Madeira Island is a small paradise. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, south of Portugal, and has become a popular tourist destination. The island has a mild climate and beautiful scenery, which makes it an ideal place for relaxation and adventure.
The people of Madeira are known for their friendliness and passion for music, especially Fado (traditional Portuguese folk songs). You can enjoy this unique musical experience during one of your free evenings on the island by going to any local restaurant or bar where you will hear live Fado performances throughout your stay in Madeira!
Madeira also offers many activities such as hiking through its mountains or riding horses along its trails; visiting museums that showcase artifacts from past civilizations; taking boat trips around some nearby islands like Porto Santo or Desertas; visiting one of Madeira’s famous waterfalls called Ribeiro Frio Waterfall near Canico da Esperanca where you can swim underneath them!
What is the best time to visit Madeira Island (Funchal)?
The best time to visit Madeira is in the summer. This is because it is warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 16-23 degrees Celsius (61-73 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s also the dry season on Madeira Island, which means less rain than during other times of the year. The winter months are cold and wet but still warmer than in Europe! If hiking or swimming aren’t your goals, consider visiting during this time–you’ll avoid crowds and save money while still getting some sun on your skin!
If you want to escape from cold temperatures at home but don’t mind a little rain every now and then, consider visiting during autumn (October through December) or springtime (April through June).
The main cities on Madeira Island
The main cities on Madeira Island are Funchal, Machico, and Camara de Lobos.
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and has a population of around 100,000 people. It’s located on the south coast of the island with stunning views across to Porto Santo Island as well as out over the Atlantic Ocean. The city center has plenty of shopping opportunities including designer stores such as Louis Vuitton and Bulgari alongside local handicrafts such as lace making or pottery painting workshops. There are also plenty of restaurants offering traditional Portuguese cuisine alongside international cuisines like Japanese sushi bars!
Machico is a seaside resort town with an abundance of palm trees lining its beautiful sandy beaches which are perfect for swimming in the summer months (November – April). During these months many people come here from across Europe to escape cold winter weather but it can get quite busy during this time so if you want more privacy then try visiting outside these months when there will be fewer tourists around! If you’re looking for somewhere quiet yet still within walking distance from shops etc then check out Hotel Docemar where rooms start at €69 per night plus tax only available through Booking.
Camara de Lobos is a small town of stone houses and pastel-shaded bars, nestled below the dramatic cliffs and outcrops of a rugged coastline. The beach bar serves excellent fresh seafood, while a picturesque winding road leads over the hill to remote Santa Maria and its clear blue waters.
How to get to Madeira?
There are direct flights from Europe to Madeira. There’s also a ferry service from the mainland (Portugal) to Madeira. The ferry is reported to have stopped operating in 2020 though it may be worth checking if it is back to work before you go!
Cruise ships pass by the port of Funchal on their way around Europe, and on transatlantic cruises but they’re not exactly convenient if you’re looking for a quick getaway without having to book anything in advance.
The currency and ATM presence on the island.
The currency of Madeira is Euro.
The best way to exchange currencies on the island is by using a money changer who can give you an exchange rate that is better than what you will get at an ATM, but it is not recommended because they often charge commission fees and their rates may be wrong. If you do have access to an ATM or bank on the island, then this would be your best bet!
Where to stay in Madeira?
If you’re visiting Madeira for the first time, we recommend staying in Funchal especially if you aren’t renting a car. This is the capital city of the island, and it’s also where most of the tourism happens. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants here, so you’ll find yourself right at home.
If you’re not renting a car and want to stay somewhere outside of Funchal, you could try Monte or Santana. Both of these towns are located near Cabo Girao, which is a popular hiking spot on the island.
Transportation in Madeira
Transportation is one of the most important aspects of any trip, especially when visiting Madeira. There are many ways to get around this island and public transport is cheap.
Most people visiting Madeira rely on transportation as it’s the cheapest option and allows you to see more than just what your hotel room has to offer. The two main forms of public transportation are buses and taxis, which both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your personal preferences.
Buses are usually cheaper than taxis because they go everywhere in Madeira so there’s no need for them to be expensive! You can buy a bus pass for a week which includes unlimited trips between different destinations on the island (click here for details). However, if you’re staying somewhere remote like Porto Moniz then maybe consider renting a car instead because these areas aren’t well-connected by bus service yet!
Things to do in Madeira (Activities on the island)
The island of Madeira has a lot to offer. There are many activities that you can do while you’re here, including hiking, mountain biking, surfing, and diving. You can also go walking around the different parts of the island and explore some of its beautiful views or simply relax on one of its beaches.
Hiking: The hiking trails on Madeira are very well maintained so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. There are various trails available for beginners as well as more advanced hikers who want something more challenging than what they would normally find at home!
Mountain Biking: If you love biking then this is definitely something worth trying out while visiting Madeira Island! With stunning scenery all around it’s hard not to enjoy yourself whilst exploring this beautiful part of Portugal using two wheels instead of four.
Surfing: If surfing sounds like something fun then don’t worry because there are plenty of opportunities here too! During summer months especially when waves tend to be bigger than usual due to warm currents coming from Africa which means perfect conditions for surfing enthusiasts everywhere.
Is Madeira safe?
Yes, Madeira is a safe place. The crime rate is very low, and the locals are very friendly. You can leave your valuables in the car without worrying about them being stolen.
It’s also worth mentioning that there aren’t many incidents of street violence or theft in Madeira either; it’s a good place for families with children who want to explore nature together!
Madeira’s local food – Must try!
The local cuisine in Madeira is a mix of Portuguese, African, and Indian influences. The main ingredients are fish and vegetables, as well as pork. Some of the most popular dishes are cataplana (seafood stew), cabidela (blood sausage), arroz de pato (duck rice), or octopus salad with potatoes.
The history of Madeira Island
Madeira was discovered by the Portuguese in 1419. It was settled in 1420, making it one of the first places to be colonized by the Portuguese. The island has been a Portuguese colony ever since its discovery and remains so today.
Madeira is also one of the first European colonies in Africa and Asia (along with Portugal itself). This means that the Madeirans have been living under European rule for over 500 years!
Things to buy on Madeira – Souvenirs and Gifts
Madeira is the world’s largest producer of fortified wines, so you can expect to find a lot of these in stores. The most famous ones are Malmsey (a sweet dessert wine), Bual (dry red wine), Verdelho (medium-dry white), and Sercial (extra dry white).
Another famous product from Madeira is its brandy made with grapes from the local vineyards which will make great gifts for your friends back home!
Besides wine and brandy there are many other souvenirs from Madeira you can take home as well such as handcrafted jewelry pieces made out of shells or natural materials like wood or stone; also popular are pottery items such as plates painted with local landscapes or flower paintings on tiles that were used before electricity came into use!
You should also visit one of their small shops where they sell locally produced chocolate bars filled with fresh fruits like strawberries & bananas etc.