All the further information for the Best 20 Things to Do in Madeira is included at the very bottom of the post by activity, including times, transportation options, prices and resources to check out.
This is the best things to do in Madeira, but you may be wandering where the island is and why you would want to go there.
Madeira is nestled 250 miles North of the Canary Islands and 400 miles East of Morocco. Black sand and pebble beaches on the outside of the island give way to the levada rainforests with their laurel trees – lush, green and humid. In the centre of the island the peaks of the mountains provide vistas across the island.
It’s a European island hard to capture in words, owned by Portugal but more exotic. The weather changes over short distances, rainy and damp walking the levadas while ten kilometres away people are sunbathing on the beach.
Before we get into it, my favourite way to experience Madeira is with rental car. You can access many of the Top 20 by public transport and staying in Funchal, but some are difficult to reach – a rental car will give you the freedom.
It’s such an interesting destination, but one that really rewards those who find its highlights. Without further ado, here are the 20 Best Things to do In Madeira.
Walk from Pico Do Ariero to Pico Ruivo
With a name that avoids easy pronounciation, Pico do Ariero is the third highest peak on Madeira at 1818 metres. A walk from here to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak (1861m) will take you 4-6 hours return at a distance of 14 kilometres.
Whilst this 20 Best Things to Do in Madeira Post is not ranked in order, this is my favourite experience in Madeira. The walk is not for families with young children, or for those with vertigo, but the 3 hours it takes between the two peaks is a memerising journey across the highest peaks of Madeira, past rock features and buttresses, and through tunnels. The views are outstanding.
Leave at first light to make the best of the journey. To make it more spectacular, a drive up to Pico Do Arieiro before sunrise is an experience in itself, then you can join the hard core elite watching sunrise.
Looking out at one of the many viewpoints on the walk to Pico Ruivo
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Again, the 20 Best things to do in Madeira is not ranked in order, but if I had a second choice, it would be dolphin watching. There are several companies that offer dolphin and whale watching from the South of the island, some based out of the capital Funchal and some out of Calheta.
Madeira is lucky to have both resident dolphins and both dolphins and whales that migrate past the island – and there are plenty of species to look out for! In the waters, you can see six different species on dolphins (Spotted, common, bottlenose, striped, rough toothed and Risso’s) Alternatively, there are also six species of whales that migrate past Madeira – Pilot, Sperm, Blanville’s Beaked, Bryde’s, Sei, and Fin Whales.
That’s a lot of marine life to view. Of all the tour operators, the two recommendations would be for H20 Madeira and On Tales, both departing from Calheta.
On Tales do their tours in a yacht for up to 12 people and charge €54 (as of Dec 2019). H20 Madeira use a rib so they can get bumpy but you get so close to the animals. An added benefit of H20Madeira is that on top of the normal fee of €40 per person, you can pre-book swimming with dolphins for €20 extra. Of course, this comes with a couple of stipulations. Firstly, it’s not swimming so much as getting pulled along on the back of the rib. Secondly, it has to be the right dolphins! There are laws, or at least policies, from swimming with some dolphins so they need to be Common or Spotted Dolphins to be able to do so.
Remember that Catamarans, whilst more comfortable than Rib powerboats, do cover less ground. Romantic they may be when sunset is upon you but a powerboat offers the best chance to see dolphins in the water.
Whichever you opt for, dolphin watching is one of the highlights of any Madeira trip.
A bottlenose dolphin playfully jumping out near the boat
A Drink - of Four - of Poncha
Place lemon rind, honey, lemon juice and sugar in a glass and mash together using a traditional wooden spoon. Add distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice. Now, you have a Poncha.
Whilst Madeira may be traditionally known for its Madeiran wine, it is the Poncha that rules. It feels like an aperitif to drink before a meal or in the late afternoons.
Lemon is typical but orange and passion fruit are popular alternatives.
No trip to Madeira is complete without a Poncha or four, and that’s why it ranks in the 20 best things to do in Madeira.
A typical Poncha bottle sold in the supermarkets of Madeira
Ponta Da Sao Lourenco
The ponta da sao lourenco is Madeira’s Eastern peninsula.
Accessible by tour or rental car, it’s reached past Canical on the ER109, a
road that ends with a roundabout and a multitude of parking.
Past that, you’ll need to get your walking shoes on. The
walk takes around 4 hours return, but en route you’ll admire Madiera’s bays and
volcanic basalt landscapes. The furthest official end of the path is the Casa
do Sardinha, which since 2010 has become the Reception of the area with a
permanent exhibition and a bar alongside it.
Take the road further though, past the signs notifying you
that the official path has ended, and you get to the viewpoint of Ponta do
Furado. This small 15-20 minute extension allows you to see across to the final
two islands of Madeira’s bow – the island of Cevada and Farol.
There is also a pier near the reception area that does daily
boat rides with differing itineries around the last few islands and lighthouse
on the Island of Farol.
My favourite time to visit is by driving to the parking area
very early, and walking before dawn breaks. Though you won’t be able to see the
sunrise from the end of the island, you can witness the light breaking and beat
the crowds. Additionally, you can overnight in a tent near the Sao Lourenco
reception, should you wish.
Looking across from the furthest Eastern point of Madeira
Vereda Dos Balcoes
If you want to delve into the Madeiran world of levadas, this short walk talks barely 30 minutes each way but packs a punch.
It starts inland at Ribeiro Frio on highway ER103, and follows the levada of Serra do Faial. One of my favourite parts of the walk is that shortly after leaving the highway it passes a small family snack bar cum restaurant cum shack with goods displayed outside on tables that reminded me of a Nepal Teahouse.
The walk ends up on the balcony – the Balcoes – a viewpoint with views acoross to the central mountain chain of Madeira that includes the peaks of Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. It’s a big bang for a small buck, and a good walk for those not able to walk further than ann hour reound trip.
Looking across from the Balcoes Viewpoint at the end of the Levada walk
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
At the North West of the island lies Porto Moniz, a town isolated but visited by day trippers and coach tours alike. For me, the town is an unusual architectural blend that leaves one quite unimpressed. But the draw is what is considered by some to be the finest location anywahere on the island to swim.
Black basalt lava pools are naturally formed by the island Ilheu Mole, heated by the sun and with a fairly pleasant temperature of twenty degrees Celsius – though don’t expect it to be that hot in the winter.
There is another man made lido pool known as the Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz on the western side of the town. These are, for the less adventurous, slightly safer and include changing rooms and showers. They also charge a little for entrance.
If you’re feeling at one with nature, go for the pools overlooking the island.
The end of the Natural Swimming Pools with water heading into the sea, and the coastline of Porto Moniz behind
Funchal Cable Car (Teleferico Do Funchal)
Rising up from the shoreline on Funchal, the cable car takes you on a fifteen to twenty minute journey up to the Monte suburb above town. Not only is it a pleasant way to experience the city, it’s also a superb transportation to the delights on Monte – the Funchal Wicker Baskets (more on that later), Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Madeira Botanical Garden and the Church of our Lady of Monte.
Five minutes into the Funchal Cable Car Ride looking across the rooftops of the city
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
In Monte you’ll find both the Botanical gardens and the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. My pick if you only want to do one is the latter. Whilst the inside of the Monte Palace is not visitable, thought it used to be a hotel, the surroundings outside are beautiful. There’s a separate Museum building at the top of the gardens by the main entrance near the Cable Car, a central lake, exotic and oriental plants, a shop, a coffee place (or two) and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a peacock wandering.
It’s a great break away from the city and deserves a couple of hours to wander – when we went, the ticket price even included a free Madeira Wine taster.
One of the Japanese themed gardens in the Monte Palace
The Monte Sledges
Picture the scene… You’re in a wicker basket that’s mounted on two wooden runners. There’s two “Carreiros” behind you – sledge drivers dressed in white and wearing straw boaters with rubber soled boots that act as brakes. Oh, and you’re plummeting down the hill at 38km per hour on a road made for cars.
Originally, the Monte sledges were started in the mid 19th century to be used as a means of the local residents in Monte to travel downhill to the city of Funchal.
Nowadays, the Monte Sledges may be touristy to the extremes, the “carreiros” a little worn, but this is still an adrenaline ride not to miss. It’s over 2 kilometre down the road in Livramento and takes about 10 minutes but it’s hard not to be totally enthralled by the experience.
A ride will set you back 25 euros a person, 30 euros for 2 people or 45 euros for 3 people, but where else can you say “I fell down the hill in a wicker basket and survived”. You’ll find the start point in Monte just below the Church of our Lady in Monte from 9am to 6pm for 359 days of the year (every day except festivities)
Tip: You can buy an official photo at the end point but see if the Carreiros will stop half way down and take a photo of you.
Preparing the Monte Sledges at the start point of the journey
Funchal Centre and Old Town (Zona Velha)
Easily reached behind the cable car station is Funchal Old Town. It’s great for a walk around but also the whole of Funchal centre, the parks, shops, seafront and churches have an aesthetic little seen in capital cities across Europe. It feels relaxed but still emits a cosmopolitan vibe.
The old church of the Old Town of Funchal
Rua Da Santa Maria (Funchal)
The street of Santa Maria clefts through the Old Town of Funchal and deserves its own place in the list of 20 Best Things to do in Madeira. For most of its length, its narrow with the hub-bub of restaurants and tables lining its narrow street. Of particular note is the Painted Doors Project, a public art project created to stimulate the area. Various Madeiran art personalities have teamed up to – you guessed it – paint the doors of the Rua de Santa Maria with lively and often unusual murals.
Messing around with one of the Painted Doors on the Rua Da Santa Maria
Mercada Dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market)
Loosely translated as the “workers’ market”, the Mercado sits in the middle of Funchal next to of its main road that clefts Funchal in two from the sea to the VR1 Highway – the Rua Brigadeiro. The market showcases flowers, fish, fruit and vegetables as well as having other gift shops selling fares such as Madeiran wine and poncha. It’s open every day except Sundays and holidays, from 7am to 6pm. Friday mornings are said to be the best time to visit, when most vendors come.
Almost all of the products are local, and you’ll find exotic fruits and strange fish – great if you like shoping and eating locally.
Fruits being sold at the Farmers' Market in Funchal
Porto Santo Island
Porto Santo sits 27 miles Northeast of Madeira and it’s the untouched Portugal. If you want to relax and take it easy, even for a day, then Porto Santo is for you. Its split into a mountainous northeast and a coastal southwest, including a white sand beach that stretches for 9 kilometres. Madeira, in contrast, has black pebble beaches mostly except for the odd black sand beach and manmade beach at Calheta.
Porto Santo also has formations of Mugearite rock columns you can see but the reality is there aren’t many “tourist” sights.
If you want to get off the beaten track and have the time, it’s great. If you have three days in Madeira, there’s plenty else to do.
Part of Porto Santo’s quietness is that although there is an airport on the island, it’s less served than Madeira. The only other way of getting there is by ferry from Funchal on the the main island. There’s one company that has the monopoly called Porto Santo Line, it takes a couple of hours and a car can cost up to €210 return or adult walk on passengers being up to €60 return.
The Ilheu Cal lying off the south point of Porto Santa near the Ferry port
Cabo Girau Skywalk
The skywalk at Cabo Girau sits 580 metres high above cliffs and with views across the ocean and down to the town of Camara de Lobos.
The viewpoint can get crowded in peak season and it has a glass floor, thereby alienating those with vertigo. However, its’s a free attraction and commands great views, with souvenir shops and cafes just behind it for a break or lunch.
Looking down from the edge of the Cabo Girau Skywalk
Curral Das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns)
The valley of the Nuns divides people. Historically interesting, it was originally named the corral of the mountains. The nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge here during pirate attacks on Funchal in 1566. They made this isolated valley their home, safe from the attacks and hence it came to be known as the Valley of the Nuns.
Practically nowadays, there are those that visit multiple times, finding a peaceful and quiet village shrouded in a valley in the mountains. You can venture there by bus from Funchal and except for a few tourist attractions and an admirable church and graveyard, all there is to do is walk and relax.
Of course, there are others that think it’s completely overrated, yet it deserves a space in the 20 Best Things to Do in Madeira on the basis that so many people seem to love it. (I think you can guess by now which group I fit into).
There is a viewpoint at Eira do Serrado over the entire valley. Some buses also stop here enroute to the town, and there is a popular walk from the viewpoint down into town that takes around an hour.
Peering through the trees to the centre of the Valley of the Nuns
Jardim Do Mar
Jardim do Mar is a town perched at the West of the island. The name in Portugese means “garden of the sea”. It’s an interesting town of small pedestrian alleyways alongside the houses, exotics fauna, a small picturesque church and lizards fliting in and out of the stone walls as you walk around.
Joe’s Bar is great for a drink or a hearty lunch, and the neighbouring town Paul do Mar is a few kilometres away and has a quirky cocktail bar called Maktub which is great to watch the sunset.
One of the many small alleyways covered in flowers through Jardim Do Mar
Barbusano Wine Tasting
A visit to Madeira would not be complete without a wine tasting , or two. There are a few producers in the Funchal area, but Quinta do Barbusano gets my rating for the 20 Best Things to Do in Madeira.
It’s located in the North of the island near Sao Vicente, and produces both red and white wines. A typical visit starts with a short tour of the vineyards (weather permitting) before heading in to sample a selection of wines with ham, bread and cheese.
If you want to try Madeiran fortified Wine instead or struggle to get to the North of the island, think about a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal itself. Their Premium and Vintage Tours can be booked on their website.
Finishing wine tasting with five empty bottles
Afternoon Tea At Belmond Reid's Palace
Love Afternoon tea in Britain? Well transport that image to Madeira to the infamous Belmon Reid’s Palace overlooking Funchal Bay.
Strictly speaking, this is a hotel not a palace but it’s known for its dining and afternoon tea. Is served daily in the Lounge and the Tea Terrace from 3pm to 5:30pm – dine on finger sandwiches, scones, home made pastries and your choice of tea, of upgrade to include champagne.
It’s no cheap but then high tea is always reserved for those that don’t need to know the price (but expect to pay €36 per person).
If tea doesn’t float your boat, you can eat at one of the many restaurants in the Belmond for an evening meal. The William restaurant is Michelin starred, the Villa Cipriani offers a slice of Italian life with its menu, or you can drink a cocktail in the cocktail bar.
Getting ready for afternoon tea at Belmond Reid's Palace
Levada do Caldeiroa Verde
The levada of the Green Cauldron starts at the Queimadas Park near Santana in the North of the Island. A levada is an irrigation channel used to bring large amounts of water from the wet, mountainous parts of the island to the drier lowlands.
As all levadas do, it winds by the water channel, passing through four different tunnels and through the Laurisilva forests to an outstanding hundred metre high waterfall.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a dip before returning to the park entrance.
The Forestry house and cafe at the start of the Levada walk
Levada Das 25 Fontes
Known as the Levada of 25 fountains because the waterfall you will reach comes off the wall at a supposed 25 different points that you can count.
You’ll start on the regional road ER110 and go down to the Rabacal house. From here the Levada das 25 Fontes is known as PR6 but there is also the option to go on the 6.1 Levada do Risco to another waterfall.
Levadas all have great signposting and the walks are numbered too
Conclusion
Well, that’s the end of our Best 20 Things to Do In Madeira. I hope some of them have moved you to action. Madeira is getting popular and a great destination. With a stay in Funchal or a day there, you can cover a lot of the attractions including the cable car, the old town, the Monte Palace Gardens and the Mont Sledges. With a rental car, you have access to the best walks that Madeira offer on the levadas and high peaks, as well as being able to get to the far flung places like Porto Moniz and the Ponta da Sao Lourenco.
Check out the further planning resources below to make your preparation even easier.
Further Resources
Click on each tab below for resources to plan each of the Best 20
Time:- 4-6 hours round trip
Transportation:- There is no way to access the peak without a rental car, an organised tour, or agreeing a price with a taxi. Parking available at Pico Do Arieiro.
Logistics:- Surprisingly, there’s a small café selling coffees and beers/poncha on the trail ten minutes walk below Pico Riuvo peak, and a toilet. At Pico do Ariiero, there’s a restaurant, toilets and gift shop. Make sure you pack enough water and snacks for the day on the trail.
Price:- Parking is free at Pico do Ariero. The walking is, likewise, free!
Further Research:- The path is known as PR1 and furher info can be found here http://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/15/vereda-do-areeiro-pico-ruivo-pr1/. There is also a great WalkMe App for the main Madeiran walks and levadas at http://walkmeguide.com/en/app/
Time:- Dolphin watching trips tend to be 2-3 hours long.
Transportation:- If you’re staying in Funchal, it’s easier to book one of the trips based there, but if you have transport, I would recommend the Calheta operators. You can park along the beach road at Calheta (pay and display)
Logistics:- Big bags aren’t generally allowed on the smaller boats, like the RIB. Take a camera and comfy clothing, and that’s about all you need.
Price:- Trips cost around €40-60 dependent on operator and boat. With H20Madeira, if you can “swim” with the dolphins, you pay €20 extra which is a small price to pay to get even closer.
Further Research:- Check out https://www.h2omadeira.com/ and https://www.ontales.com/ for Calheta excursions. If staying in Funchal, check out https://oceansee.net/ for trips by RIB and Catamaran or https://www.magic-dolphin.com/.
Time:- All night, if you get too addicted!
Logistics:- Ponchas are sold in pretty much every bar and restaurant, and you can but it from the supermarkets too.
Price:- Expect to pay around €2.50 - €4.50 for a poncha. Bottles in the supermarket tend to be €4 upwards.
Time:- Allow 4 hours for a round walking trip
Transportation:- There’s a massive parking area at the end of the ER109 road before walking. Again, rental car is the easiest option. Alternatively from Funchal you’ll need bus 113 to Canical (times are here:- http://www.madeira-island.com/bus_services/) and the stop to get off is Baia D’Abra.
Logistics:- Take food, water, warm clothes and rainjacket as needed.
Price:- Parking and walking is free. Taking the bus from Funchal will take 75 minutes and cost around €4. Taxi will set you back around €35 one way.
Further Research:- Officially, this is Madeira’s PR8 walkway. Find more info at http://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/2/vereda-da-ponta-de-sao-lourenco-pr8/ or on the WalkMe App.
Time:- 1 hour round trip for the walk.
Transportation:- There’s parking all along ER103 which is free, and rental car is the easiest way to explore the island. If staying in Funchal take the Line 56 Bus from the Central Bus Station – further info can be found here http://www.horariosdofunchal.pt/index-eng.php
Logistics:- Take food, water, warm clothes and rainjacket as needed. The walk is only 1 hour round trip.
Price:- Parking and walking is free. Taking the bus from Funchal will cost around €3 each way.
Further Research:- Officially, this is Madeira’s PR11 walkway. Find more info at http://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/11/vereda-dos-balcoes-pr11/ or on the WalkMe App.
Time:- As long as you want to swim!
Transportation:- If going by rental car, there is parking in Porto Moniz near the seafront (a mixture of pay and display and free parking). The free parking is further back from the beach without tarmac or defined spaces. There are many tours that go to Porto Moniz should you not wish to go independently. Bus 139 from Rodoeste connects Funchal and Porto Moniz but will take around 3.5 hours and cost €6 each way – information can be found here https://www.rodoeste.com.pt/
Logistics:- Take a swimming costume and towel to be able to swim, plus flipflops and sandals are handy too.
Price:- As mentioned, parking can be free and the pools nearest Mole Island are free. Otherwise, the manmade pools are a couple of euros per person.
Time:- 15 to 20 minutes on the cable car ride.
Transportation:- There’s a multistory car park for those travelling into Funchal. Otherwise, for those staying in town you’ll find the cable car on the Caminho das Babosas 8. Cable cars run usually between 9am and 6pm every day except Christmas Day.
Logistics:- Take everything you need with you for the day to enjoy Monte.
Price:- Parking in the multistory is the most expensive I saw in Madeira, but still only a couple of Euros per hour. The cable car in 2019 is €11 one way and €16 return. I would recommend for those fearless to take the single and then Wicker Basket and Taxi back (see below for details)
Further Research:- Info can be found on the cable car official website at http://madeiracablecar.com/
Time:- 2hrs to do the gardens justice, though you can spend longer and make it a half day.
Transportation:- From the cable car from Funchal main town (as above). There are buses to Monte from the city, dependent on where you are staying.
Logistics:- Take a camera. You won’t want to miss taking some photos around the gardens. The gardens are open every day except Christmas from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
Price:- €12.50 per person (in 2019)
Further Research:- Info can be found on the garden’s official website at https://montepalacemadeira.com/
Time:- 10minutes from top to bottom
Transportation:- From the cable car from Funchal main town (as above). There are buses to Monte from the city, dependent on where you are staying. After finishing you’ll need to bus or taxi into the city. The taxi drivers will try to convince you need 3 separate buses and it costs €10 or so which is completely false. You’ll find the bus stop next to where the taxis park and it’s one bus that comes every thirty minutes (line 19) and costs a couple of euros maximum. If you want to take a taxi try to share with others and get the price to €10 total.
Logistics:- Take a camera and a nervous passenger to ride with you. The nervous passenger isn’t essential but makes the experience twice as fun for you! At the end you’ll find a café and gift shops.
Price:- €25 for 1 person, €30 for 2, and €45 for 3 people (in 2019)
Further Research:- Info can be found at http://www.carreirosdomonte.com/v2/en/index.php
Funchal Old Town is located just behind the Cable Car Station, and the Rua Da Santa Maria forms its main spine
Funchal Old Town is located just behind the Cable Car Station, and the Rua Da Santa Maria forms its main spine
Time:- About 30 minutes to wander around
Transportation:- Located in the centre of Funchal Town
Logistics:- Take reusable bags or a backpack if you intend to buy produce. Open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 6pm – Friday morning is the busiest time for sellers.
Price:- Local fruits (especially the exotic ones) can get quite expensive, and tend to be priced by weight.
Time:- You can do Porto Santo in a day trip by taking the morning ferry and you usually get 6-8 hours to spend on the island before coming back on the evening ferry. Alernatively, you can book accommodation on Porto Santo and have a lazy few days there.
Transportation:- Best done in a rental car. If you go on the ferry as a walk on passenger, this limits your mobility on Porto Santo island unless you have the time to spend a few days there.
Logistics:- Take everything you need for a day including camera, swimming and walking gear if you intend to do either.
Price:- Up to €60 return for an individual and €210 for a car in peak season 2019. Outside of April to September prices are less and you can find a better deal.
Further Research:- Info for the ferry can be found at https://www.portosantoline.pt/
Time:- You can spend 5 minutes here or 30 minutes. It’s up to you. Partner it with lunch and that’s and hour or two gone.
Transportation:- Best done in a rental car, as usual. However Rodoeste has a Bus Line 7 from Funchal to Ribeira Brava which stops at both Camara de Lobos and the viewpoint.
Logistics:- Take a camera for the view.
Price:- Free attraction. The bus from Funchal will cost you around €3.
Further Research:- For bus information, check www.rodoeste.com.pt
Time:- Expect to spend a few hours in Curral das Freiras. If you want to stop at Eira do Serrado viewpoint, this can be done in 20 minutes with a short 5 minute walk from the car or bus stop. The walk down to town will take you 1 hour, if you want to walk and not take the bus all the way there. Add in wandering round and lunch in town and you can spend a few more hours.
Transportation:- Best done in a rental car, as usual. Hwoever, from Funchal take the Bus 81 starting at the main bus station.
Logistics:- Take a camera for the views, and walking shoes if you want to do the walk down.
Price:- The town, church and graveyard is free. Expect to pay around €7 roundtrip for a bus ticket.
Further Research:- For bus information, check http://www.horariosdofunchal.pt/
Time:- Expect to spend an hour walking round Jardim do Mar. Increase it to two hours with a drink at Joe’s Bar.
Transportation:- Best done in a rental car. Buses from Funchal involve multiple changes and several hours to get there, so in our honest opinion not worth it. Park in the carpark at the entrance to Jardim do Mar – it’s fairly obvious as the road stops and the rest of the town is pedestrianised.
Price:- Walking round the town is free.
Further Research:- You can find Makub and Joe’s Bar on Facebook but neither have websites.
Time:- Expect to spend an hour and a half wandering around the vineyards and wine tasting.
Transportation:- Best done in a rental car. Buses from Funchal take hours to get you into Sao Vicente and then you need to find transport from there. A Taxi from Funchal would take around an hour and cost €35 approximately. Many organised tours use Quinta do Barbusano as their wine tasting.
Price:- Cost of wine tasting is just €10-15 per person. Bottles can be bought from €8 to €30 after the tasting.
Logistics:- Best if in doubt to book upfront. Tours are normally held at 10am, 1145am, 230pm and 430pm. Phone +351 291 101 022 or email here to book. If you prefer trying Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, check out http://www.blandyswinelodge.com/. Premium Tours are €10 and Vintage Tours €20.
Further Research:- You can find the vineyard on social media - Instagram and Facebook
Time:- Served between 3pm and 5:30pm. Stay as long as you need.
Transportation:- Belmont Reid is located in Funchal.
Price:- In 2019 afternoon tea was €36 per person with a champagne upgrade for €18.50 per glass
Further Research:- Find out more and book your table here
Time:- Expect to take 4-6 hours round trip.
Transportation:- Best by rental car. There is a bus from Funchal to Santana, though it’s best to leave on the early 7:30 from Funchal as you then need to take a taxi costing €10-15 to the park entrance and do the walk before returning home.
Logistics:- Take water, snacks and gear for a 6 hour walk. You’ll need a torch – or at least smartphone torch – for the tunnels, and swimwear if you want to brave the waterfall. There is a small café at the park entrance with drinks and cakes, but that is it.
Price:- The walk is free, however the Car Park at Queimadas Forestry Park is paid upon exit. Tip:- Since the pay station is inside the forestry reception house, normally if you leave after 5pm when the staff go home the barriers are lifted as you can’t pay (and hence don’t need to)
Further Research:- Find out more on the WalkMe App or at http://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/4/levada-do-caldeirao-verde-pr9/
Time:- Expect to take 4 hours round trip
Transportation:- Best by rental car. The levada is in the Calheta area to the West of the island but in the middle. There is no direct bus there.
Logistics:- Take water, snacks and gear for a 4 hour walk. You’ll need swimwear if you want to brave the pool under the waterfall but be prepared to get in the way of people’s photos (and maybe get an odd look). There is a café at the Rabacal government house known as the Rabacal Nature Spot Café open from 9am to 5pm.
Price:- The walk is free, as is the parking up by the side of the ER110.
Further Info: Check out the guide at WalkMe here:- http://walkmeguide.com/en/madeira/trail/3/calheta-levada-das-25-fontes-e-risco/. You can find the Rabacal Nature Spot Cade on Facebook here.