Madeira Hotels

Magnificent Madeira

The Portuguese island of Madeira is famous for fabulous wine, an insane number of equally insane parties and smiling, upbeat locals. Interestingly, what it is not famous for (although often assumed to be) is Madeira Cake. This is, in fact, an English recipe, named for the wine commonly served with the dish. The wine, however, is from Madeira. Confused? Let’s move on

While you’re in Madeira, scour the pretty streets of Serra de Agua for bargain market finds and hike along the Levadas, a network of irrigation channels that lead to some of the best views you’ll ever come across. Then if you want the mother of all views, climb to the top of Pico Ruivo to look down on the world (we suggest a sunset visit) and wonder why on earth you don’t live there permanentl

Madeira's Top 10

Madeira History

• Sao Lourenço Palace - This construction is half-palace and half-fortress.
• Levadas - An amazing aqueduct system built between 1461 and 1966.
• Santa Clara Convent - A national monument dating back to late 1400s.
• Mercado Dos Lavradores - A historical marketplace in Madeira with an open patio, fresh produce and seafood.
• Se Cathedral - This monument is the most visited in the area and was built in the early 1500s.

Madeira Art & Culture

• Museum of Sacred Art - Home to halls with fine art, jewellery and sculptures.
• Municipal Museum and Aquarium - Offers a geological, zoological and biological collection of minerals and species found in the archipelago area.
• Madeira Gourmet Festival - Held each year in November, this festival promotes Madeiran gastronomy and attracts international chefs.
• Madeira Wine Institute Museum - Housed in a historic building and provides a rich view of the methods and history of wine production in Madeira.
• Christopher Columbus Museum - Housed in the home believed to have belonged to the famous explorer, with records, artefacts and paintings of Columbus.

Madeira Shopping

• Dolce Vita - An assortment of small boutiques and designer stores.
• Rua do Castanheiro - One of the biggest shops in Madeira that offers wicker products and handicrafts.
• Forum Madeira - A modern mall with several levels of shopping around an open square and central tower.
• Madeira Wine Lodges and Shops - Offers wine tastings and special packaging of your purchases for a safe trip home.
• Madeira Shopping - Combining modern and typical Madeira features with numerous shops, eateries and entertainment.

Gay & Lesbian Madeira

• Arquipelago - Great music and karaoke bar.
• Funchal Design Hotel - A modern, gay-friendly hotel with great attention to design and decor.
• Arquipalagos Restaurante - This restaurant offers a great selection with a special tourist menu.
• The Golden Gate - This gay-friendly dancing bar is considered the best around.
• Pipo's - One of the newest bar additions in Madeira.

Madeira Events

Get your sequins and dancing shoes on – it’s Carnival! March welcomes the coming of the Madeira Carnival, a fun and energetic street party that locals and tourists swarm to every year.

Take the time to smell the roses at the Madeira Flower Festival in early May.

June’s Festival of Popular Saints celebrates saints Antony, John and Peter with plenty of food, cultural performances and dancing. Any excuse to dance!

Madeira is renowned for its top-notch wine. Watch the pros make it, then down copious amounts of it while enjoying the night parade at September’s Madeira Wine Festival.

The whole of Madeira sparkles from late November to early January for Christmas Lights.

When To Go

• The Gulf Stream keeps Madeira’s weather settled. Summer sees the mercury reaching an average of 24°C (75°F), while in winter it’s a very pleasant 20°C (68°F).

• November to early February sees more rain, but far fewer tourists.

• The best months for the most consecutive sunny days? July and August.

Getting Around

• There are stacks of buses, but the timetables can be a little confusing. The locals are very friendly, though, and happy to help if you ask.

• Hiring a car is convenient, but some of the roads are narrow and a tad dangerous.

• Ferries are the way to island hop, but aren’t always on schedule. Just relax and go with the flow…

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Madeira official guide

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

Climate