Madeira, a great small island

On one of my recent cruises, I visited the Island of Madeira. Madeira has this reputation that it is “for seniors” and “only for walking”. After my visit, I was surprised what a great place to visit this Island is. I have collected some information about things to do, so have a look. And just to let you know, the reputation is not true at all. Contact me if you need more information please.

Lucky trans-Atlantic voyagers who have Funchal as one of their stops will find cuisine that celebrates the freshest ingredients, a population that is joyous and gracious, activities that run the gamut from vigorous hiking to placid contemplation of nature, and great shopping opportunities for locally made crafts and embroidery.

Where You’re Docked
The cruise port is right near the center of the city, but the dock is still some distance from the main oceanfront drive. Most cruise lines have shuttles to the center of town. It’s walkable at around half a mile away. Cabs are also readily available and are quite reasonably priced.

Hanging Around
There isn’t much to do right at the cruise dock, although there are some tourist huts that are open most of the day when a ship is in port. The prices are reasonable for last-minute purchases of the Madeiran hats, embroidered goods, nuts and candy.

Getting Around
Taxis are plentiful in Funchal and rates are government regulated. You will see yellow taxis with two blue stripes at the pier and in town. Drop rates start between 1.30 and 2 euros (depending on the day and time) with an approximate rate of .50 euros per mile. This rate is good for up to four people.

Buses are also plentiful, reasonably priced and easy to take in both the city itself and to the nearby communities outside of Funchal. A one-way ticket costs between 1.30 and 6 euros, depending on the length of the journey (the bus conductor will tell you what you owe when you tell him your destination). For 15 euros you can purchase a week-long pass (at the tourist office); although you won’t be staying a week, you can use the bus for the day as your personally chauffeured vehicle to go on any route you choose. Schedules and routes can be found at the tourist information kiosk in the city.

Car rentals are available through most major rental firms, but there’s a caveat: Funchal now has a population of nearly 110,000 people on streets that are largely unchanged from the city’s medieval beginnings. Unless you want a car to visit other parts of the island, don’t frustrate yourself by trying to drive in Funchal.

Don’t Miss
Levada Walking: When the slaves were imported into Madeira in the 15th and 16th centuries, they set to work developing the unique and enormous network of irrigation ditches all over the island, built to bring water from the highest points to the lowest. Modern technology has changed the face of irrigation so these ditches are no longer used for their original purpose, but they have been preserved as hiking trails. Levada maps are available at the tourist office kiosk in town. You can take the cable car up the mountain and hike the levadas back town if you prefer a less vigorous workout.

Things to do
It’s THE most touristy thing to do in Funchal .. no in Madeira as a whole. Take a trip in a toboggan (read wicker basket!) down from Monte to Funchal pulled, pushed and steered by two “tobogganeers”. A hair raising journey down narrow winding streets with cobbles and ruts thrown in for good measure. Sounds exciting! Well maybe .. but be prepared for the cost .. 10 Euros per passenger, plus you are expected to tip the drivers generously after wards .. oh and if you want a photo of yourself waiting in the basket .. sorry .. toboggan as you consider the wisdom of your decision .. you will be photographed before the journey commences and hey presto the photo will be ready for you at the journey’s end .. that will cost a further 10 Euros. One more point .. the toboggan trip no longer takes you all the way down into Funchal as the traffic conditions make that too dangerous so you will have a 2 km walk to reach Funchal.
Did I take a toboggan trip then? Of course I did!
Well at least save yourself 10 Euros and ask the photographer to take a picture of you with your own camera, they are usually quite happy to do so.
You could try walking .. it’s only 4km! Damned hard on the knees though .. steep!

Porto Moniz – natural pools and relaxation
This place was described many times. And undoubtedly is worth of visiting. Not only crystal and warm water but also picturesque landscape of lava islets and ocean waves are outstanding attractions.
My practice observations: in September swimming was allowed only up to 1 or 2 pm. After this time pools were flooded by the waves from ocean. And ‘nadadores salvadores’ (simply life-guard) hung the red flag out. During afternoon time I don’t recommend to take place near the pools edge – for sure waves will wet all your stuff.
Normal ticket is 1,25 euro. Pools are full equipped: restaurant, wc, changing rooms, baggage room, showers, sunbeds etc. One minus is that you have to put you towel on concrete ground (or on sunbed for additional charge).

Beaches of Madeira
99% of Madeira’s beaches are pebble, which can sometimes be a tad uncomfortable if you are not used to it! having said that, if you are desperate for perfect sandy beaches, you might want to take the ferry over to Porto Santo island. ferries leave from Funchal, and take under an hour. the island is extremely popular in the summer, as most people go to swim and lay on the sandy beaches.
While Madeira’s beaches might be a bit pebbly, they are very pretty, especially as they usually have cliffs all around them. this photo was taken at camara de lobos, and the beach here can be accessed from steps that are located in the town centre. there are a few restaurants and cafes along the beach front which, in summer, are cool places to hang out!

Sao Vicente Caves visiting
Almost in the centre of Sao Vicente (north coast of the island) is located the Volcanic Center together with the caves system available for tourist guided tours.
At the beginning you have 25 min. guided tour (in English and Portugal) along the caves made by lava. This is really impresive and wild place with the small, crystal underground lakes, water dropping from the ceiling and strange rock shapes and formations.
After it you can visit modern science center. Among others attractions you can see the fantastic 3D film about origins of the Madeira and volcanic phenomena. The organizers also prepared many different special presentations and suprises. Undouptedly Sao Vicente ‘grutas’ are worth you while.
The normal ticket price is 8 Euro. From Funchal and Porto Moniz you can get to Sao Vicente by Rodoeste line buses, but check the timatable properly because buses run irregularly and seldom.