The lush sub-tropical island of Madeira, with its temperate climate and rich repertoire of floral species and exotic plants, is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations. Described as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ the island has much to offer both the new and seasoned visitor – extensive walking trails, beautiful gardens, traditional villages and of course numerous quinta’s producing the famous Madeira wine. Here are a few of the activities available on Madeira to whet your appetite!
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Half day excursion – Fridays
Located near Monte and only 5km from the centre of Funchal, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden (70,000 sqm) is home to over 100,000 flower species from around the world. With eye-catching flora, waterfalls and various pieces of art, including Portuguese tile panels from the 16th -20th centuries, coats of arms and sculptures on show, this garden can not fail to impress. The visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens can be concluded by a trip on the famous ‘Toboggan’ sledge ride which rushes you down the hillside to Funchal.
Price per person: £20
Supplement for the toboggan ride: £10 per person (only valid for a minimum of 4 persons)
Individual walks on Madeira
Madeira is renowned for its extensive network of trails and Levada paths. Each walk, which is between 3 to 4 hours in duration, has an accompanying experienced guide. Sunvil are able to pre-book any of the walks included within our Walking Holiday. The price of each individual walk, including transfers to/from the walk is as follows:
Wednesday
Full day: Risco / Rabacal /25 Waterfalls – Grade 2
Price is £27 per person
Thursday
Full day: Pico do Arieiro / Pico Ruivo / Santana – Grade 3+
Price is £27 per person
Friday
Full day: Caldeirao Verde - Grade 2+
Price is £27 per person
Saturday
Full day: Ribeiro Frio / Portela - Grade 2
Price is £35 per person
Sunday
Half day: Cabo Girao / Boa Morte - Grade 1
Price is £16 per person
Note: Picnic lunches can be arranged locally (c. 8 euros - payable locally). Saturdays walk includes lunch.
Grading of walks: 1 = Easy 2 = Medium 3 = Difficult
Golf courses on Madeira
There are two golf courses on the island of Madeira. Palheiro Golf is set within parkland of the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, and Santo da Serra Golf Club, home of the Madeira Open, is located close to the village of Santo da Serra.
Palheiro Golf
Located in the hills east of the capital with stunning views over the bay and city of Funchal.
• 18 holes.
• Par: 71.
Services: Clubhouse, bar, restaurant and pro-shop.
Training facilities: Putting green, practice range with bunker area and driving range.
Santo da Serra Golf
Reputed to be one of the most beautiful mountain golf courses in Europe with breathtaking views from the mountains down to the sea.
• 27 holes.
• Par 72.
Services: Clubhouse, bar, restaurant and pro-shop.
Training facilities: Putting green, pitching green and practice range. Green time at both golf courses, as well as the hire of golf clubs and training balls, can be arranged locally through our agent.
Notes:
• The handicap on both courses for men is 28, and for women 36.
• It is obligatory to wear soft spike shoes on both courses
• TAP Portugal allow one golf bag per person, free of charge, in excess to the
normal baggage allowance of 20kg.
Island Traditions: Espetada and Folklore
Thursday
This evening excursion, inclusive of a 3-course meal, is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds! On the menu is the famous Madeiran dish ‘Espetada’, tender morsels of beef seasoned with herbs and grilled over an open fire. It is difficult to reproduce it’s unique flavour outside Madeira! After your meal there are folklore performances and the opportunity of taking to the floor yourself to join the dancers.
Price per person: £23
Festivals on Madeira
| 17-20 February |
Carnival |
| 21-22 April |
Flower Festival |
| 01-30 June |
Atlantic Festival |
| 31 August – 02 September |
Madeira Wine Festival |
| September |
Columbus Festival on Porto Santo |
The Golden Island
Full day excursion – Daily (except Tuesday, Friday and on National Holidays)
The island of Porto Santo lies 40km north east of Madeira and is famed for its fabulous 7km of sandy beaches and for its former illustrious resident, Christopher Colombus. This full day excursion includes a mini-cruise along the coast of Madeira to the island of Porto Santo aboard the ‘Lobo Marinha’. Once on Porto Santo there is time to explore the town of Vila Baleira, visit Christopher Colombus’ modest house which has been turned into a small museum, or just relax on the golden sand beach.
Price per person: £47 (Jan-Mar)
Price per person: £54 (Apr-Oct)
