| Things to do in Madeira |
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There is a wide range of opportunities to satisfy your leisure requirements. The Atlantic invites you to go sailing, fishing, whale & dolphin spotting, water skiing, surfing, diving and of course swimming. Sea temperatures vary between 18 to 24 ºC depending on the time of year. Levada Walking As you approach Madeira by air or sea, you may look at the mountainous terrain and conclude that walking the island is perhaps only for the fit, young and adventurous. We tell you that this is not so! You really have not seen Madeira if you haven't experienced the wondrous and thrilling landscapes of the island. And they are all so accessible, so easy to find and often effortless to walk. Madeira Story Centre The Madeira Story Centre, Funchal’s latest visitors’ attraction, where you can learn everything about Madeira’s history and development up to the present day, is located in the Old Town, in the Largo Almirante Reis, opposite the Monte Cable Car Station. This spectacular, interactive museum allows the visitor to go back in time on a virtual journey and ‘relive’ in chronological sequence the archipelago’s great historic events, from its volcanic birth 14 million years ago to the first hydroplane landing in Madeira, from the times of the Infant D. Henrique to Napoleon and Churchill. Madeira Theme Park The ‘Theme Park’ in Santana, opened to public in October 2004, is divided in several nucleuses and includes many attractions for young and old – tourists as well as locals – related to history, traditions and culture of the people of Madeira. It covers an area of around 17 acres where visitors can find themed attractions such as a machine, which simulates the island's discovery, a 'zoom-in-zoom-out' circuit (with several references to local monuments or garments like the typical Madeiran hat 'gorro de orelhas' – a cap with long earflaps – in small and huge sizes), a smaller replica of the Monte train making the connection between these attractions, a bullock cart and a trip in one of the mini boats reminiscent of the Câmara de Lobos fishing boats. Aqua Park Madeira is improving every day and big investments are being made in leisure facilities both for locals and visitors to the island. One of the most recent is the aqua park in Santa Cruz. This facility, with capacity for over 1,000 people, boasts five toboggan rides and four fast slides, two swimming pools (one of which reserved for children), a lazy river running round the pools, a bar and locker rooms. Children and adults alike will surely spend enjoyable moments at Santa Cruz Aqua Park! Surfing Surfing on Madeira Island only began some years ago, when professionals and surf lovers recognised the excellent conditions that this region has to offer. The news of this ‘discovery’ were immediately spread to all Portuguese surf lovers and finally arrived in Brazil. But it was only when news broke in the surfing press that Madeira became known as a quality surf location. Tennis & Golf Besides all of its natural attractions, the beautiful island of Madeira offers excellent conditions for practising outdoor sports throughout the year. Almost every bigger hotel resort has its own tennis court. Just inquire in the hotels. Golf is available on two spectacular golf courses, both with lovely views and excellent conditions: the Palheiro Golf and the Santo da Serra Golf Club. The Palheiro Golf has a course with 18 holes and was designed by Cabell Robinson Palheiro Golf is situated some 10 km east of Funchal with magnificent views overlooking the town and bay and is set within the stunning 200 year old Palheiro Estate. The Santo da Serra Golf Club has 27 holes and was designed by Robert Trent Jones. This latter hosts every year the Madeira Island Open (part of the PGA European Tour) and is rated as one of the best in Europe. Porto Santo also has a golf course, inaugurated on the 1st of October 2004 and designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the former Spanish world champion golfer. It includes two 9-hole circuits and a 9-hole, illuminated pitch and putt course, plus a clubhouse, putting green and driving range. This is a course that can be played all year round. Scuba Diving Scuba diving in Madeira has gained more importance among visitors to the island during the last years. A mild climate all year round, water temperatures of 18 to 23°C, depending on the season, crystal clear waters and the likelihood of viewing species like barracudas, monkfish, dolphins, rays and even mantas are the main reasons why lovers of this sport consider the island of Madeira more and more for their diving holidays. Big Game Fishing Looking for a lifetime fishing experience? Then you should plan your next holidays to Madeira Island, this prime location is known for an excellent climate all year round, breathtaking sceneries and world record size big game fishing! Whale & Dolphin Spotting Because of its unique location in the mid-ocean the island of Madeira is blessed with a very special event: the presence of visiting whales and dolphins, which has only recently been recognized as another asset to this beautiful holiday destination. Santa Maria Ship Did you always want to know what sailing in a 15th century galleon felt like? This wonderful and unique experience of long passed times you can live on the ‘Santa Maria’, a replica of the Columbus’ ship, which is cruising daily along Madeira’s beautiful south coast. Cable Cars & Elevators Madeira Island with its rugged landscapes has over the years constructed a number of cable cars and scenic elevators. Many of them in quite hard to find locations - but we can reveal all the locations to you here on this page. All of the rides are well worth a visit as they offer access to often remote areas and have exceptionally beautiful views. Ferry to Porto Santo The maritime connection between Madeira - Porto Santo has long waited for better conditions, faster journeys and higher quality. That time has now arrived. The Porto Santo Line company which has a monopoly on the connection between the two islands, has invested (along with funding from the European Community and the Regional Government) in a new ship that, some say, is similar to a mini cruise liner. Helicopter Flights There is nothing like a ‘bird’s eye view’ if you want to discover the genuine beauty of the island of Madeira in all detail and this is exactly what ‘Heliatlantis’, the company, which is running the helicopter, has to offer. Balloon Rides Funchal has now a panoramic balloon that goes up to 150 meters to show visitors a different perspective of the wonderful city bay and the surrounding areas. Monte Toboggan Rides There are several words synonymous to Monte and ‘toboggan ride’ is surely one of them! Originally a fast means of transport down to Funchal for people living in Monte, these toboggan sledges appeared around 1850. Still in use today, they attract thousands of tourists every year who want to make this exciting experience of sliding at high speed on narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. Shopping Whoever says that Madeira is not the place where you find nice things to shop will be proven wrong! During the last years a big development has taken place in this field, so that we are very sure you will find something special for you to take home – to prolong your memories of an excellent time passed in Madeira – or for family and friends to give them an appetite for visiting Madeira and discover this beautiful island for themselves! Eating Out Restaurants are surely not what is missing in Madeira as they are abundantly spread all over the city of Funchal and the rest of the island. What is much more difficult is to make the right choice for both satisfying your taste buds and your wallet! In order to help you navigate through this overflowing wealth of restaurants, you will find below a listing of the most popular and most established restaurants according to the food they have mainly specialized in. Nightlife To make your evening a success, here are a few suggestions where to go in Funchal… depending on your mood, preferences or special occasions you might want to celebrate on your holidays in Madeira. Café-Bars & Pubs, Bars and Night Clubs, Discotheques, Dinner Shows & Themed Entertainment Evenings, Casino. |
