Hotels in Madeira
What to see by foot: Madeira
 
The island of Madeira, meaning 'wood' due to its dense forests, was discovered
in 1419. Fragrances such as vanilla and wild fennel mix with the sea breeze
to give the island a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The island's craggy cliffs
and precipices dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean, which is so deep there
that sperm whales often come close to shore.
Madeira's volcanic soil has created an amazing botanical island, where lush
tropical plants, flowers and fruits abound. The small island combines dramatic
natural beauty with history and culture, and offers plenty for the visitor to
explore, both in the summer and winter seasons. Funchal, the island's capital,
is compact and easily explored on foot.
Funchal, with a population of 100,000, lying on the southern coast, is the
island's focal point of activity. The city is surrounded by beautiful hillside
villas, exotic gardens and narrow winding roads, which are wonderful to explore
on foot. The main street of Funchal is the Avenica Arriaga, which ends at the
catheral.
Madeira is famous for its 'carro de cesto' or sled rides. The sleds are made
of wicker and have two drivers who run alongside to control the sled as it tumbles
down the cobblestone streets from the suburb of Monte to Funchal. The ride takes
about 20 minutes and should not be missed.
Early risers should visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (market of the workers).
Arrive at the market at 07:00 to experience the energy of the flower vendors,
fishermen and farmers selling an array of local products. Madeira is famous
for its baskets and ceramics, which can be acquired here as well. The market
is closed on Sundays.
No visit to Madeira would be complete without tasting the famous Madeira wine.
There is an array of Madeira wines which can be tasted at local tavernas or
directly at the vineyards: Sercial is the driest of Madeira wines, light-coloured
and most famous; Verdelho is golden in colour and sweeter; Bual is a sweet desert
wine; and Malmsey is the sweetest of the Madeira wines.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Pestana Bay and Gardens Aparthotel | | Pestana Carlton Madeira Hotel | | Crowne Plaza Resort Madeira | | Tivoli Ocean Park | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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