Madeira’s top 5 Experiences

Madeira is a truly striking island. From dramatic cliff tops to stunning coastlines, it really does offer a variety of experiences for all to enjoy, and with a subtropical climate, it makes for a great destination to visit all year round.

The islands’ volcanic landscape is classified as a nature reserve and there are plenty of tours where you can enjoy the wild and wonderful scenery. Funchal is the vibrant capital, a picturesque city offering plenty of culture, great restaurants and markets galore. Here you can taste some fruits you may never have come across before or try some great local wines. Madeira has been a top wine producing region for around 500 years and with its rich, fertile volcanic soil and warm climate, just about anything can be grown locally.

For the more active, it’s a perfect place for hiking, climbing, mountain biking and canyoning. If you are after something more relaxing, then enjoy the beaches or tour the vineyards where you can truly unwind.

With so much on offer we have picked out our top 5 for you below:

  1. Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour from Funchal 

Watch whales and dolphins swimming and diving in their natural habitat during a fantastic two hour trip which includes an expert spotter. This is a true journey of discovery as you venture into the Atlantic Ocean and get close to some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Enjoy some great views of Madeira from the ocean as well!

  1. The Mercado dos Lavradores Market

Enjoy the taste of local life at the ‘Mercado dos Lavradores’, a food market in Funchal that dates back to 1940. The halls are packed full of stalls selling tropical fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers. Don’t leave without sampling some local fruit and seeing the fishmongers work their magic on the catch of the day in the fish hall.

3. Botanical Garden Cable Car  

Travel to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens via a cable car for some breathtaking views! It’s the perfect way to see the whole of Madeira.

4. Cabo Girao and Camara de Lobos 4×4 Tour

Travel through the vineyards, mountains and hills of Madeira during a thrilling Jeep tour which shows some stunning views of the island and experience the glass floor at Cabo Girão.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo Museum

For those who follow football, there are tributes seen across the capital for Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the world’s top football superstars was born in the Santo Antonio neighbourhood of Funchal and the island’s airport was renamed in early 2017 to honour Madeira’s homegrown hero.

To view our list of luxury villas to book in Madeira – click here. Contact us with your Madeira holiday enquiries.

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