EXPLORE THE BEST OF
Madeira

It’s perhaps no surprise on an island as warm as Madeira that diving is a hugely popular pastime. The autumn months are some of the best for this, owing to the cooler and more manageable conditions of the waters for first-timers. They tend to stick to around 24℃ at this point.

A lot of diving trips take place on Savage Islands, with attendees given the chance to do a variety of activities – including swimming with dolphins, turtles and even monk seals if they’re really lucky. Make sure to check the safety reviews of different companies before booking your trip.

Who doesn’t love the idea of hitting the open seas on a pirate ship? Fortunately for visitors to Madeira, that dream is made a reality with the help of the Santa Maria de Colombo – a ship designed to exactly replicate the flagship of famous explorer Christopher Columbus.

Built in 1998, the ship gives tourists the chance to put themselves in the shoes of adventurers from yesteryear, as they discover the natural beauty of Madeira for the very first time.

You’ll be plied with Madeiran wine and honey cake during your trip, and you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of local wildlife (including dolphins and whales) if you cast your eyes out to sea. This is definitely one for autumn, when the waves are less choppy and the journey a lot smoother.

Marketplaces are often one of the best ways to get a true grasp of what a local culture is really like. That’s definitely true in the case of the Mercado dos Lavradores, which can be found right in the heart of the capital city of Funchal.

This is the perfect opportunity to talk one-on-one with locals (who aren’t just pandering to tourists), while also getting the chance to sample some of the foods unique to Madeira. Chief amongst these are “small bananas”, chestnuts, scabbardfish and guava (a tropical kind of fruit).

Food is always modestly priced here, but don’t be afraid to haggle if you feel like you’re being overcharged. Sometimes the locals might try to get as much money as possible out of tourists, so be sure to keep your mind sharp.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given its spot as the capital city of Madeira, Funchal has a wealth of opportunities for culture-loving holidaymakers to try out. From gothic cathedrals to the famed Old Town, autumn is without question one of the best times of year to get out and explore the region for yourself. Make sure when you do that you also check out the famous painted doors, where artists have created colourful murals depicting scenes from history, fiction and in some cases just their own imagination.

With less footfall on the streets at this point than practically any other period of the year, you really get the chance to take your time and savour your time in the famous city. Explore the nooks and crannies which breathe life into the capital and give it its personality.

Make sure to stop off at a local bar and try at least one glass of Madeiran wine while you’re out and about. The tipple of choice is one of the most iconic aspects of the island group, so it would be a real travesty to miss out on having a taste.

Taking a trip to the valley of the nuns (about 30 minutes outside of Funchal) is an experience in and of itself. Lush greens contrast beautiful rocky landscapes, in an area which is hard to compare to anywhere else on the entirety of Madeira.

To really cap off your time in the valley, consider taking a dip in the Poco dos Chefes – a natural spring found just a short walk away from some of the nearby local villages. Unsurprisingly these local hubs are also worth a visit, as they provide travellers with first-hand experience of the real Madeiran way of life.

If you’ve taken a trip up to the top of the Monte Hill in one of Funchal’s famous cable cars, you have two choices for getting back down again. And while the car was no doubt pretty fun on the way up, it might lack the appeal on a return visit. Instead, give the second option a try.

The Monte Toboggans are operated by professional drivers, who’ll safely seat you in a big wicker basket on slates, before taking you on a fun-filled adventure back down to the centre of Funchal.

The journey down is one like no other, with quick twists and turns taking you through the very heart of Funchal suburbs. Rest assured you’re in safe hands, though. The drivers are well-trained, taking hundreds of people down the hill every year.

Lovers of all things feathered are in for a treat when walking a trail between Ribeiro Frio and Portela. You’ll be able to check off a number of rare birds from your bucket list, with the likes of the Madeira Firecrest, the Trocaz Pigeon, Eurasian Kestrels, Black Kites and even Grey Wagtails all calling this spot home.

The relatively untouched nature of the region means that the majority of the birds found along the track are the same species as have been on the island before it became fully inhabited. Just make sure to bring your hiking boots. The terrain along the trail is largely rocky and mountainous.

The capital city of Funchal is one of the most popular spots to visit throughout all of Madeira – but it’s when the festive season hits that things really begin to kick off. From December 1st to January 6th, visitors are able to explore the Avenia Arriaga traditional Christmas market.

Holidaymakers can sample classic Portuguese festive food and drink, while soaking in the sound of Christmas Carols sung by local folklore groups. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Funchal Municipal Gardens, decorated aptly for the season.

You’ll also be treated to a variety of other events all throughout the month, with Childbirth Masses (Missas do Parto), Carols of the Magi (Cantor dos Reis) and the traditional “Market Night”, which takes place on the 23rd December every year. The season is brought to a close with a huge fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Madeira has hundreds of fantastic hiking routes to try out, but most of the best are undoubtedly found in the many levadas that run through the mountainous countryside. These man-made channels were once used primarily as a means of carrying water for agricultural purposes, but have now transformed into picturesque walking routes.

With so many to explore it might be hard to find just one. Some of the most exciting for visitors include trails like Vereda dos Balcões, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and a walk which takes you between Eira do Serrado and Curral das Freiras.

You’ll find a staggering blend of scenery throughout each walk, with paths which take you through jungle-like wilderness, isolated mountain streams and all along the beautiful Madeiran coastline. These walks are perfect for winter, when the temperature dips just enough to make the higher altitudes less of a challenge.

Surfing is an important part of the Madeiran way of life. And while tackling British seas in winter is only for the strong of will, the climate of Portugal makes this time of year one of the best to give the discipline a go. If you fancy trying your hand at it, there are countless spots littered throughout the region. Arguably the best for beginners is Porto da Cruz, where newbies can find two beaches which specialise in teaching the sport.

Both Alagoa and Maiata Beach offer training for those with little to no experience. Alagoa is the smaller of the two locations, with a mixture of rocks and darker sand. This intimate environment is good for those who’re conscious about learning in front of others.

By contrast, Maiata is one of the larger (primarily sandy) beaches on Madeira. Those more confident about hitting the waves in front of spectators can take their first tentative steps here. It’s important to remember that whichever beach you choose, it’s recommended that beginners seek the help of a highly trained instructor.

Hardly surprisingly, given the variety of walking trails, Madeira is also a favourite for mountain bikers looking to get an adrenaline boost. The Levadas are again a great spot for this, with the Unsterblicher Baum Loop in Santo António da Serra serving as one of the best routes for intermediate and beginners.

The name of this particular route translates as “immortal tree” from its original German. Bikers will soon discover why, with an other-wordly tree which bends back into the ground found at the midpoint of the trail. Its branches grow back into the ground, giving the illusion that the wood could stretch for miles beneath the earth.

When it comes to terrain, the route is a real mix of natural ground, unpaved, paved and asphalt – with some streets and roads also included along the way. As such, it’s wise to brush up on local highway code rules before you tackle it.

This all-in-one locale serves as a cultural tour, education centre and even overnight accomodation for would-be visitors. With over 200 years of winemaking history, the Blandy Wine Lodge is a must-see for anyone looking to get a taste of the real Madeiran culture.

There are a variety of tours to choose from (all giving you the chance to sample some of their historic and delicious wines), with some of the most popular including the satinwood vats, a trip round their museum and a vine-to-wine experience, which walks you through the creation of the product.

All of these tours give attendees the chance to explore the vast vineyards found at the lodge. This is particularly exciting in December, when sparkling wine variants are in season. Try to book a spot on the annual “Bubbles Night” for the chance to savour this seasonal delight. Tours run Monday to Friday.

Head to the Madeira peaks for a full-day 4x4 tour with any number of providers. Most companies offer free pick-up straight from your hotel room, before ferrying you to the highest peaks of the island. The moderate winter weather means the open-top nature of the tour offers a refreshing change from what can sometimes be a stuffy experience, trapped inside a jeep.

Most tours have a natural focus, with the Laurisilva of Madeira forest often featuring as the primary route for vehicles. Tours tend to end atop the Eagles Rock in Portela, where visitors can look out over the breathtaking Madeiran landscape.

Whatever route your particular operator chooses to explore, you’re guaranteed to absorb some of the most snap-worthy corners of the archipelago, so make sure to have your phone fully charged in preparation for this amazing journey.

If hitting the beach in winter doesn’t feel right, then why not spice things up a bit by trying out some sands you probably won’t have seen before? There are a number of jet black beaches which offer an incredible day out for anyone looking for a slightly different type of experience. Less sunbathing and more exploring.

Arguably the best comes in the form of the Praia do Porto do Seixal, where you’ll find a brilliant contrast in the luscious green backdrops jutting out all around the coastline. For anyone who’s keen to find something totally different on their next trip away, it’s hard to look past this incredible natural landscape.

This spot of natural beauty is the ideal location to catch the evening sun as another day sets during the sleepy Madeiran winter. Maktub is a restaurant and bar, which can be found down by the waterside. They specialise in fresh, locally sourced seafood, but offer a wide variety of amazing treats from all across Portugal.

Make sure to book a table for anywhere from 5:30pm-7pm in the winter. You’ll be privy to the beautiful blend of orange, red and yellow which occurs when the sun sets over the ocean. When you’re done eating, make sure to take advantage of the fantastic cocktails which can also be sampled there. They pack a punch and never disappoint.

The Cabo Girao Viewpoint is the highest cape in the whole of Europe, sitting a whopping 580m above sea level. It’s for this reason so many people take the long trip to the top to stand and look out over the majestic Madeiran landscape.

To make the experience all the more unique, the viewing platform is constructed largely of glass – allowing visitors the exciting, and somewhat eerie, opportunity to get a full view of the world beneath them. This glass platform, also known as the skywalk, is sometimes used to practice paragliding and bungee jumping if you’re feeling brave enough.

Regardless, the views are unlike anything you’ll experience anywhere else on the island. You’ll also be able to visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima (built in 1951), which is one of the main sites of pilgrimage across the whole of Madeira.

Whales and dolphins are commonly found all throughout the Madeiran coastline, giving visitors the chance to head out on any number of boat trips for a not-so-hands-on experience.

Biologists often accompany these trips, lecturing travellers on lesser-known facts about the animals you’re likely to encounter. It must be stated that these kinds of trips often don’t allow or encourage guests to get too near to the sealife, as this can cause unintentional harm or distress. After all, they are wild animals.

All tours will start with a safety briefing, which needs to be closely listened to and strictly followed at all times. Naturally, as with any experience of this nature, you aren’t guaranteed to spot any whales or dolphins when you head out, so try to keep that in mind.

While most of Madeira is made up of natural beauty, it’s in the east of the archipelago where volcanic activity has led to some really unique landscapes. The whole of Ponta de São Lourenço is masked with reddish rock, with utterly unique flowers like cardoons and everlastings thriving in the odd conditions.

One of the greatest appeals of the area is the total absence of any man-made structures. Visitors are treated to vast expanses of natural beauty, with only a couple of picnic tables dotted throughout to allow them to sit and enjoy a quick spot of lunch.

You can choose to either hike or bike through the breathtaking area, but be sure to take plenty of water with you. Even in the cooler months of spring the altitude can leave some visitors feeling a little dehydrated.

At the lower reaches of the Pico Ruivo you’ll find the Parque Forestal de Queimadas. This area of high humidity is a breeding ground for a variety of plantlife, with ferns, lichens and moss dotted all throughout the emerald green forest floor.

Arguably the highlight of any trip to de Queimadas though is a stop-off at the picnic shelter, situated right in the middle of the area. This remote locale, coupled with the thatched, cottage-esque aesthetic of the shelter, gives the impression of a house straight out of a fairytale.

The contrast of 18th century design to the thick, luscious green forest is worth seeing just in itself. And what’s more, the forest is also the starting point of a number of different Levada trails. Those with some time on their hands should definitely make this spot a priority.

Funchal’s Old Town offers tourists the chance to experience life as it might have been in the Madeiran past. But while this is the main appeal of the area, fans of art will also find enjoyment in the vast array of murals and paintings littered throughout the town.

The art is best enjoyed at a time of the year when the streets are a little quieter, which is what makes spring the perfect time to get out and take a slow wander around the highly-decorated streets.

Some of the most famous examples you’ll find here are La Baleia (a large whale mural), as well as an honorary depiction of the islands’ most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. A mural of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker can be found in the same district where he grew up, on the walls of the Santo António Civic Centre.

The peaceful waters of spring make both canoeing and kayaking a must for anyone looking to get out and explore their more adventurous side. There are loads of options to do this all throughout Madeira, but it’s arguably in Caniçal where those trying it out for the first time should turn their attention.

The crisp, clear and beautifully blue waters offer the chance to get active, while also soaking in the majestic scenery which only Madeira can offer tourists. If you’re slightly more confident of your abilities, you can sign up for trips which might tackle a more challenging, faster-paced route.

If you’ve seen as much of central Funchal as you’d like, then the hop-on-hop-off bus is a great option for transportation to the slightly more remote areas of the city. The village of Camara de Lobos and the Cabo Girao cliffs are perfect examples of such locations which are slightly harder to reach by foot.

Visitors have the choice to buy either a 24-hour or 2-day ticket, which sees them freely come and go whenever they please. This flexible policy means you only need to pay attention to when the first and last trips of the day run at each stop.

These 16th century houses aren’t just designed to look like cottages of yesteryear – they’re the genuine article. These small, triangular houses offer a glimpse into the past of Madeira which is impossible to replicate any other way.

Despite appearing in Europe, the cottages have a Carribean feel about them, with bright white exteriors, a thatched roof, luminous blue window frames and striking red doors and shutters.

Owing to their age, it goes without saying that you need to pay respect and be careful while you’re there. Also be warned that farmers 500 years ago were on average a lot shorter than people are today. That means you’re probably going to have to duck a lot if you do go inside one of these buildings.