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Nestled on the southwestern coast of Madeira, Calheta is one of the best-known places on the island thanks to its glitzy marina and its two man-made beaches with golden sand lapped by gin-clear waters. Its boutique hotels are a true haven of peace just a forty-minute drive from Funchal.
Brimming with history, this picture-postcard fishing village, founded in 1430, was one of the first places that the settlers explored when they stepped foot on this privileged land. Here you'll find a stunning heritage and plenty of culture, including historic churches, fascinating music performances, and the Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas, dedicated to current art and young Madeiran talent.
What's more, Calheta is famous for producing a wonderful white rum (aguardente), a staple of the traditional drink 'poncha' that you can savour alongside delicious cuisine that fuses tradition with modernity, using the very best ingredients from the sea and the land. If you're interested in finding out how this typical drink is made, we recommend visiting the Engenho da Calheta, a distillery where you can enjoy a glass of delicious rum in an unbeatable setting.
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Things to do in Madeira
We've got some amazing proposals for your holiday
Enjoying active tourism in paradise
Madeira boasts a whole host of possibilities for sports lovers. If you're a sporty type, make sure you experience these fantastic adventures to keep stimulating your body and mind on holiday while discovering natural spaces of outstanding beauty.
If you're at your element in the sea, you'll love diving among the flora and fauna of the Atlantic and exploring the artificial reef of the Madeirense shipwreck at a depth of thirty metres. You can also take part in other types of water activities, such as surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling and canoeing all year round thanks to Madeira's amazing climate. Another must is spotting dolphins, whales or sea lions in places like the Desertas Islands.
There are plenty of options for land lovers too! Madeira's spectacular variety of landscapes is perfect for activities such as canyoning, trekking, jeep excursions, trail running, mountain biking and climbing, plus many more. What's more, you'll find amazing golf courses ideal for experienced players and amateurs alike including Palheiro Golfe and Santo da Serra Golf Club (Madeira) and Campo de Golfe do Porto Santo (Porto Santo).
And the sky's no limit for anyone who fancies a try at skydiving accompanied by a trusted professional.
Whatever your favourite sport, you'll have an unforgettable experience in Madeira!
Dazzle your friends and followers with photos in these incredible places
Today's world is all about posting travel experiences on social media or sharing stories with friends and family. Here are some great places for selfies where you're sure to rack up lots of likes and comments.
Lagoa do Vento: in the Rabaçal area, this huge waterfall is a spectacular spot for photos, as well as a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You're sure to be the envy of all your followers!
Miradouro dos Balcões: this viewpoint commands incredible views of a verdant valley and, on clear days, the island's highest peaks: Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and the volcanic Penha d'Águia.
Praia do Seixal: no, you're not in Hawaii, this is Madeira’s north coast. This beach has it all: soaring green cliffs, black sand and spectacular blue water. Perfect colour contrasts for all your pictures!
Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo: these locations are perfect for hashtags like #stairwaytoheaven. And it's no exaggeration either! That said, they're not the easiest to get to as you have to hike across mountainous trails, so make sure you’re accompanied by a mountain guide. ;)
Miradouro da Garganta Funda: you'll find this viewpoint at the westernmost point of Madeira, next to the Pedregal road in Ponta do Pargo, with jaw-dropping views of one of the island's highest waterfalls. You'll never have seen anything like it!
Admire spectacular landscapes from a cable car
Madeira's landscapes are always impressive, wherever you are. But just imagine admiring them from a cable car. You'll be doubly wowed!
Funchal Cable Car: running from the capital's old quarter to the quaint village of Monte, with a height difference of five hundred and sixty metres, you'll get to admire the tower of Funchal Cathedral and the city's houses, bridges and colourful bougainvillea, while in Monte you'll be wowed by the Nossa Senhora do Monte church. A twenty-minute ride at a height of thirty-nine metres.
Funchal Botanical Garden Cable Car: with a journey time of nine minutes, this is the perfect option to visit the Funchal Botanical Garden and Monte. The bird's-eye views of the Ribeira del Valle de João Gomes are outstanding on this route, which reaches an altitude of a hundred metres.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car: this is one of the top attractions on Madeira's north coast and is about four hundred and fifty metres high. Setting off from Porto Moniz, it's a nature-filled ride through steep cliffs up to Achadas da Cruz, in Fajã da Quebrada Nova. Only for thrill seekers!
Garajau Cable Car: next to the famous statue of Christ the King in Garajau, this cable car covers a height difference of one hundred and fifty metres and is perfect for admiring the sunset and accessing Garajau Beach, Portugal's only marine reserve and one of its best snorkelling spots.
Fajã dos Padres Cable Car: more than three hundred metres of descent through pure nature to Fajã dos Padres Beach, a truly magical place with flowers, fruit trees, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of peace and quiet.
Jeep Tour
For those without the time or energy to see the island’s more inaccessible areas by mountain bike, this is the motorized alternative. In each twist and turn, the discoveries are intense, exploring the most remote corners of this island of contrasts. The region’s mountains and forests bring unforgettable feelings and unique landscapes which extend to the sea. Off-road vehicles have been gaining fans throughout the island chain, leaving behind times of great emotion in everyone’s memory.
Golf
Madeira and Porto Santo are the ideal places for golf players to experience the best of golf.
The excellent weather, stunning sights, three exceptional golf courses, and an amazing setting provide all professional and amateur golfers with a challenging game.
Put your technique to the test in Madeira (Palheiro Golfe and Santo da Serra Golf Club) or in Porto Santo (Campo de Golfe do Porto Santo).
Dolphin and Whale Watching
With an ocean bottom more than 3,000 metres deep, the Madeira coast is the home to rich fauna ready to be discovered. Here, a boat tour is always full of surprises, with the chance to cross paths with a whale or a friendly group of dolphins, or even turtles
You can go to the Desertas Islands and meet the refuge of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, better known as Lobo Marinho (sea lion). On one of these tours you can also dive into our waters which, throughout the year, have pleasant and very inviting temperatures.
Do not stay ashore, embark on this adventure!
Levada Walk
When you visit Madeira, you will learn that a hike is much more than a simple path. It is an intense outdoor experience, where everything is magical and fascinating. To reach the most amazing and dramatic landscapes, there is nothing better than going on foot along walking trails next to the canals known as “levadas”.
“Levadas” are irrigation canals that were built in the past to bring water from the north slopes, where it existed in abundance, to the south side of the Island.
Wicker Sledges
This is a thrilling experience that you really must try out. It involves getting into a wicker sledge which is then pushed down the street by men dressed in white known as 'carreiros'.
The tradition dates back to the nineteenth century, when merchants used this curious method to transport their goods from the mountains to the city. Today, it's simply a tourist attraction. The trip is about two-kilometre, half the journey to Funchal and takes about ten minutes. A Unique experience that you shouldn't miss!
Cabo Girão
One of the top attractions is the 580-metre-tall Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world.
ONE OF THE HIGHEST CLIFFS IN EUROPE
If you're afraid of heights, you run the risk of missing out on the breathtaking views from Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Soaring almost 600 metres above sea level, you get to marvel at a panoramic view of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and the surroundings while admiring the colours, diversity and lushness of the island's plantlife. To make the experience even more extreme, you will feel like a kestrel hovering above the sea, the floor is made of glass (so called skywalk), so you can look straight down, if you dare! A perfect place for taking pictures. Cabo Girão is one of Madeira's icons and is well worth a visit.
Natural pools
Water lovers adore heading to Porto Moniz to bathe in the world's best lava pools. Unlike others that can be found on the island, the water is renewed with crystal-clear seawater.
From the water you can admire the lighthouse on the rocky outpost of Ilhéu Mole. Porto Moniz is a must-visit destination during the summer, as black sundy beach, in Seixal and sun-kissed afternoons make it a go-to for lovers of sun and sand.
You can also visit other lava pools in Seixal and Funchal (Doca do Cavacas).
The Lavradores Market
One of the most characterful places in Funchal is its Lavradores Market. Located in the heart of the capital of Madeira, you'll find a whole host of exotic fruits, fresh fish and colourful vegetables here.
The most enthralling thing is the atmosphere of the market. You'll get to see stallholders enthusiastically chatting away to locals while tourists buyi products and take photographs.
We recommend trying the passion fruit, one of the most popular exotic fruits on the island, and buying a Bird of Paradise, the most characteristic flower of Madeira and one of the island's icons.
Cuisine
One of the best ways of discovering Madeira is by savouring its culinary delights. Its delicious cuisine is definitely an unmissable highlight of the destination. Made with selected traditional products, the most traditional recipes are fused with more avant-garde proposals that experiment with textures and flavours that will surprise even the most discerning palates.
Surrender to the pleasures of a cuisine where excellent meats and tasty fish dishes share the limelight with delicious Designation of Origin wines.
Don't even think about leaving the island without trying its typical dishes: wheat soup, cabbage soup, regional kebabs, espetada em pau de louro (beef and bay leaf brochettes), with fried maize and bolo do caco (a kind of bread), black scabbard fish with banana, tuna steak, octopus, limpets, honey cake, passion fruit pudding, etc.
A visit to Madeira is not complete without tasting the famous Madeira’s wine, that results from the fruit of the region’s vineyards, delicately cultivated by hand, in small poios lands (terraced landscapes), either in the mountains or by the sea. We think that it would be interesting to mention that: Windsor Churchill was very fond of this wine and William Shakespeare mentioned it in his works.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
You can't leave Funchal without visiting the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a stunning location with an array of amazing exotic plants and trees.
Property of Joe Berardo, the garden also features a museum that lays on temporary exhibitions by artists, a permanent exhibition of African sculptures from the 1950s, and a valuable collection of minerals from different parts of the world.
Other gardens that we recommend are the Orchid Garden, the Botanical Garden, Quinta de Monte, Palheiro Ferreiro, Palmeira, Boa Vista, Santa Catarina Park and Quinta Magnólia.
Carnival
Carnival is the perfect time to get away from everyday life, take on a different identity and dress up or even take part in the parades held across the island of Madeira. On the Saturday of Carnival, you can join the Allegorical Procession, when groups take part in a fancy-dress parade on the streets. On the Tuesday of Carnival, you can soak up the atmosphere of the traditional 'Cortejo Trapalhã', a wonderful fusion of creativity and hedonism.
Madeira Flower Festival
These months see the celebration of the arrival of spring and the lush blossoms typical of this season, which are even more intense thanks to Madeira's subtropical climate. The culmination of all this is the spectacular Flower Festival. In the city of Funchal dozens of cars, decorated all over with flowers including some endemic to the island, parade down the Avenida, leaving luscious aromas in the air.
Local artists construct floral carpets that are displayed on the streets of Funchal, while traditional music performances are held across town. There's always lots going on to celebrate this season, which is so emblematic of Madeira. What's more, you get to soak up the party atmosphere and admire all the flowers that can be found across the island.
Madeira Atlantic Festival
The Atlantic Festival marks the start of the summer season in Madeira. It's an entertainment and cultural event featuring activities held throughout the month of June (3 to 24 June), with highlights including musical fireworks shows/contest, (on weekends) the Atlantic Roots Festival, and the Regional Arts Week.
This three-day festival (the Atlantic Roots Festival) targets a discerning but highly diversified audience, setting out to publicise and showcase the region's cultural life to the world.
The main stage is set up in the gardens of the iconic Quinta Magnólia and plays host to a musical event that wows all attendees. The first night of the festival is dedicated to national music, the second night to new sounds and trends such as black music, soul or funk, and the third and final night highlights the excellence of music in Portuguese. The headliners of the most recent edition included music greats such as Elida Almeida (Cape Verde), Lula Pena (Portugal), Petite Noir (South Africa) and the jazz band Sons of Kemet (United Kingdom).
Wine Festival
At the end of August, at the beginning of September, discover some of the secrets of Madeira Wine, participating in the celebrations and activities that take place during the Wine Festival. Harvesting grapes is one of the experiences not to be missed, and it is even possible to participate, being part of it. Here is the ideal opportunity to taste this famous wine that delights many, and dazzles many others.
Columbus Festival
The Columbus Festival is based around a re-enactment of the time when the famous explorer resided on the island of Porto Santo, recollecting his experiences on the archipelago. It takes place during the month of September in the town of Vila Baleira and has a series of activities that showcase the heyday of the Portuguese Discoveries.
The vibrant festival includes the a re-enactment of Columbus' arrival by sea, a sixteenth-century market with food, crafts, street performances, circus arts, theatrical performances and the staging of war and peace ordeals common at the time, games of skill, weapons training, acrobatics and juggling, lots of music and exotic dances.
Madeira Nature Festival
The last event on the island’s calendar sets out to inspire the most active visitors to explore all aspects of nature. Whether in the mountains, in the air or at sea, there are countless activities on offer, including hiking, paragliding, sailing.
Christmas and New Year's Eve
The month of December in Madeira is packed with celebrations. The Christmas decorations, the street performances, the festive atmosphere and the spectacular fireworks make this one of the most wonderful times of the year. Experience Madeiran traditions and culture, join in the merriment of the locals and marvel at the huge fireworks show, officially recognised by The Guinness Book of Records as one of the largest in the world. Unmissable!
Further information
Organise your trip
You can start preparing your trip to Madeira today. We've got all the information you'll need to make your trip to this Portuguese island simply perfect.
WHEN TO VISIT MADEIRA
Madeira's mild and subtropical climate means that you can enjoy fascinating getaways at any time of the year. Average annual temperatures that range between 18°C and 24°C, clear blue skies and low rainfall mean that Madeira is always verdant, lush, and covered in abundant flora.
Spring and autumn are great times to discover this stunning island and its privileged natural environment dotted with characterful attractions. If you'd prefer to bask in the sun on its magnificent lidos, the best time to visit the island is in summer.
VISITING MADEIRA AT A GREAT PRICE
If you're looking to discover Madeira at a great price, it's best to go in autumn and winter. Prices tend to rise on specific dates such as Christmas, Easter and in high season, which usually coincides with the summer months.
TIME ZONE
The Portuguese time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that Madeira has the same time zone as the UK.
ELECTRICITY
Madeira operates on 220-volt electricity. Plugs are the same as in Europe.
Documentation and discounts
To enter Madeira, a region belonging to the European Union (EU), you only need to show their National Identity Document, which is essential for travelling. Don't forget your driving licence if you plan to rent a car. If you travel with your own vehicle, you must also take your car insurance certificate. Always travel with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will cover most cases in which healthcare is required. If you have a student card, take it with you everywhere for discounts and special rates. Always check what type of identification is required with your airline or travel agency before travelling.
DISCOUNTS IN MADEIRA
With the European Youth Card you can get various discounts at museums and landmarks, while the International Student Card (ISIC) offers discounts for transport and festivals. In both cases, you'll need to prove your age with your ID card or student card.
How to get there
BY PLANE
Madeira Airport, or Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (named after Madeira’s biggest world star), offers regular air connections directly to major European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Porto. The duration of the flight is short, from 1 hour 30 minutes to Lisbon to ap-proximately 3/4 hours to Paris, London or Berlin.
ORGANISED TRIPS AND PACKAGE TOURS
Charter flights are another option for getting to Madeira. Remember that with these types of tickets you can't change the date or time. Some travel agencies like ours offer organized trips and package tours that, in addition to the flight, include half-board or full-board accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. On arriving at Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo or Porto Santo International Airport, there are bus stops and taxi ranks to make your trip more comfortable.
CAR RENTAL
To explore the diverse landscapes of Madeira it's best to rent a car at the airport. Some agencies like ours offer packages that include flights and car rental in the price.
TOURS
More and more tourists are choosing tours as a great option to discover the island's main landmarks, cultural attractions and culinary delights in a short time. Our agency offers fascinating tours such as Madeira Al Completo Plus and Madeira Funchal Esencial, so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.
Getting around Madeira
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects all parts of the island. However, the best way to explore Madeira is by renting a car. Check out our car rental deals and find the car that best suits your needs, always at the best price.
TAXI
Taxi fares from Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo vary depending on the time of day and the number of suitcases. There’s also a supplement for trips to the hotel area.
BUSES
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects almost all most parts of the island.. In the centre of Funchal there are wheelchair-adapted, environmentally friendly minibuses that take you to the most stunning corners of the island. These provide direct services from A to B and without designated stops, so you can catch them anywhere in the city. They have a limited timetable and do not run on Sundays and public holidays.
FERRY
To travel from the island of Porto Santo to the capital of Funchal, the ferry is the most reasonable alternative. The trip takes about two-and-a-quarter hours.
Where to stay
Madeira has plenty of hotels, including major domestic and international chains. Check our year-round promotions and our low-season deals and package tours with hotel and flight included. In Madeira, you can choose between luxury hotels, small urban hotels, hostels and boutique hotels, located in iconic buildings and close to the most central streets and the main nightlife and shopping areas. For couples and romantic getaways, Madeira boasts a select network of properties where the service, the atmosphere, the culinary selection, the activity programmes and the facilities and services are tailored to this type of guest. And as staying in a hotel isn't just about sleeping, in Madeira you'll also find a whole host of spa hotels where you can unwind like royalty.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS...
Pousadas
These properties are the equivalent of the luxury paradores in Spain. They are iconic buildings, always found in unique locations or privileged natural settings. You can find pousadas in monasteries, convents, castles, etc. Other, more modern ones have prime locations in cities and command stunning views.
Estalagem
These properties are located in buildings perfectly integrated into the local urban landscape and blessed with spectacular views, providing guests with first-class services and facilities.
Turismo de Habitação
This Portuguese term describes small guest houses in rural settings.
Pensão
This type of accommodation is something like a hostel. They don't tend to have on-site restaurants.
Currency and tips
Since the the escudo was replaced in 2002, the euro has been the official currency in Portugal. You can find ATMs at most banks in the main towns on Madeira. Most credit and debit cards are accepted.
TIPS
As in the UK, there's a custom of leaving tips in Portugal. The amount is at the customer's discretion.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards can be used to buy things and to withdraw cash from ATMs. Just make sure that the ATM you're going to use displays your card symbol. Bank fees may apply.
PHONE NUMBERS FOR CANCELLING BANK CARDS
- 4B (Visa Electron - MasterCard - Visa): (+34) 902 114 400 / (+34) 913 626 200
- Servired (Visa - Visa Electron - MasterCard): (+34) 902 192 100
- American Express: (+34) 902 375 637
- Red 6000: (+34) 915 965 335
Healthcare
You can take out an insurance policy that covers healthcare during your trip. There are travel insurance policies that, in addition to covering medical expenses, also cover cancellation of your trip as well as theft.
TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATION
Madeira has a very good healthcare system, but there are a few things to bear in mind before travelling to the island. If you're travelling with medication, keep it in its original container, clearly labelled, along with your doctor's prescription.
PHARMACIES IN MADEIRA
In pharmacies you can buy a wide range of products over the counter, but many others need a prescription from a local doctor. If during your stay in Madeira you're going to need a specific medication, make sure you take a prescription with the generic name of the medication.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC)
European citizens have the right to receive medical assistance in Madeira if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can get an EHIC online through the NHS. Make sure to inform the healthcare centre where you have been treated that you have this card. As in most western European countries, vaccinations are not required to visit Madeira.
Tourist information offices
The Madeira Tourism Board has nine Tourist Information Offices. Three of them are in Funchal, four in other locaties of Madeira and one in Porto Santo island. The Madeira Tourism Board also has one tourist information desk office in Lisbon.
For more information on Madeira Islands, you can also contact our tourist information personel through the following telephone numbers: +351 966 765 802 and 966 765 718. This service is available daily, between 9am and 8pm.
AIRPORT TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Madeira International Airport - Cristiano Ronaldo, 9100-105 Santa Cruz
+351 291 524 933
Daily: 9am to 9.30pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 | +351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm
AVENIDA ARRIAGA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Avenida Arriaga nº16, 9004-519 Funchal
+351 291 145 000 (Extension. 408304/408305/408306)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 3.30pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 | +351 966 765 718 Daily: 9am to 8pm
ESTRADA MONUMENTAL - TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Estrada Monumental, 175, 9000-100
+351 291 620 028
Monday to Sunday and Public holidays: 9.30am to 4pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm
PORTO MONIZ TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Rua dos Emigrantes, nrº2 9270-156, 9270 Porto Moniz
+351 291 853 075
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm | Saturday and Public holidays: 10am to 12.30am | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm
PORTO SANTO TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Av. Dr. Manuel Gregório Pestana Junior
+351 291 985 244
Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm | Saturday: 10am to 1pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 / +351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm
RIBEIRA BRAVA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Rua Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral, Forte de São Bento, 9350 -217 Ribeira Brava
+351 291 951 675
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm | Saturday and Public holidays: 10am to 12.30am | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm
SANTANA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Rua do Sacristão, Sítio do Serrado 9230-116
+351 291 575 161
Monday: 2pm to 4.30pm | Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 4pm | Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm