Best Activities

Levadas

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). The other important Levada walks include Prazares to Paúl do Mar, Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

Levada de 25 fontes and Levada do Risco

Both trails begin on ER 110 and goes down to Rabaçal. Turning to Rabaçal on the north side of ER 110, the visitors are recommended to leave their cars in the car park along the main road. From this point, it is about 2 km going downhill until you reach Rabaçal, government rest house. On the right of the rest house, the signpost of Levada do Risco will take you to the trail.

About 1000 meters altitude, Levada do Risco will take you to a magical waterfall pouring down from the rocky heights.

If you would like to extend your way, the lower end of Levada do Risco is the Levada das 25 Fontes. Built in 1835, Levada de 25 fontes created by the springs which come down from the Mountain Marsh (Paul da Serra). Here you can see more than 25 springs and enjoy stunning views.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Linking two of the highest peaks of Madeira, this trail offers spectacular views, wonderful array of colors and shapes. Visitors should bear in mind that the views are the best in the morning.

This is an ideal trail for the lovers of flora and fauna. Endemic species such as Madeira Violet (Viola paradoxa), Madeira Grey Heather (Erica madeirensis), Klippen-Knabenkraut (Orchis scopulorum) and the Antilídea (Anthyllis lemanniana) and species restricted to the Macaronesia such as the Canary (Serinus canaria canaria), the Berthelots Pipit (Anthus Berthelotii Madeirense) and the Pallid Swift (Apus Unicolor) can be observed here.

Although majority of Madeira's goods are imported from Portugal mainland, there are several best quality items that are produced locally. These items include embroidery, wine and liqueurs, tapestry and leather work. For its visitors, madeira wine is the most popular purchase. Especially in Funchal, there are several wine cellars where visitors taste and purchase wine. Second most popular purchase is bolo de mel (honey cake) made of molasses and almonds.
Mercado Santa Cruz

Rated the best market for fish on the island, you can find any fruit and vegetable in this market.

* Open Mon & Sat 7am-4pm, Tues- Thurs 7am-5pm, Fri 7am-7pm, Sun 7am-1pm.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Workers' Market), Funchal

Located in the Praça 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.

Casa do Turista

Situated in former German consul, half museum half shop, this place offer traditional goods such as embroidery, ceramics, Madeira wines and liqueurs, wicker and tiles.

* Rua do Conselheiro José Silvestre Ribeiro, 2
* Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-1pm 6 2.30-6.30pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm.

Quinta da Boa Vista

Owned by former Honorary British Consul to Madeira, Quinta da Boa Vista displays one of Madeira's most significant collections of rare species and orchids. To avoid crowd, go there early.

* Rua Lombo da Boa Vista, 25.
* Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. €3,50

Old Blandy's Wine Lodge

Situated in the Adegas de São Francisco, this place is Funchal's oldest wine lodge. The visitors can taste and buy the most famous Madeira wines here. The 45-minute guided tour offered is highly recommended as the tour includes visits to the rooms which are closed to public otherwise.

* Av. Arriaga 28.
* Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Other Shops
Artecouro

Visitors can find good-quality leather products manufactured by local craftsmen.

* Rua Alfândega 15
* Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Artur de Barros e Sousa

This wine lodge offers great variety of old and rich wines.

* Rua dos Ferreiros 109, Funchal
* Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Patricio & Gouveia

One of the biggest factories in Madeira offers large range of table linen and garments.

* Rua do Visconde de Anadia 33
* Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Bazar Oliveiras

You can find anything in this shop, from honey cake to embroidery.

* Rua das Murcas 6
* Daily Mon-Fri 10am-7pm

Wine Tasting
Toboganning
Golf
Diving
Botanics