The different municipalities in Madeira offer activities for tourists distinctive to the district making it easier for visitors to choose their accommodation on the municipality providing for the activity that most interests them. This kind of set-up is also beneficial for all municipalities to equally progress from revenues of the tourism industry.
The tourism sector in Madeira is booming and are very tourist-friendly. Tour and travel agencies tailor suited tours to the choice and budget of the guests which usually include hotel reservations, a sampling of typical Madeiran dishes and activities’ fees.
Some of these package tours are the Family Program package which includes horse ride and boat trips, the children will surely enjoy. Walking tours suited to the kids’ age are also part of the arrangement. Between crests and cliffs deals include mountains and valleys adventures, treks to gushing waterfalls and lagoons and swimming in natural pools while East to West adventures will have tourists crossing the highest peak in the island, a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage and going through 4 man made tunnels.
Ride a Cable Car
Cãmara de Lobos Municipality was believed to be the docking point of João Gonçalves Zarco, the discoverer of the Madeira island in 1419. He is also credited for the discovery of “lobos” (sea lions) in the island where the town got its name. During the progressive tourism development in the 20th century, farmlands in the area gave way to residential and commercial businesses in support of the trade.
Tourists could ride the Fajãs Do Cabo Girão cable cars to view the Cabo Girão, a sea cliff and a popular lookout point with a daily visitors of 1,800. The cliff also serves as a prominent starting point for hikers. But the cable car is not the only attraction in the municipality. The Cabo Girão Skywalk, the third highest cliff in Europe opened in 2012 and is comparable to the Grand Canyon in USA. The walkway is made of transparent glass for open viewing.
If wanting to go for a swim, ride the Rancho Cable Car that descends to the pristine beach. Word of caution though for those afraid of heights. Restaurants in the area serve typical dishes such as Picado (meat), Espada (scabbard fish) and Polvo de Escabeche (octopus).
Visit Parishes
One of the first settlers in Porto Moniz Municipality, Francisco Moniz O Velho built a farm in the uncultivated land of the town. He is also responsible for building a chapel which the municipality is now known for; four chapels that appeal to the devout tourists.
Porto Moniz parish is the most prominent among the parishes because of its swimming pool complex and access to the Piscinas Naturais do Cachalote (natural pools). The Ribeira da Janela is the smallest parish in terms of parishioners, the Seixal Parish, the largest parish when it comes to the area and the Achadas da Cruz, the smallest parish in area and number of members.
Swim on a Beach with Golden Sand
Calheta (meaning small bay) Municipality was selected by João Gonçalvez Zarco as a gift to his son and his wife. With its rocky beach, it was the ideal port for sugar, wood and transport of Madeira wine for shipment.
The current man-made Calheta beaches has sand from Morocco and Portugal (Figuiera da Foz). Famous for its crystal clear waters, water activities such as catamaran rental to view aquatic animals in their natural habitat, windsurfing and canoeing is commonplace. A public pebble beach is also accessible, Praia do Calhau is with a boardwalk and usable changing rooms.
Drop by a Whale Museum
In all the municipalities of Madeira, the origin of Machico Municipality is the most romantic. It was believed that two English lovers, Robert Machim and Ana d’Arfet escaped to Madeira from England because of their forbidden love. They unfortunately suffered a shipwreck and died. First explorers of the island noticed the two crosses attributed to the star crossed lovers. They dedicated the name of the island to the anamorphosis of the surname Machim.
Madeira is known for its winemaking and sugarcane industry. But in the Machico Municipality, a Whale Museum is admissible to the public depicting the whale hunting industry in the island. Opened since 1989, the museum also promotes the protection and preservation of marine life.
Play Golf, Tennis and Ride Horses
Madeira’s capital, Funchal Municipality is favoured by tourists for its cultural and historical value. The sixth largest city in Portugal, Funchal is also the number one port for cruise liner docking. Similar with Cãmara de Lobos which got its name from sea lions, Funchal received its name because of the abundance of wild fennel (funcho) in the area.
Funchal is not only preferred by tourists for its historical attractions but also because the city is full of activities for leisure. Three golf courses, the Santo da Serra Golf Club, the Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo are excellent courses designed by golf course designers respected in the field. Mr. Robert Jones, configured the layout of the Santo da Serra Golf Club. From a family of golf course architects, Mr. Jones designed the 27 holes course which is yearly used in the Madeira Island Open as part of the PGA European Tour and is among the best in Europe. On the other hand, the Palheiro Golf an 18 holes course was designed by Cabell Robinson of the American Society of Golf Course Architects while the Porto Santo is a concept by former world champion golfer, Severiano Ballesteros. Opened in October 2004, the putt course is open all year round with first rate amenities such as a driving range and clubhouse.
Considered as a perfect year round holiday destination, the island is ideal for outdoor sports. Most of the hotel resorts in the island has its own tennis court with several establishments also has squash courts at the tourists’ disposal.
Horse back riding on the island is also possible. The riding association, Associação Hípica da Madeira, gives trainings depending on the rider’s level. Private companies also organise horse riding tours with private stables also providing horse riding courses.
When travelling to the island, inform your selected agency of your preferred activities. Luckily, Madeira Orchid Travel has several tour packages for 8, 14 and even a one day package to suit the guests need.