Cheap holidays in Madiera
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Cheap holidays in Madiera
Portugal Main Guide | Madiera Main Guide
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Madeira is the largest of a volcanic island group with the same name. Most of the islands are uninhabited; only Madeira and Porto Santo have significant populations. The Madeira Islands lie off the west coast of Morocco. They have a hot and sunny climate but no beaches as such.
The capital, Funchal, has a population of about 100,000. Located in a natural harbour it has grown over the past 500 years into a modern city which retains its character and charm. The city can be confusing to drive in but is easy to get around on foot.
Madeira has several festivals throughout the year. Some are religious; others are dedicated to other important facets of life such as wine, music and the settlement of the islands.
The island of Porto Santo, the only other inhabited island in the group, has over 9km of glorious beaches. The great explorer Columbus lived on the island for a time. His house can be visited. Other historic attractions include the Chiesa Mae church and a fort dating from the 18 th century. Porto Santo has some excellent handicrafts including wickerwork, embroidery and lace as well as ceramics and unusual artificial flowers made with fish scales.
Accommodation And Food
Madeira has a range of accommodation on offer. There are many 5- and 4-star hotels to choose form, with a range of extra features. Air conditioning is common but not universal.
Madeira has a range of excellent local cuisine. Fish and seafood are popular, as might be expected from an island. Black swordfish and tuna are common, often served with fried corn and bread. The island is also famous for wine.
Activities
Although Madeira has no beaches of its own and only a few small man-made ones, there are plenty of things to do along the coast.
Try scuba diving in the warm Atlantic waters. With a year-round warm climate and water temperatures ranging from 18 ° C to 23 ° C, diving is pleasant and exciting. Depending on the time of year you can see barracuda, dolphins, monkfish and rays gliding through the clear waters. Madeira has several dive companies, most of which are located in Funchal or Canico de Baixo. Equipment hire and training is available for new divers while excursions cater to more experienced visitors.
You can also see a variety of marine animals without going underwater. There is very deep water close to the coast of Madeira, bringing deep-water creatures close inshore. Dolphins are common, along with several species of whales. Fin, Sie, Pilot and Humpback Whales, and even the very rare Beaked Whale can be spotted from the coasts or a boat a little way out to sea. Along the coast there are also many species of seabirds to spot.
The coastal waters around Madeira are on the migratory routes of many species of big game fish including Blue Marlin, Big Eye Tuna, Albacore and others. This makes for excellent Big Game Fishing without even having to go far out to sea. There are a number of well-equipped boats in the marina, and instruction is available for beginners.
Other watersports on offer include canoeing, diving, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. The surfing is particularly good. The islands were only ‘discovered’ by the surfing community in the past few years. The rocky beaches generate some excellent waves, though there are some hazards associated with such a rocky coast.
There are also plenty of sporting activities on land. Whether your taste runs to mountain-biking or horse-riding, hang-gliding, paragliding or even mountaineering, Madeira has something for you. One unusual sporting option is to take the cable-car from Funchal to Monte. After enjoying the scenery for a while (and perhaps with the help of a ‘poncha’, a Madeiran drink, you can toboggan back to down on a small wooden sled). The island also has two golf courses.
If you like to walk, one way to see the island is to hike along one of the routes running alongside irrigation channels called Levadas. These lead through the spectacular countryside past vineyards and hillsides swathed in wild flowers. The island also boasts some beautiful gardens. Just northeast of Funchal is the Santa Catarina Park. The Botanical Gardens on the Camacha Road are also worth a look.
One interesting way to see the island is to take a motorbike tour. Scooters, mountain bikes and motorbikes are available. Guided tours show you the sights and where to get the best food. A package is available including accommodation and breakfast for each of the 3 days of the tour.
Funchal offers visitors the chance to do some shopping and dine in one of the many restaurants. For night-time entertainment there are a few nightclubs. The casino also offers evening entertainment with live music. The capital also has some very nice old buildings dating back to the colonial period. The Cathedral, Museu da Arte Sacra and Muesu das Cruzes are all well worth a visit, as well as the St Lawrence Fortress.
The island is not large. Exploring is both easy and rewarding. Heading north from Funchal you can visit Boaventura, a wine-making centre with many bars to sample the local wares in. If you dare, stand atop one of the world’s highest sea cliffs, Cabo Girao, and watch the sea below.
If you like wildlife, there is a marine mammal sanctuary at Canical. The Desertas Islands about 30km southeast of the capital are also a sanctuary for the monk seal. Authorisation must be obtained to visit the islands.
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