with audiovisual demonstrations of
volcanic eruptions and the birth of an island. Here,
visitors can also visit São Vicente’s famous volcanic caves
and walk through the beautiful gardens featuring Madeira’s
endemic flora. The caves are composed of a series of lava
tubes, result of an eruption that happened 400 thousand
years ago. This complex of ‘volcanic tunnels’ represents a
development of over 1000 meters length and so far it is the
biggest known on Madeira Island. The pedestrian course has
a length of 700 meters that takes around 30 minutes to
view. A truly amazing walk through the entrails of the
earth during which you will be able to admire volcanic
stalactites, lava accumulations, known as ‘lava cakes’,
and the ‘erratic block’ (a stone carried by the lava that
got stuck in one of the lava channels due to its dimensions).
Madeira Island is famous throughout the world for its
natural beauty and is often referred to as the
"floating garden in the Atlantic". There are a
wide variety of gardens and parks that are carefully
maintained and exhibit a vast array of flowers, plants
and trees. In the year 2000 Madeira – represented by the
City of Funchal – received a gold award for the 'European
Flowering City 2000'. The main gardens are: Botanical
Garden - Dragon Trees Nucleus - Garden of Indigenous
Plants of São Vicente - Gardens of Quinta do Palheiro
Ferreiro - Monte’s Municipal Garden - Monte Palace
Tropical Garden - Municipal Garden - Orchid Garden -
Quinta das Cruzes - Quinta Magnólia - Quinta Palmeira -
Quinta Vigi - Santa Catarina Park - Santa Luzia's Public
Gardens.
There are several protected natural reserves which are
worthy of visiting. There are: "Desertas"
Island’s Natural Reserve - Garajau's Natural Reserve -
Laurissilva Forest - Madeira's Natural Park - Ponta de
São Lourenço's Natural Reserve - Rocha do Navio's
Natural Reserve - Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve.
Travel - A visitor’s options are walking, hire
car, taxi or coach or local bus. When considering
renting a car or taking a taxi we suggest you also talk
to your Hotel Reception to find the best price against
those asked by commercial companies. Coach tours can be
pre-booked but local buses can be cheaper.
Whale & Dolphin Spotting - Because of its
unique location in the mid-ocean the island of Madeira
is blessed with the presence of visiting whales and
dolphins. Five kilometres offshore the ocean floor
reaches a depth of more than 3,000 meters and some of
the major species spotted are Fin Whale, Sperm Whale,
Sei Whale, Pilot Whale, various kinds of Beaked Whale,
Humpback Whale & many others; Oceanic Dolphin,
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Bottle Nose
Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Rough Tooth Dolphin, Risso’s
Dolphin.
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