Madeira
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira Island is known for its stunning landscapes and mild climate all year round. With its impressive cliffs, forests and exotic flowers, Madeira is a dream destination for nature lovers. The capital, Funchal, is a vibrant city that mixes history with modernity. Strolling through the Mercado dos Lavradores, visiting Funchal Cathedral and exploring the botanical gardens are just some of the must-see attractions.
Madeira Island is also famous for its levadas, irrigation channels that wind through mountains and valleys, providing unique panoramic trails. For the more adventurous, Pico Ruivo offers a challenging hike with spectacular views from the highest point on the island.
Madeira has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its lively festivals, such as Carnival and the Flower Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world. The local gastronomy is another strong point, with traditional dishes such as black scabbard fish with banana and Madeiran kebabs. Let’s not forget the famous Madeira wine, appreciated internationally.
In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Madeira is an excellent starting point for exploring neighbouring islands such as Porto Santo, known for its golden beaches. With its unique combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy, Madeira Island is an unforgettable destination for any traveller.
Gallery
EXPLORING
MADEIRA ISLAND
- Discover an island of lush landscapes and mild climate, where stunning nature meets cultural heritage.
- Explore the levada trails and marvel at the panoramic views over Pico Ruivo and other spectacular viewpoints.
- Visit the enchanting botanical gardens and walk through the historic streets of Funchal, the island’s capital.
- Take part in the colourful festivals and cultural events that animate Madeira all year round, such as Carnival and the Flower Festival.
- For sports lovers, Madeira offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, golf and water sports in its crystal-clear waters.
- Enjoy traditional dishes such as black scabbard fish with banana and Madeiran kebabs, and be sure to try Madeira’s exclusive wine.
FEELING THE ISLAND
OF MADEIRA
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is an island rooted in nature, culture and tradition. Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, this island offers a unique experience to those who visit it. Recognised for its impressive gardens, landscapes and gastronomy, Madeira is an ideal island for outdoor activities such as hiking, but also for relaxing on a beautiful sunny day. For food lovers, Madeira is a true paradise. Try typical dishes such as bolo do caco, the Madeiran kebab, and savour the famous Madeira wine.
What to see and do
Funchal
The capital of the archipelago is located on the south coast of the island of Madeira, in a beautiful bay bathed by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by high green mountains and deep valleys. Discover what to see and what to visit in Funchal and make the most of what Madeira tourism has to offer.
Costa Oeste
The west coast is the sunniest part of the island of Madeira. Bathed by a clear, warm sea, most of its different localities have attractive bathing areas that invite you to swim and snorkel. Sports enthusiasts will find Europe's best waves for surfing on the beaches of Jardim and Paul do Mar. Also visit: Ponta do Sol and Câmara de Lobos.
Baskets
Madeira Island's baskets, known as "carros de cesto", are one of the island's most iconic and traditional attractions. Originating in the 19th century, these wicker baskets, mounted on wooden skids, offer a unique and exciting experience. Guided by "carreiros" dressed in traditional costumes, the baskets glide down a steep two-kilometre road from Monte to Funchal. This thrilling adventure not only provides an adrenaline rush, but also offers breathtaking panoramic views, combining tradition and fun in one experience.
Gardens
Madeira Island is a botanical paradise, with lush gardens displaying a vast diversity of exotic and endemic plants. The Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal offers breathtaking views and a rich collection of flora. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden enchants with its tropical plants and ornamental ponds. The Palheiro gardens, or Blandy's Garden, are known for their camellias and flowers that bloom all year round. Each garden is an oasis of natural beauty and tranquillity.
Pico
Pico Ruivo, the highest point on Madeira Island, rises majestically at an altitude of 1,862 metres, offering spectacular panoramic views that stretch across the entire island. Accessible via challenging trails, such as those from Pico do Arieiro, this destination is a paradise for lovers of hiking and nature. At the top, the sensation of being above the clouds is indescribable, providing an unrivalled reward for all those who venture to conquer it.
Cable Car
Madeira Island's cable car offers an unforgettable experience, linking the city of Funchal to the enchanting Monte. During the journey, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the sea and the island's lush vegetation. This cable car journey not only provides a relaxing and scenic way to explore Madeira, but is also a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and landscape diversity of this paradisiacal destination.
Golf
The mild climate of the two islands, ideal for golf all year round, and the exceptionally beautiful scenery, have made it possible to build two golf courses in Madeira and one in Porto Santo. Since 1993, the Madeira Open, an integral part of the PGA European Tour, has been held in the archipelago at the beginning of spring.
How to get to the hotel
Plane
Connected to 45 airports and with a capacity to handle 3,500,000 passengers, Madeira Airport is a modern, safe, functional infrastructure where the availability and quality of services guarantee an excellent stay for its passengers. Daily connections between the cities of Lisbon and Funchal take 1h25m. Daily connections between the islands take around 15 minutes. There are two airports in the archipelago: Madeira International Airport and Porto Santo Airport. The hotel has up-to-date information on flights arriving and departing from Funchal and can also organise transfers for guests. Contact reception or ask for more information.
Bus
If you prefer to use public transport, there are several bus companies that can take you to the most important tourist attractions more cheaply. All these companies have their terminals based in Funchal, so they are easily accessible.
Taxi
Taxis are available at both Madeira and Porto Santo airports, at all the main hotels and in several different streets and squares. Ask for fare information before taking a taxi.
Rent-a-Car
If you don't want to be dependent on timetables, the island has a wide range of driverless car hire companies. You can contact your travel agency or the hotel where you are staying.
events
in Madeira
Madeira Walking Festival
If you like walking, come to Madeira in January and take part in a festival that takes you to discover breathtaking landscapes. This event, which takes place over five consecutive days through the levadas and footpaths of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, is an organised programme of group walks accompanied by expert guides. There are 20 selected walking routes, all classified and recommended by the Regional Government of Madeira. Participants have a choice of four walks per day with varying levels of difficulty and duration.
Flower Festival
Every year there are festivities in honour of Madeira's flowers. On the occasion of the Flower Festival, the main streets of Funchal are invaded by a parade of floats displaying a multitude of floral species, leaving soft perfumes in the air. On the eve of the flower parade, thousands of children gather in Praça do Município, where they lay a flower to build the so-called 'Wall of Hope'. Alongside these events, there are also various initiatives, including the construction of floral carpets, the Flower Exhibition in Largo da Restauração, performances by folklore groups, classical music concerts and various variety shows. The Hotel Melia Madeira Mare has prepared a programme specifically geared towards enjoying the festivities to the full.
Reveillon in Madeira
At the stroke of twelve on 31 December, the skies are lit up with fire, colour and hope for the year ahead, which couldn't start better. Guinness World RecordsTM, the organisation that certifies world records, has awarded Madeira's New Year's Eve fireworks display the title of "world's largest pyrotechnic show". An ellipse of fireworks 6 kilometres long and 2.7 kilometres wide around the city of Funchal was the record achieved. The Hotel Melia Madeira Mare has prepared a programme designed to help you enjoy a fantastic New Year's Eve in Madeira.
