Things to do in Madeira

Madeira is small, at just 13 miles wide and 35 miles long, and has no natural beaches, but it does have an Eden-like beauty with its rich volcanic soil having turned it into a botanical wonderland and agricultural treasure house.

Most of the indigenous thick forest was destroyed in a fire, created by the first Portuguese colonialists to clear it for farming. Today, however, the scented island blooms with colourful masses of orchids, bougainvillea, frangipani, wisteria and geraniums. Fruit and herbs grow in abundance on the hillsides and in ravines, and the mountain slopes are terraced with orchards and vineyards. The island has been termed a 'floating garden'.

From many historical monuments, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to delightful gardens, quaint villages, incredible landscapes, exciting volcanic caves, rugged coastlines, beautiful natural beaches and amazing views, there is much for visitors to see.

Lido Promenade

Since the opening of a new coastal promenade, the Lido area in Funchal, already well known for the many tourist facilities it offers, has developed even more into an extensive leisure zone, much appreciated by locals as well as tourists.

Lined with palm trees and bordered by splendid botanical gardens, this promenade links the Lido area with the pebbled Praia Formosa Beach at the western end of Funchal, offering breathtaking views over the sea and towards Cabo Giro to all those who stroll, walk or run along here.

There are three public swimming pools the Lido swimming pool complex with the largest seawater pool, the Clube Naval and the recently opened Ponta Gorda swimming pool complex; all of which offer extensive leisure facilities with seawater and separate childrens pools, sea access, sports activities, restaurants and snack bars - all you need for spending a relaxing day at the seafront.

Museum of Quinta das Cruzes

This museum is the former home of Joo Gonalves Zarco, who discovered Madeira in 1419. The surrounding park is of botanical interest and contains a significant collection of orchids. The museum houses many fine examples of English furniture and China-trade porcelains brought to Madeira by expatriate Englishmen in the 18th century. Also on display, are rare Indo-Portuguese cabinets and the unique chests native to Madeira, fashioned from caixas de aucr, sugar boxes, dating from the 17th century. Also worth noting is a superb collection of antique Portuguese silver. Phone: 291 74 06 70

Volcanism Centre and Caves of So Vicente

The Volcanism Centre is situated in So Vicente, a charming village on Madeiras north coast, sitting at the end of the valley, where the formation of the island started. This centre manages to convey culture and education in a very entertaining way by providing visitors with audiovisual demonstrations of volcanic eruptions and the birth of an island.

Here, you can also visit So Vicentes famous volcanic caves and stroll through the beautiful gardens which feature Madeiras endemic flora. Of volcanic origin, the caves are composed of a series of lava tubes, the result of an eruption that happened 400,000 years ago. This complex of volcanic tunnels represents a development of over 1,000 metres in length and so far, it is the biggest known of these tunnels on Madeira Island.

S Cathedral

In the heart of the historic part of Funchal stands the Cathedral, or S, which is the most impressive of Madeiras religious edifices. From outside, the simple rough white stucco and brownish basalt is not all that impressive, but after entering through the Gothic portal, there is plenty to admire. The ceiling, for instance, is Moorish carved cedar inlaid with ivory, and behind the Baroque altar, are paintings by Flemish and Portuguese artists. Phone: 291 22 81 55.

Botanical Gardens

On the road to Camacha, about three miles from Funchal, this botanical garden is one of the best in Portugal, with faraway views of the bay. Opened by the government in 1960 on the grounds of the old Quinta do Bom Sucesso plantation, the gardens include virtually every tree or plant growing on Madeira. Some of the subtropical plants were imported from around the world including anthuriums and birds-of-paradise from Africa and South America. A heather tree, discovered near Curral das Freiras, is said to be 10 million years old. The gardens open onto panoramic views of Funchal and its port. Phone: 291 21 12 00.

Sao Vicente Caves

Beside the river at Pe de Passo, are the Sao Vicente Caves, a series of lava tubes left after an eruption that occurred about 400,000 years ago. These volcanic tunnels extend for about 3,281ft (1,000 metres) and can be explored on a 30-minute tour. The caves feature formations like lava cakes, volcanic stalactites and erratic blocks, and give a sense of walking through the bowels of the earth. Phone: 291 842 404.

Whale Museum

On the east coast of the island of Madeira, in the little fishing village of Canical, the Whale Museum chronicles the rise and fall of the whaling industry, which was a vital part of the islands economy for many decades, right up until 1982. The exhibits include photographs, hunting implements, a life-size whale model, a fishing boat and objects carved by local fishermen from the bones and teeth of whales. Phone: 91 961 407.

Recommended partners and sites: