Pearl of the Atlantic
World’s Leading Island Destination: 2015 – 2023 & Europe’s Leading Island Destination: 2013 – 2014; 2016 – 2024.
Madeira
Known as the Pearl of the Atlantic for its amiable, subtropical climate, flower-filled landscapes, emerald canyons and sparkling waterfalls,- Madeira is true to its name, a gem of a destination. Eternal Spring Island: Average temperature between 17 – 25º all year. Madeira’s sea has a pleasant average annual temperature of 21°C.
Archipelago of Madeira is composed by Madeira Island, Porto Santo and Desert Islands.
Population: 267,785 inhabitants, mostly located in the south side of the island.
Madeira is distinguished by its Wine, Gastronomy, Historic and Cultural value, its Fauna and Flora – Laurissilva Forest that is classified as UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE, offering breath-taking landscapes.
World’s Leading Island Destination: 2015 – 2023 & Europe’s Leading Island Destination: 2013 – 2014; 2016 – 2024.
FUNCHAL
Mercado do Lavradores
The Farmers’ Market, inaugurated in 1940, features New State architecture, including large tile panels that decorate the facade, the entrance and the fishmonger.
Colourful market – great variety of flowers & delicious exotic fruits;
Fish Market.
CABLE CAR
The Madeira Cable Car located in the Old Town, takes you from Funchal to Monte in about 15 minutes. This trip offers magnificent panoramic views from Funchal to the surrounding mountains of the town of Monte.
WINE LODGES
Madeira is a fortified wine produced and bottled in Madeira, using specific grape varieties, aged by the unique heating system, making use of the same ancient ageing techniques that have passed from father to son, from one generation to another. This iconic fortified wine is virtually indestructible.
Madeira wine is typically a mono-varietal wine, with each white varietal representing one of the four styles of Madeira. Dry, medium-dry, medium-rich and rich.
BOTANIC GARDEN & PUBLIC GARDENS
In the city center there are a great variety of public gardens possible to explore: Jardim Municipal, Parque de Santa Catarina, Jardim do Almirante Reis amongst others.
The Botanic Garden is the most famous tourist attraction – it is located at Quinta do Bom Sucesso on a hillside providing wonderful views of the city of Funchal. This Manor house was built in 1881 by the Reid’s Family who created these gardens as their own private park. Today they are owned by the Government and open to the public. Covering an area of 80,000 square meters the gardens are replete with the most amazing collection of plant species, exotic flowers, tropical birds plus an area of research and conservation.
CRUISES
A boat trip in the Madeira Archipelago to enjoy the beautiful landscape of these islands. On the trips is possible to watch various marine species and spend a relaxing day at the beach.
If you love the sea, the Madeira Archipelago will offer you an unforgettable experience on the Atlantic Ocean.
MONTE
MONTE PALACE TROPICAL GARDEN
The Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses a huge exotic plant’s collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans and duck’s, that populates the central lake, peacocks and chickens, that walk free in the main areas of the property. In the central lake, the visitor may also admire the beauty and majesty of the swans.
The Monte Palace Madeira Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world.
TOBBOGANS
The Monte Sledges are made of wicker and mounted on two wooden runners. They are traditionally handcrafted by skilled craftsmen and master carpenters, experts in the hand wicker-making technique from the mid 1800 in a classic, artisanal method and using the finest local wicker and wood to ensure that a high standard of quality is applied to each ledge.
CÂMARA DE LOBOS
FAJÃ DOS PADRES
Inhabited and cultivated since Madeira started being populated, the history of Fajã dos Padres accompanies the history of the Island itself. There are countless records and references made to its owners, its crops and inhabitants, as far back as the 15th century.
Fajã was once inhabitant by approximately 50 people, distributed by an agglomerate of about 10 houses. In addition to the agricultural activity, it is believed that Fajã was also used for the priests’ summer escape. Nowadays it is possible to revive a little of this past inheritance, by visiting some of these small rebuilt houses, tasting the delicious malmsey wine in a visit to the old cellar, or walking in the old stone alleys through the cultivated pieces of land.
Reaching Faja dos Padres is a matchless experience in itself. Since there is no road access to the lower base of the huge cliff, it has become imperative to create alternative, and in a way, exotic access means to the property. Guests can access to Fajã by Cable Car or by the sea.
EIRA DO SERRADO / CURRAL DAS FREIRAS
The Eira do Serrado viewpoint, located in the mountainous interior of the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, in the ‘heart’ of the island, standing at an elevation of 1,095 mts. It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the valley where the picturesque parish of Curral das Freiras lies, and the majestic mountains of the central massif that surround it.
Curral das Freiras has a unique location on the island of Madeira, situated in a deep valley, which resembles the crater of a volcano, but which owes its appearance only to heavy erosion. It’s one of the few places on the island that is not visible from the sea and so it is more protected and of difficult access. It is also the region of the chestnut – famous for its chestnut soup, liquors and cakes!
NATURE – LAURISSILVA FOREST
RABAÇAL - LEVADAS
The classification of the Laurissilva forest as a Natural World Heritage site since 1999, rewards one of the greatest treasures of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
The Laurisilva of Madeira, within the Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Natural Park) conserves the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest. These forests display a wealth of ecological niches, intact ecosystem processes, and play a predominant role in maintaining the hydrological balance on the Island of Madeira.
The Valley of Rabaçal is one mother nature’s greatest masterpieces. Descending from the plateau of Paul da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal where it is possible to observe the marvelous landscapes of Laurissilva Forest and do some Levada walks or even Canyoning!
PAUL DA SERRA & FANAL FOREST
Paul da Serra is the largest and most extensive plateau on the island of Madeira with about 24 km², with an average altitude of approximately 1500 meters.
Fanal Forest is a special and unique area in Madeira. The twisted branches of the grand centenary Ocotea Foetens trees and the constant fog, makes this place feel like a fairytale scene.
PORTO MONIZ
HIGHLIGHTS
In Porto Moniz’s Village, it is located one of the main attractions – the natural swimming pools that are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water.
Ribeira da Janela is another highlight. Its name comes from a small island, which rises about 100 meters from the mouth of the stream, and which has an opening that looks like an open window.
Véu da Noiva Viewpoint offers one of the most typical landscapes of Madeira. From this point you can see the Véu da Noiva Waterfall and a pleasant view of the Atlantic and the slopes of the northern coast of Madeira.
Here, it is also possible to visit the Beach of Seixal, famous for the magnificent views and contrast between forest & sea.
SÃO VICENTE
NATURE
Famous for the magnificent views of the evolving nature.
São Vicente Caves were formed 890 thousand years ago, these are among the first caves of volcanic origin to be opened to the public in Portugal.
Here it is also possible to visit Quinta do Barbusano. Vineyards with some altitude of various grape varieties producing white, rosé and red wines.
SANTANA
SANTANA TYPICAL HOUSES
These small, triangular and colorful houses represent a part of the Madeira’s heritage and one of the most popular tourist attractions of the island.
These small, triangular and colorful houses were made of straw, from the cereal plantation that served to cover them, and wood, because it was cheap and abundant material in this region and important to balance the temperature of the interior.
MACHICO
CENTRAL AREA – MIDDLE OF THE NATURE
Hotels
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel ****
Boutique Hotel Located in the city center Unique design in the rooms Great breakfast
In the heart of an historic zone, alongside the Palace of Jesuits, this four-star hotel arose from an innovative concept blending design, detailed architectural restoration and a welcoming atmosphere.
This unique hotel concept comprises five historically classified buildings that lead guests on a journey through three centuries of Funchal. The experience begins in a classified building of 18th century where once was handcrafts ateliers and makes its transition to the 19th century mansion of a wealthy family of Funchal linked to mercantile trade.
From the inner courtyards it accesses three buildings of the beginning of 20th century, where once was operating a typography company and an industry of embroidery. The hotel includes period pieces, building materials, furniture and antiques from these trades that embrace the journey through the different centuries. The result is a first-of-its-kind boutique hotel in the historic part of the city.
The Views Baia Hotel ****
Perfect Location All rooms with balconies Couples favorite
Located in the heart of the Lido, Funchal’s most important tourist area, The Views Monumental is the perfect destination for a revitalizing holiday with multiple leisure and entertainment options on Madeira Island.
Featuring views of Funchal Bay, The Views Baia – Adults Only Hotel offers modern accommodation. Facilities include the Four Feelings Spa, 2 swimming pools, and a well-equipped gym.
Rooms at the Four Views open onto private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or the mountains. All rooms have bathrooms with walk-in showers, and some rooms have cooking facilities or a private spa bath.
A varied menu of Mediterranean, international and vegetarian dishes is served at the Bay View Restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks and cocktails accompanied by live music at the Woogie Boogie Bar.
A hot tub, massage treatments and indoor and outdoor swimming pools are available.
The Hotel The Views Baia – Adults Only is located uphill from São João Fortress. It is 30 minutes’ drive from Madeira Airport and on-site private parking is free.
Quinta Penha de França Hotel****
Feel at home away from home Close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s museum
This unit is located in ne of the best areas of Funchal. A 10 minutes walk from the center of the city. It has magnificent tropical gardens and access to the sea are two of privileges of this hotel.
Set within tropical gardens on Madeira Island, this charming guesthouse features far-reaching sea views and 2 outdoor seawater pools, one of which is heated in winter period.
The rooms’ balconies offer views of the scenic gardens or the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms are equipped with telephone, mini-bar, safe, cable TV and a hair dryer.
Guests can relax with a massage treatment at Quinta Da Penha De França. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk service.
Quinta Da Penha De França’s restaurant, The Brothers provides an a la carte menu with views of the garden and guests can dine al fresco at Penha França Mar Restaurant Rivus, with views of the the sea
Free private parking is available. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Museum is 200 metres away and the Madeira Congress Centre is a 5-minute walk from the property.
Free WiFi is available in the lounge and reception areas of the hotel.
Madeira Panorâmico ****
Classic hotel Spacious rooms Superb views of Funchal bay 3km from Funchal
Excellently located in a privileged area, on the western slope of the amphitheater of Funchal, enjoying a vast panorama of the mountains, the city and the sea.
All rooms at Madeira Panorâmico Hotel have a private balcony, where guests can relax with refreshments from the minibar. Each is air-conditioned and some have a flat-screen TV.
Traditional Portuguese dishes are served in a buffet style or à la carte at the Madeira Panorâmico’s restaurant. Local drinks can be sampled at the bar while admiring the Atlantic Ocean view.
Madeira Panorâmico Hotel’s spa has a massage room, a sauna and a hot tub. For those who like to keep active, a game of squash or tennis can be enjoyed on the court and there is a fitness center on site as well. Guests can benefit from the 24-hour front desk, car rental and free parking.
Melia Madeira Mare *****
Located in Lido area Spacious rooms High quality in service provided Wonderful views for the sea
The sea and the sky frame Portugal’s prettiest island in blue. Enjoy its beauty at Meliá Madeira Mare, with spacious rooms on the Atlantic and exquisite service.
Located close to Funchal’s city centre, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Meliã Madeira Mare offers free WiFi, an indoor and outdoor pool and a spa. Its elegantly-furnished rooms offer a balcony and cable TV.
Some rooms of Melia Madeira Mare include scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony. Many of the hotel’s rooms also have a seating area.
Guests can relax in the hot tub and sauna at Melia Madeira Mare’s spa. Massage treatments and a steam bath are also offered.
Melia Madeira Mare’s restaurant serves a breakfast buffet and an a la carte menu for dinner. The hotel’s pool bar provides refreshing beverages.