Madeira Weekend Breaks

Explore

Popular Travel Destinations

Recently Reviewed Hotels Around Madeira

Weekend Breaks to Madeira

Planning a short break to Madeira? Check out Travel Library's recommended Top 10 Things To Do in Madeira. It's a perfect companion for weekend city breaks to Madeira. Once you've been you can add your own tips and suggestions to help other visitors.

(hotels)loading

Top 10 Things in Madeira on a Short Break

The Botanical Gardens

A dream came true in 1960. The Garden houses harmonious form, contrasting colours and more than 2000 plants. Apart from being a lovely spot of leasure, the Gardens also serve as a Science and Culture Center.

The plants are all labelled with their scientific names, common name and origin. There are five main areas to visit: Indigenous and endemic, the Tree Garden, Succulents, Tropical/Cultivated/Aromatic/ Medicinal, and Loiro Park (that gathers exotic and rare birds). A truly beautiful place to visit.

Located 3km from the center of Funchal at Quita do Bom Sucesso.

For more information visit - www.madeira-web.com/Pages UK/botanical.html

Praia das Palmeiras

This beach is the perfect choice if you have children looking for fun. The beach especially addresses younger visitors and offers free plastic toys. It is a treasure island with a 'real' dragon and a climbing area that guarantees entertainment for a few hours. You can relax and bathe in the sun, while the kids have fun under the watchful eye of trained lifeguards. The beach is divided into two areas: a swimming pool area, and the pebbled beach (where you can enjoy a ride on a pedal boat, or walk along the promenade). The beach also provides a first aid center and a restaurant area. Located in Santa Cruz.

Typical Madeiran Markets

There is nothing like the ambience of a typical market. These regional markets were originally set up for selling flowers, but have expanded to all kinds of agricultural products and local food specialties (such as bolo de caco). You will find almost everything from flowers, vegetables, fruit and eggs, to toys, clothes, music CD's, food and beverages.

The markets usually take place during weekends and can be found all over the island. The most established ones are those in Santa (Porto Moniz), Ponto Delgada and Santo da Serra. Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal is open Monday to Saturday. Visiting these typical markets is a wonderful way to experience something really local.

Caves of Soa Vicente

Of volcanic origin, these caves are composed of a series of lava tubes (the result of an eruption that took place 400 thousand years ago). This complex of tunnels is, so far, the biggest known on Madeira Island. The pedestrian course, of 700 meters, takes about 30 minutes to view. During a truly amazing walk through the tunnels, you will be able to admire volcanic stalactites, lava accumulations (known as lava cakes), and the 'erratic block' (a stone that got stuck in one of the lava channels while being carried by the lava). This is a visit that should not be missed. The Caves of Sao Vicente are located on the left bank of the river crossing Sao Vicente - in an area called Pe de Passo. Hours: Winter, everyday 9am to 7pm. Summer, everyday 9am to 9pm.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting Safaris

The island of Madeira is blessed with the presence of visiting whales and dolphins. This special event has been recognized as another asset to the beautiful holiday destination. An extraordinary number of Fin and Sei Whales take up residence during the summer months and can be spotted in the waters surrounding the island. Some of the species that can be spotted during these safaris include: Sperm Whale, Pilot Whale, various kinds of the rare Beaked Whale, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Rough Tooth Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, and many others. You can also get a glimpse of wandering sea birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. This is a whale and dolphin watcher's dream come true.

Santa Maria

A replica of the Columbus' ship, which cruise daily along Madeira's beautiful south coast. The replica was built as close to the original 15th century galleon as it was possible. It is 22 meters long, has 3 masts (the tallest of which is 16 meters high) and built entirely of mahogany. Santa Maria serves as an excursion boat. During an excursion, you can watch a galleon ship crew doing their daily routine work, enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and Island of Madeira, and perhaps spot dolphins. Madeira Wine and honey cake are offered to the passengers. The galleon also offers a bar and sanitary facilities. Information available at the Funchal Marina. Tel: 29/122-03-27 or 29/122-56-95.

Universo de Memorias

The Universe of Memories was founded and financed by the present Secretary of Tourism, Joao Carlos Abreu. It reflects his life as traveler and journalist, with ten thousand pieces (such as books, ceramics, paintings, and bronze objects) from all over the world. There is also a Tea House in the museum where you can enjoy some local baking in addition to your tea. Entrance to the museum is free. Located Calcada do Pico.

Lido Promenade

Lined with palm trees and bordered by splendid botanical gardens, this promenade has developed into an extensive leisure zone. It links the Lido area with the Praia Formosa beach, offering stunning views over the sea and towards Cabo Girao. All along this promenade there are several opportunities to swim or sunbathe. There are three public swimming pools, offering leisure facilities with seawater and separate children's pools, sea access, sports activities, restaurants, snack bars and much more. Located in the Lido area in Funchal.

Carnival

The Carnival in Madeira is undoubtedly one of the best in Europe. There are two Carnival parades which are very different from each other. The most important, the allergoric parade, always takes place on the Saturday of the Carnival weekend. It is sophisticated and shows a great deal of commitment and organization. Several Samba groups dance to electrifying Samba music through the streets of Funchal. The second parade, trapalhao, floods the streets on Mardi gras (Tuesday ending the Carnival period). Everybody can take part in this parade and costumes are left to the participants' own imagination. One month before the Carnival peak time, Carnival groups visit the hotels and entertain guests with dance and music.

Restaurants in Madeira

Restaurants are abundantly spread all over the city of Funchal, and the rest of the Island. For the best local and international cuisine, try Almirante Reis (near the market in the Old Town) or Moby Dick (in the Lido area).

For restaurants that specialize in fish, the most noteworthy is By The Sea, located on Praia Formosa. This restaurant serves delicious fresh seafood, at a moderate to average price level.

Funchal's historic Old Town houses many traditional and long established restaurants, such as Jaquet and O Jango, and Funchal Marina has restaurants offering regional specialties, as well as international dishes.

You are sure to find the right spot to satisfy your taste buds and your wallet.

(hotels)loading