Richness of Madeira Island
The pearl of the Atlantic
EXPLORING MADEIRA ISLAND
PORTUGAL
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT CRISTIANO RONALDO’S HOMETOWN OF MADEIRA?
If you are not familiar with the Island of Madeira, it’s one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the other being the Azores. Madeira is just under 400 kilometres (250 mi) to the north of the Canary Islands and 520 kilometres (320 mi) west of Morocco. Madeira is geologically located on the African Tectonic Plate. It is made up of three separate islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, and Desertas. Famous for its year-round warm climate, Madeira is one of the most mesmerizing destinations we’ve ever visited. Still relatively untouched, with wild eucalyptus forests, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views. We got rewarded with dramatic vistas stretching as far as the horizon anywhere we went around the island.
How to get there
AIR
There are currently flights to Funchal and a few airlines that provide direct trips to the Funchal Madeira Airport, but airlines are being fickle at this time. You might have to make a connection in Lisbon.
Cruise
The Port of Funchal is the major city port and is well-connected to various other Portuguese and European ports and cruise lines do offer a stop at this destination.
Peak Season
The best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors. The hottest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum of 86 F and an average low of 70 F.
December, being the wettest time of year.
Highlights of what to do in Madeira Island Portugal
Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Porto Moniz Volcanic Natural Pools
Flag Ship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo
Food, Wine & Culture Walking Tour
Canyoning Adventure
Scuba Diving Experience
Monte Palace Gardens
Toboggan Ride
Botanical Garden Cable Car
Jeep tour to off-road sites
The highest Sea Cliff In Europe (589m)
Hike Ribeiro Frio Natural Park
Visit a black volcanic beach
Valley of the Nuns (Camara De Lobos)
DOES THIS INTEREST YOU? LET US PERSONALIZED YOUR PLANNING, GIVE YOU SOME TRAVEL PERKS, ADD VIP ACCESS, RECEIVE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE AND PEACE OF MIND
Seeing Is Believing
When we visited Madeira , we were there to film for a new web series, “Destinations Less Known”. Meanwhile, this video, which we’ve shared below, give you the chance to see first-hand where you can stay and what you can experience. That is to say it also give you the opportunity to meet us, and to see our passion for this destination, and the experiences we want our guests to enjoy on their trip. We know there are many Madeira hotels and tours available, so we hope this videos help you to see what’s unique about using us for your travels.
Hotel Highlights
Savoy Palace | Maderia Island Portugal
The Savoy Palace, located only 12 miles from the Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport. Any jet lag from the trip was short lived, a huge plus for clients to start a memorable vacation by enjoying fine dining, poolside drinks or just relaxing on their balcony overlooking miles of blue ocean within a short time of arriving.
The views from the balcony are spectacular! Seeing the ocean and all the greenery, not to mention, the overview of the resort itself is quite impressive. It’s easy to see myself spending a lot of time, breathing in the fresh air, catching up on my reading, or seeing what’s going on from this viewpoint!
The one thing that jumps out at me is the main pool, one of the biggest in Europe. But not the only pool, there are a total of 6. The skypool, infinity pool, kids pool, indoor pool and the spa. So I wasn’t surprised when I had the pool all to myself!
Laurea Spa
The inspiration for the Laurea Spa comes from nature. To help get a connection between mind and body designed to take you on a path of wellness. With many treatments to choose from and therapists that brings together the best techniques.
I notice the vivid greens and floral coloration made to stimulate my senses. It made me feel like I was in the Laurissilva forest and had a calming effect.
Their menu of spa treatments had many options. With hot and cold volcanic stones, Sodashi’s facial massage, and massages with warm soothing oils made with plant extracts.
Immersive and meaningful activity
Funchal is the capital and your gateway to the Island, with many activities to do in the city of over 110,000 people. Visit the old part of the city (“Zona Velha da Cidade”), with narrow streets, gardens, picturesque houses, find some of the best restaurants, various museums, street art with its “Painted doors project”and get to know the history of the city. Being close to the sea, you will feel the lifestyle and traditions.
Want to ride on a functional replica of the Santa Maria, a signature boat Christopher Columbus used to sail to the new world? It was built on the island between July 1997 and July 1998, and continues to sail in Funchal. Or board a catamaran with a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted and in summer to go snorkeling. Many activities including a Private Sunset Tour from Funchal to see Cape Girao Camara De Lobos, and Jardins do Lido all from the comfort of the boat.
Trip to Monte, Madeira
A “Must do” was to take the cable car ride up to the distinctive neighborhood of Monte! This small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, 6 km away from the center of the capital, was formerly a health resort for Europe’s high society. Starting from the old part of Funchal, the cable car takes you to the top of the suburb municipality and offers a unique view over the city and the sea. We take a short walk to the Tropical Garden of Monte Palace, noted for its older gardens and greenspaces, with exotic plants and flowers. We also walk the beautiful paths, landscape and Our Lady of the Mount church.
With splendid views over the city and beyond. The Monte Toboggans Sledges first originated in the early 19th century and were used as the first means of “downhill” public transportation by the locals who wanted to travel to the city of Funchal. Today thousands of tourists every year seek the ride full of emotions, adrenaline and unforgettable experiences!
Savoy signature | Calheta | Madeira, Portugal
Saccharum Resort | Madeira Island Portugal
The main inspiration for Saccharum architecture and design was the surrounding nature, being that Saccharum is the latin word for sugarcane, a historical culture from which seeds grew centuries ago in this same ground. It explains the sweet atmosphere! Created in 2015, it was carved in the mountain for panoramic views over the sea.
One of the most Instagram photos of Madeira comes from this pool setting. The sun goes down in front of you and gives you a light show against the clouds. Grab your beverage and smartphone and get ready for replies of “where are you?” as your friend gasps about the background!
Saccharum used local born interior designer Nini Andrade Silva also known world wide, who has also done work in New York, Paris, South Africa and Denmark. All the rooms’ headboards hold unique photographs that represent the connection to nature. Clean straight lines give a modern look, with chic high-end materials and featuring balconies from which to soak up the ocean views. Large beds and lots of fluffy pillows.
As a result, my experiences are wonderful memories watching the sunset from the pool overlooking cliffs and the endless expanse of deep blue colors of the Atlantic ocean. As well as, great food, drinks, friendly service and a relaxing ending with spa treatments.
We build the bridge between clients and our vendors. Investing time in our relationships with some of the world’s most prestigious properties. Therefore, the agency is able to offer its guests extended benefits that go beyond traditional first-class amenities and that will certainly make a difference, Silvana Frappier, North Star Destinations founder.
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