The spectacular setting, the exuberance of colours and the warmth of the year-round sun make Madeira the most beautiful of the Portuguese islands, a paradise where the dream of the perfect subtropical holiday comes true. Pearl of the Atlantic, island of eternal spring, this small volcanic land, so rich in places to discover, deserves all its nicknames and the affection of travellers and locals alike. Here are 10 things not to miss when you reach this fascinating island and its eponymous archipelago.
The landscape of Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Madeira ©Maya Karkalicheva/Getty Images
1 Quinta das Cruzes
The Quinta das Cruzes is one of the things to see in Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island. It is a typical Madeiran villa, complete with garden and private chapel. Originally the residence of João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese captain who discovered Madeira, it was enlarged and transformed into an elegant residence by the wealthy Lomelino family in the 18th century. The exhibition inside illustrates the life of the island's aristocracy from the 15th to the 19th century in a suitably exclusive setting.
A break
The nicest café in the area is the Casa de Chá, in the garden of the Universo de Memórias, opposite the museum.
The Prince Charles Snack Bar, an old-fashioned establishment serving sandwiches and soups, is located opposite the São Pedro Church.
Porto Santo beach ©Evannovostro/Shutterstock
2 Porto Santo
Madeira is the largest island of the archipelago of the same name, which also includes uninhabited islands - the Desert Islands (Ilhas Desertas) and the Wild Islands (Ilhas Selvagens) - and Porto Santo, located 40 km northeast of Madeira and inhabited by some 5500 people. Just 14 km long and 8 km wide, Porto Santo is very different from Madeira: arid and without major relief, it boasts one of the most beautiful golden sandy beaches in Europe - the main reason why the island is worth visiting.
When to go to Porto Santo
Like Madeira, Porto Santo enjoys a mild climate all year round. However, during the winter months it is easier to encounter bad weather, due to which sometimes the ferry to the island is cancelled. In this case, there are no refunds, but a new booking can be made.
It is best to visit the island in summer, when the atmosphere is livelier.
Tips
Cars and scooters can be rented, so you do not have to take the car you use on Madeira.
The Porto Santo beach is considered among the most beautiful in Europe.
3 Jardins Botânicos da Madeira
When one wonders what to visit in Madeira, one can only answer by mentioning the Jardins Botânicos da Madeira. Covering an area of 80,000 square metres, between 150 m and 300 m above sea level, Madeira's most important botanical garden and its plant collection, the most exotic in Europe, is a unique sight. Crowded with tourists wandering the paths and flowerbeds literally enraptured, the botanical garden was created in the 1950s and is rightfully one of the island's top tourist destinations.
Madeira's botanical gardens ©saiko3p/Shutterstock
4 Mount
The upstream area of Funchal is a suburb of aristocratic villas, once the privileged residence of the wealthiest families, who preferred the milder temperatures at 500 m altitude in summer. Today it is one of the districts not to be missed, with places of interest surrounded by lush greenery with exotic scents. Getting there by cable car from the Zona Velha is part of the fun, as is returning to the city by trying out the traditional wicker sleighs, which whizz down to Funchal.
Tips
The climate in Monte can be very different from that in Funchal.
The Cafe do Parque, on Monte's atmospheric square, is a pleasant destination for an interlude with coffee and cake.
TheAlto Monte is a safe bet and serves typical Madeiran dishes.
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5 Zona Velha
Nestled between the Mercado dos Lavradores and the Fortaleza de Santiago, Funchal's 'Zona Velha' has become the most exuberant and dynamic neighbourhood on the island of Madeira and its nightlife is concentrated here. Where until a few years ago there were dilapidated fishermen's houses and abandoned merchants' residences, today there are streets full of bars, restaurants and hotels that have become protagonists of Funchal's nightlife.
Tips
Try to visit the Zona Velha after dark.
The Zona Velha is reached by the funicular from Monte.
The Jardim do Almirante Reis is an ideal setting for a picnic.
A break
The Venda da Donna Maria restaurant offers an unmissable opportunity to enjoy a Madeiran lunch.
Rice, at the eastern end of the Zona Velha, offers ocean views and a light rice menu.
Fresh fruit at Mercado Dos Lavradores ©wjarek/Shutterstock
6 Mercado dos Lavradores
An explosion of colours imbued with heady Atlantic scents and animated until late afternoon by a procession of locals coming here to shop and curious tourists, Funchal's main market is one of the city's main attractions. The art deco structure, built in 1940 by architect Edmundo Tavares, retains almost all the elements of the original building, including fine azulejos from Portugal.
Tips
If you are interested in the fish market, go early in the morning: by lunchtime everything is sold out.
Today, food and gastronomy events are held at the market: enquire at the tourist office.
Some shopkeepers on the upper floor have a slightly pushy manner, but they can usually take a firm 'no' for an answer.
Souvenirs for sale at the market tend to be expensive, as cruise ship groups arrive here with little time to spare.
The village of Curral das Freiras ©Jurek Adamski/Shutterstock
7 Curral das Freiras
No trip to Madeira is complete without an exploration of the island's verdant hinterland. The village of Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), nestled at the bottom of a large volcanic amphitheatre, is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Funchal. It combines the charm of Madeira's majestic mountains with beautiful hiking trails, the chance to sample local specialities and the hospitality of the locals. It can be reached by a short, steep bus ride from Funchal's seafront.
Tips
The path from Eira do Serrado to Curral das Freiras is safe, but should be walked with caution after heavy rain.
Morning buses stop at Eira do Serrado, later buses skip this stop, and the last buses from Curral das Freiras leave late in the evening, so you do not risk getting stuck in the village.
8 Camacha Wicker Factory
The name of Camacha is inextricably linked to its most traditional product, wicker. The branches are gathered in the mountains around the town, dried, sorted and then folded and woven to form a myriad of objects of practical or purely decorative use. The centre of production is the building called O Relógio ('the clock'), in the centre, where there is also an exhibition and retail outlet.
Tip
The panoramic terrace behind O Relógio offers a fabulous view of the Atlantic.
Children will love the large playground on the square in front of O Relógio.
The Madeiran cuisine restaurant inside O Relógio, upstairs from the shop and factory, is the best place to eat.
Recommended guides and products:
Travel guide
Madeira Pocket
9 Self (Cathedral)
Madeira's main place of worship and one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, Funchal Cathedral stands in the heart of the capital and its bell tower has dominated the skyline since the early 16th century. Although modest in size, the cathedral was for a time the centre of the largest diocese ever created by the Catholic Church, encompassing all overseas territories of Portugal.
Advice
Don't plan your visit in the early afternoon: the cathedral is closed!
The best time to visit is just before or after mass, when the lights are on and the carved ceiling is well lit.
10 Museu de Arte Sacra
The most prestigious art collection on the island and in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira occupies the former bishop's residence, a 16th century palace overlooking Praça do Município. Purchased with proceeds from the sugar trade, it is known for the remarkable Flemish paintings with which wealthy Madeiran merchants and landowners adorned their quintas. Around 1950, for the preservation of the local artistic heritage, it was decided to gather all the sacred art works in one location.
Councils
To the right of the museum is the Funchal Town Hall, with its beautiful courtyard decorated with azulejos and a fountain in the centre.
Adjacent to the museum, the 17th-century Capela de São Luís de Franca is open Tuesday to Friday from 14.30 to 18.00.
Read also:
Holiday in Madeira: some information
When to go to Madeira
Madeira is known as 'the island of eternal spring', so the answer to this question is only one: all year round! The Portuguese island has a mild and windy climate, warm in summer and never too cold in winter, making it a suitable destination for all seasons. However, if you want to plan your holiday in Madeira, be aware that the weather is very variable, especially depending on altitude and wind direction, so go equipped for every eventuality! During the winter months (December-February) there is an increased risk of rain.
Madeira's beaches
Although best known for its beautiful hiking trails, Madeira offers plenty of opportunities to relax by the ocean, between man-made beaches and volcanic black sandy shorelines. A few examples? Beaches in Funchal include Praia Formosa, near the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, or Praia da Barreirinha, at the end of the Zona Velha. Then there is the beach at Calheta, created with sand imported from Morocco and Portugal and one of the few sandy bathing areas on the island. Or there is Seixal, with its wild black sand beach, clearly of volcanic origin. Again, how can we not mention the natural pools of Porto Moniz? Here, in past eras, lava flows in the ocean created circular cavities that allow you to swim in the ocean... But without risk!
However, when it comes to the beaches of the Madeira archipelago, honourable mention must go to Porto Santo: almost ten kilometres of golden, natural sandy shore, classified as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Madeira with children: a possible trip?
The Island of Madeira lends itself well to any type of holiday: solo, couple, group or with children, relaxing or adventurous, food and wine or cultural.
Among the proposals for children, there are numerous family-friendly trekking routes along the network of levadas (irrigation canals) that criss-cross the island's interior, theme and discovery parks, whale-watching excursions... And, of course, protected and relaxing beaches where you can enjoy the Atlantic atmosphere!