Madeira is one of Europe’s hidden gems, and a destination we definitely recommend visiting if you’re given the chance. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and is a beautiful island in the Atlantic. The island is home to many stunning sights and exciting excursions, which make up some of the many reasons why we just LOVE Madeira.
Natural Wonders
One of the most amazing sites on the island are the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. The pools have been formed over thousands of years as volcanic lava has cooled, and they are filled with natural seawater by the ocean’s tide. The waters are beautifully clear, and often you can see fish swimming around amongst the paddlers.
If you want to pay a visit here, anyone over the age of 3 must pay. It’s £1.50 entry fee and this is payable throughout the year. There’s also a car park closeby, changing rooms, lockers for personal belongings, a snack bar open in the summer season, first aid, sun loungers and umbrellas for hire.
Breathtaking Scenery
Thanks to its volcanic history, you can be sure that there are plenty of hiking trails in Madeira. Each one offers different levels of difficulty but they all serve up the most amazing views whether it be of mountains or the ocean. Pico do Arieiro is one of the more popular places to hike in Madeira – at nearly 6,000 feet it’s the third highest peak on the island. It gets pretty crowded on a morning, but that’s because it’s one of the best places to snag sunrise views – think of the Instagram worthy pics!
Levada Caldeirao Verde is another great place for a walk, but the views are quite the opposite to Pico do Arieiro. Here you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy feeling at one with the greenery and rockery. At the end of the walk, you’re rewarded with stunning views of a waterfall.
Animal Encounters
If you enjoy heading out on the seas, you’ll really love a dolphin and whale watching tour. Tours are usually for small groups, so you’ll get the chance to ask as many questions as you like. They’re often run by marine biologists, so you can be sure to get some expert tips as well as knowing the dolphins and whales are not put in harm’s way. Being out on the water with these beautiful sea creatures will also get you pretty close to them, so make sure to bring a camera so you can snap some amazing pictures.
If you’re interested in booking an excursion, make sure you book with a reputable company to ensure the safety of the sea creatures is being taken into consideration. We recommend this dolphin and whale watching tour from TUI Musement.
Soft Sands
When booking a holiday to an island, beautiful beaches are pretty much guaranteed! Praia do Porto do Seixal is one of the best beaches in Madeira thanks to its crystal clear waters, volcanic sand and vegetation-covered cliff faces. Sexial is on the Northwest side of the island, and is quite close to the natural pools of Porto Moniz, so you could visit them both in a day if you’re having to travel a little.
If a pebble beach is more your style, we highly recommend Praia do Vigário. The waves can sometimes be a little rough, but the beach is in a perfect spot to serve up amazing views of Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe! The beach has changing rooms and showers and you can eat on site. It’s also supervised during the high season by several lifeguards.
Thrilling Heights
A great way to view Madeira in all its glory is from the skies. In the city of Funchal, you can book onto a cable car ride which takes you from the harbour to Monte. The Funchal cable car experience costs €11 per adult one way, and you can enjoy taking in the beautiful sites below of rustic red roofs to flourishing nature. When you reach the top, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church – where the Madeira toboggan ride begins.
The Funchal toboggan is one of Madeira’s most famous attractions. The attraction dates back to the 1850s, and this Madeira sled ride was the primary means of downhill public transportation in Funchal. Today, and for many years, the “Carro de Cesto” is used to entertain and transport tourists from the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church downhill to Livramento.
Island In Bloom
The island of Madeira is known for its stunning greenery and flowers. There’s plenty of places to take in the nature in all its glory, especially on walks around the island. Ponta de São Lourenço is a great walk if you want to enjoy wildflowers in abundance. If you keep your eyes peeled, and take a moment to be still, you might even spot some geckos scurrying around!
Of course, one of the most popular places to take in stunning floral displays is Madeira’s Botanical Gardens. The gardens cover a huge area, around eight hectares, and are filled with a wide variety of species of trees and ornamental shrubs, as well as an area with orchids, lawns, viewpoints with wide views over Madeira’s capital, and an amphitheatre.
Magical Madeira
Want to explore the island of Madeira and experience these wonders for yourself? We don’t blame you! Here’s some great deals to help start your holiday search!
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