Tips to fully enjoy the island of flowers
Madeira. The Portuguese island is on everyone's lips and in all publication programs in 2016. GéoGuide has just released the first edition dedicated to the destination, while Lonely Planet is dedicating its collection “in a few days” to it. Itinerary on this verdant and volcanic rock which is very popular and which is so aptly nicknamed “the island of flowers”.
1. Stroll around Funchal
Arrived at the airport, 16km away, travelers will visit the capital of the island without detour. A city where they will have to take the time to savor all the activities it offers. The rock of eternal spring is savored by discovering the subtropical flower gardens at the Quinta Das Cruzes museum, the home of Joao Gonçalves, the man who discovered Madeira.
Art lovers will complete their cultural visit with the Museu de Arte Sacra, where masterpieces of Flemish painting are exhibited. A discovery of Funchal would be incomplete without a walk along the Frente Mar (seafront).
Otherwise, football enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the CR7 museum, to the glory of the child of the country Cristiano Ronaldo. Fans will discover his golden balloons, his medals and his wax statue.
2. Take yourself for a Madeiran at the Mercado dos Lavradores
To the east of Funchal, producers meet to supply the inhabitants with fruit and vegetables. It is the largest market in the city. It takes place every day except Sunday. An ideal meeting point to taste the specialties of the island, such as banana ananaz, papaya and small bananas.
Photo buffs will go there early to see it in full swing, especially in the fishmongers district. They will appreciate the presentation of the espada, a swordfish caught at night, a specialty of Madeiran cuisine. Under the eyes of tourists, the fishmongers empty and lift the fish fillets.
3. Photograph the colorful doors of Zona Velha
In the Zona Velha, the inhabitants got caught up in the game of the project of the Spanish artist José Maria Zyberchama consisting of giving color to dilapidated doors. An initiative that has radically changed the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Little by little, the project is following in the footsteps of the capital, as the town of Machico, 25 km east of Funchal, is following in the footsteps of the capital.
4. Experience a wicker sled ride
The cable car, bound for the Monte district at an altitude of 500 meters, will offer a fun attraction to reach the roof of the Portuguese island. And it is here that the curious will experience a fun Madeira activity: a wicker sled ride. Formerly, these small cars allowed to circulate on the island. Two passengers can take place, until reaching Livramento, thanks to the force of men carrying a boater. Count 39 euros for a ten minute descent.
5. Hike along the levadas
Madeira has a 2500 km network of irrigation canals, which hikers follow along a route. The easiest - but also the most expensive - is to take a taxi that brings back walkers who have reached the end of the route. Better to take precautions by seeking advice from the tourist office for the route. The most classic route connects Ribeiro Frio to Portela. Be careful, however, if you have vertigo, some levadas being directly exposed to vacuum. In any case, this activity will have the merit of making it possible to indulge in other amusements, and sometimes to put on the swimsuit.
6. Spend time exploring the central mountains
The mountains of Madeira rise up to 1800 meters above sea level. The must is to go at sunrise to Pico do Arieiro. Walkers will appreciate the Nuns Valley, a route where you meet the locals and walk past breathtaking landscapes. Culinary discoveries will be part of the trip with the tasting of sour cherry liqueur and a meal of chestnuts in all their forms: cakes, bread, soup, sweets.
7. Play with vertigo at Cabo Girao
In the western part of the island of eternal spring, tourists will rub more the heat of the sun. A must is to admire the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean at Ponta do Pargo. Besides the natural pools heated by volcanic rock, travelers will treat themselves to a thrill at Cabo Girao, where an observation deck offers a panorama of the highest Madeiran cliffs. A glass floor has been installed to make the most vacationers dizzy.
8. Stroll on the white sandy beach of Porto Santo
Madeira doesn't just offer a single island to its visitors. The archipelago also consists of the Desertas, Selvagens and Porto Santo Island. The latter, more distant, will delight lovers of pretty beaches, with its 14 km long stretch of white sand. The panorama is magnificent, with the volcanic craters in the background. The tour of the island is done in a few hours by scooter, car or bicycle, after being disembarked by the ferry. The Porto Santo Line takes care of the trip every day. Please note, if the weather is rough, the company reserves the right to cancel the crossing.
