Madeira attractions

A beguiling beauty spot in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is the ideal location for a quiet break away. With an abundance of bloom creating kaleidoscopic colours throughout the region, it is no surprise that Madeira has been referred to as The Floating Garden. Wherever you choose to explore, there are a wealth of things to do in Madeira. Indulge in the delights of Funchal, a traditional city consisting of sleepy pathways, serene harbours and preserved churches. Visit the coast for its dramatic settings, with its steep cliffs and rocky climbs or take a trip up the mountain to the small village of Santo Da Sera.

Wine and Dine

Food and drink are an important part of culture in Madeira, perfect for those who love to sample different flavours and textures. Fresh fruit and vegetables are locally grown and can be found in many of Madeira's restaurants, accompanied by an array of traditional Portuguese meat and fish dishes. Take a bite of delicious espetada, juicy meat kebabs marinated in garlic and salt. Served with bolo bo caco, a traditional bread, a true taste of the island. Those with a sweet tooth will love sampling some of Madeira's locally-made pastries, from sweetened doughnuts made with yeast dough to deliciously sweet honey cake.

Action and Adventure

Whether you're looking for action on land or sea, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in Madeira. Take the 11 km trek up to the bewitching valley of Rabaçal, a nature-lovers paradise and labyrinth of lakes, fountains and waterfalls. The walk itself is exhilarating, while the views from the top are particularly spectacular.

If you'd prefer to explore the island without wearing yourself out, take an off-road trip by jeep. Taking in the sights of the small fishing village of Camara de Lobos, as well as visiting farms, forests and vineyards, this is a great way to spend a day on the island.
 

Couples Holiday

With pretty gardens and glasses overflowing with Madeira wine, the island lends itself well to a serene escape with your beloved. There are a great range of Madeira attractions to suit both yourself and your other half, from visiting the cobbled streets of Sao Vicente to observing beautiful dolphins in their natural habitat. Take a Catamaran from Funchal on to the open seas that surround the island for a high chance of seeing these majestic creatures. Anchoring itself in front of the large sea cliff Cabo Girao, there is an opportunity for some swimming and snorkelling in Madeira's lukewarm waters.
 

Culture Vulture

For those who crave history and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Madeira to visit. Perched on top of a cliff, the Casa das Mudas art gallery is home to some great art works, including pieces by Dali and Bacon as well as exhibitions on art deco. Views from the outside are exquisite and with a bar just adjacent to the gallery, it is an ideal location to sip an Old Country Martini while the sun goes down. To learn more about the island's rich history, visit the Madeira Story Centre in Funchal. A modern museum with a unique twist, it uses interactive displays to guide you through the sights, sounds and smells of Madeira's past. From its volcanic origins through to the discoveries by Napoleon, this is an enchanting and unforgettable experience.
 

Festivals and Parties

With its many blooms embellishing the island, it is no surprise that the focus of Funchal's largest festival is flowers. The preparations for the festivities begin on the Saturday, with children flocking to the Wall of Hope to pin their prayers. The following day, the city becomes a haze of colour and excitement with many elaborately decorated floats and parades celebrating the flowers that grow so abundantly on the island. For a typically traditional festival which offers many Madeira attractions, make sure you experience the Festival of Our Lady of Mercy in Canical. Dedicated to the protector of the town's fishermen, it sees boats decked out with colourful bunting sail towards the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade before transporting her statue back to the town. Traditional food stalls, freshly-baked cakes and live music brighten up the town.