How to spend top weekend in Madeira - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Madeira is a great place for discoveries and unique entertainment. Think that beach vacations at local resorts are nothing special? Then head to Porto Moniz Promenade where you can swim in unique natural pools formed by solidified volcanic lava. When it is high tide, the pools are filled with water, and when the water recedes, you can swim in the pools. It is possible to enjoy water procedures in the pools even during a storm, as the water always remains calm and crystal-clear.

Having tried out the amazing pools, head to Madeira's main observation point - Cabo Girão . Few people know that it is the highest cliff in Europe the second highest in the world. The height of the cliff is 580 meters. The cliff offers a stunning view of Câmara de Lobos , and in clear weather, you can even see the landscapes of Funchal . Having climbed such a vertiginous height, get up the nerve to look down. Here, right at the shore of the ocean, you can see small gardens that belong to local people. They have grown incredibly delicious fruits and vegetables in this amazing area for many years.

Madeira also has some amazing landmarks, which only few experienced travelers are aware of. Look for one of such places in the picturesque village of Camara de Lobos - this is the so-called "Winston Churchill Viewpoint". This is the name of a small platform where the British Prime Minister set up his easel and did paintings in the mid-20th century. Of course, this historical fact did not remain unnoticed by inhabitants of the small town. The site is still well-preserved, and an information plate in the form of an easel was fixed on the nearest building. It is pretty easy to find this symbolic place - the site is located near a fur seal fountain. Nearby is the cozy restaurant Cherchills, and if you believe the stories of locals, Winston Churchill has visited it a number of times more than 60 years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Demanding gourmets should pay attention not only to popular restaurants on the island. In the capital, they must visit the Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores). This is the largest market on the island offering its customers an incredible selection of local delicacies. Have you ever tried a banana and pineapple hybrid? And what about an amazing combination of passion fruit and tomato? At the Workers' Market, you can try a lot of exotic fruits, some of which are grown only in Madeira. The market will also appeal to those who not indifferent to exotic seafood.

Want some really extreme fun? Go to the city of Funchal and try out a traditional local mode of transport - toboggan. This is how they call simple wooden sleds, on which you can ride even when there is no snow. In the past, this form of transport was used to descend vegetables and fruits from the mountains, and in recent years, it has gained incredible popularity among tourists. Only in Madeira you can ride the wooden sleds down polished asphalt. This kind of transport cannot be found in any other corner of the world.

Do you like walking and painting? Then take a walk along the “street gallery” - a small narrow street where the walls of the houses are painted by talented local artists. The street is located in the capital of Madeira and runs from the old fort to the City Museum.

Water Activities in Madeira

The waters of Madeira are clear. Therefore, you can choose all kinds of water activities here. For example, you can take a scuba dive. However, you must complete the training for this. You can rent equipment at the local diving center. You can also enjoy water skiing, sailing, and fishing. Conquering the waves standing on a surfboard, a board with a sail, or kayak is also waiting for you here. You will also have the opportunity to go on a cruise to the uninhabited island of Desertas. It is a nature reserve. You can take a boat trip along the coast to watch spotted whales, dolphins, barracudas, and stingrays.

Active Leisure on the Land and a Tour of the Levadas

If you prefer an active time on land you can go on a bus tour, hiking, or jeep safari in Madeira. You can also do mountain hiding or rock climbing, ride a horse or bike, fly on a hot air balloon or hang glider.

The island is rich in walking routes with various levels of difficulty. Each of them runs along the mountain slopes along dry irrigation channels called levadas. If you want this kind of active recreation you can not only test your physical fitness and endurance but also enjoy the beautiful nature. You will see majestic mountains, beautiful waterfalls, mysterious caves, and streams.

Descent on a Sled on Asphalt

You will get a chance to climb mount Monte by cable car in Funchal during your holiday in Madeira. You will descend from it on an asphalt road, sitting in a sleigh. The locals weave them by hand from willow twigs. Entertainment is available from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. This unique "vehicle" is mounted on skids. They are made of wood and wrapped with a cloth soaked in fat. It is controlled by ropes that are in the hands of a driver. You will be able to travel 2 kilometers along the city streets in 10 minutes. You will enjoy the beauty of a tropical garden growing on the slopes of the mountain. You will develop a speed of up to 48 kilometers per hour. You will be photographed during the trip. You will be able to purchase these photos after you finish. You will keep the memories of an unusual entertainment for a long time.

See Madeira from the Eira do Serrado Observation Deck

You can visit the Eira do Serrado observation deck to enjoy the beauty of Madeira's nature. Cherry and chestnut trees grow on it. It is a 25-minute drive from Funchal. The observation deck is located at an altitude of 1053 meters. You can reach it in just 5 minutes by walking along a stone path from the parking lot. You will be able to see the Curral das Freiras gorge, a village built by nuns in the 16th century, and even the ocean once you get there. But keep in mind that you will need warm clothes due to humidity and wind.

Climbing mount Pico do Arieiro

Do you want to feel what it means to stand on top of the world? You will have the opportunity to climb the Pico do Arieiro Mountain. You can enjoy the picturesque forest and mountain scenery while traveling along the mountain trail. You will also be able to look at the stone warehouse where the ice is stored. It is very similar to the huge housing of the Eskimos. This warehouse is called Poco da Neve. You can see the North and South coasts of Madeira from a height of 1818 meters after you reach the top of Pico do Arieiro.

Go Canyoning in the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park

You can go canyoning in the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park in Madeira. The Seixal Naval Club will organize it for you. If you choose this type of extreme recreation you will get the opportunity to overcome the local waterfall without using a watercraft but using equipment for climbers. You will walk part of the way. Then you will have to swim. You will jump into cold water. You will even go down on a rope.