Madeira
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Place to Drink,
Good Place to Eat,
Good Place to Relax,
Must-Do Experience,
Tip - What to See & Do,
Island
Famed for its fine red wine, breathtaking coastline, and misty laurisilva cloud forests, the island of Madeira has for centuries been a popular stop between the Portuguese Coast and Canary Islands. Today, this gem of an ilha is a fabulous resort destination, catering to families, nature lovers, and anyone in love with the sea.
Madeira is perhaps best known for its attractive cities dating to the 1500s, magnificently framed natural saltwater pools, deserted islands, and excellent hiking. Try to plan your trip around one of its fabulous festivals, from the Madeira Wine Rally to the New Years Eve spectacular, with one of the world's largest fireworks displays.
Other attractions are too numerous to list, from splashing waterfalls pouring through the ancient volcanic slopes, to crashing waves against Europe's highest cliffs, scaled by cable cars. Whales, dolphins, and monk seals swim offshore, while scores of birds, including several endemics, soar overhead. Relax on a yacht, explore centuries of culture at the museums, or enjoy the sunshine and a glass of red wine, away from it all.
Latest Reviews
Review by Barbara N, United Kingdom, August 2011
Doing what: Full Day East Madeira - Camacha, Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Portela, Santana
Very good multi-cultural trip. Guests from Brazil, Belgium, Korea, Portugal and UK. Mini bus which enabled us to visit places a large coach could not. Driver excellent, knowledgeable, funny and very accommodating. Lunch was excellent. Very good value for the money. Would recommend.
Review by Richard H, United Kingdom, August 2011
Doing what: Full Day East Madeira - Camacha, Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Portela, Santana
We had a very short break in Madeira and wanted to sample some of the beutiful scenary. I've have used Viator several times before and was happy to book another tour with them. It was excellent, out hotel pick up was on time. The driver courteous and knowledegable giving us a commentary of facts and sights as we proceeded. Madeira has such a pleasant climate. Camacha, perched on the hillside with breathtaking views and flowers everywhere was followed by the drive up through the clouds to the mountain top.The views were stunning, looking down on the clouds and through the gaps down into Funchal and the harbour. It would have been nice to have seen to the island of Porto Santo, but the cloud did not break in that direction. The valley of Ribeiro Frio was wonderful, so green fresh with flowers everywhere. We had booked lunch and tucked into a feast of local produce with wine too. The traditional houses of Santana are so colourful and photogenic. The views on from the clifftops from Ponta do Rosto near the eastern tip of the island were beautiful. only spoiled by the fact we were nearing the ends of the day and making our way to Machico, the original landing place of the original settlers. A small but beautiful beach of golden sands topped it off. Alltogether an excellent day whcih I'd happily do again on any future visit.
Review by Cristina M, Romania, June 2011
Doing what: Madeira Shared Arrival Transfer
The driver was waiting for me at the airport, as it was established.
Practical Info
The island of Madeira is the largest in an archipelago of Portuguese islands that also includes the Azores, Porto Santo, and uninhabited Deserta Islands. It is both an Autonomous Region and protected as a Natural Park.
The municipal capital, Funchal, is home to the island's international airport (FNC), with direct flights to Lisbon, Oporto, and Porto Santo, Portugal, as well as Frankfurt and Caracas. This is also Madeira's major port of call, with weekly car ferry connections to Portimão, mainland Portugal, and Las Palmas de Gran C anaria. A convenient network of local ferries, excellent roads and public buses connect Funchal to the rest of Madeira.
Do you have photos of this attraction? Be the first to share your photos with other travelers!
