Lapas (Limpets)

A type of seafood that is similar to clams, this is a delicacy that is very well-regarded all across Madeira. Served in the…

A type of seafood that is similar to clams, this is a delicacy that is very well-regarded all across Madeira. Served in the pan, they are enriched with garlic butter, chili and coriander, with a couple of fresh lemon slices on the side. Order plenty of napkins and eat them with your hands!

Madeira Traditional Bread

This traditional bread variety has a batter based on wheat flour and sweet potatoes. It has a very distinctive flat shape…

This traditional bread variety has a batter based on wheat flour and sweet potatoes. It has a very distinctive flat shape due to how it’s baked on a basalt stone slab. It’s best served piping hot, with garlic butter and parsley! We dare you to try a Bolo do Caco steak sandwich, it will make your taste buds dance!

Madeira Skewer

A time-tested island institution at your table! This tasty beef skewer is made traditionally with a laurel stick…

A time-tested island institution at your table! This tasty beef skewer is made traditionally with a laurel stick (giving it a distinct flavour profile) over an open flame, along with plenty of garlic and salt! Some variations have arisen over the years, with probably the most popular being the one made with tuna instead of beef!

Black Scabbard fish and Banana

Black Scabbard fish is plentiful in the Madeira deep waters. This ugly (but very succulent) fish is fried along…

Black Scabbard fish is plentiful in the Madeira deep waters. This ugly (but very succulent) fish is fried along with peeled bananas and served with side dishes like salads and/or potatoes.

Tuna steak with fried maize

Fried maize is a specialty in the island’s cooking, here it’s used as a side dish — fried and cubed — to …

Fried maize is a specialty in the island’s cooking, here it’s used as a side dish — fried and cubed — to accompany a thick and juicy marinated tuna steak.

Tomato and Onion Soup

Crowned by a poached egg, this comforting dish adds onions, garlic fresh tomatoes, oregano and olive oil! It’s best eaten…

Crowned by a poached egg, this comforting dish adds onions, garlic fresh tomatoes, oregano and olive oil! It’s best eaten with a slice of bread alongside your dish!

Ponta de São Lourenço

Pure natural beauty, with volcanic landscapes as far as the eye can see! Set in the Eastern portion of Madeira, this natural…

Pure natural beauty, with volcanic landscapes as far as the eye can see! Set in the Eastern portion of Madeira, this natural reserve has a beautiful walking trail stretching around 4 km (each way) with unimpeded views, due to there being very few trees. Easy to figure out why it’s so popular among trekkers!

Pico do Areeiro

Over 1.8 km in the clouds. Among the most photo-friendly spots on the whole island, the famous peak can easily be accessed…

Over 1.8 km in the clouds. Among the most photo-friendly spots on the whole island, the famous peak can easily be accessed by car and offers truly sublime views to those that dare look down and around!

Pico dos Barcelos

A very popular spot to enjoy the views. At 355 metres high, it’s easy to access by car and even has a parking area. The 360º views…

A very popular spot to enjoy the views. At 355 metres high, it’s easy to access by car and even has a parking area. The 360º views are breathtaking for a unique panorama over the island and the ocean!

Véu da Noiva

This recommendation has less to do with the height and the panorama over the island, and everything to do with a very distinct…

This recommendation has less to do with the height and the panorama over the island, and everything to do with a very distinct feature. Located between Seixal and São Vicente, this out-of-the-way belvedere allows you to appreciate the beauty of the Véu da Noiva Waterfall (translatable to Bridal Veil), which, due to its high placement on the hillside, manages to resemble a wedding veil.

Cabo Girão

We start with the unavoidable Cabo Girão! Famous for a glass platform at its top (580 metres high), it definitely…

We start with the unavoidable Cabo Girão! Famous for a glass platform at its top (580 metres high), it definitely is not recommended for anyone suffering from vertigo but offers uniquely panoramic views and quite the chance at an amazing selfie!

Mercado dos Lavradores

We know we mentioned it way back there in the Funchal centre text (we’re glad you’re reading this through, though). But it really…

We know we mentioned it way back there in the Funchal centre text (we’re glad you’re reading this through, though). But it really bears its own mention. Set in the Santa Maria quarter of the Funchal centre, whilst local markets are mostly visited by locals, this one grew to such popularity that it is now a real tourist attraction! With food kiosks, souvenir shops and a fish market within, we dare say that the real stars are the fruit stands, with row upon row of colourful and fragrant exotic fruits!

Boat tours

Dolphin and whale watching tours are one of the most marvellous things one can watch in Madeira! All island-wide…

Dolphin and whale watching tours are one of the most marvellous things one can watch in Madeira! All island-wide (especially from Funchal’s main pier) it is possible to pick and choose from a number of different tour options. Among the most popular are nature-watching, landmark-seeking and even island-exploring tours. The beauty of the island is such that we’ll never be at a lack for things to discover!

Toboggan Ride on a Traditional Wicker Basket

A very popular tourist stop, these rides date back to the early 19th century when the Monte inhabitants…

A very popular tourist stop, these rides date back to the early 19th century when the Monte inhabitants had to reach Funchal fast. The ride goes on for about 2 km and can reach up to speeds of 30 km. Don’t worry though, as expert riders will always go along for the ride!

Curral das Freiras

Completely surrounded by mountains, Curral das Freiras is a beautiful place to go and really feel like time stopped! With lush nature…

Completely surrounded by mountains, Curral das Freiras is a beautiful place to go and really feel like time stopped! With lush nature all around and the cutout of mountains piercing the sk, you’d never know that this spot is home to a very curious tale. In 1556, Madeira was under siege from pirate attacks and the Santa Clara Convent was an obvious target! The shrewd nuns of the convent thought ahead and sought refuge in this area, on which the entrance is not always obvious to the naked eye, due to the mountains all being linked together. Right now it has a very quaint village and is home to the annual Chestnut Festival.

Porto Moniz

At the far end of Madeira is Porto Moniz. In days of yesteryear, reaching this area of the island from Funchal…

At the far end of Madeira is Porto Moniz. In days of yesteryear, reaching this area of the island from Funchal was a long and mazy journey. Nowadays, thankfully, new roads and passages were carved out, making it a breeze to drive there. The natural pools are the area’s main attraction, nestled within the rocks and with the waves dancing outside, making it into the ultimate saltwater infinity pool!

São Vicente

This wonderful location on the island’s northern coast features a bunch of great sceneries. Among them are Seixal’s…

This wonderful location on the island’s northern coast features a bunch of great sceneries. Among them are Seixal’s black sandy beach, Chão da Ribeira and the magnificent volcanic caves of São Vicente. However the real big highlight here is the wonderful Bride’s Veil waterfall. It is a bit out of the way, but the sight of a cliffside waterfall cascading down the rocks (causing the “bridal veil” effect) and into the awaiting jagged rocks is just too great to pass up!

Santana Houses

One of Madeira’s true calling cards, Santana Houses are an obligatory stop in your Madeira visit! With a triangular…

One of Madeira’s true calling cards, Santana Houses are an obligatory stop in your Madeira visit! With a triangular straw roof, these small wooden houses were once a staple of rural areas. They’re now restricted to Santana, where you can see and even go inside some of them.

CR7 Museum

In terms of media coverage, talking about Madeira today always brings about a mention of Cristiano Ronaldo. A 5-time winner…

In terms of media coverage, talking about Madeira today always brings about a mention of Cristiano Ronaldo. A 5-time winner of the award for Best Football Player in the World, this illustrious Madeira native also ends up being one of the attractions of the island! Upon arrival at the airport it is possible to see a bust in honor of the footballer, in what was renamed the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport.

In Funchal there is also a famous statue at Praça do Mar, which invariably has queues of visitors eager to take pictures with it. Also worthy of mention is that in Funchal it is possible to visit the CR7 Museum, which documents and celebrates various points in the career and life of Madeira’s most vaunted athlete!

Laurissilva Forest

Dense and rich, this famous forest — according to some accounts — is responsible for the name “Madeira” (wood), given…

Dense and rich, this famous forest — according to some accounts — is responsible for the name “Madeira” (wood), given to the island by Portuguese navigators who arrived on its coast in the 15th century, such was the abundance of this raw material!

The area is vast and diverse, representing about 20% of the total territory of the island and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The subtropical humid forest is one of the essential points of the island for nature and trekking enthusiasts. The best and most popular way to walk through this gigantic green area safely, is to walk along the Levadas.  Characteristic of Madeira, these aqueducts are flanked by footpaths that will offer you unforgettable views!

Funchal City Centre

With the lush nature of the island as a backdrop, the centre of Funchal is a dynamic and vibrant area, where the most difficult…

With the lush nature of the island as a backdrop, the centre of Funchal is a dynamic and vibrant area, where the most difficult option is to choose where to begin. The Madeira Botanical Garden, with its varied species of plants and landscapes over Funchal, or the Cable Car offer perspectives over the city that you cannot experience anywhere else on the island. Alternatively, why not take in all the colors that tropical fruits lend to Lavradores Market or even venture out for an adrenaline-pumping ride in the traditional Basket Carts? And we haven’t even mentioned getting lost in the museums and the picturesque Old Town.

Madeira Botanical Garden

Who hasn’t seen pictures of a far in the clouds garden, filled with wonderfully landscaped colourful flowers…

Who hasn’t seen pictures of a far in the clouds garden, filled with wonderfully landscaped colourful flowers and plants? It’s one of Madeira’s most well-known sights and it is truly a must-visit. It includes over 2,000 exotic plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, along with gazebos, an amphitheatre and a café.