Activities

A verdant oasis in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira’s diminutive size belies the exquisite beauty of this island. Plan your holiday itinerary with the help of Madeira-Web detailed guide to discover wonderful attractions from Funchal’s stunning jacaranda-lined avenues to the daring cliffs of Cabo Girão. Below you will find a small list of attractions available at the Island.

Local Food & Cuisine

Food in Madeira is amazing, diverse and delicious, we can easily put it among the best Madeira tourist attractions. When traveling around the island be sure to taste the traditional and local cuisines

Do you know that is the most durable man-made product in the world? Any guesses? Well, the answer may surprise you… It’s Madeira (fortified) wine, with more than 500 years old and as famous as (or even more than) Madeira Island. Despite being famous for its fortified wine, Madeira also produces young still wines.

Historical and cultural attractions

Embark on an interactive journey through Madeira’s past at the Story Centre or simply wander the streets of the capital to encounter charming historical areas and picturesque squares. Numerous churches and convents date back to the 15th century, from the tiny basalt cave of Capela de São Vicente to the ornate interiors of the Sé Cathedral.

Agriculture is still an important part of the island’s resources and visitors will see ingeniously cultivated terraces along hillsides everywhere. Traditional street markets brimming with colourful pyramids of produce are a great way to experience local life.

The Carreiros

The Toboggans Sledges are powered by two sledge drivers called “Carreiros”, dressed in white and wearing the typical hats known as “Straw boaters”, also they use rubber soled boots, so that they are able to stop the sledge when necessary by making use of their boots as brakes.

Eco Tourism Attractions

Madeira is a destination for nature lovers. This tropical paradise has unique flora and fauna. You will be dazzled by the colour and scent of the tasty exotic fruits on the stalls of traditional markets. You will swim in natural pools classified among the most beautiful natural pools in Europe. You will live experiences and adventures in the heart of unspoiled nature in Madeira, the paradise for nature lovers. This will be the trip of a lifetime!

Step into the heart of the Madeira forest and discover a unique flora along the famous levadas that  were built to carry water from the north to the south of the island, or if you prefer, visit the botanical garden, located on the heights of Funchal, is a true haven of peace for nature lovers. This sublime tropical garden was previously owned by one of the wealthiest families on the island, the William Reid family. Did you know that William Reid is the founder of the famous “Belmond Reid’s Palace”, one of the most beautiful 5 stars in Europe and one of the most famous in Madeira?

Endemic plants but also sublime palm trees, medicinal plants or incredible succulents can be observed in this garden which also houses a bird park. Come and discover the most beautiful plants of the island but also cockatoo and macaw parrots in this garden accessible by cable car from Funchal. The garden is open daily from 9.00 a.m until 6.00 p.m.

Flower Festival

The Flower Festival is a cultural event associated the local traditions, whether through the performances of folk groups, or through the construction of the beautiful floral carpets, an event filled with lots of entertainment activities, such as music concerts and variety shows

Enchanting Natural Landscapes

Madeira’s abundance of protected reserves are a true wonder for nature lovers. Myriad walking trails through rare Laurissilva forests reward hikers with breathtaking mountain views, while scuba divers can explore the crystal clear waters of Garajau Natural Reserve. Numerous parks and gardens boast fascinating subtropical plants and a spectacular carpet of colour, culminating with the annual Flower Festival in springtime.

One of the pleasures of an island holiday is that the ocean is never too far away! Spend your days exploring the coastline of majestic cliffs, pebbled beaches and natural rock pools that attest to the island’s volcanic origins, or take a ferry or flight to Porto Santo and enjoy miles of golden beaches. Blessed with an almost perfect climate, visitors will soon realise that one trip to Madeira is simply  not enough!