Best Places to See

Levadas (Watercourses)

Dating back to 16th century, the levadas are the network of irrigation channels that cover in total of 2500 km of the island. These watercourses were designed to supply water from the wet parts of the island to the drier parts. Apart from this agricultural use of the levadas, they also serve as the best way to explore the Madeira Island. Alongside these watercourses, there are trails. These trails can be walked in hours or days, depending on the visitor's interest,and offer exhilarating views over the island. One of the best levada is the Levada de 25 Fontes. Also known as Levada do Risco, this levada allows the visitors to see more than 25 natural springs and 25 Lagoon(Lagoa das 25 Fontes).

Cabo Girão

Located 10 km (6 miles) west of Câmara de Lobos and rising 580m above sea level, it is Europe's second highest sea cliff. Named after Zarco's first voyage of discovery of Madeira's cost in 1418 before he did an about-turn (girão) back to Funchal. There is a clifftop balcony from where you can peer down to the 580m drop to the sea level below. Opposite the viewpoint, there is a small café displaying photographs related to the cliff.

For a different but equally stunning view, you can trace Zarco's voyage to Cabo Girão. Based in the yacht marina in Funchal, several companies have boat excursions along Madeira's southern coast. These tours can be booked either directly by these excursion companies or through hotels or travel agents. As another alternative, the visitors can take a cable car installed on the slope of the cliff.

Cable car: Take the Fajas turning off Via Rapida after Câmara de Lobos. Follow the signs for "Teleférico." Take Bus 154 from Funchal (Mon-Fri 4 daily, Sat 2 daily; 1 hr).There are several boat excursions such as Turipesca and Costa do Sol.

• Turipesca: Tel: 231 063
• Costa do Sol:Tel: 238 538

The Monte Toboggan Ride

Originally used as a mean of transport to Funchal, toboggan rides today serve as an exhilarating tourist experience. Located up on the hill in Monte, a suburb of Funchal, two toboggan riders, dressed in white, will push you down over the bumpy roads in a wicker basket on metal runners. Although it is over priced, this is a unique Madeirense experience! At the present the ride does not end in Funchal as it used to be. Rather it finishes in Livramento, 2 km downhill.

• Location: Toboggan rides begin at Nossa Senhora do Monte Church.Available Monday to Saturday from 9.00-18.00 and on Sunday 9.00 to 13.00
• How to Reach: Take bus 20, 21 22 or Cable Car
• Fee: Expensive- You are expected to tip toboggan riders and pay for the souvenir photos taken during your ride and given at the end of the ride.

Pico do Arieiro

Situated 36km (22 miles) north of Funchal, Pico do Arieiro (1818m/5965ft) is the third highest peak on Madeira. The panoramic views from the peak are stunning- especially when you are surrounded by cotton-wool clouds and mist. Pico do Arieiro is a must place to be. Best enjoyed at sunset or sunshine.

• How to reach:From the center of Funchal (Rua 31 de Janeiro), it can easily be reached by heading to north on the EN 103 to Poiso Pass and then taking the EN 202 and following the signposts into Pico do Arieiro.

Curral das Freiras

Located 20 km northwest of Funchal, Curral das Freiras (The Nuns'Corral) is a secret valley where the world's most beautiful views can be enjoyed. In the geographical center of Madeira where the extinct volcanoes lye, Curral das Freiras definitely worths a visit. In the past, this was the place where the nuns of Santa Clara Convent took refuge whenever pirates attacked Funchal. This is the reason why the cobbled path in the village was the only way in and out of village until 1959.

If you are not up to walk up, you can still enjoy some marvelous view from the miradouro (viewpoint) at Eira do Serrado and do some shopping. Here at the cafes, you can enjoy regional specialties such as licor de castanha (chestnut flavoures liqueur), cakes and soup made with chestnuts.

• Take Bus 81 from Funchal

Zona Velha (Old Town), Funchal

With its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, Portuguese fado music and great fish restaurants, Funchal's Old Town is the best way to experience Madeirense life. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, a visit to Madeira Story Center is a great way to start your visit and get to know Madeira and its history. Across the Madeira
Story Center is TeleféricoS da Madeira (Madeira Cable Car). Modern cable cars departing from the Old Town will take you up to Monte. If you go further, at the eastern end, is Fortaleza de São Tiago dating 1614. Inside this old building there is a contemporary art museum.

Right in front of Fortaleza de São Tiago is the Praia da Barreirinha. Awarded Blue Flag certification, this beach gathers local people to bathe and enjoy sardines sold by the street vendors. Right opposite the beach is Igreja do Socorro (also known as Santa Maria Maior). Dating back to 1803, this church was built to express gratitude for the ending of an epidemic. In the same zone, a tiny and modest Chapel, Capela do Corpo Santo (The Chapel of Holy Body) was built in 15th century in honor of fisherman, Sao Pedro (Saint Peter).

Around the chapel there are a lot of fresh fish restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy typical food or bica (espresso). At night you can listen to fado singers here. The other major attractions include: Se,Convento de Santa Clara and IBTAM.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Workers' Market), Funchal

Located in the Praca do Município (Municipal Square), with its beautiful façade, Mercado dos Lavradores welcomes its visitors. This market was built in 1937 as producers' market. Today, although dominated by professional retailers, it is still a unique market full of sounds, colors and smells. On Fridays the farmers from surrounding villages sell their home-grown products including vegetables, fruits,
flowers, nuts and fish. A wide selection of local handicraft and foodstuff can also be found here.

• Location: Rua Dr Fernao Ornela
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday between 7.00-16.00, Fridays 7.00-20.00,Saturdays 7.00-17.00. Closed on Sundays.

Sé (Funchal Cathedral)

Built by Dom Manuel (King Manuel) between 1485-1514, this magnificent cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Madeira. The old Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Calhau was considered too small for the local people, therefore by the order of the King it was enlarged. Appointed by D.Manuel, the architect Pero Enes (Anes) used a marvelous mixture of Manueline, Gothic, Moorish- Hispano influences.

Dom Manuel donated several valuable pieces, which can be found in several museums in Funchal including Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art).

• Location: Largo da Sé
• Opening Hours: Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.30.
• Telephone: 228 155

Museu de Arte Sacra, Funchal

Housed in the old Bishop's palace, Funchal's Sacred Art Museum was built in 1600. The Museum remodeled between 1748- 1757 after the earthquake in 1748 and opened first to public in 1955. The Museum displays a great collection of Portuguese, Madeirense and Flemish art of 15th and 16th centuries including the works of Gerard David, Dieric Bouts and Jan Provost. It is interesting to note that several paintings were donated by wealthy merchants who made a fortune from Madeira's sugar trade.

In addition to remarkable works of art from Bruges and Antwerp, the Museu de Arte Sacra also features religious vestments, silverware, gold and sculptures.

• Location: Rua do Bispo 21
• Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-12.30 and 14.20-18.00. Sundays
  10.00-13.00. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
• Telephone: 228 900
• Website: www.museuartesacrafunchal.org
• Email: masf@netmadeira.com

Palheiro Gardens (Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro)

Situated on top of the mountains, Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro (originally known as Blandy's Gardens) offers stunning views over the region. Combining the rarest plants of Africa, Asia and the Americas, these gardens are a real paradise for botanical world lovers. Famous for its camellias and choreographed gardens, these gardens were once belonged to Blandy family. Brandy family acquired the gardens in 1885 and worked hard on them. There is no wonder why the English influence is evident in the gardens- especially in the charming divisions of the garden. In south of the gardens, Casa do Chá (Tea House) where visitors can also take a break.

The visitors should bear in mind that the best season to visit Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro is between November and April.

• Location: Caminho Quinta do Palheiro 32 (São Gonçalo-East of Funchal)
• Opening Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9.00-16.30. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Telephone: 793 044
• How to Reach: Take Bus 36 or 37 from the city center.

Adegas de São Francisco (São Francisco Cellars Wine Museum)

This is the best place to taste Maderia wine and learn how it is produced. Housed in a medieval monastery, in such a romantic setting, here you can find the oldest wine on the island bottled in 1772s. The visitors can also get the chance to learn how Madeira wine's unique quality is created.

There are also guided vintage experience tours that are conducted in a room painted by Max Romer in 1922.

• Location: Avenida Aarriaga 28
• Opening Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9.30-18.30 and on Saturdays 10.00-13.00.
  Guided tours: Monday- Friday 10.30, 14.30, 15.30, 16.30. On Saturdays 11.00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• Telephone: 740 110
• Website:http://www.symingtonfamilyestates.com/cgibin/webdata_winelodgefront.pl?cgifunction=Search
• Admission Fee: Free Admission

Porto Santo

Situated 75 km northeast of Madeira, this little flat island offers unspoiled sandy beaches and the best golf courses to its visitors. Although it attracts visitors from Madeira, it still remains one of Europe's undiscovered beach destinations. Most of its 5000 inhabitants live in and around its capital Vila Baleira where Cristopher Columbus lived for a while.

There are two ways to reach the island: Relatively expensive 15-minute flight from Madeira or sea journey on on the Porto Santo Line's luxurious cruiser which takes 2h 40 min.

Teleféricos da Madeira (Madeira Cable Car)

15-minute ride from the Old Town will take you up to the Monte. This ride offers outstanding views over the south coast of Madeira and not to be missed.

• Price: 9 Euros one way
• Location: Almirante Reis Park in Old Town
• Opening Hours: Open from 10.00 to 18.00 every day
• Telephone:(351) 291780280
• Website:www.madeiracablecar.com
• E-mail: info@madeiracablecar.com

Convento de Santa Clara (Santa Clara Convent)

Convento de Santa Clara was built in 1496 by the second captain of Funchal Joao Goncalves de Camara. Convent's first abbess was the daughter of this captain, D. Isabel. In the course of the history, the Convent was always protected by captains of Funchal and served for the noble families to keep their daughters until they find a good marriage for them.

During the centuries the Convent went through several alterations and Capela de Zarco disappeared. The glazed tiles of the Convent are also very special, dating back to XIV, XV and XVI centuries, in style of Moorish-Hispano. Inside the Convent, in addition to tiles, sculptures and paintings, the tombs of João Gonçalves Zarco, João Gonçalves da Camara and Simão Gonçalves da Camara, three important governors of Funchal, can be found.

If you ring the bell of the Convent, you will be offered a guided tour.

• Location: Calcada de Santa Clara
• Opening Hours:Open Monday to Saturday from 10-12.00, 15.00-17.00 and on Sundays between 10.00-12.00. If the door is closed, ring for the entry, but not during lunch hour.
• Telephone: 742 602

The Monte

Situated up on the hill above the Zona Velha, Monte is great place to be! Also known as Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of Monte), this charming place can be reached by cable cars run from the Zona Velha or Jardim Botanico.

There are several attractions in Monte. The first one is Monte toboggan ride. Apart from Monte toboggan ride, the Church of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady) is worth to visit. Many pilgrims walk on their knees during the region's biggest religious festive, Feast of the Assumption on 15 August. It is believed that the statute of Virgin in the Church was given by the Virgin herself to a Madeirense shepherd girl. In the north chapel of the Church is the Tomb of Charles I of Austria who dies at the age of 35.

If you walk to the opposite direction, you will see the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Once belonged to Quinta do Prazer, the garden displays exotic flowers, oriental gardens, fish-ponds, bridges and fountains. There is also a recent museum opened. Finally, nearby is Quinta Jardins do Imperador, where the Emperor Charles I lived.

• Teleféricos da Madeira, Teleféricos de Jardim Botanico or buses from the city center #20, 21, 22.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

• Location: Caminho do Monte 174
• Opening Hours:Open daily 9. 30- 18.00
• Telephone: 782 339