The Portuguese Island of Madeira
One of Madeira’s claims to fame is that it is the island home of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo who has played for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Its steep volcanic mountains, covered in lush vegetation, rise up dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean. This spectacular scenery and a mild climate make Madeira a popular destination for Europeans almost six centuries after it was discovered by Portuguese sailors.
For an island that would fit twice inside the area enclosed by the M25 there is a huge variety of things to see and do. Here is a selection that will give a feel for what Madeira has to offer.
The Capital, Funchal
Rising up the slopes from the harbour and marina the capital of Madeira is a must on any visitor’s list. Funchal’s Cathedral has a plain exterior that hides impressive and decorative interior, in particular is the stunning knot work ceiling inspired by Moorish geometry.
The cathedral square is the centre of social life in Funchal and is lined with cafes. The square itself and several of the streets leading off it are paved with black and white mosaics for which Funchal is famous.
Adegas de Sāo Francisco is the oldest and best known of Funchal’s wine houses. Here you not only taste and purchase Madeira’s unique fortified wine but learn about its the history.
Mercado dos Lavadores
This is Madeira’s main fish market and farmer’s produce market. Both are busy early in the morning with the day’s catch being brought up from the harbour and the vegetable and fruit produce coming in from the farms and small holdings around Funchal.
As you explore Madeira you will notice the vast number of flowers, both wild and cultivated, on the island. At Mercado dos Lavadores one of the main attractions are the flower sellers, dressed in traditional costumes preparing beautifully arranged bunches of these flowers. You choose, they arrange.
Monte
Originally Monte was a separate community but as Funchal expanded so it enveloped the town and the nearby botanical gardens. Monte can be reached by a cable car close to the market.
There are lush gardens, narrow cobbled streets and cafes where you can enjoy afternoon tea in the cool clear air of the mountains. Where Funchal has a bustling city centre atmosphere Monte is far more genteel.
There is one exception to all this genteel atmosphere. It is the toboggan run. Originally a method of transporting goods to market it is now used to give visitors a white knuckle ride. Sitting in a wicker toboggan guided by two men you hurtle down cobbled roads all the way to Funchal. It is not a ride for the faint-hearted.
Jardim Botanico
Madeira is blessed with a rich and varied flora and the best place to see them without trekking the length and breadth of the island is the Jardim Botanico close by Monte. The gardens are laid out according to themes and has extensive views across Funchal.
Camara de Lobos
With colourful boats pulled up on the shingle beach and fish drying in the traditional way Camara de Lobos still has a fishing village vibe. Sir Winston Churchill (as an artist rather than a politician), who always had an eye for a great scene, would set up his easel here and paint. Wandering up past the fishermen’s cottages for a view over the picturesque harbour it is easy to see why.
Hiking the Levadas
One of the unique features of Madeira are the levadas. Basically small channels they were constructed to take water from the north of the island were rainfall is plentiful to the south where most of the produce is grown but water is scarce. Alongside each levada is a path, used by the men who would maintain them, making them ideal for hiking. Levada hiking is popular in Madeira and you can follow levadas through urban environments or out in the rural locations up in the mountains.
Pico do Arieiro
Although not Madeira’s highest peak (it is actually third highest) the summit of Pico do Arierio can be reached by road from Funchal. Early morning when the clouds are filling the valleys and the peaks appear to float on a sea of white candy floss is the best time to arrive. The views across the central massif are worth the drive and the early start.
For those with an adventurous spirit and appropriately equipped there is a footpath the four highest mountain peaks of Madeira. The path is moderately easy but is not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from vertigo.
Visit Santana and the North Coast
The scenery of Madeira is spectacular, none more so than the north of the island. It is less developed than the south and the coast is dominated by high and dramatic cliffs. There is a spectacular are several coastal drives including one where you drive under a waterfall.
Santana in the north is the best place to see the traditional palheiro houses often seen on the covers of guides to Madeira. Originally cow byres they have now become a tourist attraction and with the addition of a few mod cons are now rented out as holiday homes.
Ponta de São Lourenço
In contrast to the lushness of the rest of Madeira Ponta de São Lourenço on the eastern tip of the island is far more arid and exposed. Rocks are laid bare with unique geological formations exposed and the vegetation is more open scrubland. The dominant colours are browns, reds and yellows and are best seen around sunset. There are marked hiking trails across this barren and dramatic landscape to enjoy the scenery up close.
Elsewhere
Madeira has very few beaches and those it does have are usually shingle or artificially created. However a two-and-a-half hour ferry ride will bring you to the nearby island of Porto Santo. The island is the proud possessor of a 9km sandy beach backed by resorts and spas. A great place to relax after exploration of the main island of Madeira.
Note: A shorter edited version of this post first appeared on the Avanti Travel Insurance blog where the author had a regular monthly slot.
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