Discover the Charms of Madeira

Explore Funchal - The capital and biggest city of Madeira

• Explore the downtown and historic center.

• Visit Mercado dos Lavradores: Typical market with local vendors. If you go early enough, you'll catch the fish vendors, here you can also try some Madeira Wine or some of the local fruits.

Praca do Municipio

• Madeira Story Center: Museum with modern and interactive exhibits of Madeira's history.

• Funchal Cable Car: Cable cars are a way of life in Madeira.

Take this all the way to the Monte neighborhood, where you can:

• Visit Monte Palace & Tropical Garden: A unique tropical garden that extends 70.000 square meters that houses an extensive and exotic plant collection from all over the world. You'll find beautiful waterfalls, ponds, art pieces, museums and two authentic Oriental gardens. This visit requires a minimum of three hours.

• Once you're done with your visit, you can take a hill ride down in a toboggan/basket with the Carreiros do Monte.

• The Carreiros do Monte, also known as the Monte Toboggan Run, is a unique and thrilling traditional activity in Madeira that combines elements of adventure and tradition. It used to be a local way of transport in the 19th century in order to quickly descend from the mountain to the city. Nowadays is an unforgettable touristic experience. The toboggans are large, basket-like wicker sleds, and each one is operated by two Carrieros, traditionally dressed in white uniforms and straw hats. This ride doesn't make it all the way down to Funchal, so keep in mind that you will have to find additional transport.

Go on Hikes

One thing Madeira has to offer is hikes and views for days, but sharing some of the most popular ones:

• Farol da Ponta de São Lourenço -This one is more like a trek.

• Pico do Arierio to Pico Ruivo

• Caldeirão Verde

• 25 Fontes

• Visit Seixal and its black-sand beach: Seixal, a hidden gem with a beach like no other. The sand here is black, and the setting between the cliffs and the Atlantic is just unreal.

• Visit Porto Moniz and its natural pools: Porto Moniz has natural rock pools right by the ocean! Crystal-clear seawater, stunning views, and the perfect spot for a refreshing swim.

• Visit Santana and its quaint traditional houses: Santana is straight out of a storybook! Imagine cute triangular thatched houses, called Palheiros, dotting the village. It's like a step back in time.

• Visit Fanal Forest: it's like stepping into a fairytale. Ancient trees, lush greenery, and serene trails that make you feel like you're in another world. Specially if there is fog... out of a movie!

• Cascata dos Anjos: A small but fun and refreshing waterfall that drops in the middle of the road overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a beautiful spot for sunset.

Visit one of the many viewpoints:

• Miradouro Pico do Barcelos

• Mradouro do Pico

• Miradouro de São Sebastião

Rua de Santa Maria

A road in downtown Funchal with lots of restaurants, bars and nightlife.

As Vides

Estr. João Gonçalves Zarco 596, 9325-033

Typical Madeiran restaurant with excellent espetada, the skewered meat. The espetada cooked with laurel wood is a must-try, and don't forget to indulge in the delicious fried corn. If you're looking for something smaller and more local, check out Viola in Câmara de Lobos.

Muralhas’s Bar, Caniçal

Rua das Pedreiras 20, 9200-031

A seafood restaurant with great prices located in a fishing village. Must-tries include lapas, caramujos, and canivetes, depending on personal taste. Don't forget to try their delicious "bolo do caco", perfect for dipping into the sauces.

Casa dos Frangos

Stopped here on our way down from Pico do Arreiro & it was the best decision we made. It's this small but great spot in the heart of the island -with great views-where you can get delicious Portuguese chicken dishes at very accessible prices.

Beer Garden, Funchal

Estrada Monumental 462, 9000-250

A spot to enjoy a "picado" (snack) accompanied by "bolo do caco" with garlic butter.

Abrigo do Pastor, Camacha

Estrada das Carreiras, no. 209 9135-350

A fantastic restaurant in the heart of nature, near the mountains. It's ideal for a warm meal or even just a "poncha" with a boiled egg to continue the journey.

For those seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than:

• Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Terrace overlooking Funchal: This gorgeous hotel offers two daily sittings for teatime. This is available for everyone not just hotel guests but make sure you make a reservation prior to arriving in Madeira. This is very popular and gets booked quickly in advance.

• Villa Cipriani: It is an Italian restaurant known for providing an upscale and elegant dining experience overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It typically features a menu that combines Italia, Mediterranean and local flavors, offering a sophisticated culinary experience.

• William: At William, prepare to be enchanted by a dining experience that goes beyond mere sustenance. Located inside the Reid's Palace, WIlliam is a Michelin-start restaurant featuring a Madeiran chef as well as Madeira's finest seasonal ingredients, providing a unique and sophisticated experience.

Local Delicacies to Try:

In Madeira, you'll find plenty of typical food, often in casual settings like "tascas" (taverns). Here are some must-try dishes:

• Bolo do Caco: A type of bread, sometimes plain with garlic butter or with chorizo and garlic butter. There are various stalls in Funchal; try a few and pick your favorite.

• Espetada: Skewered meat, especially good with laurel wood, but any version is delicious.

• Picado: Served with corn and fried potatoes, the specifics can vary by place, but it's a common dish in Funchal.

• Bife de Atum: Tuna steak with onions, incredibly tasty.

• Peixe Espada: Black scabbardfish, often served with fried banana or passion fruit sauce.

• Milho Frito: Usually a side dish; you might also find boiled corn, excellent for winter.

• Gaiado: Found in taverns in Porto da Cruz, Caniçal, and surrounding areas.

• Bolo de Mel and Broas de Mel: Intensely flavored honey cake and honey cookies, respectively.

• Pudim de Maracujá: A lovely passion fruit dessert.

Drinks:

Madeira has a rich alcoholic scene, and here are some must-try drinks:

• Poncha: Sweet and deceivingly strong (an acquired taste); try it in the Serra d’Água, Venda do André, or Câmara de Lobos.

• Nikita: Found wherever Poncha is served; excellent ones can be enjoyed in bars in Câmara de Lobos or the Lido area in Funchal.

• Pé de Cabra: Also available where Poncha is served, but the best place is at the bar with the same name in Lombada, near Funchal.

• Vinho Madeira: Typically enjoyed at the beginning or end of a meal. There are caves in Funchal worth visiting for a tasting; like Blandy's wine lodge or Pereira D'Oliveira.