Madeira
7 reasons to visit righT NOW
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Madeira is a stunning landscape, with deep blue sea and a huge sky to match. It is dense forest, mountain beyond the clouds, lush flower smell, passion fruit flavor. Madeira is a garden that lets you believe that spring never ends. It is a waterfall and a cave, a viewpoint, balcony and a hiking trail. Madeira is good weather all the time, an invitation for the whole year, a postcard to step into. It is a superlative table, it is exemplary hospitality, it is a safe haven. Madeira is all this right now, in this country, a paradise so close by. Finally, Madeira is the place that makes us waste adjectives in this sleazy text. But it is what it is. And what is it, exactly? A love story, made up of many reasons why we love it. Let's start with these seven.
all year round
©andrÉ carvalho; henrique seruca; Carlos Gouveia
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It all starts with the scenery. Take a deep breath, you will need it. There isn’t a single place in these 800 square kilometers that doesn’t draw a sigh from those who visit the island.
The ten most Instagram-worthy places in Madeira
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#lagoa dovento
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#praia doseixal
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[CEROS OBJECT]
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It is to live today and remember tomorrow and you don’t even need to be a pro photographer, just get to these coordinates, among so many others possible. If you want to start looking from a distance, start by following the hashtags, but we promise you there is nothing like seeing it up close.
The way to get here is not the easiest, but the effort is rewarded when at the end you find a clear lagoon with a giant waterfall. It is good for a swim away from the crowds or as a silent retreat, only interrupted by the sound of the water.
It is a Madeira brand image. Most likely, you will even recognize this balcony overlooking the Ribeira da Metade Valley. On clear days, you can see the full mountain range, highlighted by the two highest peaks, Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, as well as Penha d’Águia.
É uma imagem de marca da Madeira. O mais provável até é que até reconheça esta varanda com vista para o Vale da Ribeira da Metade. Em dias de céu limpo, consegue avistar-se a Cordilheira Central da ilha, destacando-se os dois picos mais altos, o Pico do Areeiro e o Pico Ruivo, assim como a Penha d’Águia.
The black sand takes some getting used to, we will give you that, but after a while you won’t even care. Especially because of the way this beach is perfectly framed between the Atlantic Ocean and the north coast of Madeira, dressed in green.
Connected to Pico Ruivo, the highest point of the island, with an imposing 1862 meters, Pico do Arieiro is a true postcard that meets everyone's needs: from tourists to more experienced trekkers. Here, in addition to the clouds that seem to be strolling under our feet, we can see an alternative path to Pico Ruivo, about 6 kilometers long (12km in total).
The view from here is as impressive as it is dizzying. Garganta Funda is one of the highest waterfalls on the island, 140 meters high. Getting there isn’t hard, but pay close attention to the strong winds. It is located in Ponta do Pargo, in the most westerly point of Madeira, next to the Pedregal path.
It is on the driest tip of the island and from there you can see the primitive volcanic rock (about 5 million years old) by the sea. It is one of the few places where you can be in contact with both the north and the south of the island.
It is very likely that, at some point of your scrolling, the photo of someone in a bathing suit under a waterfall in the middle of the road has appeared in your Instagram feed. Well, here's the answer. On the regional road 10, between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar, there is this waterfall, also known as Cascata dos Anjos. More Instagram-worthy will be hard to find. But be careful, the road is old and requires some precaution.
This tropical garden is located at Quinta Monte Palace and has about one hundred thousand plant species in a setting that is probably the most romantic in Madeira - and also one of the most colorful. There are bridges, lakes and waterfalls, sculptures, precious stones and tile panels. The same is to say: multiple backdrops for Instagram photo shoot.
It looks like a scene out of a movie, but it is very real, although it requires some physical effort to get here, crossing a vast patch of laurel forest, classified as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Make sure to notice the century-old trees with giant roots and robust trunks, covered with bearded lichens and moss.
It is one of the best kept secrets on the north coast of the island of Porto Santo. A cove that hides natural pools of various sizes and shapes, but always with clear and crystalline water that lets you see fish with the naked eye. A tip: to enjoy the pools, go when the tide is at its lowest.
© @travelwithmariia
©francisco correia
©LUIS FREITAS
© @lemon_orchid_; @putujuci.hemicar; NELSON BARROS
©francisco correia; @pawicz
© @__celina__I; @bkyc; @stopworkingstartpacking
©henrique seruca
© @rita_arriaga
©filipe mendonça
O cenário
A aventura
O mar
A gastronomia
A segurança
It all depends on the level of adrenaline you're ready for. There is no shortage of nature experiences and sports activities that will take you to explore the wonders of this paradise. You can fly over the islands while paragliding or hang gliding, discover the interior of the mountains while canyoning, climb the highest peaks or dive into a sea that sinks to three thousand meters. But you can also keep both feet on the ground with peaceful walks along natural paths and walking routes.
Four trails to walk through in Madeira
Ponta de São Lourenço: Cais do Sardinha trail
Arriving at Ponta de São Lourenço there is an interesting phenomenon, the curious gift of ubiquity, as this is one of the few places where you can be in contact with both the north and the south of the island. It is next to the car park that the Cais do Sardinha trail begins, in honor of the family that owned a house right at the tip of Ponta de São Lourenço. On foot or running, you will start at Baía D’Abra. Then, in the middle of the route, you will find a beach (the descent is steep, be careful), so take the opportunity to take a dip your feet, climb to the viewpoint and return to where you first started. If running, you should be able to complete the track in an hour and a half. Walking takes about three.
Pico do Arieiro
It is one of the best walking trails in the country. It is 7 km long, connecting two of the highest peaks in Madeira (Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro), passing through tunnels, steep slopes and impressive mountain landscapes. It starts at Pousada do Pico do Arieiro, next to the Ninho da Manta viewpoint, overlooking the Fajã da Nogueira Valley, São Roque do Faial and much of the Central Mountain Range. To reach Pico Ruivo, it is necessary to go around Pico das Torres by a steep climb through a stairway carved into the rock and then a descent. The hardest part happens on the final climb to Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo. Look for the massaroco, a violet flower exclusive to this island.
From Ribeiro Frio to Portela, through Levada do Furado
In the middle of the route you will find a trout pond that actually indicates the good quality of the water in the streams and waterfalls in the region. This is an area where the forest shows itself in all its splendor with different plant species all around. Easily accessible, the paths are not flat - they are even a little slippery, actually - increasing your adrenaline levels as you go. Furthermore, there is a constant fog to keep you company (whether you’d want it or not). The trail goes through Levada do Furado, one of the first on the island to be mapped, to the Miradouro da Portela, in Machico. This 10.7 km route usually takes between three to four hours and goes through agricultural fields and Penha d’Águia. Watch out for the bis-bis, a bird endemic to the island.
Circular tour of Curral das Freiras
It is the ultimate test for the trail aficionados. The 23 kilometers of this circular route can take between four and six hours to cover. It starts at Boca das Torrinhas, which separates the Serra da Boaventura from the Curral das Freiras, then continues on Encumeada to Relvinhas. The pedestrian journey ends in the valley of Curral das Freiras, right in the heart of the island, which owes its name to the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent, which in the 15th and 16th centuries occupied the most sheltered pasture land from the onslaught of French privateers. Take the opportunity to get to know the local cuisine, especially the chestnut soup and the brigalhó, a yam-like tubercle that only grows in this part of the island and takes more than ten hours to cook.
Cais do Sardinha trail
App Walk Me/ Walking in Madeira
Keep Madeira in the palm of your hand with this app that stores more than 50 trails. Although it works offline, we would recommend you to never leave without the safety of an old-school paper map, just in case you run out of battery. Looking for other activities. Take a look here.
App Walk Me/Walking In Madeira
For fans of walking, running, trekking, or simply for those who like bird watching, we suggest four routes in various parts of the island, ideal for breaking in those new hiking shoes. With a greater or lesser inclination, below or above the clouds, any of these trails invites you to discover some of the most beautiful places in Madeira. But there are many more.
©JoÃo Faria
Five reasons to dive right in
Ahoy! Sailors be warned: visiting Madeira and not enjoying all the sea has to offer should be illegal. No need to worry, the water here is always good for a swim. And we mean “always”, since Madeira is good for all year round: the average sea temperature varies regularly, between about 17ºC in March and 22ºC in August and September. There are many reasons for going overboard but, for now, keep to these five.
Whale watching and dolphin diving
Of the 28 official species that can be observed off Madeira, only two, the Short-beaked Common and the Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, allow humans to approach. The others, experts say, aren’t so human-friendly. Still, it is very likely that you will be able to spot them, even from a distance. There are several operators who organize boat trips and almost all of them allow you to enter the water to try to get closer.
Stand Up Paddle
Snorkeling and scuba diving
Beaches
Natural Pools
The sea water temperature can be the perfect motivator to try your balance in a stand up paddle lesson, while on a guided tour along the coast. Depending on the operator you choose, there might be a private or group session included.
Walking on water
There is no turning back: scuba diving is one of mandatory activities in any sea destination. Along the island there are several protected natural areas, such as the Funchal’s Eco Marinho Park, the Garajau Reserve and the Desertas Islands (there are guided tours). It is also important to know that Madeira has an absence of a continental shelf, a fact that allows great depths to be found very close to the coast.
There are several beaches across most of the island, each with its charms and secrets, all with the same crystal clear water. If what you are looking for is a dreamy sand beach, head towards Porto Santo. But know that even in Madeira you will find several beaches for a great swim, such as Calheta and Machico, or Prainha next to Ponta de São Lourenço. A must-see is the black, fine sand beach of the Seixal port, on the north coast, nestled in a mountainous landscape. Nearby, there are the natural Seixal pools that we will tell you about next.
Life’s a beach
Nas piscinas naturais do Porto Moniz e do Seixal, o mar entra naturalmente, preenchendo de água salgada os recintos feitos de rochas de origem vulcânica. Focam situadas na costa norte da ilha da Madeira, e assomam-se sobre o Atlântico com um cenário soberbo: paisagens verdejantes de um lado, mar azul profundo do outro.
Dive into sea waters
Through the Explora Madeira center you can sign up for freediving or scuba diving lessons. Estrada Monumental 147, Funchal. +351 96 734 9663. info@exploramadeira.com
Madeira Nave Motion promises genuine experiences. +351 96 251 6550
Take a look at the Rota dos Cetáceos, Marina Shopping - Centro Comercial Infante, Avenida Arriaga, 75, Funchal. +351 291 280 600. rotacetaceos@gmail.com
©andrÉ carvalho
©andrÉ carvalho; turismo da madeira; ILHAVISÃO MULTIMEDIA
Discover the Portuguese Titanic
Some people call it the Portuguese Titanic, but it was not a disaster that sank the Madeirense freighter, which for decades transported people and goods between Funchal and Porto Santo - it was a decision made in 2000, for the boat to serve as an artificial reef. The ship rests at a depth of 30 meters and gave way to a new marine flora and fauna, as if the Madeirense itself gained a new life. To discover it you need to dive very close to Ilhéu de Cima, in the famous Cemitério das âncoras.
Care for your body with... sand
Science has already proven that Porto Santo sands have a natural anti-inflammatory effect when applied to the skin. There are several treatments that you can try, all over the island, such as at the spa at Vila Baleira Resort, with its psamotherapy treatments (90€/session) - the pompous name given to the strangely simple process of wrapping someone in heated sand at 40ºC and that promises, in about half an hour, the release of essential minerals that help in the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Climb Pico do Castelo
You can choose the longest route (4.6 km and about 2h15 walking) or the short one (3.2 km, and just over 1h30). Both leave start at Moledo and go up a forest path that passes through Pico do Facho, from where you can see some agricultural remains from older times, and the beautiful work done to the island reforestation. Up there, at 430 meters, you can see the entire length of the island and the protected fauna and flora sanctuary of the Selvagens islets as a backdrop (don’t even think about setting up camp there, as they are neither inhabited nor open to visits).
Delight in a seafood treat
A safe bet: O Calheta restaurant, right above the beach, is the island’s mecca for fresh seafood. We dare you to not go for seconds.
You probably don’t know this, but maybe you should…
It is the only place in Portugal that manages to maintain an average annual sea water temperature at 25ºC. Definitely worth dipping your toes, any season of the year. There are nine kilometers of sand bathed by a sea of calm and crystalline waters. Once in Funchal, getting here is easy. The flights take 15 minutes to navigate the 50 km between the two islands and there are several cruises for those who prefer a sea voyage - check out the popular ferry boat “Lobo Marinho”. But Porto Santo is more than just a beach. Here are a few ideas to try out during your stay.
Rhea Dive organizes several maritime activities, including diving on site. Hotel Pestana Colombos, Campo de Baixo, Porto Santo. +351 93 933 3777. info@rheadive.com
Sítio da Ponta da Calheta, Porto Santo. +351 291 985 322
© turismo da madeira; andrÉ carvalho; henrique s
Six typical Madeira dishes you need to try
Fried corn, black swordfish, skewers, limpets, bolo do caco (flat bread), bananas, passion fruit and a whole lot of fruit that you probably never heard about. Madeira is also one of the best places in Portugal to eat and there are so many incredible things happening on your plate there. We will leave you with half a dozen examples to whet your appetite.
An eternal wine
Three places to try
Blandy distinguishes itself for being the only family, of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade, which still owns and manages its own original wine company. The family still lives in Madeira and maintains this tradition that dates back to 1811.
Blandy's
Avenida Arriaga, 28. +351 291 740 100. www.blandys.com
Rua Ferreiros, 107. +351 291 720 784. perolivinhos@hotmail.com
It is one of the oldest companies in the business. The headquarters and the tasting and sales department are in an emblematic and classified building, built in 1619. Here, there are five wine producers/exporters, all of them from families from the island, and the oldest house was founded in 1820.
D’Oliveira's
Rua 31 Janeiro, 83. +351 291 223 247. www.hmborges.com
It is one of the main brands of Madeira wine, founded in 1877 by Henrique Menezes Borges. The history of the brand is told in their headquarters, old and with the inheritances of the past in sight with the paintings by the German artist Max Römer and other portraits on the walls. Currently, the company is led by two women belonging to the 4th generation of the family. Visits and tastings take place by appointment.
H.M.Borges
It was chosen to celebrate the Independence of the USA on July 4, 1776, praised by Shakespeare, admired by kings, princes, generals and explorers. It is not possible to get to know Madeira without tasting the wine that made a name for itself around the world. It is a wine with absolutely unique characteristics, with a balance of miraculous acidity. The vines are cultivated by hand in small enclosures known as poios, supported by earth walls on mountain slopes and often difficult to access. It is the result of more than 30 grape varieties, but the most noble are Sercial, Boal, Verdelho and Malvasia. To quench your thirst, here are half a dozen exceptional curiosities about the Madeira Wine.
The wine aging period determines the quality of the Madeira wine, which is classified according to the years of aging: five, ten and fifteen years.
Legend has it that in 1478, upon the death sentence of George of York, brother of Edward IV of England, he chose to be drowned in a vat of Malvasia wine.
William Shakespeare made a reference to this wine in Henry IV, where Falstaff is accused of exchanging his soul for "a chicken leg and a glass of Madeira Wine".
The best wines from Madeira are those that come from the vines planted in the lower altitudes.
The lower range wines are marketed with no indication of age.
Did you notice that we called it eternal wine? It is a literary exaggeration, but the truth is that Madeira has a unique aging index with an extraordinary longevity. And this is linked to its incredible acidity. Many years after bottling, the best characteristics of a Madeira remain unchanged. Two hundred and so year old wines have been found and still in good conditions. And even after opening the bottle, the Madeira does not deteriorate with oxygen, so its longevity can vary from six months to a year, or even longer.
curiosities about the Madeira Wine
The traditional skewer consists of small cubes of beef, seasoned with salt, garlic and bay leaves. The meat is roasted in a brazier and served directly on the skewer. Bolo do caco is a typical Madeira bread, made with sweet potatoes, flour, bread yeast, salt and water. This sweet bread is traditionally kneaded into a ball, then flattened and baked in the shard (a kind of stoned frying pan). Usually served hot and with a spread of garlic butter. The skewer is usually served with the following side dishes: potato chips, fried corn and salad.
On the main bohemian street of Funchal, with privileged access to the lively Madeiran poncha, is Santa Maria. You enter through a yellow room with photographs of fishermen, until you reach an inner courtyard, with a bar at your disposal. The menu is filled with the usual classics, along with some modern dished, like risottos or sushi.
Where to eat it: Santa Maria
Rua de Santa Maria, 143 A. +351 291 649 125
Passion fruit is one of the most popular fruits in Madeira. There are different species of passion fruit, such as banana passion fruit, however the most common is the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). Its sweet flavor, strong aroma and variable acidity (depending on the degree of ripeness), make it the ideal fruit to use in desserts and regional drinks. Passion fruit pudding is made with passion fruit pulp, gelatin, condensed milk and cream. It’s an unforgettable sweet combination.
There is hardly a restaurant in Madeira that doesn't have this passion fruit pudding on the menu. If you are not a fan of puddings, don't worry: the passion fruit mousse is a very agreeable alternative.
Where to eat it: everywhere
The black swordfish is a fish that is available in few places in the world, however it is typical here in Madeira. It is about 1000 meters deep and despite its unappealing appearance, if you are a fish lover you will be delighted with its flavor. The succulent swordfish fillets are seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The peeled bananas and fish fillets are then dipped in egg and flour and fried in olive oil, sprinkled with sprigs of fresh parsley. They are served with boiled potatoes, also known locally as “semilha”, lettuce and tomato salad.
It owes its name to the family of photographers who used to spend summer holidays in this house, now turned into a restaurant: the Vicentes. Outside, there is a typical Madeiran garden and the balcony and barbecue area resembles an old tavern. As for the menu, you can point with your eyes closed in any direction because everything that arrives at the table is highly recommended.
Where to eat it: Chalet Vicente
Skewers and bolo do caco
Passion fruit pudding
As the name implies, this dish consists of small cubes of pork, marinated and cooked in white wine, garlic cloves, vinegar, bay leaves and ground pepper. It is served with slices of fried bread or in bolo do caco sandwiches. It is a very popular dish especially at Christmas time.
In what is now known as “the street of painted doors”, in the Old City, culture and gastronomy sit at the same table in this Tasca Literária Dona Joana Rabo-de-Peixe.There are several portraits of Portuguese artists on the wall, as well as regular cultural gatherings to go with your meal.
Where to eat it: Tasca Literária Dona Joana Rabo-de-Peixe
Wine and garlic meat
Sword fillet with banana
Estrada Monumental, 238. +351 291 765 818
In this story there is a hero - our beloved tuna, a central character in Madeiran cuisine - and a villain - the sauce where the fish is marinated, called "villain sauce", made with vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano and ground pepper. They make up the scene alongside another historical figure of Madeira’s local cuisine: corn flour, which is cooked and, after being cooled, cut into small cubes that are fried and served as a side for the main dish.
Rua Cónego Fernando Vaz, Santana. +351 291 573 895
On the day you decide to visit the typical houses of Santana, remember to also book a table here. Serra e Mar is known for its full dishes and their tuna steak is the talk of the town. A simple and unpretentious place with a menu where there is no shortage of typical dishes.
Where to eat it: Restaurante Serra e Mar
Tuna steaks with fried corn
Chopped onion and garlic, fresh tomatoes, oregano and olive oil. In the center, a poached egg to dive some toasted bread into. It is one of those wonderful things that remind us how simple happiness can be.
In the middle of the mountain, surrounded by forest, an old building gave way to a traditional restaurant. There are those who just go for the poncha, but we would advise to go for the full experience. Soups are mandatory, but the meat dishes are not that far behind.
Where to eat it: Casa de Abrigo do Poiso
Tomato and onion soup
ER103, Poiso, Camacha. +351 291 782 269
Rua de Santa Maria, 77. +351 291 220 348
©andrÉ carvalho; Soren Lauridsen
©Francisco Correia; Soren Lauridsen
©Academia das Carnes
©henrique s
Four stops in town
Each corner holds a secret to be uncovered. Everywhere you turn, the sea is in sight. Embedded in a bay that is a real life postcard, the city of Funchal has a great story to tell, an enviable food scene, culture and leisure, and an ever vibrant events calendar, even in the midst of a pandemic and with all the care that is required. We leave you with four mandatory stops for your first itinerary. But rest assured, there is still so much more to be discovered.
Basket Carts
Once at Monte, return to Funchal in style. Descending in these baskets may seem daunting, but it's good fun like no other and the whole experience is safe. These carts, produced by hand with wicker and wood, have seats for two or three people, and are driven and controlled by two men, dressed in white and with straw hats on their heads, using their own boots, equipped with thick rubber soles, as brakes. The route is about two kilometers and takes about ten minutes - and leave you wanting more.
Funchal - Monte Cable Car
In the form of an amphitheater, the municipality of Funchal stretches up the slope, up to 1818m altitude, in Pico do Areeiro. It is true that there is no shortage of viewpoints for unforgettable views of the city, but nothing replaces the experience of, let's say, flying over. The cable car departs from Funchal's old town and reaches the top in 20 minutes. Prepare your phone because you will want to record everything: the sea, the houses, the streams and the mountain. Once up there, take the opportunity to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Monte Church, where the tomb of Carlos de Habsbourg, the last emperor of Austria, is located.
Farmers Market
Right in the middle of the historic center, this market is not only a tourist landmark but also a supply station for the best restaurants in the city. It is a festival of color where you will find fruits that you cannot find anywhere else, lose count of the different types of passion fruit, bananas and mangoes, and taste a little bit of everything - there won’t be a seller who does not try to tempt you with delicious samples. There is no shortage of florists, craft shops and typical products, and at the back of the market there is the bustle of fish stalls, where the admirable swordfish and tuna of all sizes, caught here on the coast, shine.
FARMERS MARKET
Old Town
The city was born here, almost 600 years ago. The new and old are to be found in narrow cobbled streets and facades from other times. Restaurants and bars are at its core, and, in recent years, the whole area has taken on a new color with dynamic projects that have turned it into an artistic stage - such as the Painted Doors Project, which transformed the Old Town into an open-air art gallery. It is also here that the Chapel of Corpo Santo is located, one of the few remaining fourteenth century buildings on the island. Be sure to walk along Rua de Santa Maria, the oldest in the city, and its local and historic shops.
©christophe afonso
©Ágata xavier; dr; andrÉ carvalho
For a safe trip
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Since the beginning of the pandemic, Madeira has positioned itself as a covid-safe destination. In partnership with SGS, a world leader in certification, good practices have been guaranteed throughout the islands, minimizing risks for all. For those visiting the Madeira, it is recommended to take the test 72 hours before departure. But you can also do it upon arrival, free of charge. Safety is their priority and Madeira remains a good exception in these quite exceptional times.
We will have some sense of normality back someday, until then, we just have to be patient. But here, you can feel safe, as long as you follow some simple rules: keep your distance, wash your hands often, wear a mask. There are others also designed to combine the security that is required with the comfort that is sought. Now take note.
Three days before departure, you should test for Covid-19. If on the mainland, you can choose any of the testing sights closest to you - the Madeira Regional Government has protocols signed with several entities. To take the test, you only have to show the copy of your electronic ticket or the receipt for the trip.
For a faster check-out at the airport, fill out the health questionnaire and upload your test to Covid on the website or on the Madeira Safe To Discover app. Keep social distance and don’t forget that masks are mandatory in all areas of the airport.
If you have not completed the health survey, that’s where you need to start upon at Madeira and Porto Santo’s airports. You will then have to undergo a quick thermal screening.
If you were not tested for Covid-19 before departure, you will now have to take a free test at the airport. And don't be alarmed because the whole process shouldn't take more than an hour. The test result will be sent by email within 12 hours. Children under 12 years of age do not have to be tested, except if suspected to be infected.
If you test positive, you will have to be confined in a designated hotel, together with your direct contacts and all costs (doctors, accommodation and meals) will be borne by the local government. After seven days, you will take a new test and, if negative, you will be able to enjoy what is left of your vacation without further restrictions.
Since August, Madeira has decreed that wearing a mask on the street is also mandatory. But there are some exceptions, such as children up to six years old and people with disabilities. On beaches and bathing complexes, you don't need to wear a mask either, just as if you are practicing some recreational-sporting activity in forest areas and walking paths.
When boarding
Upon arrival
During your stay
©anne nygard
©Photo by STIL on Unsplash
