Madeira What to see and do in this beautiful Portuguese island and city?

When you think of idyllic trips, many are unaware that in countries like Portugal you can see dreamlike landscapes, feeling the power of the ocean, the magic of the mountains and the energy of the big city. If you are looking for all of the above, it is as simple as traveling to Madeira , where you will find all the benefits that nature and the big city have to offer. An all in one with which you will not miss anything. If you are one of those who like contrasts and great combinations, this is your place.

What to see and do in Madeira?

There are many treasures that Madeira hides. Now, in this article we are going to focus not only on the best known tourist attractions, but also on those that only the most curious discover. If you are one of them, keep reading.

Madeira airport

Madeira

It is curious that the first recommended place to visit in Madeira is the island’s airport. The highlight of this building is its location, since a section of its landing strip is built with dikes over the sea. Also, it is not an easy place to land. It also has a terrace from which you can see the takeoffs and landings of the planes. It is a form of entertainment for all those who have just arrived or are waiting to catch a flight.

As a curious fact, it should be noted that the Funchal airport , since the end of March 2017, has been named after the most illustrious member of the island, the soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo .

Funchal, capital of Madeira

Madeira

Funchal is the capital of Madeira , the largest city on the island. In this way, there are many corners that in this place we recommend visiting. We describe some of them below.

Two Lavradores Market

Without a doubt, a market as authentic as it is colorful. Visiting this place is like looking back in time. In it we can find the typical fruit and vegetable stalls , and others in which the main food is fish . In addition, if what you are looking for is a souvenir of the area, you will also find it. In this market, the kindness of the sellers stands out, since they offer you to try their merchandise before buying it. If you have the pleasure of reaching this site, you will discover the quality of the products of this city. Without a doubt, they do not leave anyone indifferent.

The green areas of Funchal

If something stands out about the city, despite its size, it is the green areas. So much so that you come to think that they are rural areas open to nature . In this way, if you want to breathe fresh air and witness trees and other plants that take you to a quiet and unique place, you just have to visit: the Municipal Garden, the Palheiro Gardens, the Botanical Garden, the Garden of the Quinta da Boa Vista and the Santa Catarina Park.

Santa María street in Funchal

Do you know what it is to visit an authentic museum on public roads ? There are artistic projects that are capable of transforming a simple street into an art area where you can see various works and the talent of its artists. The doors, the walls or the sidewalk itself can become a canvas on which to capture a multitude of sensations and experiences.

El Monte Cable Car

If you are one of those who have a passion for good views, this is an ideal place. Not only will you enjoy them, but on your visit to Monte Cable Car you will have the opportunity to travel by cable car and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens or the Church of Nuestra Señora del Monte .

Statue of Christ the King

On the outskirts of the city of Funchal , towards the airport, you can witness the statue of Christ the King . It is very similar to the well-known one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, although the size is incomparable, since the one in Portugal is much smaller. It is an area with a lot of vegetation that provides views towards the bay of the city.

Carreiros do Monte

Carreiros do monte

Do you know the Carreiros do Monte ? It is an ancient means of transport , built from baskets, which was born in the 19th century. With it you can move in a fun way from Monte to Funchal. Without a doubt, a very special tourist attraction today.

See dolphins and whales

Madeira

Knowing the animals in their natural habitat is a gift for all the senses. Feeling the strength of the dolphins and whales while they swim in the middle of the ocean is one of the most outstanding activities you can do in Madeira . You will be conquered by the beauty of these beings, the energy of their freedom, the sound of the waves, the smell of salt water and the touch of the wind on your face. An unforgettable experience that is 100% recommended for all those who feel a true passion for nature and its real operation.

Along the way, you will be accompanied by marine biologists who will explain everything you see, the species, the characteristics, their ways of life and their behaviors. Without a doubt, a great moment to connect with what surrounds us and that, at times, we feel so far away.

Two Parents Girdle

Madeira

It is a rocky beach located at the foot of a 300 meter high cliff. Again, being here, you feel like you are in the middle of a work of art, but this time created naturally. In the Dos Padres Belt you breathe freedom and you are loaded with sensations that you will remember forever. A place to dream, to clarify your ideas and to rethink everything you need to change in your routine.

Cabo Girao

Madeira

It is the highest cape in Europe at 580 meters high. In it you will find a glass walkway that will make you feel that you are flying while surrounded by sensational landscapes. Around, you will see numerous beaches that you can access via a cable car.

Porto Moniz natural pools

Piscinas naturales Porto Moniz

If you visit Porto Moniz , without a doubt you have to enjoy its natural pools, which were formed from volcanic lava filling with seawater. If it is hot and you are looking for a way to cool off, in this place you will achieve it in the middle of a landscape that is not so usual. Nature surprises through its varied and inimitable architecture, and this construction is unique.

Get to know Madeira’s levadas

Madeira

What is a levada? They are channels dug into the rock with the aim of being used as an irrigation system that were created in the 16th century. They were built to carry the water coming from the north of the island to other drier parts, being carried by hillsides and valleys. There are kilometers and kilometers of levadas throughout Madeira , and you can find them in very varied landscapes, such as in forests or, for example, on the seashore.

Porto Santo

Porto Santo

Porto Santo is an island belonging to the Madeira archipelago . If something stands out about this place, it is its 9-kilometer beach. You can hire a tour to see the most important corners of the place, such as the Portela viewpoint, Casa da Serra or Pico Ana Ferreira , made up of prismatic columns created from the slow cooling of magma.

Laurel forest

Madeira

The Laurisilva Forest was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It stands out because in the last ice age, this type of forest survived only in Madeira, Azores, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.

Caves of Sao Vicente

Grutas Sao Vicente

It is a place from which you will discover the formation of the island, its origins and its history . It has never been so easy to discover how a land mass of these characteristics is created naturally. The caves are perfectly illuminated and equipped so that even a child can explore them without any type of danger. Through the lava tubes, you will have the opportunity to travel up to a kilometer to discover the steps that nature follows when creating such a magical space.

Ponchas

Ponchas

If we talk about the food and drink of Madeira and, at the same time, we add a nightlife to the previous concepts, we must first of all highlight the punches . A poncha is the island’s iconic drink and is made from sugar cane brandy, sugar, and lemon juice . In short, a delight for any palate.