Madeira
Quick Facts
Language: PortugueseCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 291
Other Cities in this Region
The island of Madeira is located in the Madeira archipelago and is owned by the nation of Portugal. The main island itself is 530 miles southwest of Portugal, and is only one of two inhabited islands in the region. Madeira has one of the world's highest ocean cliffs, and a tremendous variety of terrain. The animals and plant life on the island are fascinating, and there is so much to see and do that you will be amazed. You will be spending most of your time away from your ship in the main city of Funchal. You will be delighted at the exquisite dining facilities available on the island, and the shopping and nightlife is surprisingly lively. There are a number of very nice stores and spirited bars and nightclubs. The locals are quite friendly and are happy to share their island paradise with you. Madeira is a great vacation destination, and in fact, it redefines the term. If you are interested in golf, then this is definitely the spot for your next leisure trip. The Campo de Golfe de Madeira is outstanding, and both the play and the scenery are perfect. The island's climate is lovely, and you will be surrounded by striking natural beauty. The hills and coastline are magnificent, and dazzling blue waters surround the island. Madeira also features forestland that is perfect for hiking and exploration.
Tristao Vaz Teixiera and Joao Goncalves Zarco discovered the island of Madeira in 1419 while exploring Africa. They named it Madeira, meaning wood, because it was densely covered with forests. Nowadays, the term would not be as applicable, due to so much construction and modernization on the island, However, there are still plenty of remote areas full of natural beauty on Madeira if you prefer some solitude.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Funchal, directly adjacent to the Avenida do Mar. The port is located in Funchal, the largest city in the Madeira archipelago.
Many people opt to rent a car on the island of Madeira. There are several rental car companies to provide you with assistance. Contact Atlas Rent-a-Car (Avenida do Infante 29, 291/223-100) for more information. Avis Rent-a-Car has an office on Madeira, as well, located at Larguinho António Nobre 164 (291/764-546).
Local Interests
Sé is located on Avenida Arriaga and is the main Cathedral on Madeira. It is famous throughout Portugal and beyond, and the architecture is simply magnificent. Designed and built in the 15th century, Sé is a lovely landmark. The Moorish ceiling and baroque altars are incredible, and the gothic-style arches are amazing. Beautiful stained glass can be seen throughout Sé Cathedral, which is set in the center of the pleasant city of Funchal.
The Museu de Arte Sacra is located at Rua do Bispo 21 (291/228-900) and features extraordinary Portuguese paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. The ivory sculptures are wonderful pieces of craftsmanship, and you will see fabulous artwork at every turn. Almost all the most famous Portuguese painters are featured here, and you could spend hours perusing the exquisite works. Even if you are not an art lover, there are aspects of this museum that will fascinate even the casual afficianado.
The Jardim Botanico can be found on Caminho do Meio (291/211-200) and is an extravagant botanical garden that contains nearly every plant, tree, and flower on the island of Madeira. It is a lovely place for a stroll or for researching your favorite flora. The birds-of-paradise are gorgeous, and from the top of the garden, you will have the best view of the island and beyond.
Activities
Dining
Les Faunes is located in Reid's Palace Hotel, Estrada Monumental 139 (291/763-001). This is a spectacular French restaurant that gets its name from the Picasso paintings that can be seen inside the establishment. The paintings as well as the restaurant are splendid, and the lobster and the swordfish in particular are outstanding. Great desserts include the heavenly hot soufflé, and the ambiance here is truly inviting. Casa Madeirense can be found at Estrada Monumental 153 (291/766-700) and features excellent food and very friendly service. The owner is Filipe Goveia, who will be the first to greet you with a welcoming smile. He is boisterous and jolly, and makes you feel right at home. The tuna steak is great, as is the peppercorn steak. The fresh fish and shellfish here are both delicious, and there is a great bar, as well, if you want a before or after-dinner drink. Chez Oscar is inside the Casino Park Hotel at Rua Imperatriz D. Amélia (291/209-100). The food is international, and the terrace is filled with fresh flowers. The flambéed entrees are prepared right at your table. The mixed grill and the swordfish are the popular items on the menu, and on weekends you will be treated to a lively cabaret.
Golf
Palheiro Golf (São Gonçalo, 291/792-116) is a terrific place to play a round, and the surrounding pine and eucalyptus trees add the perfect touch to an already spectacular golf course. The greens are beautifully-manicured, and the conditions are always ideal for golfing.
Shopping
Madeira Superbia is located at Rua do Carmo 27 (291/224-023) and features wonderful tapestries and embroidered items. Camacha Wickerworks can be found at Av. Arriaga (291/922-114) and sells amazing sofas, stuffed animals, and other such items.
Nightlife
Prince Albert is located on Rua da Imperatriz Dona Amélia (291/235-793) and is a Victorian style pub that serves big, satisfying mugs of beer. This fun spot is a great place to hang out with the locals and have an all-around good time. The Teatro Municipal Baltazar Diaz can be found on Avenida Arriaga (291/220-416) and is a wonderful venue to see a concert or a theatrical performance.