Madeira Travel Guide
Madeira Travel Guide
Madeira Local History
In the middle of an Atlantic storm in 1419 two young sea captains, Joao Concalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira, were blown off course on their journey round the African coast and made a very luck discovery. They landed on a small island they named Porto Santo. After reporting their discovery they were sent back to colonise the island which they named Madeira.
The first residents came from the Algarve region and today the statue of Zarco looks down on the people of Madeira.
Madeira Attractions
Top Attractions
La Rocca - Travessa do Valente no 4, Tel 291 765 081. Spacious, contemporary design, paintings on walls with additional lounge spaces to relax before eating. Food comes on big plates. Friendly young staff. Was closed on Mondays. Would have ate there every night had I not moved to another hotel. Recommended.
Madeira Shopping
The biggest shopping centre in downtown Funchal is the Marina Shopping centre, but you will find a multitude of small shopping centres and shops in and around Funchal.
Souvenirs to pick up in Funchal include wicker products, embroidered goods, Madeira flowers and not forgeting Madeira wine.
Madeira Activities
Ballooning - a panoramic ballon that goes up to 150 meters and gives visitors a fantastic view of the city and surrounding areas.
Monte Tabboganing - these two-seater wicker sledges glide on wooden runners and are pushed and steared by two men. Adventurous yet safe, this is a fun activity for young and old.
Madeira Parks & Gardens
Botanical Garden - this beautiful garden has 5 main areas, the indigenous and endemic area where you can see plants exclusive to Madeira. The tree garden, the succulent area, the tropical/cultivated/aromatic/medicinal area and the loiro park that has many rare and exotic birds.
Municipal Gardens Funchal - 8300 square meters of beautiful flowers, plants, trees and green areas. The park also hosts cultural events.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - these beautiful gardens designed by Jose Berardo include a koi fish pond and a central lake where you can see the majestic swans, black birds and peacocks.
Madeira Beaches
Porto Santo - Enjoy the 9km long beach with its soft golden sand and crystal clear waters. This is truly a sun-worshipers paradise.
Lido - The complex of large and small sea water pools is the most popular bathing area in Funchal. The pools of the complex have recieved the Blue Flag award for their great water quality.
Porto Moniz - Excellent bathing conditions in the natural pools surrounded by bizarre lava rock. There are also changing rooms, lockers, showers, snack bar and 5 life gaurds to watch over you.
Madeira Restaurants and Bars
Madeira is the perfect place for the food lover and caters to every taste, as long as you love garlic! Typical starters to try are a Hot Bolo do Caco, a wheat flour bread served with garlic butter and parsley or the delicious Sopa de Tomate, which is tomato and onion soup topped with a poached egg.
Meat lovers can enjoy Espetada, made of large chunks of beef rubbed in garlic and salt, skewered onto a bay leaf stick and grilled over wood chips. Fresh vegetables from the area are great for vegetarians and fish lovers can indulge in fresh tuna marinated in olive oil, garlic, oregano and then fried. End off your meal with Bolo de Mel (honey cake).
Madeira Restaurants
Moby Dick - Edificio Baia, Estrada Monumental 187. One of the best restaurants in the area, try the excellent swordfish. Vegetarians will also find some great dishes. Closed on Thursdays.
Restaurante Ca Te Espero - Rua da Casa Branca 40. Have a glass of red wine with the best tuna steak in Funchal. Menue available in Portuguese, Finish, Engelish and German. Reservations recommended.
O Jango - Rue de Santo Maria, Funchal. Eat delicious, great value for money, food at this cosy converted fishermans house.
Casino Madeira Restaurant - Located inside one of the most famous casinos in the world, enjoy some excellent food while you try your luck in the casino.
Madeira Bars & Clubs
Discoteca Baccara - Casino Madeira also has a lively disco that is open into the early hours of the morning.
Cantigas Bar - Rampa do Corpo Santa. - This bar has live reggae and samba music as well as an Afro show.
O Fugitivo - Rua Imperatriz D'Amelia 68. This is a dance pub showcasing Brazilian and English artists.
Madeira Weekend Breaks
Top 10 things to do in Madeira for a weekend.
- (hotels)
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