Madeira is once again the center of attention, for being reelected as the best island tourist destination in the world.
If many have become curious and are thinking of booking a visit to the island, there is nothing like traveling with some tips on what you should know and discover some of the reasons why this award was given.
Gardens and Manors of Madeira
Madeira soon became famous for its “good air”, and many foreigners would spend long stays in the island to recover their health (air cure), especially those of English nationality.
Some noblemen also traveled here and settled in the stately residences that would welcome them all. Characteristic of the English style, these residences were surrounded by luxuriant gardens, where nature became a refuge of peace and contemplation, many of them facing the Ocean. Today the estates are touristy and provide wonderful experiences, as well as a stroll through gardens such as the Panoramic Garden, the Botanical garden, or the tropical paradise that is Monte Palace.
The combination of exotic vegetation with the Atlantic landscape delights those who stroll along the Lido Promenade, the island being a natural refuge, both for its wild component and its harmonious combination with the human intervention.
Câmara de Lobos/Cabo Girão
When the discoverers arrived at this cove, they found it full of sea lions. Today it is one of the idyllic places on the island, from where all visitors bring back good memories of the landscapes, the food, and the desire to return.
João Gonçalves Zarco, who discovered the island, began to live here, and from here also began to form settlements. We find churches from the 15th century, like Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and São Bernardino Convent, or São Sebastião Church, from the 16th century.
In Câmara de Lobos, people live off fishing. And the bay is a feast of colors: there are the Xavelhas, or characteristic fishing boats that we find, and nearby the vendas, bars and restaurants where the famous Poncha is served, and where everyone used to gather after a day of work for some snacks or a cold local beer.
From Câmara de Lobos there is access to the imposing Cape Girão. The highest cape in Europe, at 580 meters high. From the Skywalk platform, a suspended glass platform, we are dazzled by the views over the island, the fajãs, the mountains and the immense ocean.
Levadas/Hiking
When we come across the natural beauty of Madeira Island, we immediately feel like going on a discovery adventure, exploring its famous Levada trails.
The Levadas are water courses that are oriented to irrigate areas with less accessibility, and it is these courses that we follow as orientation.
There are short walks to longer paths, and the level of difficulty is also one of the features of these trails.
Along the way we discover waterfalls, mountainous slopes, and sublime landscapes such as the Laurissilva forest, which is a World Heritage Site. The contact with this exotic nature, with its subtropical climate, is the main attraction that leads visitors to walk along several kilometers-long paths.
Before starting a route like this, which should always be accompanied, especially by someone knowledgeable of the area, there are recommendations to take into account, such as the use of appropriate footwear and clothing, the reserves of water and food for walking, and respect for the locals, so as not to disturb, but preserve what is also the habitat of a flora and fauna, sometimes rare or even unique.
Farmers Market
The bustle and colors mark this space, of aromas and a vast offer of fresh products from the island. Here we find everything that Madeira has to offer, from fruit, vegetables, regional products, spices and fresh fish, sometimes even bigger than we are used to seeing!
Also worth mentioning are the beautiful tile panels by João Rodrigues dating from the 1940s, as well as the construction of the building.
The tropical characteristics of the products, the delicious flavors of the free tastings, and the appetizing aromas are the great attraction of this famous market.
CR7 Museum
Definitely, a name that comes to mind when we talk about Madeira Island is Cristiano Ronaldo. Born in Madeira in 1985, he is cherished in a special way by the Madeirans who have followed his career since he joined Futebol Clube Andorinha at the age of 9, and at the age of 11 he went to the mainland to join Sporting Clube de Portugal. Since then, his evolution went beyond borders to score points and break records, and he is still spearhead of the Portuguese National Team.
The CR7 Museum is one of the favorite attractions for soccer and Ronaldo fans, especially children. Here we can see up close the player's trophies, the Golden Boots, the Golden Balls and all the awards that prove that this is one of the greatest players in the History of soccer.
We can also purchase autographed material and even, in a simulated scenario, take virtual pictures with this reference of world sport.
Nautical activities/Whale and dolphin watching
An island lives in constant communion with the sea, and the maritime fauna and flora surrounding the island are fascinating and worthy of a journey of exploration.
There are countless maritime activities in the Atlantic such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, SUP, jet skiing, diving, and sport or deep sea fishing.
The starting point for most of these activities is at Funchal Marina.
The boat trips that take us along the coast give us a different perspective of the island, and also show us the wonders of its marine fauna, such as dolphins, whales or turtles.
Snorkeling is practiced by some nautical activities companies and allows you to explore this fascinating world, in an unforgettable experience.
Gastronomy
Without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions in Madeira is its Gastronomy.
The variety of fish, where we can refer the tuna steaks or the swordfish, served with fried corn, or the barnacles and limpets, along with a cold beer. Or for those who don't say no to meat, the steak kebabs on laurel wood with Bolo do Caco (a wheat flour and sweet potato bread), or the famous Prego (thin fried steak) on Bolo do Caco, spread with garlic butter.
The fruits are varied and famous like the Madeira Banana, and are the perfect dessert. But if you have a sweet tooth you have to try the honey cake (sugar cane honey) and a Poncha to finish your meal in style.
The famous Poncha is made of sugar cane brandy, honey (from bees) and lemon juice, and is not only an excellent digestive but is also served with snacks and is even the best remedy for colds, making an unbeatable duo with fennel candies. Enjoy!
Typical Santana Houses
The little houses of Santana delight all visitors, and are one of the symbols of Madeira, which everyone wants to get to know up close. They have existed since the discovery of the island, and are of great patrimonial value. It is the typical white house with red skirting, and blue color around the doors and windows. The roof was covered with the straws of the grain crops, and renewed every three years; sloping, giving the houses a triangular shape preventing the accumulation of humidity from the rains.
They were built of wood, the most abundant material on the island, with the great advantage of being thermally more balanced.
Everyone likes to explore the little houses and try to understand what it would be like to live in a space with only two rooms, kitchen and bedroom. The cheerful tone of the houses makes us always want to take many photos in them, inserted in a small fantasy village.
Madeira Wine
It is part of the country's spirit wines and is appreciated all over the world. Madeira wine has been produced almost since the discovery of the island and its history goes beyond that, from its long commercial export relationship to England, the travels of this wine in the trade routes of India, to the celebration of the Independence of the United States with a toast of wine – Madeira wine.
There are different types of Madeira wine: Sercial (dry), Boal (semi-sweet), Verdelho (semi-sweet) and Malvasia, the best known, is a fortified wine, and the richest of these wines.
A visit to Madeira wine cellars, such as Blandys Wine Lodge, for a wine tasting and a trip back in time is an experience not to be missed.
Madeira Embroidery
With a tradition of about 150 years, Madeira embroidery is part of the island's culture, and is present in every Madeiran home. We find them on sheets, handkerchiefs, towels, even on dresses and shirts. They are a success in international exhibitions and are much sought after as a timeless gift.
The learning and techniques are transmitted from one generation to another by embroiderers from all over the island, but we can find beautiful examples at Bordal, where a great part of Madeira's embroidery is produced and exported.
Whether in silk, linen, cotton or organdy, we always find a piece that we fall in love with and want to take home.
Islands are always related to exploring and discovering: when you visit Madeira you will find many more attractions that we look forward to you sharing with us.
As for us, we'll be waiting to take you on our tours, to see the best there is.
