15 best excursions in Madeira
The embodiment of an earthly paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – the island of Madeira is associated by many with the famous Madeira wine variety. This is not accidental – it was strong wine made from white grapes that became the stimulus for the economic development of the Portuguese region. Football fans know that the blessed island is the birthplace of the famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo. Discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century. Madeira archipelago, consisting of 3 islands, became the property of Portugal. Madeira – the largest main island – a synthesis of incredible natural wealth and beauty + resort luxury and comfort. The British, Germans, Finns and other Europeans prefer to relax here. But in recent years, more and more Russians are striving to visit an elite resort, despite the very close distance. The airport, named after the football star, welcomes more than 900,000 passengers. tourists, including many Russians. Interesting excursions in Madeira in Russian have been developed for them.
The pristine nature of western Madeira
Despite its small size, the charming island surprises with the diversity of its landscape, flora and fauna. An 8-hour tour will allow you to see with your own eyes the richness of the generous nature of the western part of the island and appreciate its virgin beauty. The first point of the road trip is the town of fishermen Camara de Lobos, on the quiet streets of which you will plunge into the atmosphere of life, tastes and traditions of the locals. Visit Churchill's balcony, Cape Girau and its observation deck, from where you will admire the amazing panorama.
Then, heading to the center, you will find yourself high in the mountains, on the plateau of Paul da Serre, from where the discoverer of Madeira, Joan Zarco, observed the stunning surroundings. Crossing the plateau, you will see pristine rainforests, banana plantations and the beauty of the mountain tundra. In the town of Porto Moniz, the next stop of the trip, you can plunge into the natural pool formed by the volcano.
After enjoying swimming in the purest water, continue to experience pleasure in a private restaurant for barbecue or baked trout. After refreshing, head to the north coast, famous for its mesmerizing waterfalls. After taking a promenade through the charming town of San Vicente, you will experience an eerie delight on a steep serpentine on the way to the Encumeada Pass.
When the magical view of the Ribeira Brava river valley opens before your eyes, you will understand that the adrenaline rush was not in vain. The way back to the hotel among the beauties of the Via Rapida autobahn will allow you to calmly “digest” the impressions.
Price 188 € for 1-4 people.
Eastern Madeira – from forest to desert
Participants of an 8-hour trip to the east coast of the island will discover irresistible panoramas, exotic rocky spurs, amazing beaches with black volcanic sand, etc. Climbing Arieiro Peak, from which you will see stunning surroundings, will make you feel like conquerors of peaks. You will enjoy a walk through the Santo-da-Serra park with English lawns. In Machico, you will visit the observation deck, learn the legend of romantic love.
During your visit to the golf club you will admire the views of the islands of Porto Santo and Desertas. You will find yourself at the easternmost point of Madeira – Cape St. Lawrence, from where amazing landscapes of the southern and northern coasts of the island open up. Stop at one of the unusual beaches with black volcanic sand, cool off in the ocean, admire the kaleidoscope of tropical fish scurrying through the clear water.
In the town of Porto Cruz, a delicious lunch of fresh seafood awaits you, an interesting walk through the local market. The apogee of the visit will be a visit to an authentic cane rum factory. Here you will see mechanical devices that are 150 years old and taste the signature drink. If you wish, you can visit Santana, famous for its 3-sided thatched houses. In one of the wine cellars you will taste the taste of collectible Madeira, enjoy the surrounding nature to the fullest.
Price 188 € for 1-4 people.
Ah, Madeira
An unforgettable immersion in the world of natural masterpieces awaits you on a comfortable journey to the west of the island. For 8 hours, you will not get tired of admiring the stunning landscapes. Standing on the glass of the observation deck of the highest cliff of Cabo Girau, discover the beauty of the divine piece of land in the middle of the ocean. Breathe in the healing air of the relict laurel forest Laurissilva, take a walk along its paths among a sea of flowers. Real magic awaits you in the stalactite caves in San Vicente. Here you can also see an old chapel that remembers the generations of the first Portuguese.
When you see the Bridal Veil waterfall, you will forever be fascinated by its 200-meter crystal curtain and the legend associated with this natural wonder. A trip along the Encumeada mountain pass will allow you to view the panorama of the southern and northern coasts, walk among the relic laurel thickets and breathe in the aroma of heather. Many amazing things await you in the Rabasal reserve, with unique flora and fauna, cascades of waterfalls and lush greenery of the valleys.
During the trip, get acquainted with local legends, customs, national cuisine. At the fishermen's village of Câmara de Lobos, enjoy the delicacy of battered swordfish with a banana garnish. You will experience real pleasure in the village. Porto Moniz, swimming in pools of sea water formed by lava. At a local restaurant you will taste espetada – a Portuguese barbecue with punch and wine. At the Madeira factory, you will learn the secrets of its preparation.
Group up to 8 people, price 45 € per person, excluding lunch in a restaurant.
Walk on the rooftops of Funchal
Unusual experiences await you on an equally unusual trip across the rooftops of ancient Funchal, the capital of Madeira. A whole world of intricate designs, a kaleidoscope of warm colors under your feet will reveal its secrets. From its height, the famous sights of Funchal will appear in an unexpected perspective before your eyes.
Climbing to the roof of the tallest building in the historic center, take stunning pictures as a keepsake. A deep impression will be made by the external and internal view of the gallery on the roof of the Jesuit church of the local college. Visiting the roof-parking of the embroidery factory, you will admire truly magnificent views. During the exciting walk, you will hear a lot of interesting things about the use of roofs by the townspeople and decorative decorations.
Find out why astronomical instruments have become an indispensable element of the various structures of Funchal, get acquainted with the architectural styles of the city. The final chord of the high-rise promenade will be a visit to the rooftop restaurant, where you can treat yourself to a delicious cocktail and delicious coffee to the sounds of excellent jazz.
Price 35 € for 1-7 people. from everyone.
Sunrise at Arieiro Peak
If you are a romantic by nature, take part in the fabulous meeting of the morning sun at the highest point of Madeira – Arieiro Peak. This will be an unforgettable start to a new day of your stay on the magical island. The only difficulty is the need to wake up long before dawn in order to have time to get to the place before sunrise. You will not regret at all that you did not sleep when you find yourself in the world of jazz music, hot coffee in harmony with the irresistible beauty of morning nature.
The best musicians of the island will perform charming jazz compositions for you. Coffee prepared in an exclusive way will seem the most delicious, and the spectacle that opens around will be fascinating. The feeling of heavenly pleasure, delight will not leave you during your 2-hour stay at the top. From the observation deck you will see a beautiful picture spreading below, and then go down “from the clouds to the earth” enchanted to the core.
The cost is 300 € for 1-5 people.
Western part of the island
Amazing landscapes, colorful seaside towns, new taste sensations await you on a 7-hour tour along the western coast of the island. Along the way, you will hear a lot of interesting things about the history of the entire archipelago from the lips of an erudite guide. Arriving in the town of Camara de Lobos, which Churchill liked to visit, you will understand why he often stopped here. Visiting a local winery, you will taste the taste of 4 types of Madeira and get acquainted with the process of making the famous drink.
At the next point of the trip – the city of Ribeira Brava, be impressed by a visit to the old church of the 17th century. and its history. Here you will walk along the authentic streets, look into one of the bars and taste an exclusive drink – a cocktail based on cane rum with the addition of lemon and honey. Moving from the south of the west coast to the north, you will find yourself in the city of San Vicente, you will see the difference in the ocean. At the local market, admire the variety of cork products, bordados embroideries, buy something.
Staying in Seixal, on a beach covered with black sand, you will plunge into the ocean water. And in Porto Monizia, you will splash around in the natural lava pool for 1 hour. Refreshed, have a bite in the fish restaurant with a special dish of saberfish, washed down with green wine. After climbing to a height of 1.5 km and from Mount Paul da Serra, view the incredible panorama of the island.
Price 225 € for 1-3 people.
In the parks and gardens of Funchal
By ordering such an excursion, you will see all the delights of the garden city, literally immersed in tropical greenery and bright colors. Walking along the city streets and alleys, you will never cease to admire the surrounding landscapes worthy of photographic lenses. While enjoying your morning coffee at Monte Park's outdoor cafe, take a look at rare trees in your surroundings. Walking along the chic paths of the golf club, you will see a lovely pond, outlandish “weeping” pines, an amazing ornament of intricately trimmed shrubs in the adjacent park.
You will freeze with delight, stepping into the alley of blooming camellias of amazing beauty, and in the very center of the Old Town, among the kaleidoscope of flowers, you will see an unusual musical instrument. In one of the bars you will taste local wine while listening to the guide's story with interesting facts and events related to the park and celebrities. By the end of the voyage, you will know a lot about the beautiful flora of Madeira, about the attitude of the islanders to plants and their protection.
The cost is 45 € per participant.
Art walk in Funchal
During the 5-hour voyage, you will immerse yourself in the world of Funchal art, passing through objects reflecting the life and work of famous painters of the city. In the old tasting room, be sure to admire the wall paintings made by the German artist Max Romer. A little later, get acquainted with the creations of the local conceptual art project – the painted doors of houses on one of the streets. By visiting 3 galleries in turn, expand your ideas about alternative art, make an opinion about the exhibition objects, get to know the artists of Funchal.
Living among such beauty, it is impossible not to become a painter – make sure of this at the master class. Within 3 hours, create your first oil painting, maybe a masterpiece. The creative process will be advised by a real artist, who gives valuable advice and tips. Leave your creation to yourself as a memory of Madeira, you will feel how your knowledge of painting, its styles and trends has been enriched.
The cost is 180 €, including a master class for 1 person.
fairy forests
On a 7-hour trip through the fantastic nature of the island, you will experience true pleasure from the most beautiful views of Laurisilva, get drunk from the aromas of healing air and feel like an artist in your soul. It is no coincidence that the laurel forests of Madeira have become a world heritage. Making your way along the paths under the crowns of relic laurels, you will find yourself in a fabulous world of rock crystal lakes, silver waterfalls, mysterious picturesque forests.
From the surrounding landscapes with heather thickets on the slopes of gorges, gray walls of stone cliffs, streams, sometimes turning into waterfalls, is breathtaking. The heady air, saturated with eucalyptus and laurel, will give peace. During the forest journey you will learn how such lush vegetation appeared on the once bare volcanic rock. The guide will introduce you to the vered levadas, tell the pioneers of the island.
Price 150 € for 1-4 people.
Incredible Funchal
The amazing history of the Old City will clearly appear before you on a sightseeing tour of iconic sights. In 3.5 hours, penetrate the most picturesque corners of Funchal, see unique architectural objects and visit a winery. Visiting the main cathedral, you will be transported to the era of the 15th century, admire the paintings of the Flemings and the Silver Cross. Passing along the colorful stalls of the central market, marvel at the exotic variety of fruits, fish, and vegetables. You will experience great aesthetic pleasure during a visit to an authentic embroidery factory.
And in a shop that sells wonderful products made of cork wood and ceramics, you will not resist the temptation to buy something from the offered assortment. It will also be interesting in the Historical Museum, which reflects the stages of development of Madeira. Having looked into the cellars of the winery, you will taste all the branded drinks and learn the secrets of their production. In the district of Monte you will see the famous church where the ashes of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary Charles I are buried. With your consent, order a lunch of freshly caught fish in the best restaurant.
Price 150€ for 1-3 persons.
Valley of the Nuns in the Volcano
The irresistible beauty of the northeast coast with its volcanic landscapes will open before you on a 7-hour road trip. Serpentine mountain trails, inconspicuous country roads will lead you to the most incredible natural objects and man-made wonders. Arriving at the settlement of Curral das Frairas (Valley of the Nuns), you will walk along the volcanic lava that solidified in the mouth of the volcano 6.5 thousand years ago, hear the history of the settlement. After admiring the stunning surroundings, go to the local church.
Then climb to a height of 800 m and see the “Valley of the Nuns” below in the form of a toy village. From any angle you will see stunning views of the enchanting Funchal, the endless turquoise of the ocean, the ancient village of shepherds. In the vicinity of Santana, visit Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream) and the ruins of a sugar factory. In the town itself, admire the unusual 3-coal houses. During a stop in Calhau, stop by a local cafe and enjoy the taste of espada (sword fish) with a banana. You will experience a lot of emotions in the Arch di San Jorge, admiring the rose garden.
Price 188 € for 1-3 people, excluding lunch.
Conquer the easternmost point of Madeira
A fascinating trip to the eastern part of the island will give a lot of emotions. In 9 hours you will see unique natural attractions, visit authentic towns. The first of these will be Gorozhao, where you will climb to the observation deck and be enchanted by the surrounding views of Funchal and the southern part of the island. Stand by the statue of Christ, copied from the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. Then go to the foot of Cape San Lorenzo and from there walk upstairs, stopping at the observation platforms along the way.
It will not be tiring – a leisurely walk with rest and a snack, photographing the views you like. Going down, head to the city of Porto da Cruz with a stop at the volcanic beach of Pranha, where you can splash in the ocean, walk on the black sand. The serpentine road among dense forests, with many observation platforms will be an unforgettable adventure. Porto Cruz will charm with its patriarchal appearance, wonderful promenade, with an outdoor pool.
Visit an old factory that produces Madeira rum. The next point of the route is Ribeiro Frio, where you will visit a trout farm and have lunch in a fish restaurant. A pleasant moment will be the ascent into the mountains to the peak of Areiro, under the very clouds. While on the observation deck, once again appreciate the fabulous beauty of the landscapes of the island. At the end of the tour, you will have a delicious dinner, a glass of wine and a relaxing atmosphere in an inexpensive restaurant. If desired, the route can be slightly changed if you do not want to walk for a long time.
Price 235 € for 1-3 people.
The beauty of northwestern Madeira
Do you want to visit Churchill's favorite places, drive through mountain tunnels, see deep gorges and fall in love with the nature of the island? Then it is worth becoming a member of an interesting trip to the northeast of Madeira. The voyage will begin with a visit to a fishing village where Churchill once visited, inspired by its landscapes.
He spent a lot of time at the easel, showing artistic abilities. Climbing up to the glass observation deck of the Cabo Girau cliff, admire the picturesque panorama. Passing through Ribeiro Bravo, you will get along the picturesque canyon to San Vicente and from there along the coast to Seiskal. Take a look at the mountain waterfalls falling from the rocks into the ocean.
Feel the adrenaline rush as you dive into tunnels carved into the rocks. Arriving in Porto Moniz, bathe in one of the many pools formed by lava. After swimming, refresh yourself with lunch at a cafe or at a local inexpensive restaurant, according to your desire and ability.
Price 235 € per person, excluding lunch.
Journey through the western part of the island
Do you want to see the tops of cliffs hidden in the clouds, silver waterfalls and authentic settlements, learn about the history of the island? The first on your way will be Camara de Lobos, a pretty village of fishermen. She was glorified by Winston Churchill, who loved to paint the surrounding landscapes in watercolor. Walking through the village, you will see where the famous politician spent his last years. From the cliff of Cabo Girau, standing between the clouds, admire the fabulous views of the Atlantic and the island. During your visit to Ribeiro Brava, visit the ancient chapel of St. Benedict.
Further, having overcome the pass, you will find yourself in the town of San Vicente, where you will see underground caves and grottoes. During the further trip, go up to the observation deck and admire the magnificent view of the Bridal Veil waterfall, learn the history of the name. The end of the trip will be a visit to the city of Porto Moniz, where you can enjoy swimming in natural lava pools. Refreshed, you will go to a local restaurant, where you will be served national dishes of meat and fish.
Price 188 € for 1-3 people.
East End
Becoming a member of the 7-hour tour, you will get acquainted with the landscape beauty of the east coast, with amazing natural and architectural objects. Stopping in Machico, go up to the observation deck Pico de Facho, which was in the 15th-17th century. lookout for pirates. A strong impression will be made by the extreme runway of the airport, under which you will pass.
Then go to Cape Ponta da San Lorenzo, whose name he got from the ship of the pioneers of the island. After visiting the local sandy beach with sand brought from Morocco, swim in the ocean. After from Mount Santo da Serra you will see the Cape of St. Lawrence, neighboring islands, inspect the golf course.
Stop at Poiso for a taste of the local punch and head towards Areiro Peak. Admire the panorama below, if you wish, go to a mountain restaurant, try Madeira beef skewers. After lunch, you will have a walk through the wild laurel forest in Ribero Frio, a visit to a trout farm. At the end of the trip, visit Santana with its wonderful thatched houses and the famous estate.
Price 225 € for 1-3 people.