Madeira and Porto Santo - Pocket Edition - English

MADEIRA & PORTO SANTOpocket edition

Madeira For All

With a privileged location, Madeira is the perfect holiday destination!

The archipelago of Madeira lies on the Atlantic Ocean, 1000 km from continental Europe and 700 km from Morocco. With daily direct connections to the main European airports and others to the rest of the world, visiting us has never been easier.

Between the highest peak and the deepest dive, only you will set your limits.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, relax by the sea or soak up the local culture and cuisine, the Island of Madeira is an incredible option for all tastes, 365 days a year.

Madeira’s climate is mild all year round, with small seasonal temperature variations.

SUMMER WINTER

25º

Climate 20º

Average Daytime High Temperature 24º

20º Average Overnight Low Temperature

Average Overnight Low Temperature Average Sea Water Temperature

SUMMER WINTER

Average Daytime High Temperature 18º

13º

Madeira

All the Nature

It is in the exuberance of its natural landscape that several of Madeira’s main attractions reside. The green mountains with their nature trails and steep peaks that almost touch the blue sky, give the island a unique identity, full of colour and texture.

Let yourself be fascinated by the lush vegetation, by the water flowing in waterfalls, ‘levadas’ (water channels) and streams, and also by the perfect communion between our fauna and our flora.

Pico do Areeiro

The famous Pico do Areeiro is located at an altitude of 1818 metres. With a magnificent view over the hinterland of Madeira, this peak is the third highest point of the island, surrounded by exotic vegetation.

Besides the excellent view, it is a starting point for the walking trail to Pico Ruivo, the highest point of the archipelago, at an altitude of 1862 metres. With clear skies it is possible to see from its top, the parish of Curral das Freiras, Ponta de São Lourenço and even the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Watching the sunrise among the clouds at Pico do Areeiro is highly recommended. It is an unforgettable experience!

Pico Ruivo

It’s the highest point of Madeira, located at an altitude of 1862 metres. The walking trail to the summit is 2.8 km long - about an hour-and-a-half walk, starting and returning to Achada do Teixeira. Pico Ruivo is also the starting point for three trailsPico do Areeiro Trail, Encumeada Trail and Ilha Trail - which lead to different locations of Madeira Island.

At Achada do Teixeira it is possible to visit, next to the shelter house, the ‘Homem em pé’ (Standing Man), a basalt rock formation.

There are several shelters along the climb to Pico Ruivo which allow walkers to rest. Along the route you can see the Ribeira Seca valley (Pico das Torres), Pico do Areeiro, the Santana mountain and the Queimadas Forest Park.

Fanal

Classified by the Madeira Nature Park as a ‘Rest and Quiet Reserve’, Fanal is a natural paradise, painted with a thousand shades of green and guarded by trees as old as the island itself. Located on the plateau of Paul da Serra (Porto Moniz), the access path to Fanal culminates at the Forest Police Station in Fanal, crossing part of the Laurissilva forest, classified as World Natural Heritage by UNESCO since 1999.

Ponta de São Lourenço

It’s the easternmost peninsula of Madeira island. Volcanic in origin, it includes the Cevada or Desembarcadouros Islet and the Ponta de S. Lourenço Islet. The whole peninsula is classified, at European level, as an important community site - Natura 2000.

Balcões

Starting at regional road ER 103 in Ribeiro Frio, Vereda dos Balcões is a small trail that follows the ‘levada’ of Serra do Faial and culminates at the Balcões viewpoint. The view over the Ribeira da Metade valley and the parish of Faial is superb.

This is the name by which the indigenous subtropical forest of Madeira is known. Abundant in the higher areas of the north of the island, this flora prefers the humidity and mild temperatures typical of this area. Its trees belong to the laurel family and the best way to explore it is through the various trails, paths and ‘levadas’.

Laurissilva

Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão, 580 metres high, is considered the highest cape in Europe. The viewpoint built there provides incredible views over the ‘fajãs’ of Rancho and Cabo Girão, in addition to presenting something truly unique: a skywalk which allows us to walk on a transparent glass floor. Something worth experiencing!

Eira do Serrado

Located at an altitude of 1095 metres, the Eira do Serrado Viewpoint offers an indescribable view over the parish of Curral das Freiras (municipality of Câmara de Lobos) and the imposing mountains of the Central Massif. The viewpoint can be reached via the trail from Estalagem Eira do Serrado.

Santo da Serra Golf Club

It is the view over the mountains and the sea that makes the Santo da Serra golf course a unique place to practice this sport. Located just 15 minutes from the Madeira International Airport, it has three courses with a total area of 9000 metres.

Palheiro Golf

With a uniquely beautiful view over the bay of Funchal, the sea and the Desertas Islands, the Palheiro Ferreiro golf course is located by the gardens of Quinta do Palheiro and has an area of 6000 metres.

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All the Sea

The archipelago of Madeira lies on the Atlantic Ocean. This archipelago includes two main and inhabited islands: Madeira and Porto Santo, and also groups of uninhabited islands that are nature reserves: the Desertas and the Selvagens.

The sea is, therefore, an omnipresent entity, positively influencing Madeirans’ lives. Its temperature, never below 180C, invites you to visit both the beautiful pebble and sand Madeiran beaches or the comfortable bathing complexes, as well as practice all kinds of nautical activities, all year round.

Fajã dos Padres Seixal Port Beach

Fajã dos Padres

‘Fajã’ is a term used in the islands to describe a portion of flat , arable land by the sea. The Fajã dos Padres site is one of Madeira’s treasures and is located between the sea and the steep cliffs at the foot of Cabo Girão. Access is by boat or by the cable car located at Quinta Grande.

On one of the ‘fajã’ fronts, it is possible to see a pebble beach. The transparency of the water in that area is inviting for diving and fishing. There is also a solarium area with parasols and sun loungers, so bathers can enjoy the site all year round.

Seixal Port Beach

Seixal Port Beach is a small beach of volcanic origin, formed by black sand that stands out by the imposing green mountains near the sand, interspersed with waterfalls. From here you can admire the island’s stunning north coast and its border with the sea. Seixal Port Beach is considered a majestic place to see the sunrise and it is also an ideal beach for surf beginners.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

The Porto Moniz natural swimming pools are among the most popular attractions in the island of Madeira and are located on the north coast. The green landscape of the mountains and the sea water renewing itself cyclically in the volcanic rocks, combine the earth and water elements in an idyllic perfection.

Prainha

Located near the tip of São Lourenço, Prainha stands out for being the only beach in the archipelago where the sand is copper-coloured. The landscape contrasts with the green mountains of the island, being arid and painted in yellows and browns.

Lido Bathing Complex

Located in one of the most emblematic areas of Funchal, next to the Seafront Public Promenade, this bathing complex overlooks the Lido islet. Facing the sea, it is made up of several levels, offering bathers and tourists unique views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Garajau Nature Reserve

The first exclusively marine reserve created in Portugal, in 1986, is located on the south coast of the island, near Garajau beach in the parish of Caniço. It is one of the most interesting places for diving in the archipelago because of the transparency of the water, and also because of the peculiarity of the resident fauna and coastal species.

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All the Culture

Madeira embraces a world of traditions.

Whether their component is religious or profane, connected to handicrafts, nature or music, Madeirans excel at keeping their customs alive.

The archipelago’s cultural heritage, built over six centuries of history, is as important as its natural diversity.

Houses of Santana

Monte Sledges

Funchal Cathedral

Bordal - Madeira Embroidery

Fábrica Santo António

Caption

Houses of Santana

The Houses of Santana are one of Madeira’s hallmarks. With a unique architecture, these attractions are the representation of typical buildings, made of wood, thatch and lily of the valley tree or heather poles. This type of building was replicated for centuries, as the materials used for its construction were abundant and significantly cheaper than stone (raw material only accessible to families with great purchasing power). The ‘Casinhas de Santana’, as they are also known, have the emblematic triangular shape and are made up of a living area (bedroom and kitchen), and a small attic, where seeds and other agricultural products were stored.

Monte Sledges

These are one of Madeira’s exlibris! Made of wood and wicker, they slide down the steep streets of the city.

They appeared in the 19th century as a means of transporting people and goods from Monte to Funchal. Currently, they partially recreate the route to the parish of Livramento, which is about two kilometres long, completed in ten minutes.

Handcrafted from eucalyptus wood and wicker from Curral das Freiras, they have an upholstered seat and ropes are placed at the ends of the structure.

Controlling the descent, two experienced professionals called ‘Carreiros’ make sure that the fun is monitored in all safety.

Funchal Cathedral

The Cathedral is the archipelago’s main religious temple. The Mudejar ceiling, designed by master builder Pêro Anes, covers an area of over 1,500 m2 and is considered the largest work of its kind in Portugal and, probably, in Europe. It also has one of the most complex frames of alfarje carpentry, built in island cedar wood (Juniperus maderensis).

In this Cathedral, the chancel’s altarpiece stands out, made of gilded woodcarving and adorned with sculptures and oil paintings. The altarpiece has an undeniable architectural and historical value, due to the skill required by its construction technique and because it is the only one from this period that remains in its place of origin.

Bordal - Madeira Embroidery

It is one of the oldest and most popular manufacturers and exporters of the famous Madeira Embroidery.

Founded 60 years ago, the place, which is part of the Madeira Embroidery Historical Route, is a living museum and shop at the same time. There, it is possible to see the handmade embroidery production process, a tradition that has been kept for over 150 years.

Fábrica

Santo António

With more than a century of history, Fábrica Santo António is dedicated to the production of handmade Madeiran sweets.

From the typical candy with eucalyptus, fennel and passion fruit flavours, to honey cake, jams and biscuits, there’s something sweet for everyone!

Gastronomy and wine go hand in hand and are part of the DNA of the archipelago of Madeira.

From the famous Madeira Wine to the traditional ‘bolo do caco’, from the ‘espetada’ to the tuna steak, not forgetting the fried corn and the grilled limpets, Madeira is a paradise of a thousand flavours, and those who visit us feel justifiably delighted with our cuisine.

Honey Cake and Biscuits

Fruit

Grilled limpets; Chromis; Snails Rum Skewer Caco cake

Caption 2 4 6 7

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All the Flavours

Honey Cake and Biscuits

Madeira Honey Cake is a recipe that dates back to the times when sugarcane was the great driving force of the Region’s economy.

This cake is traditionally prepared with sugar cane honey, and also, as any other cake, flour and yeast, but also some special ingredients such as fennel, cinnamon, cloves, almonds and Madeira wine. A delicacy that all Madeirans have at home, especially at Christmas time.

The same happens with the handmade honey biscuits, which have sugar cane honey as their main ingredient, and which, like the honey cake, when wellconditioned, last for a long time and can be stored for many months before being ingested.

Fruit

At the Farmers’ Market you can find tropical fruits from the archipelago of Madeira, always fresh and delicious, ready to eat. The most popular are the tabaibo (prickly pear), avocado, papaya, banana passion fruit, English tomato and custard apple. They delight visitors, since some of these fruits, cannot be found in mainland Europe.

Seafood

Seafood plays a central role in regional gastronomy. The grilled limpets, served as a starter, are a much-appreciated delicacy, especially when seasoned with butter and lemon juice and brought to the table in a pan still sizzling. Equally appetising are the snails: small sea snails, which whet the appetite of any seafood lover.

Rum

Madeira Rum, often known as ‘sugar cane spirit’ or ‘sugar cane brandy’, is the result of the alcoholic fermentation and distillation of sugar cane juice. Its natural production has been part of the island’s traditions for generations. The younger rum, known as ‘natural rum’, is the basis of the recipe for the famous ‘Poncha da Madeira’. Rum is a specialty of Porto da Cruz, and a visit to its mill is well worthwhile.

Espetada

‘Espetada’ (skewer) is one of Madeira’s specialties: the simplicity of the seasoning and the easy preparation make it one of the most popular dishes. The meat is often grilled on laurel skewers, allowing the aroma to pass into it.

Bolo do Caco

It is believed that ‘bolo do caco’ was created in the beginning of the colonisation of Porto Santo. The recipe was simple and the flat bread could be baked on a basalt shard placed directly on hot coal. Nowadays it is a delicacy present in all bars and restaurants and is served with a good dose of garlic butter.

Madeira Wine

Located in Funchal, where the São Francisco Convent once stood in the 17th century, the Madeira Wine Company - Blandy’s Wine Lodge established its headquarters here. In a business that remains in the same family and dates back to 1811, here you can find the oldest Madeira Wine cellars in the world.

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Funchal for All

Funchal is the capital of the archipelago of Madeira, and is located in a bay, on the south coast of the island.

A bustling, cosmopolitan place, it shines from the natural amphitheatre where it rests, surrounded by mountains and valleys. Funchal is the perfect balance between nature and urban planning and, spread over its area of about 76 km2 , we find the most beautiful and tropical gardens, secular monuments and its lively market.

Legenda

Botanical Garden

The Madeira Botanical Garden is a reference for the diversity of exotic flora it preserves and displays. The vivid and exuberant colours, together with the variety of geometric shapes found in nature, delight botanists, tourists and locals.

In the Botanical Garden you will find more than 3,000 plant varieties spread over 80,000 square metres.

In the meanders of the garden, you can visit the Natural History Museum, the Santana House, the Arboretum (where you can see plants from different parts of the world) and the ‘Furna dos Namorados’.

The aromatic and medicinal plants, the rose garden and the endemic and indigenous flora are also points of interest for garden visitors.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Located on a hilltop in the parish of Monte, the Madeira Monte Palace Garden offers a wonderful view over the bay of Funchal. In the 20th century, this space was a luxury hotel, thus having a great historical importance.

The garden stands out for its 100,000 plant species, including heather, trees and ferns. Centenary cycads can also be found here.

There is a part of the garden dedicated to Madeiran flora, where you can find several species of Macaronesian Laurissilva and plants like the ‘Mocano’.

The garden also includes exotic plants from various continents, and Koi fish stand out in its various lakes thanks to their colourful diversity.

Funchal Cable Car

The Funchal Cable Car connects the old part of the city with the parish of Monte. In a journey that takes about 15 minutes, you will have the privilege of enjoying unique views, as you move away from the city and get closer to the green nature. All this with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

Old Town of Funchal

It is believed that this was the first area of the city to be populated. Its typically narrow cobbled streets and the façades of its buildings turn this area into a place of great historical and heritage value.

In this part of downtown Funchal, restaurants sprung up in old houses with a traditional architecture, dedicated to the most varied types of cuisine.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market)

Inaugurated during a dictatorship period, it is an architectural example of the era and was built to become a supply hub for the city.

Visiting the Farmers’ Market is an inebriating experience. Among the fruit, fish, sweets and souvenirs, you can feel the contagious energy of its merchants overflowing, making a visit to the market something always special.

Municipal Garden

The Municipal Garden is located north of Avenida Arriaga, where the São Francisco Convent once stood. It was also known as the Dona Amélia Garden in honour of the former Queen of Portugal.

In this garden you will find indigenous flora, but also plants from various continents. It includes a lake, home to some fish and birds, and an auditorium for cultural activities.

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Porto Santo for All

Known for its idyllic sand beach, Porto Santo Island is much more than a summer holiday destination.

The nine kilometres of golden sand with therapeutic properties and its turquoise sea are the eternal trademark of this island, but along its 42 km there are countless attractions you can’t miss.

The golden island is definitely worth your visit. Landing directly at Porto Santo airport or by boarding the ferry which departs daily from Funchal port, a visit to the archipelago is only complete after experiencing the charm of Porto Santo first hand.

Colombus’ House

Old Pier

Portela Viewpoint - Mills

Pico Branco Trail - Terra Chã

Porto das Salemas

Flores Viewpoint

Pico Ana Ferreira

Porto Santo Beach

Porto Santo Golf

Caption

Columbus’ House

History tells us that this was the house where Christopher Columbus lived during his time in Porto Santo, in the period prior to his marriage to Filipa de Moniz, daughter of the first donee captain of the island.

Now a museum, the building is the result of the adaptation of two constructions, in works that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There is an exhibition room dedicated to the Portuguese maritime expansion and also four thematic rooms: one dedicated to the Portuguese Expansion, another to the Biography of Christopher Columbus, and the third and fourth ones dedicated to the Dutch colonial empire.

Old Pier

This is an old Portuguese pier available in the Porto Santo island. In the past, passengers and goods disembarked here. Nowadays it is considered a historical monument, but is also used for leisure activities, such as diving. The surrounding waters are crystal clear and the local beach is a tourist attraction.

The pillars that make up the Old Pier are 4 metres high and equidistant. The entire structure, rehabilitated in 2017, is over 100 metres long.

Portela Viewpoint - Mills

Portela Viewpoint offers an unforgettable panoramic view over Porto Santo Island.

It is located east of the city and nearby you can find several mills that were once of great use to the entire island. Some of these mills have been restored and are considered authentic relics.

On the way to the viewpoint, one can observe the arid landscape, the windmills, the palm trees and also the Nossa Senhora da Graça Chapel.

The Portela Viewpoint is a favourite spot on New Year’s Eve, offering a privileged view of Porto Santo’s fireworks show.

Pico Branco Trail - Terra Chã

This trail, which starts at regional road ER 111 and ends at TerraChã, is 2.7 km long. This is where you can see the largest number of specimens of well-preserved indigenous flora on the island. The viewpoints along the footpath offer a view of various points on the island: Pico do Concelho, Ilhéu de Cima, Portela, Ilhéu de Baixo, among others.

Porto das Salemas

Located in the northern part of the island, in a small cove, Porto das Salemas has a unique beauty. This Port is another paradise away from the hustle and bustle, only accessible on foot.

Here, when the tide is low, small natural swimming pools are formed, where you will want to rest and enjoy the inviting temperature of the blue-green waters of Porto Santo.

Flores Viewpoint

Located on the south coast, the Flores Viewpoint offers a definitive view over Porto Santo and its beach. From here you can also see other reference points such as Calheta beach, and the Ferro, Cal and Cima islets. The route to the viewpoint, as well as the Flores Viewpoint itself, are worthy of being photographed.

Pico Ana Ferreira

It is the highest point on the western side of Porto Santo. At 283 metres above sea level, it is made up of a number of perfect prism-shaped columns resulting from volcanic activity that took place thousands of years ago. The columns are visible for over a kilometre.

Porto Santo Beach

Comprising the entire southern coast of the island, Porto Santo beach, with its yellow sand, is known for its natural beauty and its therapeutic properties for treating orthopaedic and circulation problems.

It’s the only natural beach with yellow sand in the whole archipelago of Madeira and stretches for nine kilometres.

Porto Santo Golf Club

If you are a golf fan, discover the course that will provide you with splendid shots accompanied by breathtaking views. The Porto Santo golf course has 18 holes and two different areas: the South route, typically American, dotted with lakes and demanding intense play, and the North route, located on top of the basalt cliffs.

Contacts

Via Expresso - Emergency Road Service (São Vicente, Porto Moniz, Santana, Calheta)

800 203 040

geral@viaexpresso.com

112

European Emergency Number Hospital

(+351) 291 705 600

ssocialhm@srs.pt

www.sesaram.pt

SMM - Emergency Medical Services

(+351) 291 204 480

(+351) 927 813 729

geral@servicosmedicos.com

www.servicosmedicos.com

Regional Civil Protection Service, IP - RAM

(+351) 291 700 112

(+351) 961 943 303

srpc@gov-madeira.pt

www.procivmadeira.pt

SANAS - Socorro no Mar - Emergency at Sea

(+351) 291 230 112

secgeral@sanasmadeira.pt

www.sanasmadeira.pt

Via Litoral - Emergency Road Service (Caniçal / Ribeira Brava)

800 290 290

vialitoral@vialitoral.com

www.vialitoral.com

www.viaexpresso.com

Funchal Municipal Fire Department

(+351) 291 200 930

bmf@netmadeira.com

www.cm-funchal.pt

Madeiran Volunteer Fire Department

(+351) 291 225 067

(+351) 291 223 056

bvm@netmadeira.com

www.ahbvm.pt

Public Security Police - PSP

(+351) 291 208 400

crmadeira@psp.pt

www.psp.pt

Judiciary Police - PJ

(+351) 291 220 800

dic.funchal@pj.pt

www.policiajudiciaria.pt

Republican National Guard - GNR

(+351) 291 214 460

ct.mad.dfun.pfun@gnr.pt

www.gnr.pt

Maritime Police - PM

(+351) 916 600 707

policiamaritima.funchal@amn.pt

www.amn.pt

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