Madeira, Portugal

What to do in Madeira, Portugal

Levada Walks

As early as the 1500s, a network of irrigation steps (levadas) was ingeniously designed to transfer the plentiful rainfall of the north down throughout the lower regions of the island. Well-maintained paths follow these narrow channels that circle the island and reach into remote territories only accessible on foot. While difficulty levels vary, plenty of them are relatively flat and/or short, making an easy jaunt for all!.

Adegas de São Francisco

In the cobbled courtyards of the St Francis wine lodge, visitors are greeted by the scent of wood and wine. This maze of coopers' yards and wine vaults dates back to the 17th century, when it was part of the Franciscan friary. In addition to learning how Madeira wine is made, you'll sample wines made on the premises 150 years ago!.

Madeira Aerial Cable Car

Travel between Funchal and the popular town of Monte, which were first connected by steam train in the 19th century. Modern visitors take the cable car and "fly" across the pristine countryside, viewing Madeira's hidden beauty without causing the slightest harm to the environment on their way to Monte's attractions, historic sites, and gardens.

Monte Toboggan

Ever since it was invented in 1850, thousands of adventurous tourists each year have taken the 2-mile return trip from Monte to Funchal in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners. Even Ernest Hemingway called it "exhilarating!".

Sé Cathedral

This church is one of the few buildings to have survived virtually untouched since the early days of the island's colonization. In the 1490s, King Manuel sent an architect from the mainland to design the colony's place of worship. The intricate patterns of the wood ceiling and the gilded choir stalls depicting saints, prophets, and apostles are the highlights.

Camacha

This lovely little village just east of Funchal is the home of the willow crafters. Every visit to Madeira should include a stop here to marvel over (not to mention buy!) the 1,000-plus different types of items that these generational craftsmen make, from furniture to hats, ornaments, wine holder, kitchen utensils, of course baskets, and so much more.

São Vicente Caves

These volcanic caves are composed of a series of lava tubes resulting from eruption 400,000 years ago. View the stalactites, lava accumulations, and the "erratic block" (a large stone carried by the lava that got stuck in one of the lava channels).

Scuba Diving

Go diving in the natural underwater park of Madeira, or opt for wreck-, night-, and cavern-diving. There are scores of sites to choose from! Underwater photographers will have the additional thrills of snapping thriving reefs and a multitude of undersea creatures.

Deep Sea Fishing

Gigantic Atlantic Blue Marlin and Tuna are plentiful from May through October, averaging 600-700 pounds. Not surprisingly, world records are set and re-set here on a regular basis! For beginners, many charters provide expert, in-depth instruction. "Tag and release" is widely practiced for Billfish.

Whale- and Dolphin-Watching

Join a "spotting safari" for a whole day of goose-bump fun as you spot the smartest creatures in the sea breaching and flipping all around you. Throughout, there will be lunch and swimming breaks.

Golf

Madeira has 45 holes of championship golf divided between 2 remarkably scenic courses. Every spring, the island hosts the PGA European Tour for the Madeira Island Open at Santo da Serra Golf Club. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome and personally attended year-round, including instruction and caddy services.

Shopping

Despite its size, Madeira has lots of shops, and some that you just can't miss.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Municipal market), is the colorful heartbeat of Funchal daily life. Here you'll find everything from fruit, to fish, baskets, handbags, flowers and more.

Café Relógio, in Camacha, is the perfect spot to buy original handmade wickerwork, one of the most important industries in Madeira.

Fernão Ornelas, Ferreiros, Queimada de Cima, and Queimada de Baixo streets are the main shopping hubs, together making up the "downtown" of Funchal with shops selling absolutely everything from fine furniture, to bric-a-brac, to jewels and wine.

Embroidery has become a major craft on Madeira, and is considered the finest in the world. Look for workshops such as the Bordados Oliveira (on Murças street), Madeira Supérbia (on Carmo street) and Telo (at the Ponte Nova).