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Welcome
to Madeira!
Europe's Tropical Paradise
About the City
Why is Madeira a unique Erasmus+ destination?
Stunning Natural Landscapes
Lush forests, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring levadas, and scenic viewpoints.
Adventure & Wildlife
Opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving, and other water sports. A paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Experiences
Historic architecture, museums, and art galleries in towns like Funchal, the island’s capital. Vibrant local festivals and lively cultural experiences.
Cuisine & Hospitality
Delicious local dishes, tropical fruits, and Madeira wine. Friendly, welcoming locals create a warm and laid-back atmosphere.
Come Discover Madeira with us!
Explore 100+ courses in our UNESCO Cities: Algarve, Aveiro, Azores Island, Lisbon, Madeira Island, Porto, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Krakow.
Planned Courses in Madeira
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, located off the coast of Africa. The archipelago is made up of 2 main islands - Madeira & Porto Santo - as well as several smaller ones. It was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1419, and since then, it has been a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and adventure!
A Little History
First, let’s delve into the history of Madeira. Discovered by the Portuguese in the early 15th century, the island was initially used as a base for explorers and traders heading to Africa and the Americas. However, it wasn’t long before settlers began to take advantage of Madeira’s fertile soil, which was perfect for growing sugarcane. This led to the development of an extensive sugar industry, which brought great wealth to the island and led to the construction of many traditional, beautiful buildings and monuments. One of the most unique aspects of Madeira is its geography!
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Madeira became a flourishing hub of agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange.
Sugarcane cultivation brought wealth to the island, funding the construction of churches, monasteries, and public buildings, fostering education and the arts.
Portuguese explorers and settlers contributed to the growth of literature, music, and religious learning, establishing Madeira as an important cultural outpost in the Atlantic.
This period laid the foundations for the island’s rich cultural heritage and architectural legacy that visitors admire today.
The island is incredibly mountainous, with steep cliffs, lush valleys, and rugged coastlines. The island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, rises to a height of 1,862m, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Madeira is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, including the Botanical Garden of Madeira and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
But that’s not all – Madeira is also famous for its levadas, which are narrow channels that carry water from the mountains to the fields and orchards below. These levadas run for over 2,000km throughout the island, and walking along them is a popular activity for tourists. The walks can range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, but all of them offer breathtaking views of the island’s natural beauty.
Madeira is home to laurel forests (Laurisilva), a UNESCO World Heritage site, with rare and endemic plant species.
The island hosts unique wildlife, including birds, insects, and marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and ecotourism.
Its biodiversity offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and botanical exploration, blending adventure with environmental appreciation.
Let's get to the good part, shall we?
It’s no secret that the Portuguese culture is so associated with food that every celebration means an opportunity to celebrate life with eating, drinking and being merry. When it comes to food, Madeira is a paradise for seafood lovers. The island’s location in the middle of the Atlantic means that fresh fish and shellfish are always on the menu. Some of the most popular dishes include espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana), lapas (limpets), and bolo do caco (a type of bread). Madeira is also famous for its wine, which is made from a grape variety unique to the island.
Taxi / Ride-Apps
Taxi: About 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: ~€25–30.
Uber / Bolt: Similar duration and cost.
By Public Bus
Aerobus / SAM Bus – Direct connection from the airport to Funchal city center and major hotels.
Frequency: every 30–40 minutes
Cost: ~€6 one-way
By Car Rental
Rental services are available at the airport.
Driving to Funchal takes ~20 minutes via VR1 motorway.
Recommended if you plan to explore other parts of the island.
Funchal Old Town
Madeira’s charming capital, Funchal, boasts colorful streets, historic buildings, and the famous Santa Maria Street, known for its vibrant painted doors.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Funchal’s lively market, perfect for sampling exotic fruits, local cheeses, and lapas (grilled limpets).
Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo
Two of Madeira’s highest peaks, offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, with scenic hiking trails above the clouds.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, featuring a thrilling glass-floor skywalk with stunning panoramic views over the coastline.
Levada Walks
Madeira’s famous levadas (irrigation channels) offer spectacular hiking trails through lush forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking valleys. Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada das 25 Fontes are must-visit routes.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
A unique swimming spot featuring volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater, perfect for a refreshing dip.
São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Center
Explore underground lava tubes and learn about Madeira’s volcanic origins at this fascinating geological site.
Santana Traditional Houses
A glimpse into Madeira’s past, these iconic triangular-shaped houses with thatched roofs are one of the island’s most photographed sights.
Ponta de São Lourenço
A striking peninsula on Madeira’s eastern tip, offering dramatic coastal scenery and fantastic hiking trails.
O Lagar (A rustic restaurant known for its espetada—traditional Madeiran beef skewers cooked over an open fire)
Armazém do Sal (A historic venue offering a modern twist on traditional Madeiran flavors, including fresh seafood and local wines)
Casa de Pasto Justiniano (A hidden gem in the mountains, serving authentic local dishes like bolo do caco (Madeiran garlic bread) and poncha (a traditional sugarcane rum drink))
Restaurante Vila do Peixe (A seafood paradise in Câmara de Lobos, specializing in fresh fish and octopus)
Taberna Ruel (A cozy spot in Funchal’s Old Town serving classic Madeiran dishes with a great atmosphere)
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Sunset at Ponta do Pargo
One of the best spots on the island to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic, offering spectacular golden-hour views.
Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours
Madeira is a prime location for spotting dolphins and whales, with tours departing regularly from Funchal.
Toboggan Ride in Monte
An exhilarating carro de cesto ride down the streets of Monte, where traditional wicker sleds glide down steep roads, guided by locals.
Madeira Wine Tasting
Visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge or Henriques & Henriques to taste Madeira’s famous fortified wines and learn about their centuries-old production.
Nightlife in Funchal
Enjoy Funchal’s vibrant nightlife at bars like Revolucion Rock Bar, Bananas Pub, and Vespas Club, offering everything from live music to dance floors.
Lido Promenade
A scenic seaside walkway with great viewpoints, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll along the Atlantic coast.
CR7 Museum
Showcases the incredible career of football world legend Cristiano Ronaldo, featuring trophies, memorabilia and exhibits about his journey to global stardom.
Portugal Awards 2020 (27 awards)
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