|
Funchal
The City is situated on the lower cliffs of the
south side of the Island and is a busy port of call for many Cruise Ships
and yachts. Today the City suffers less with traffic congestion and
pollution as a result of the new ring road, but still cannot be said to be
totally quiet or free from fumes. The City has many new attractions
including restaurants, cafes, water sport activities, the Marina, the
Casino, the Cable car and a new shopping complex. The open market designed
in the late 1930’s with a two-storey arcade and centre courtyard is well
worth visiting. There are many shops specialising in tapestries and
embroidery.
Eating
out in Madeira is invariable inexpensive and the portions are very
generous.
South
East Coast
CANIÇO - almost half way
between the Airport and the City is this little village that has a few
shops, bars and restaurants around the square with "lower Canico"
some 2kms away at sea level.
SANTO DA SERRA - on a
plateau some 700 metres above the sea, with picturesque country roads
lined with camellias and azaleas, with the golf course nearby.
South
West Coast
CAMARA DE LOBOS - translated means "chamber
of wolves" a fishing town with colourful boats, once a favourite spot
of Sir Winston Churchill where he loved to paint, with banana plantations
and vineyards nearby.
RIBEIRA BRAVA - busy,
colourful town positioned almost in the centre of the South coast of the
Island with an open market, cafes and shops, and the Ethnographic Museum (
well worth visiting!)
CALHETA - translated
means "little cove" whose claim to fame is that it has the
largest number of hours of sunshine recorded on the Island. It has a
charming seafront, with the odd café and restaurant and the parish Church
with well preserved Mudejar ceilings.
PAUL DO MAR - until the late
1960’s the only way to get here was by boat, now it is accessed by a
small winding road. The scenery here is very different to the other parts
of the Island.
PRAZERES - is a small
tranquil agricultural village, located in a remote part of the Island.
Northern
Coast
PORTO MONIZ - sheltered
port famous for its natural swimming pools in the
volcanic rock.
SÃO VICENTE - an old
town of white houses decorated with flowers, is sheltered at the foot of
the valley. The village is still very much a rural community, the main
tourist attraction being the caves in the volcanic magma.
PONTA DELGADA - tranquil
location with wonderful views of the coastline.
SANTANA - small village
with unique triangular houses and thatched roofs set in a beautiful
landscape. There is a small beach at the foot of the hills.
|
The Mountains
SERRA DE AGUA - where the first hydroelectric
power station was built. A popular place for walkers.
ARIEIRO - at an altitude of 1,810 metres - a "must see"
panoramic view of the mountains: excellent for scenic walks and rambles.
ENCUMEADA - this mountain pass is situated on verdant slopes some 1000
metres above sea level with fabulous views. Sometimes you stand in the
sunshine with a layer of cloud drifting below you.
EIRA DO SERRADO - where the first hydroelectric
power station was built. A popular place for walkers.
ARIEIRO - at an altitude of 1,810 metres - a "must see"
panoramic view of the mountains: excellent for scenic walks and rambles.
ENCUMEADA - this mountain pass is situated on verdant slopes some 1000
metres above sea level with fabulous views. Sometimes you stand in the
sunshine with a layer of cloud drifting below you.
EIRA DO SERRADO - from here you can admire the
Curral das Freiras at the bottom of a steep valley between high peaks with
vertical cliffs. It is said that the nuns took refuge here from pirate
raids back in the 17th Century.
Gardens
The lush gardens of Madeira are prolific and
definitely worth visiting. The most famous are the Boa Vista Orchid,
Blandys, Palheiro, Botancial, Monte and Quinta das Cruzes gardens. There
are others such as Quinta Palmeira which can only be visited by
appointment. We also arrange Gardening Groups – please ask.
Madeira’s
Carnivals and Festivals
Here are some of the Carnival’s and Festivals
that take place during a calendar year. The actual dates change from year
to year so please ask for more us for more details.
Dec 31st - New Years
Eve Spectacular Firework display in Funchal
March: Carnival - fancy
dress parade through the streets (1st & 4th March)
May: Flower Festival
with main floats on the last day (over 2 days/ 3rd & 4th)
June: Month of
Fireworks and Music (Atlantic Festival) every Sunday
July: Madeira Day
"Day of Discovery" on the 1st of July
August: Madeira Wine
rally (International Motor Rally)
September: Wine
festival
October: Madeiran Band
festival
|
