7 MARVELOUS and Magical Things to do in Madeira ...

Rosalina

7 MARVELOUS and Magical Things to do in Madeira ...
7 MARVELOUS and Magical Things to do in Madeira ...

Madeira is a truly beautiful place and there are some marvelous and magical things to do in Madeira. If the name sounds familiar, it's because it is famous for its wine. Yeah, I knew I'd get your attention! Madeira is a small Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco and is an archipelago, meaning it is part of a group of islands. It is a volcanic island so sandy beaches are few and far between, but if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty in a tolerable climate, this is the place to go. Here are my top things to do in Madeira.

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1. Visit the Old Town of Funchal

Visit the Old Town of Funchal The name Funchal actually means Fennel and it is so called because many of these plants grew here when the early settlers came. There are numerous narrow streets to amble down and historical buildings, such as Funchal cathedral with its elaborate knot-work ceiling, are definitely worth a visit. Stop for a coffee and marvel at the beautiful Banco de Portugal with its beautiful Grecian marble statues. This is just one of the many great things to do in Madeira.

2. Afternoon Tea at Reid's Palace Hotel

Afternoon Tea at Reid's Palace Hotel Winston Churchill and the writer George Bernard Shaw used to love staying at this hotel and it has been popular with royal visitors from across the globe for years. If you don’t have the bank balance to stay there for a few nights, there is always afternoon tea on the tea terrace. Looking out at the sea and volcanic landscape is so relaxing and the array of sandwiches and cakes will leave you in a sugar-induced stupor. Well, surely that's what holidays are for!

3. Take the Cable Car to Monte

Take the Cable Car to Monte Now, I'm not one with a head for heights, I must admit. When my partner and I took the cable car up to the park in Palm Springs a couple of years ago, it was a bumpy ride to say the least and his hand sure did pay the price! It was worth it when we did get to the top and this cable car trip was no exception. This climb up to Monte was a far more serene experience and the view as you climb further up is marvelous. Once in Monte, there is a fabulous tropical garden with Japanese temples, sculptures, caves, fountains and fish ponds. It really is a magical place to wander round.

4. Toboggan Run (Not for the Fainthearted!)

Toboggan Run (Not for the Fainthearted!) The tradition for years has been to Toboggan down the hill in a wicker basket...I wasn't sure whether my travel insurance would cover this, so I watched from afar as couples careered down the street at what I'm guessing was about fifty miles per hour. They are steered by carreiros (toboggan drivers) who don straw hats and white and use only the soles of their feet as break-pads...I must admit, it did look fun but my partner and I gave it a miss...Maybe next time!

5. Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting I know that with the advent of cheaper imports you can buy Madeira wine pretty much anywhere, but it's always nice to go to the actual source of the product and take advantage of the opportunities to taste. Most of the wine outlets will let you try before you buy and there are a range of different types of Madeira wine to choose from, such as Sercial, which is a dry Madeira wine traditionally drank with soup, and Malmsey, which is a rich sweet Madeira wine.

6. Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens If you love flowers and gardens then Madeira is the place for you. I have only recently been bitten by the gardening bug and I love seeing unusual plants and shrubs. Madeira is full of beautiful botanical gardens with exotic plants and flowers from around the world. The Jardim Botanico is a place to see many of the wonderful plants that thrive in Madeira's sub-tropical climate. Here you can marvel at Dragon trees which actually look like dragons and other wonderful plants. It's very relaxing and a chance to be 'at one' with nature.

7. Visit Porto Santo

Visit Porto Santo Porto Santo is an island 43 Km northeast of Madeira and is popular with Madeira holiday makers. It's known as the 'Golden Island' as it's a lot less green than Madeira. It's a two hour ferry ride and there is a beautiful sandy beach for the sun worshipers amongst you. Porto Santo town is worth a visit due to its historical links with Christopher Columbus, who married the granddaughter of the first governor of Porto Santo, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo. You can visit the House-Museum of Christopher Columbus, which is reported to have been his home from 1478 to 1480.

If you're looking for a place with a spot of history and a touch of class, Madeira is a great destination. I will definitely be going back and I've made a promise to myself to pluck up the courage and do the Toboggan run! These are just a few of the fabulous things to do in Madeira. Is anyone out there inspired to go or indeed, has anyone already visited? Maybe you weren't a chicken like me and actually did the Toboggan run! I'd love to hear.

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Madeira is so nice! i was there once, but didn't get to see everything.. Maybe I'll go back. And what about the Azores? Another beautiful archipelago with so much to do and a lot of sandy beaches (even being volcanic as well). ;)

Go Portugal!

My parents are both from Madeira :)

That's where my family's from been there a few times and love it more each time

That's part of my Country my lovely Portugal <3

I stopped in Madeira while on a transatlantic cruise and it was so pretty. We got on a bus and went up into the mountain above the clouds and we saw snow (not a big deal being from Canada but we'd been in heat for the whole cruise). Then went back to Funchal for a wine tasting and to explore the city. We also ran around the island trying to find Poppies to wear for Canadian Remembrance Day the next day. And we found some!

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