Archipelago of Madeira - 19 N
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Portugal
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Itinerary -
Lisbon 4N
Portimao 4N
Madeira 6N -
Porto Santo 5N
= 19N
· Islands -
The - consists of 8 volcanic islands 1,000 km from the mainland of Portugal. Only two of them are inhabited. Madeira rises to 1,862 metres while Porto Santo is low and flat. Selvagens and Desertas are two of the uninhabited islands.
The archipelago was considered the first territorial find in the age of discovery. Portuguese settlers began colonising the islands between 1420 - 1425.
Madeira - is 55 km long and 20 km wide. The island sits atop a massive volcano that rises 6 km from the ocean floor. In the 16th century it was one of the major sugar markets of the Atlantic. When this shifted over to Brazil, Madeira wine became its most important commodity.
Porto Santo (Holy Port) - Was a fortunate discovery by the Portuguese in 1418 after a storm almost shipwrecked them. It is 12 km long and 6 km wide. It has a lunar landscape and the only vegetation is palm trees and grape vines.
· Famous -
Pastel de Nata - Portuguese Custard Tarts
UNESCO Listed plus resting place of Vasco da Gama
Sintra - UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site
Madeira - repeatedly voted the World's best Island destination
Birthplace of the Best Soccer Player in the World - CR7 Museum & 7 storey house
The Laurissilva Forest of Madeira - UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site
Madeira New Years Eve fireworks - Guinness World Record for the Largest Pyrotechnic Performance in the World
Porto Santo - Europe's only Desert Island
Porto Santo Beach - curative sand and water
Lambecas do Porto Santo - famous homemade ice cream
· Highlights -
Praia de Rocha - spectacular Algarve beach
Medieval capital of Silves
Zona Velha - the old zone in Funchal now a maze of restaurants and bars
Medicinal sand and water - Porto Santo
· Visa -
The rules for Madiera are the same for Portugal and the rest of the Shengen countries.
Click here for more information.
· Budget -
Being Europe it's never going to be cheap. You should be able to find a range of food and services for different budgets. Do the old trick of scrimping a bit here and splurging a bit there. Since Covid a lot of prices have gone up so hopefully they'll come down again.
Lisbon - 3 million
Portimao - 40,000
Madeira - 254,000
Porto Santo - 5,500
AKA -
Lisbon -
Ulyssippo - City of the 7 Hills - City of Light - Lisboa
Portimao -
Burj Munt - Porcimunt - Vila Nova de Portimao
Madeira -
The Pearl of the Atlantic - Islands of Eternal Spring - Garden Island
Holy Port - Golden Island - Las Ilhas Desertas
About -
and spend a few days settling in and eating custard tarts. If the ferry is running from Portimao to Funchal catch the train down to Portimao and enjoy a little beach time or golf on the Algarve. Catch the ferry to Madeira and relive the way we used to travel before cheap airfares. If it's not running you can skip the Algarve or return to Lisbon (3½ hours by train) and fly to Madeira. You may prefer this option if you don't like being at sea. Have a good look around Madeira before taking the ferry to little sister - Porto Santo for some more beach time. Fly back to Lisbon and onwards home. If you want to skip the mainland you could fly direct to Madeira or via Lisbon.
Lisbon is one of the many cities around the world built on 7 hills. Surprisingly there are nearly a hundred of them. Some of the more famous ones are Rome - Athens - Jerusalem - Seattle - Barcelona - Moscow - Istanbul - Prague - Brisbane and Plovdiv. One of these cities is a fraud however. Plovdiv (Bulgaria) dug up one of its hills to pave the city streets and it resembles 6 hills and a building site.
Lisbon is a fantastic city and has a lot of history. A lot of the sights are concentrated in the centre and make for easy DIY walking tours. Have a day trip out to the UNESCO Listed town of Sintra and see the Castle of the Moors and the many palaces. Enjoy eating out in the atmospheric streets and take in some of the legendary nightlife.
Catch the train down
to the Algarve town of Portimao and then make your way to your hotel at Praia da Rocha. Relax on one of the Algarve's biggest and best beaches. With jade green shallows, golden sands, honeycomb cliffs and out crops it is very picturesque piece of coastline. Spend a day having a look around Portimao, take the river trip up to Silves, play golf, drive a race car or go sky diving. If that all sounds a bit hectic just find a nice little cove on the beach and close your eyes and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Time for the island part of this holiday. Board your vessel, find your berth, then wave goodbye to the mainland for a while. Plenty of time to relax on board and enjoy your mini cruise. Arrive in Funchal the capital of Madeira a day after you leave and make your way to your accommodation in the "Old Zone".
Have a couple of days looking around the capital and a couple looking around the island. Have a nice long lunch at the winery. Hike through the amazing UNESCO listed forest. Everything can be done at a leisurely pace. Hire a car or a scooter to get around.
Click here to look at car rentals.
Catch the ferry over to little sister Porto Santo. Time to relax at the end of the trip. Rejuvenate yourself in the special sand and water here. Have a few beach days. Swim in natural rock pools. Stroll around the cobblestone streets looking at the shops. Go for scenic walks and try a few water sports. You'll feel a million dollars after a few days here.
When the time comes sadly pack your bags, fly to Lisbon and connect with your flight home. Unless of course you've decided to catch the ferry to the Canary Islands and start a whole new adventure.
Go -
The weather is good all year round with a sub tropical climate. The hottest months are August and September.
Mid May to September will see dry warm weather. June has perfect weather and April is the wettest month followed by October. June to October is good for the beach.
In the cooler months November to April it will be between 14 C and 20 C. January is the coldest.
December is the windiest month and September is the calmest.
Between April and October you will see up to 20 species of dolphins and whales.
Airports -
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) -
has direct flights to 152 destinations in 152 countries
Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) -
has direct flights to 41 cities in 16 countries - New York and European cities including Portugal and Porto Santo.
Porto Santo Airport (PXO) -
has flights to Madeira, Lisbon and Frankfurt.
There are NO direct flights or ferries from Madeira to Morocco.
Ferry -
Take the 24 hour ferry from Portimao to Madeira (Funchal).
It had stopped running for about 6 years but it looks like it's running again. Otherwise you'll need to fly from Lisbon. It is reasonably cheap and would make this Algarve part of the trip optional.
Ferry from Madeira to Porto Santo
takes 2.5 hours and there is a least one a day.
If the ferry is running from Portimao you should be able to take it from Madeira to the Canary Islands which are a part of Spain. Your Shengen Visa will cover you here. It runs from July to September and does a round trip going from Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Funchal, Madeira - Portimao and finishing in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Stay - all on Booking.com
Lisbon -
1900 building recently refurbished and rooms designed by a local fashion designer, safety box, summer terrace, airport shuttle, 24 hour desk, ATM, minimart
Airport shuttle, lockers
24 hour desk, safety box
Early 20th century building, safety box
Restaurant, Bar, 18th century building - each room has a unique design and its own srtory, snack bar, ATM, concierge,
Tour desk, safety box,
Portimao - Praia da Rocha
Most hotels were closed due to Covid at the time of writing. Have a look for something near Av. Tomas Cabreira and R Dom Martinho Castelo Branco. Here's a few to get you started.
2 swimming pools outdoor / indoor (heated), evening entertainment, beachfront, Spa and Wellness facilities, recently renovated, sea views, restaurant - themed dinners, bar with live music and dancing every night, close to many bars and restaurants, sun terrace, safety box
beachfront, sea view balconies, ATM, 24 hour desk, safety box
Sea view balcony, garden, terrace, 24 hour desk, beachfront
Madeira - Stay in Funchal in the "Old Zone" - Zona Velha
Apartamentos Taberna by Our Madeira -
100 metres from the beach, Taberna Ruel Restaurant, sea views, fully equipped kitchen, seating area, bidet, washing machine, parking
Apartamentos Santa Maria by Heart of Funchal -
Roof terrace, large balcony, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, parking
Historical building, restaurant, outdoor terrace area, garden, shared kitchen, Coffee House, no parking, ATM, Tour desk, packed lunches
Endemic - Concept Apartment
Large terrace, washing machine, 100 metres from the beach, garden, free parking, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, dining area, balcony with city views, shops onsite
Fully equipped kitchen with dining area, washing machine, coffee machine, no parking
100 metres from the beach, kitchen, washing machine, bidet, parking
SPLURGE
Cliff top classic set in 10 acres of tropical gardens with amazing views over the harbour, ocean front Spa, 3 swimming pools, direct access to the Atlantic, Michelin star food, 4 Restaurants, outdoor dining, Bar, High Tea terrace, fitness centre, bidet
Porto Santo -
A lot of these were closed at the time of writing due to Covid. Pick somewhere you like along the beach, either close to town or a bit further out. The beach is 9 km long but you could hire a scooter to make getting about easier. You might want to have a few beach bars within walking distance.
Here's a few for starters.
Hotel Porto Santo & Spa **** -
Colonial style on the beach, Beach Bar, Infinity Edge Pool with views of the Atlantic, sun loungers, balcony with sea view, buffet breakfast, restaurant with traditional Portuguese cuisine, 24 hour desk, Spa and Wellness Centre, free parking, terrace, snack bar, safety box, Hammam, Jucuzzi, Massage
Vila Baleira Porto Santo **** -
3 swimming pools - one indoor, sun loungers, Spa and Wellness Centre, direct tunnel to the Spa and beach, all rooms have a private balcony, shops, Atlantic Restaurant and Dumas Restaurant, Navegador Bar, Beach Club, free parking, private beach area, bidet, Coffee House, activities, Snack bar, free parking, safety box, shops, Massage, Hammam, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Fitness centre
One bedroom house with a wonderful BBQ patio garden area, 80 metres from the beach, free parking, fully equipped kitchenette, dining area
Features -
Historical city centres with cobblestone streets
Classic Algarve golden beach with cliffs and rocky outcrops in the water
Fabulous walks through stunning scenery
Tropical gardens where anything grows
Volcanos and long sandy beaches
Myriad viewpoints all with something different and special
Wonderful sunsets
History -
The islands were formed 5 million years ago when volcanic explosions occurred in this part of the Atlantic.
The islands were discovered by Portuguese sailors blown off course during a violent storm. Madeira means wood and the giant tree trunks found here helped the Portuguese build bigger caravels (ships) with higher masts which allowed the likes of Vasco da Gama to be so successful with their discoveries later on.
Once the islands were settled sugar and grape vines were planted and became the backbone of the economy. Some famous visitors were Captain Cook and Charles Darwin.
1566 French pirates attacked and stayed for a month looting churches and other places with booty. The islanders still look upon this event as the biggest lootings in their history.
In 1617 'the sack of Madeira" occurred. Algerian pirates from their base in Cape Verde attacked, sacked the island and kidnapped 1,200 islanders as slaves.
In 1850 napoleon stopped in on his way through o exile on St Helena Island. He was given a few books and some fresh fruit as well as a cask of Madeira wine. After he died it was returned unopened and shared out between a few of the high class families who still posses some of this valuable wine.
Churchill and Thatcher visited Madeira twice each. The second time Winston came in 1950 to recover from a small stroke he had in France and to write his memoirs. Thatcher came here for her honeymoon in 1951 and returned in 2001 to celebrate her 50th anniversary. She also suffered a minor stroke while here.
· See -
Lisbon -
Many of the sights are close enough to walk to or jump on a tram. While you are wandering about you might get confused and think you are in San Francisco or Rio de Janeiro. The Ponte 25 de Abril looks remarkably like the Golden Gate Bridge and right next to it is a statue of Christ with his arms outstretched just like in Rio.
Torre (tower) de Belem - the last memory of home Vasco da Gama and co would have seen before sailing off to explore the world. Climb up and have a look.
Padrao dos Descobrimentos - just up the road is the famous memorial to these brave explorers
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos - UNESCO Listed Monastery and Vasco da Gama is interred here. And the monks here invented the recipe for the Portuguese Custard Tart centuries ago. While you are here don't miss the Maritime Museum which showcases Portugal's role in the "Age of Discovery". There is a discount on the tickets for visiting both places.
Rossio Square - iconic square in the centre of Lisbon great for a shot of Ginjinha and some people watching
Portimao - Praia de Rocha
Have a day in Portimao - visit the Museu de Portimao with its recreation of a fish cannery.....inside a fish cannery. Take a river trip up to the medieval city of Silves. (boat trip takes 4.5 hours with 1.5 hours looking around Silves)
Click here for info on the boat tour.
Head to the Clube Naval de Portimao for lunch with the best river views from its upstairs terrace. Seafood is the order of the day. Walk off lunch with a stroll along the riverside promenade. Grab an electric scooter and go for a spin on the other side of the river. Find a nice spot for a coffee or a beer.
Madeira -
Zona Velha - this one's easy because it's right outside your door. Head down the cobble stoned Rua Santa Maria and have a look at the over 200 artistically painted doors, shops and cafes on your way to the market
Mercado dos Lavradores - the capital's best market right on the edge of the Old Zone
The Laurissilva Forest of Madeira
Reid's Palace Hotel - Opened in 1891 and hosting many famous and illustrious guests since then. George Bernard Shaw learnt to tango and Winston Churchill wrote his memoirs here. If you can't afford to stay here you can go for a look and have High Tea while you are here. The Tea Terrace is stunning and this is one afternoon tea you will never forget. The setting is spectacular, wander through the tropical gardens down to the Atlantic Ocean. Why not sneak a swim in while you're here.
Madeira Film Experience - learn all about the island in a 30 minute film
Cristo Rei Viewpoint - just like Lisbon and Rio
Historical buildings - Cathedral, chapel, church, college, convent, estate, hermitage, hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo sites - CR 7 Museum tells his life story and displays the trophies he's won. If you're a fan you might want to see a few more sites including his 7 storey house.
Porto Santo beach - 9 km of powdery golden sand and warm turquoise waters
Christopher Columbus House Museum - Columbus lived here during his spell on Porto Santo between 1478 and 1489 - see relics, portraits, maps etc in this fascinating age of maritime discovery.
Porto Santo Windmills - near the Portela viewpoint
· Do -
Lisbon -
Go on a pilgrimage to Pasteis de Belem the home of the Portuguese Custard Tart - since 1837
rattle your way up the steep cobblestone streets of ancient Alfalma the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. Start at Praca Martim Moniz and finish at Campo de Ourique
Ride the Santa Justa Elevator -
the easy way from Baxia to Camo with views along the way - outdoor public elevators seems to be a Portuguese thing - There is a big one in Salvador in Brazil as well
Hippo Trip / Hippo Speed - if you want to see Lisbon from the water one of these might fit the bill.
Click here to go to their website.
Day trip to Sintra -
catch the train which take 50 minutes. It is a 20 minute walk or you can catch the 434 Tourist bus from the train station to the historic centre - the Castle and the Palace de Pena (it runs in a loop). You can get a hop on hop of ticket. Catch the 434 bus up to the Castle of the Moors (it's a steep climb) and look around. Next head to the Palacio de Pena which is a 10 minute walk or take the 434. Back down on the 434 to the historic centre. See a palace or two, do a bit of shopping, have a coffee etc etc. Get an early start so you have plenty of time there.
Click here for info on the 434 Tourist Bus.
Portimao - Praia da Rocha
Boat cruise - with BBQ lunch and swimming and snorkelling stops
Pirate Ship cruise - sail the coast and visit the caves - Bar on board or BYO
Sky Diving and all manner of adventure sports including hovercrafting on 3 different circuits
autodromo internacional algarve - Petrol heads can head out to this recently built racetrack to get their adrenaline levels rising with a range of driving and passenger experiences.
Golf - the Algarve is the country's top spot for golf and has 31 high standard courses to pick from. There are two courses within 15 minutes away that have hosted the Portuguese round of the European tour.
Madeira -
Monte Cable Car (a journey between Heaven and Earth) - for the views , the photos and to visit Monte Palace and the Tropical gardens. Exotic plants, waterfalls, a Japanese Garden and the Palace has a museum.
If you want to carry on to the most famous garden in Madeira there is a second cable car which goes up to the -
Jardins Botanico da Madeira - famous botanical gardens featuring huge cacti
Wicker Toboggan Ride - the best way to get back down from Monte. Two kilometres of speed and excitement as several men dressed in white suits and boater hats will guide you back down the mountain in a wicker chariot. Don't worry it's safe - they've been doing this since the 1800s.
Blandy's Wine Lodge - Tor, museum and tastings in one of the top 100 wineries - Home of Madeira Wine
Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nun's) - after learning of an impending pirate attack in 1566 a convent of nuns fled with their treasures to the most inaccessible part of the island. These days there is a road in but it's still a stunning sight. You can hike down along the old mule route or drive into this scenic village and go for walks, swim in the river and taste local specialties like Cherry liqueur and Chestnut Cakes..
A lap of the island - follow the coast road around and head off in an anti-clockwise direction. This way you will have better views of the coastline. And don't forget your bathers / swimmers / togs
1. Stop off at the Miradoura de Ponta do Rosto (viewpoint) for phenomenal views over the whole island. There are many other lookouts around the island just look for the "Miradoura" signs.
2. Stop in at the North Mills Distillery for a look at the last steam operated Rum distillery on the island. You are free to wander around and have a look. Then there is a shop with tastings and Rum for sale.
3. Stop in at Sao Vinvente for a coffee and to look at the Caves and Volcanism Centre.
4. Have a swim at the natural rock pools at Porto Moniz. The VE2 road from Sao Vincente to Porto Moniz is especially spectacular.
5. Have lunch next door at Cachelote (whale) Restaurant, amazingly situated on top of volcanic rock at the Porto Moniz seafront - try the limpet rice and Parrotfish with prawn sauce
6. Ponta do Pargo - famous lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island. It is next to a Tea house if you're looking for some refreshment.
7. Drive under a waterfall (natural carwash) at Cascata dos Anjos, Ponta do Sol
8. Stop at Cabo Girau Skywalk for sunset. There is a cafe nearby where you can get a drink
Hiking - the most famous routes in Madeira are the levada walks that follow the irrigation channels that carry water around the island. one of the best walks on the island is the Levada dos 25 Fontes which goes past the 100 metre Risco Waterfall - another good one is the Levada da Serra do Faial where you start at the car park off the ER 103 at RibeiraFrio to Vereda dos Balcoes - there are many more walks on this stunning island.
Click here for more information on walks.
Hike through the 20,000,000 year old UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva Forest -
One of the most beautiful natural treasures of Medeira. This ancient forest once lived in Southern Europe and North Africa but it couldn't survive the cold during the Ice Age. It chose to live on Madeira and occupies 20% of the land. With rare and exotic trees, flowers and fauna you will feel like you are walking through a fairytale.
One of the best walks to experience the forest is the Levada do Rei (PR18) aka Kings Levada.
Full day winery tour and 3 course lunch overlooking the vines and the sea.
Boat Trips - see whales and dolphins, 20 different species have been recorded here -
you might also be interested in the Madeira Whale Museum
Golf - The spectacularly beautiful Clube de Golf Santo da Serra - Robert Trent Jones Senior's 27 hole course is one of the World's finest.
Diving - here is very good and the water is always warm, try the Savage Islands
Porto Santo -
Psammotherapy (hot sands) and Thalassotherapy (sea water) - in the 1970's German and American doctors discovered the therapeutic powers of Porto Santo's sand and water. This was later proved with a scientific study.
For the sand treatment head to the Spa at the Hotel Porto Santo where they have heated sand baths. It is apparently good for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. People are advised to only have a light meal on the day of treatment and it is not for people with heart disease.
For the sea water treatment head to the Vila Baleira Thalasso Spa where they have a Vitapool Circuit as well as saunas, Turkish Baths, jet showers, pools and massage.
Porto das Salemas Natural Pools - great place for a swim but only available at low tide - on the north coast
Boat trips - see dolphins, sea turtles Zimbralinho beach, sunset, snorkelling
Grab a scooter and ride around to the various viewpoints around the island
Kayaking - exploring caves, tours available
Diving - there are some shipwrecks a lot of fish and even a submarine
Hiking - plenty of trails and a few hills to climb - head up to Pico do Castelo to see the old ruins of the 16th century fortress and fantastic views of Vila Baleira from the terrace or Pico do Facho the highest point on the island at 590 metres above sea level (you can also reach this viewpoint by road)
Golf - scenic 18 hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros - spectacular views from the 19th (terrace)
Windsurf / Horse Riding / Snorkelling / Deep Sea Fishing / Mountain biking / Water skiing / Para-gliding / SUP
Eat -
Pastel de Nata - the best Custard Tarts in the World - go to the famous Pasteis de Belem (more correctly named Antiga Confeitaria de Belem) for the original - the Clarinha Family who are the heirs of the original bakers hold the copyright on the recipe which is hundreds of years old. The secret recipe is only divulged to three chefs at any one time. You'll need at least two with a coffee and buy a few takeaways for later. They sell over 20,000 a day.
Other must try places for the tart are -
1. Manteigaria, they have a stall in the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodre and the original shop is in Chiado.
2. Confeitaria Nacional since 1829 is Lisbon's oldest pastry shop - 200m from the outdoor elevator in Praca da Figueira
3. Alcoa since 1957, won the best tart in 2014 - 260m from the elevator
4. Pastelaria Versailles since 1922, worth it for the decor - near Saldanha Metro stop
Bacalhau - dried and salted cod fish - the National dish with a different recipe for every day of the year
Sardines - grilled on the streets, the best time is from June to October otherwise they were probably frozen
Chicken Piri Piri - now famous around the world - try it at Restaurante Cantinho do Aziz
Carne de Porco a Alentejana (Pork and Clams) - Try it at Casa do Alentejo
Bifana - Fresh roll with sliced pork cooked in white wine - try it at As Bifanas do Afonso
Prego - Beef Roll - whether you choose pork or beef they must be washed down with cold beer
Caldo Verde- National soup with kale and sausage
Mercado da Ribeira - 1892 market, half of which has been transformed into a gourmet food court. Everything you could want all in one place.
Mercado da Baixa - gourmet food court since 1855.
Portimao - Praia de Rocha
Plenty of Full English breakfasts to be found here
F Restaurante - good Portuguese seafood with views over the beach
Salsada do Ze Beach restaurant - right on the beach and open all day
Madeira - Zona Velha
Black Scabbard Fish with Banana - only available in a few places in the world, the fish is found at depths of 1 km, very tasty and very scary looking
Passionfruit Pudding / Mousse - passionfruit are highly prized here and come in a few varieties
Tomato and Onion Soup - with a poached egg
Wine and Garlic Pork / Beef skewers with salt, garlic and bay leaves
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Opan - which hapily have a half dozen locations around town. For your daily fix of Pastel de Nata (Custard Tarts) and try their Salami Cake, which is actually chocolate.
Loja do Cha - tea house where you can sit on the square and do a little people watching.
The Ritz - since 1905 - Grand old Cafe with an outdoor esplanade and 1st floor terrace overlooking the gardens, have a coffee, light snack, ice cream, dinner and a dance with cabaret on Saturday nights - it's all here
High Tea at Reid's Palace Hotel 3pm - 5.30pm - on the stunning Tea Terrace overlooking the Atlantic - Unlimited teas and second helpings of the tasty treats - Book Ahead.
Restaurants and bars straight outside you door as the Old Zone comes alive.
Such as - The Snug, Old Town - traditional Madeiran fare
Faja dos Padres - take the cable car down to the Garden of Eden like fertile little cave where you can eat battered black Scabbard Fish with Banana at the little restaurant by the jetty
Restaurante dos Cambatentes - popular with locals and returning visitors for good local food. Known for their black pig and scabbard fish.
Ristorante Villa Cipriani on the rooftop at Reid's Palace Hotel for some of Madeira's best food as well as the best views
Espetada - Beef kebab on a bay skewer basted with garlic butter
Bolo do caco - bread made of sweet potato flour, baked on a tile and served with garlic butter
Lambecas do Porto Santo - when it's ice cream o'clock head to the kiosk by the pillory in the centre of town that sells this famous local product. Creamy homemade ice cream in over 25 flavours and artisanal cones have been causing queues of eager customers since 1958. Go in the morning if you want to skip the lines.
Plenty of fresh seafood - Vila Baria is the capital and has plenty of choice - head to the jetty, day or night. Many of the restaurants in town provide a complimentary shuttle service to and from your hotel so if you know where you want to eat it will save on taxi fare.
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Mar a Sol - family run place right on the beach - go for the seafood stew
Estrela do Norte - inland at Camacha - famous for its Peri Peri Chicken
La Siesta Restaurant - international fare by the beach with great sunset views
Adega das Levadas - in a vineyard up in the hills - can also do tastings
Drink -
Lisbon -
Drink Ginjinha - a sour cherry liquor in Ginjinha do Largo de Sao Domingos a hundred year old bar in the corner of Rossio Square
Bairro Alto is the centre of nightlife activity. There are no open container laws so the party spills out on to the streets and goes all night long.
Join a Pub Crawl
Pink Street aka Rua Nova do Carvalho aka Rua Cor de Rosa - back in the day this was the happening place for sailors coming ashore looking for a little R&R. The seedy bars, gambling dens and brothels were meeting places for criminals, prostitutes and all sorts of riff raff. These days many of the bars still carry the names from those times. The street has been painted pink and it now a hip place to hang out. There are still lots of bars and it has a lively night life.
Portimao - Praia da Rocha
There are a lot of bars (themed), clubs and restaurants to choose from and a lot of them are near your hotel on the main street. Everything is in walking distance so just stroll along until you find a place that you like. Here's a few suggestions.
Bar Diagonal - heavy metal bar with cheap shots
Ireland's Eye - local mainstay with live music, beach views and ....Guinness
Boogie Bar - Karaoke for the older international types, good party fun and easy place to meet people
Outro Bar - open late with music and dancing
Madeira - Zona Velha
Madeira Wine - has a worldwide reputation for quality and uniqueness. The longer it is left the better it gets. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill were aficionados and big fans. The celebration of the independence of the USA was toasted with Madeira Wine. It is available at just about every shop and restaurant on the island.
Coral Beer - all you need to know
Poncha - made with rum, honey and lemon juice. It can also be made with orange and mandarin juice. It is mixed with a specially made tool called a Caralhinho, which is slang for a small penis! A cure for the common cold. Have a few of these and you'll forget you had one.
Ginja - Cherry liqueur made in the Nun's Valley.
Nikita - like an alcoholic smoothie
Tim Tam Tum - a Christmas liqour
Licor de Tangerina - made by macerating the peel
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All of the action is outside your door in the Old Zone. Most of the action is on Rua de Santa Maria which gets packed in the evenings.
Madeira Rum House - in the old zone for rum cocktails you won't find anywhere else
Taberna da Poncha - in the old zone for a few heart starters and throw your peanut shells on the floor a la Raffles - Writer Bar style
Revolucion Rock Bar - in the old zone, good music and margaritas
MadCuba - good food and cheap cocktails like caipirinhas and pina coladas
Hotel in One - weird and wacky drinking spot in a restored farmhouse with an outdoor patio - live music and reasonably priced drinks
Madeira Beer Lab - rooftop bar on top of the market
Galaxia Skybar - rooftop bar on top of the 5 storey Savoy Palace Hotel - with a galaxy theme
Night life warms up in the Summer months. On weekends people come over from Madeira to laze on the beach during the day and party on at night time. there are good Beach bars to party under the stars as well as clubs in town. You can go bar hopping along the beach near the jetty in town.
If you feel like having a quiet night there is the cinema, the Cultural Centre where you might catch a performance and some of the larger hotels have folk dancing and music.
Tia Maria Beach Club - is a popular spot right on the sand
Taberna do Inferno - in the centre of town with good music for the over 30's
Challenger - nightclub that hosts international DJs
Sundowners -
Lisbon -
Ribeira da Naus - looking across the river. Pull up a deck chair and order a drink from the kiosk.
Viewpoints - St George Castle, Monte Agudo Viewpoint, Graca Viewpoint
Portimao -
Grab a table at one of the restaurants on the edge of its ochre cliffs such as Cloque ao Mar which has an outdoor deck with great sunset views.
NoSoloAgua Portimao - Beach Club for the best sunset parties around the pool
Madeira -
Cais da Ribeira - great views from one of the two piers sticking out in the harbour
Pico dos Barcelos - the best views over Funchal. Has a viewing platform and you can get a coffee or cold drink.
Cabo Girao - a glass skywalk on a 580 metre cliff - and it's free - not for the vertiginous
Faja dos Padres - Camara de Lobos - fabulous sunset from the top of the 300 metre sheer cliff or take the cable car down to the little village below
Porto Santo -
Pe na Agua - right on the sand, good music and good for sundowners or a feed of seafood anytime
Ponta da Calheta - the most southerly point on the island, good for sunrises and sunsets - cocktails at the restaurant
Ponta da Canaveira - on the far western coast with a view of the lighthouse on a nearby island
Madeira - Madeira Wine of course / wicker products at the Camacha Factory / Reid's Palace Hotel gift shop / Caralhinho the "small penis" for mixing Ponchas, have a look at the main market or the airport / Rum 970 / William Hinton Rum / Bolo de mel, Christmas honey cake that lasts for a year and is on sale all year / Chocolates filled with Madeira, Rum and Poncho from the Uau Ccau Chocolate factory / A hat like the toboggan men wear
Specialties -
Lisbon - Ginjinha a sour cherry liquor
Madeira - Fortified Wine / Passionfruit, various varieties
Porto Santo - Ice cream
Tips -
· Take your international Drivers licence with you
· It's always easier to travel light - especially when the weather is going to be warm the whole trip
· Madeira cake hasn't really got anything to do with Madeira except that the British liked to eat the cake and drink the wine together
· Festivals -
Lisbon -
February - Carnival
Religious festivals throughout the year
Portimao -
February - Carnival
August - The Sardine Festival
Madeira -
February - March - Carnival
June - Atlantic Festival,
August - Madeira Wine Festival
New Years Eve fireworks spectacular
June - Festas de Sao Joao, midsummer festival in honour of St John
August - grape harvest festival
September - the Columbus Festival
· Extra -
See Spain in 'Countries M - Z'.
