Tropical outdoor adventures in the Atlantic Island of Madeira

Tours

• Wine tours Madeira: full day wine tour: This tour is a must-do for wine lovers. You will visit two of the historical Madeira wine producers (such as Blandy's) and two table wine vineyards, taste their excellent products and have a traditional "espetada" (beef skewers) lunch. Expect to spend a full day around Madeira with a local expert who will make you not only appreciate wine history, but traditions, history and natural life as well.

• Rota dos cetaceos: In order to take full advantage of being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, embark on this whale and dolphin watching tour. In this two and a half hours tour on board of a small motorboat you will make some incredible observations of these awesome marine mammals, and you may also swim with the dolphins!

Hikes

• São Lourenço Peninsula: This hike is of an incredible natural beauty, with a view on the treeless natural park of the Ponta de São Lourenço. It is an easy walk and although it is exposed in some points, it is generally protected and safe for children. If you’re in luck, you might as well spot monk seals!

• Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail: This is a quite demanding hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira (1862m). The magic comes when you admire a landscape of rocks and clouds below the peak. If you want to continue up to Achada do Teixeira without the need to walk back to Pico de Arieiro, the best option is booking a return ride with Pico Transfer (available for sunrise hikes too): the bus will drop you at Pico de Arieiro and pick you up at Achada do Teixeira later. Insider tip: before getting on your way for a hike, always check the official websites to verify which trails are closed: IFCN and Visit Madeira. In some cases, you may still see people hiking on closed trails; it is recommended not to do so for safety reasons! Moreover, you risk a hefty fine.

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Natural Wonders

• Piscina Naturais in Porto Moniz: A pearl in the North-West of the island. Here you can swim in these fascinating lavic natural pools all year around (the water does never get that cold!) while admiring the rough oceanic waves lifted by the northern winds. An incredible experience!

Beaches

• The Black Sand beach in Seixal: This black sand beach invites you to spend a quiet afternoon swimming and admiring the steep cliffs of the North coast.

Getting around Madeira

• To get around in Madeira you will most likely need to rent a car or hire a taxi (there are many on the island). Getting around by car in Madeira may take time and effort. The island is mountainous and its towns are connected by endless tunnel sequences. The motorway is well-maintained and allows you to reach the main towns; however, if you are planning to hike, you will mostly have to drive on steep and narrow secondary roads, so be prepared! Another option is to take part in organized excursions with groups, if you’d like to spare yourself the drive. Moreover, companies such as Outdoor Madeira gives you the option of private guided hikes.

On a rainy day

• If you happen to have a rainy day, you may visit the local museums (which are also children friendly!). In particular, the Museu da Baleia in Caniçal, where you will learn the history of whale hunting as well as the marine conservation efforts on the island. At the Centro da Banana da Madeira, you will learn about the banana plantations through an interactive exhibition, and you may as well visit a plantation. Finally, you can explore the marvelous volcanic cave in São Vicente.

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In Funchal

• Do not miss the botanical gardens near Funchal! It is quite an experience to be in the middle of such a rich variety of tropical plants from all over the world. You can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden (considered one of the 13 best botanical gardens in the world by Condé Nast Traveler) and the Jardim Botanico. You can reach them by funicular from the center of Funchal, by taxi or by bus.

Day Trips:

• Ilhas Desertas: A Day to the Ilhas Desertas (Deserta Grande) is a must-do. You will travel by catamaran to Deserta Grande where a local guide will take you exploring the island while explaining the efforts for the conservation of the natural park and in particular of the almost extinct monk seals. You can also enjoy snorkeling and paddling along the island. The tour is not available in winter. For more information visit the VMT website:

• Porto Santo: visit the island of Porto Santo, where you can enjoy the long, beautiful beaches and visit the Christopher Columbus House Museum. Ferries run most days of the week and you can even decide to spend multiple days in Porto Santo. You can check the ferries timetable here: Porto Santo Line

Restaurants:

• Il Gallo D'Oro, Funchal: Il Gallo D'Oro is renowned for its innovative and beautifully presented dishes, often featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and traditional Madeiran flavors. Try the tasting menu for an exquisite culinary journey, which will be garnished with a breathtaking view on the bay of Funchal.

• Armazem do Sal, Funchal (Michelin Guide): Armazem do Sal is an elegant restaurant that offers an array of seafood dishes, including prawns, octopus, and fish, prepared with creative and contemporary twists. Don't miss their salted codfish specialties. They offer an excellent wine pairing experience accompanying their dishes.

• Vila do Peixe, Cãmara do Lobos: Vila do Peixe is celebrated for its fresh seafood, particularly the grilled espada (black scabbardfish). The beauty of this place is that you can view the catch of the day and choose the fish you’d like! If possible, reserve a table outside with a view, from where you can enjoy the beautiful bay of Cãmara de Lobos.

• Vila da Carne, Cãmara do Lobos: Vila da Carne is a haven for meat lovers, offering a variety of succulent cuts, from tender steaks to flavorful sausages, all served with local side dishes. This is the place to order the traditional “espetada” (marinated and grilled meat skewers); check their daily specials for the best fillet skewers!

• Regional Flavours, Funchal: This restaurant highlights traditional Madeiran cuisine, featuring specialties like "espetada," "milho frito" (fried maize), "lapas" (limpets), and "bolo de caco" (a type of bread).

• Pier One, Cãmara do Lobos: Pier One is known for its seafood dishes, including grilled fish, fresh seafood platters, and the traditional "caldeirada" (fish stew) in a picturesque coastal setting. Also, try the traditional Madeiran octopus!

• Convento das Vinhas, Calheta: Convento das Vinhas offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Madeiran and Portuguese gastronomy. Look for dishes like "bacalhau à Convento" (convent-style codfish) and "carne de vinha d'alhos" (meat marinated in wine and garlic).

• Aconchego, Funchal: Aconchego serves Portuguese and Madeiran comfort food, including dishes like "Cozido à Portuguesa" (Portuguese stew), "bacalhau com natas" (codfish with cream), and "espada com banana" (scabbardfish with banana).

• Talho da Carne, Seixal: This rustic eatery is famous for its grilled meats, including succulent pork chops, beef steaks, and sausages, often served with traditional sides like "batata-doce" (sweet potato). You choose your cut and then grill it yourself outside, with a view on the cliffs around Seixal!

To Drink:

• Rei da Poncha, Funchal: For the traditional Madeiran drinks, the Poncha and Nikita, this is definitely a spot in Funchal city center that won’t disappoint you!

• Madeira Rum House, Funchal: Try the typical Madeiran rum made from the locally grown sugar cane!

• Bar Filhos d’ Mar, Cãmara de Lobos: This tiny place in the center of Cãmara de Lobos offers an extraordinary selection of Poncha.

• Loja do Chà, Funchal: In this beautiful tea house in Funchal city center you can enjoy all-day brunch (savory or sweet) and a wide selection of tea. Do not miss the tea with Madeira wine!

To Eat, Drink & Listen to Fado:

• Restaurante Casa Portuguesa, Funchal: An elegant restaurant in Funchal old town where you can savor local cuisine accompanied by the typical Portuguese music, the Fado, played live.

• Sabor & Fado, Funchal: An intimate restaurant in the old town where you can enjoy a meat-based menu and live Fado every night.