A guide to getting started with organizing your trip to Madeira: what to see, where to eat and the best place to stay

Madeira Autonomous Region is an archipelago belonging to Portugal. However, Madeira Island and Porto Santo are the only two islands in the archipelago that, together with the Desertas Islands and the Savage Islands, form the autonomous region. The most famous of them all is the one who gave it his name. And this Madeira is a paradise full of unique landscapesIt is full of winding roads, stunning cliffs, beautiful towns nestled among the mountains, natural pools, castles, peaks above the clouds, lush forests and fascinating cities.

what see

Funchal, capital of Madeira, It forms the largest tourist, commercial and cultural center of the entire archipelago. Set in a natural watershed overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it is surrounded by rugged mountains with labyrinthine cobblestone streets, low-rise homes and elegant architecture, quaint boutiques and bustling cafes.

You can’t miss either Basalt Cathedral or Sé, with white walls; most Two Farmers’ Markets, with lots of exotic flowers, tropical fruits and typical crafts; most Funchal cable carhow far does it go Mountain Where you can take in the magnificent view of the bay and the valleys of Funchal or the Botanical Garden.

Finally, you can’t miss a local event called Basket Trolleys. about this wicker cars skillfully driven by two white-clad “carreiros” who move due to irregularity and control them by using their feet as brakes.

But there is much more to Madeira than its capital. For example, on the south coast Cabo Girao. At 580 meters high, it is the highest nose in all of Europe, and from there, thanks to a glass platform, you can see fajãs de Rancho and Cabo Girão, small cultivated fields at the foot of the cliff.

They are also worth seeing Porto Moniz Natural Pools, These places, which are located between the sea and the mountains in the north and formed by volcanic lava, are filled with sea water that enters naturally. Also on this island for those who love trekking. laurel forest: A laurel forest, considered a World Heritage Site, where you can take a route through gorges and dizzying fields until you reach an impressive waterfall.

Santana and its traditional houses are another attraction of Madeira: thatched-roofed and brightly colored gables. I would not mind Porto SantoThe other inhabited island, reached by ferry from Madeira, which takes about two hours. Main attractions 9 kilometers wide beach, Mirador de Portela and Pico Ana Ferreira.

How to get to Madeira

Madeira is mainly accessible by air and The airport is in Santa Cruz, about 20 km from Funchal.. Other parts of the island can be reached by bus, but the most recommended option is to rent a car to move independently and quickly. If you like to travel by boat, though, some cruises stop at Funchal, another access route to reach the island.

what and where to eat

When you visit Madeira, you should not miss to try the typical dishes of its gastronomy. It’s best to avoid full board and go out for dinner and/or dining on the island. Prices are usually lower than in Spain and very generous portions. In fact, if you’ve traveled to Portugal before, you’ll already know what we mean.

Most traditional dishes in Madeira are based on meat or fish. Although Madeira is a hot climate region, soup is one of its traditional dishes. Among them are two who received all the credit: wheat and cabbage.

Other dishes to look for on the menu: potatoes with beans and cob, espetada in pau de lauro and octopus (called “dust”). Drinking ginja (typical liqueur) and poncha (white rum, lime juice and cane honey).

Some of the most worthwhile restaurants to start exploring Portuguese gastronomy in Funchal include: Galeria Restaurant, Informal Restaurant, Alta Vista, Sabor Tropical or Come Together.

@restoranteinformal

Where to stay

Funchal, which is the most touristic area of ​​the island, is also the one with the widest range of accommodation. If you want to enjoy the sun and the beach, the south coast is the warmest and sunniest place. Otherwise, Funchal offers the sophistication of a modern city while retaining its old world charm.

Where you can find an alternative cheaper and less touristic accommodation Caniço is located 15 minutes from Funchal and also on the south coast of Madeira.

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Photos | splash