A NATURE rich in adventure, experiences and EMOTIONS... Only 3 hours away from the main European capitals and just 90 minutes from Lisbon, the archipelago of Madeira is an ideal holiday destination for all those who want to combine relaxation with physical activity, taking advantage of its mountains, ocean, levada footpaths or simply looking for a new adventure. With a mild climate, magnificent landscape and welcoming people, Madeira offers visitors memorable holidays. Find out about some of the activities we have to offer you on land, at sea or in the air and start to plan your next holiday.
Walking in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Laurissilva forest, observing the endemic flora and fauna or simply gazing at the landscape are suggestions for those who appreciate holidays in contact with nature. Given its excellent conditions for adventure tourism, Madeira has numerous companies
associated with this type of tourism, offering many alternatives for visitors to escape from stress and from everyday routines. Mountain sports offer includes trail running, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, horse riding and even golf.
Exploring its mountains on foot, along levadas and footpaths, is one of the most amazing experiences offered by Madeira’s exuberant countryside. Levadas are man-made irrigation channels only found on the island of Madeira (in Porto Santo there are only footpaths). Walking along levadas is one of the most traditional outdoor activities on the island. They offer an opportunity for both locals residents and visitors to enter the Laurissilva forest, UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 1999 and the only site of this type in Portugal, all year round. The Laurissilva forest dates from the Tertiary Period and has been nominated one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. In the later Ice Age, this forest only survived in the geographic area of Macaronesia, in other words, the Atlantic islands: Madeira, Azores, Canaries and Cape Verde. This alone makes it worthy of a visit and Madeira is the region with the largest area of Laurissilva (approximately 22,000 hectares). Madeira also has a wide variety of flora, with some special treasures, such as the Madeira orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa) and the rare Goodyera macrophylla orchid. Some of the large trees in the Laurissilva forest include the Madeira laurel (Ocotea foetens), the Canary laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), the Indian bay (Persea indica)
and the Barbusano (Apollonias barbujana). Most of the footpaths are appropriate for all walkers. Footpaths of varied levels of difficulty offer interesting alternatives, from mountain walks to walks along the coast, as well as walks that combine the two settings. Some of the levadas cross the mountains from north to south through tunnels with hundreds of metres long. The recommended footpaths in the Autonomous Region of Madeira are classified as Short Routes (PR – routes with less than 30 Km long). There are 28 across the entire island, particularly on the north and southwest coasts of Madeira. They are identified and classified in order to assist walkers of all the necessary information. These footpaths are under the supervision and responsibilty of a regional governmental entity - The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forest (ICNF). To guarantee your safety, make use of the services of specialised companies and publications. Always use appropriate equipment and clothing. If you are interested in walking, we recommend joining an organised walking tour with a travel agency or specialised company, accompanied by a certified guide. It is not advisable to attempt these walks on your own and we suggest you to check in advance for any updated information or restrictions, before engaging any walks in Madeira Islands official website: www.visitmadeira.pt.
Canyoning is an exciting and challenging way to slowly explore steep streams or watercourses and has been offered in Madeira since 1989. Vertical and water obstacles require various different techniques, including climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling) and swimming. Descending the region’s abundant streams shows the island at its purest and most natural form. During the summer, the streams on the north side of the island are more appealing, since their currents are stronger. In the winter, streams on the south side are recommended, since they are not as steep and their currents are not as strong. Ribeiro Frio and Ribeira das Cales were the first streams to be explored and equipped but this sport is currently offered in many other locations, including Ribeira da Pedra Branca, Ribeira da Hortelã, Ribeira do Passo, Ribeira do Inferno and Ribeiro Frio. The International Canyoning Meeting, RIC Madeira, is held on the island each year. Madeira is already an important location for this sport. For this activity, we advise always using the services of a company that specialises in providing this type of sport.
Rock climbing, abseiling, sliding If you are adventurous and don’t suffer from vertigo, why not try rock climbing, abseiling or sliding on the incredible cliffs of the archipelago of Madeira.
If you are a classic climber, have a go on the basalt rock that can be found all over the island of Madeira. If you are a beginner, you can always try out this sport with the assistance of professionals. The characteristics of the island’s terrain and its mountains offer routes of rare beauty for profound contact with nature. The north of Madeira and the central mountain range are the geographic areas with the most challenging trails.
For this activity, we advise always using the services of a company that specialises in providing this type of sport.
Birdwatching If you enjoy birdwatching, the Archipelago of Madeira gathers several areas classified as Biogenetic Reserves and World Natural Heritage, offering numerous opportunities to watch land birds, as well as sea birds, many of which rare in the world. The variety and specific characteristics of its ecosystem make some locations excellent places to observe some migratory bird species such as: Madeira laurel pigeon (Columba trocaz), Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), Desertas petrel (Pterodroma desertas) and
Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis),considered one of the smallest birds on the island and very popular among birdwatchers. Madeira has companies specialised in this area, which organise customized programmes.
Trail running is a technical race on mountain paths and tracks with variable, multiple types, irregular or slippery terrain. Keen lovers of nature can engage trail running in Madeira Island, as it offers excellent conditions for the practice of this sport activity. Trail running is running over mountain paths and trails with uneven, slippery or varied ground. Trail running races, of different distances, can be very demanding, and this activity is recommended only for responsible participants who are aware of their abilities, and who have appropriate physical and psychological conditions for the scheduled routes. Every year Madeira hosts MIUT Madeira Island Ultra Trail, the Ultra Sky Marathon and the Ecotrail, which is a mountain race comprised of different routes, as well as difficulty levels, registering a large entry of Portuguese and foreign athletes. These competitions appeal to a large number of both Portuguese and international athletes.
golf
The tradition of golf in Madeira dates back to 1937, when the first golf course was built. On this main island, golf can be played on two courses, Palheiro Golf and Clube de Golfe do Santo da Serra, with 18 and 27 holes respectively. Both are notable for the beauty of their settings. The neighbouring island of Porto Santo, located 40 km from Madeira, offers a wonderful golden sandy beach, also offers a 27 hole golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Whichever course you choose, you can be sure to find high-quality services and fabulous views of the sea, the bay of Funchal and deep valleys.
The tradition of golf in Madeira dates back to 1937, when the first golf course was built.
To discover the island of Madeira in 4x4 vehicles is to enjoy a different day in an adventure between cliffs and mountains in the heart of a rich and dense forest. The sensations experienced when overcoming natural obstacles to reach isolated locations that are difficult to access will remain forever in the memories of all those who have set off in search of adventure! Discover all the beauty of the landscape of Madeira and Porto Santo Islands on a 4x4 trip. We can guarantee a unique and exciting adventure.
Take a tour of the most beautiful landscapes of the archipelago of Madeira.
Tours Take a tour of the most beautiful landscapes of the archipelago of Madeira with professional guides, who will enrich your visit with interesting details and information. There are various different means of transport available (coaches, rickshaws, segways, bikes, bubblecars, sidecars, taxis, boats and catamarans)
for excursions. Choose your favourite and relax, enjoying a calm and relaxing tour to discover the beautiful landscape. Several companies organise tours, offering relaxing trips in the hands of professionals.
Mountain Biking Come and discover the island of Madeira on two or four wheels, by mountain bike or quad bike, and travel along levadas or irregular off-road tracks with obstacles through the Madeiran forest! This island currently offers excellent conditions for mountain biking and there is a list of mountain bike routes prepared for this purpose. These routes are within the forestry area protected by the Natura 2000 network. Therefore those interested must require the necessary authorization/permit, which can be required online at the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) official website: http://www.sra.pt/drf/index. php?option=comcontent&view= article&id=346&Itemid=144&lang=pt. The paths are restricted to three specific areas, located in Poiso (where there are three circuits), between Fonte do Bispo and Prazeres, in the municipality of Calheta, and in the area of Paúl da Serra (Bica da Cana - Estanquinhos). You can hire a bicycle or a quad bike on both islands to discover the pleasure of exploring their hilly tracks. Funchal also holds the annual Downtown Funchal, an exciting sports event for both riders and spectators.
Bring your GPS or smartphone and try geocaching in Madeira, travelling the fantastic paths and appreciating the incredible landscape of the archipelago. For fans of these treasure hunts, geocaching in Madeira is almost a dream come true. Alone or with a group of friends, venture out in the archipelago to find geocaches and enjoy fabulous landscapes along the way.
Orienteering If you want to develop and improve your sense of direction, whether individually or as a group or association, we invite you to come to the archipelago of Madeira. The extensive forest areas and mild temperatures make it ideal the practice of orienteering. Here you will find several entities that promote and organise events throughout the year.
The extensive forest areas and mild temperatures make it ideal for orienteering.
Whether you want to admire the landscape, dive in a nature reserve, surf on the waves of the north coast, try out coasteering or watch dolphins, the island of Madeira offers countless possibilities that make our visitors’ holidays truly unforgettable. Porto Santo is also surrounded by a clear and warm ocean, offering nautical sports all year round, including diving, fishing, sailing, surfing, windsurfing and standup paddleboard.
Diving Dive into the Atlantic Ocean and discover a fantastic underwater garden, in one of the best places for diving in Europe. Thanks to its clear waters and small insular plafform, it ensures dives with excellent visibility, at great depths and only at short distance from the coast. The archipelago also has the oldest Marine Reserves in the country, including the Garajau reserve. In the warm and crystal-clear water around Madeira, divers can see anemones, corals, fish such as friendly groupers, morays and manta rays, and even monk seals. Some of the most popular places for diving in Madeira are Caniço, Garajau, Machico, Caniçal and Santa Cruz. In Madalena do Mar, at a depth of 21 to 30 metres, divers can find the ship “Bowbelle”, which sank here a few years ago and is now an artificial reef, inhabited by salemas (Salema salpa), grunts (Pomadasys incisus), amberjacks (Seriola dumerili, Seriola rivolina), white trevallies (Pseudocaranx dentex) and even wahoos (Acanthocybium solandri). In Funchal, there are two underwater routes, “Baixa do Carneiro” and “Baixa das Moreias”, where divers follow a specific route to observe moray eels (Gymnothorax unicolor and Muraena sp) and the surrounding flora. According to diving specialists, the water temperature determines whether divers can use a semi-dry suit in the winter or a 5 mm wetsuit in the summer. Visibility also varies little from one season to the next, being normally close to thirty metres during the summer and approximately twenty metres in the winter months. Sea currents are usually weak, allowing divers to return to the point of entry.
Around Porto Santo Island there are several good locations for diving or snorkelling, due to the clarity, temperature and beauty of the water. A network of protected marine areas has been set up, including the six islets around the island, as well as the area of the “Madeirense” shipwreck, one of the most popular sites among divers.
The ship, which sailed between Porto Santo and Madeira for decades, can be found south of the harbour. It was sunk in order to create an artificial reef as a shelter for local marine fauna and has become probably one of the best diving sites in Portugal. Approximately two nautical miles from the ‘Madeirense’ and at a depth of 30 metres, a Portuguese warship, the corvette ‘General Pereira d’Eça’, was sunk in July 2016 in order to create another artificial reef and attract more divers. The Network of
Protected Marine Areas of Porto Santo includes all the islets off its coast: Ilhéu das Cenouras, Ilhéu de Baixo or da Cal, Ilhéu de Cima or do Farol, Ilhéu de Fora, Ilhéu da Fonte de Areia and Ilhéu de Ferro. The water around these islets is home to a significant biodiversity of marine species, including garfish, grouper species, skates, stingrays, white trevallies, wrasses, tuna species and moray eels, offering scenes of great beauty.
Surfing
The incredible waves of Madeira have led many to call it the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”. Here you will find good conditions for surfing, although we recommend that you take great care, especially if you are a beginner. The archipelago of Madeira offers excellent opportunities to catch North Atlantic swells and all sorts of waves, from point breaks to reef breaks. These excellent waves are also generated by the rugged and steep coastlines and by rocks on the seabed. The coasts at Jardim do Mar, Paúl do Mar, Porto da Cruz and São Vicente, with their challenging waves, are the most inviting. At some of these locations you can find surf schools that offer an introduction to this sport.
Sailing Enjoy the wonderful experience of sailing around the archipelago of Madeira. Sailing is one of the most stimulating water sports, with numerous physical and psychological benefits, particularly in natural spaces. The good news is that during your stay in Madeira you will not only find several unique places for sailing, but also clubs that will help you during this adventure. We suggest that you sail in the Protected Marine Areas of Porto Santo or along the south coast of Madeira Island.
If you enjoy windsurfing, a holiday in Madeira will let you take advantage of the excellent conditions that the archipelago offers for this sport. Windsurf schools and clubs can help you with equipment and beginners classes. The best area for windsurfing is the calm sea off the south coast of Madeira, which provides beaches with good access to the sea, reduced swell and constant winds.
Proof of this are the gold medals won in this sport, at the European and World Championships since 1995, by João Rodrigues, an Olympic windsurfer athlete from Madeira. Some of the best places for windsurfing, all year round, are: Funchal, Achadas da Cruz, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico, Caniçal, Paúl do Mar and Porto Santo island. Keen lovers of kitesurfing can engage this sports activity in Funchal bay, Praia Formosa and Porto Santo.
Bodyboarding The coast of Madeira offers magnificent sites for this sport, given its excellent weather, atmospheric and oceanographic characteristics. There are several appropriate locations for bodyboarding throughout the year, with good access roads and infrastructures. Some surf/bodyboard schools in the region provide assistance for this sport activity, for both amateurs and professionals, mainly on the coasts of Jardim do Mar, Paúl do Mar, Porto da Cruz and São Vicente.
Standup paddleboard (also known as SUP) is a sport in which sailors stand up on a board in calm water and use a paddle to move. It is a relaxing sport, offering an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the archipelago’s coastal landscapes. This calm sport activity is ideal for the whole family. Various schools in the archipelago provide classes for beginners and sport equipment to engage in this activity, located mainly at the areas of the Garajau Natural Reserve, Ponta de São Lourenço and Porto Santo.
Whales and dolphins can be seen in the archipelago of Madeira at any time of the year.
Thanks to its excellent location in the Atlantic Ocean, whales and dolphins can be seen in the archipelago of Madeira at all year round. Watch at first hand some of the 28 species of dolphins and whales that live in or visit the waters off the coast of the archipelago, relax and enjoy your day at sea, in the middle of the ocean. How about a trip between Madeira and Porto Santo? And maybe even as far as the Desertas islands? In this corner of the Atlantic there is literally an ocean of opportunities to choose from and explore and we can frequently observe common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truincatus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni). From the turtle family, loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are most commonly sighted. On a boat trip to the island of Porto Santo, you will discover its abundant and varied marine fauna and admire the views of the beautiful coast of the island and its islets. On a magnificent trip to the Desertas islands, you will encounter the last Atlantic refuge of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), the rarest seal in the world, dolphins, turtles and whales. In addition, you can also observe an endangered bird species - Fea´s petrels (Pterodroma feae).
Coasteering is an outdoor activity that has been recently introduced in Madeira. It combines abseiling, rock climbing and jumping into the sea, on routes along the coast. It is an original way of enjoying cliffs around bays, caves and other areas of crystal clear sea waters around the island. There is a coasteering route located in the Nature Park of Ponta de São Lourenço at the eastern end of the island. Here you can explore the natural beauty of the Baía d’Abra.
For this activity, we advise always using the services of a company specialised in providing this type of sport.
Boat, jet ski, canoe and water ski rental You can rent a boat, jet ski, kayak and water skiing equipment for the best sea sport experience. You can also choose which kind of boat to hire and whether or not you require a crew. These services are available at the Madeira and Porto Santo marinas.
Sport Fishing Are you a sport fishing fan interested in finding one of the places where records are made in this sport? So come to Madeira and Porto Santo islands. Only 5 minutes from the quayside in Funchal there are magnificent fishing areas with waters over 1000 metres deep. The sea waters currents off Madeira are on the migratory routes of numerous species, such as blue marlins and bigeye tunas, from June to September. In these waters you will also find albacores, bluefin tunas, blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, barracudas, bonitos and swordfish. To best assist you there are experienced crews and well equipped boats for sport fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, located in the various marinas in the region.
Hang gliding and Paragliding If you have a sense of adventure and the sky is your limit, discover Madeira from the air, on a hang glider or paraglider. Madeira’s terrain is ideal for flying sports of this type, providing marvellous views of the island, from an original angle. The dense vegetation of the valleys and steep cliffs, leading to the ocean, enhance this breathtaking experience! Get to know the most beautiful panoramic views of Madeira, from memorable unpowered flights over different areas of the island! You can also fly in tandem – accompanied by a pilot to guarantee all the adrenalin in perfect safety. Madalena do Mar, Porto da Cruz and Prazeres are some of the best launching sites for your adventure in the air!
Get to know the most beautiful panoramic views of Madeira, from memorable unpowered flights.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Madeira has a wide range of tourism entertainment companies that are specialised in the organisation of the activities presented in this brochure. To book any of these activities or hire the necessary equipment, go to Madeira Tourism Board official website: www.visitmadeira.pt.
Express Way Main Roads Secondary Roads Other Roads Tunnel Footpath Levada Walk Canyon
Recommended Walks
Laurissilva Forest
Ponta de São Lourenço
Madeira Nature Park
Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve Desertas Nature Reserve
Garajau Partial Nature Reserve
Network of Marine Protected areas of Porto Santo Island Selvagens Nature Reserve
PORTO SANTO ISLAND
DESERTAS ISLANDS
SELVAGENS ISLANDS
Direção Regional do Turismo, Av. Arriaga, 18, 9004-519 Funchal - Madeira Ph.: +351 291 211 900 F: +351 291 232 151 www.visitmadeira.pt info.srtc@madeira.gov.pt