madeira4u - Leisure & Entertainment - Other Activities & Attractions on Madeira
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| The 'Leisure' section of madeira4u is always being updated. Please check back again soon to see more information, articles, and features on what Madeira has to offer. Also, you may find information of interest under the sections 'Entertainment & Leisure', 'Excursions & Trips', 'Restaurants', & 'Major Attractions' on our advertising pages. |
| Levada Walks Madeira's claim to fame, and if you added up the hours of all the other sports together, you would find levada walking surpasses the lot. Popular with tourists from Germany, Holland and France, but less for the Madeira locals who use them more for day to day practical purposes. Complete books have been written on the subject, with detailed instructions, important advice, and levada maps for Madeira, the most famous being the Sunflower Guide, available in tourist shops and plenty of good book stores, and on the internet. Levadas are water channels, used for irrigation around Madeira island, capturing the water from the mountain rainfall. There are reputed to be around 2200km of them around the island, and what makes them so popular is that they are level, with easy walking alongside on the paths, usually kept clear for maintenance. To reach a levada will take some degree of climbing, so tours are popular where you can be dropped off and picked up at a different spot later, whilst the more experienced will go and return by bus. There are no levada walks on Porto Santo. The channels were originally built by african slaves centuries ago, and provide a superb way to experience the real Madeira, and its spectacular views, and greenery interspersed with beautiful flowers. The walks are graded according to difficulty and safety. It is important to be aware of the conditions, and go properly prepared in case of poor weather conditions or other emergency. Aside from the levadas on Madeira, there are or course many other walking routes, but aside from stretches of costal roads and up on Paúl da Serra, they are likely to be very hilly. |
| Beach, Swimming, Relaxation Days Madeira doesn't have the long white sandy beaches of the Bahamas, but Porto Santo does! This is the one area where Funchal isn't the best, as the towns along the south coast do have more attractive facilities as beaches go, although Funchal does have good swimming facilities. Calheta, Porto Moniz, Ribeira Brava (and soon Machico) are the places to go in the summer. |
| Day Trips, Jeep Safaris, Excursions There are numerous companies offering day trips, mostly by coach and some by jeep. The most popular trip is the 'West Island Tour' which starts in Funchal, goes across the mountains to Porto Moniz, and then returns through São Vicente. The 'East Island Tour' is less popular, but well worth a go. These tours are usually booked in Funchal, and its hard to walk 100 meters without seeing advertising for the various trips. |
| Golf Both Madeira and Porto Santo offer great golf courses, and great golfing conditions most of the time. They are quite expensive to play for locals at around or over €60, assuming you bring everything else you need with you. About 15 minutes drive from Funchal (much of it upwards!) you will find the 18 hole 'Campo de Golfe' of Palheiro. Around 2 thirds of the course area is pine forest and trees and flora of diverse origins, established over the last 100 or more years. Opened in 1994, It is certainly one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe with fantastic views over Funchal. Tel: [00351] 291 790 120 Fax: [00351] 291 792 456 Not so far away as the crow flies is Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra, at a height of over 650 metres. The course is not easy, and hilly in parts, and due to its height can get chilly and cloudy, but that is easily compensated by its beautiful scenery and fabulous views over the east Madeira coastline, Ilhas Desertas, and as far as Porto Santo on a good day. Tel: [00351] 291 550 100 Fax: [00351] 291 552 367 There is a further golf course located on the island of Porto Santo. Opened in 2002, it was designed by Sevy Ballesteros. The course has 27 holes. There is also a 'pitch and putt' course with night lights. Tel: [00351] 291 983 777 Fax: [00351] 291 983 778 A further golf course is due to be built in São Vicente, Madeira. Work is due to commence in 2009 and complete in 2011. |
| Active & Adventure Sports Cycling Take one look at Madeira, and you will realise that serious cycling is a sport for the fit enthusiast. There are long stretches of flat(ish) roads around some costal areas, and also on Paúl da Serra, literally on the top of the mountain range. That said, mountain biking is fairly popular and bikes are fairly readily available for hire. If you fancy cycling but not the mountains, you can always go to Porto Santo where the terrain is much kinder on the leg muscles. Canoeing Madeira doesn't have any rivers or lakes for canoeing, but sea canoeing is pretty popular. There are a few canoe sheds dotted around the coastlines, but you would have to ask if you could use one. Canoe hire is certainly available at Praia Formosa (Funchal) and at the Club Naval of Porto Santo (Tel: 291 985 190). Further Information: Associação Regional de Vela, Remo e Canoagem da Madeira, Estrada da Pontinha - 9000 Funchal. Tel: 291 22 49 70 Diving Not quite the Red Sea or Barrier Reef, but there are some good waters for diving around Madeira, and several diving centres. Madeira is a volcanic creation arising steeply from the sea, so its fairly quick to reach the deeper waters. Amongst the attractions are caves, coral, a shipwreck, and fantastic sea life including Manta Rays. There are diving centres at Funchal Marina, and at the Lido Complex, with others including Lido Gala Mar (Caniço) who also do internationally recognised diving courses, Machico and Porto Santo. Scuba diving can be arranged at some of the larger hotels. Water Sports Surfing around the west and north sides of Madeira has been a well kept secret within the surfing community, which is probably just as well as the waves take you onto rocky beaches, so it is only for skilled surfers, equipped with a surfboard repair kit. Wind surfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing are also possible, the latter two can be arranged at the Praia Formosa beach (west Funchal). Hiking and Rock & Mountain Climbing (Canyoning) This is what Madeira was made for, and although you may not find the challenges of the Himalayas or Alps, there is plenty to keep you fit. Horse Riding There are horse riding facilities not far from Funchal, and also on Porto Santo, but it's not a popular sport, and many Madeirans have never seen a horse out and about. |
| Shopping A wide and varied choice of shops are situated in Funchal, and some of the larger towns have shopping malls and good facilities to while away a few hours. For a more complete review of whats available, read the review in the Resources & Information section. |
| Tobogganing By Basket Scary and unusual, but you can take a 2km toboggan ride in a wicker basket, all the way from Monte down to Funchal, all by road, and without any snow. A famed Madeira ride. Price €12.50 per person, including the basket and guides (steerers). Monday to Saturday 9.00 to 18.00, and Sundays 9.00 until 13.00. Closed 14 - 15th August, Christmas & New Years day. Information: Carreiros do Monte Tel: Madeira 291 78 39 19 |
| Parks & Gardens There are some beautiful public and private gardens around Madeira island, but as you would expect all the main ones are in or around Funchal. Just a small selection are shown here. 'O Jardim Municipal' The Municipal Garden are probably the best known, being in the city centre and just a street back from the main coast road. It used to be the site of a convent until 1885, and is now the home of a beautiful amphitheatre, that often hosts live events. There are lots of imported trees and plants, creating a almost tropical feel. St. Catarina Park To the west end of the town, rising over the harbour and giving some excellent views. Mostly grassed, It has a varied and beautiful selection of trees and plants from far away lands, and an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon. Jardim Botânico has an area 35,000 m2 of more than 2,000 plants from all the continents including some rare species. Not far from Funchal, it is well signposted for drivers and not too expensive for a taxi ride. Located at Quinta do Bom Sucesso and open everyday 9.00 until 18.00. Jardim Orquídea has more than 50,000 examples de orchids, and it is possible to see the reproduction and cultivation of the new orchids in laboratory conditions. Rua Pita da Silva, 37 (below the Jardim Botânico) and open the same hours. Jardins da Quinta Magnólia are situated up the hill heading west out of Funchal, and being a fine example of a converted Madeiran farm. It has a children's park, tennis and squash courts, a jogging track and a pool, as well as trees and plants from all over the world. Rua Dr. Pita, 15. Open every day from 8.00 until 20.00. There are many more than those listed above, a few outside of Funchal. Many of them have opening and closing times so its worth checking these on the website of Funchal Council using the search words 'parques' and 'jardins' |
| Promenades Some days and evenings are best spent 'giving a stroll', or that's how it is expressed in Portuguese, and thats exactly what they like to do. Funchal and most of the larger costal towns have (or will have) smart sea front areas with cafés, where you can sit with your after-dinner coffee and watch the sun set. |
| Cable Car - Funchal - Monte In operation since 2000, with 39 cabins with 7 seats in each. It connects from the old town of Funchal (Zona Velha) to Monte and takes around 15 minutes each way, giving some spectacular views over the bay of Funchal. Opens every day except Christmas day 9.30 until 18.00, with the last boarding at 17.45. Prices: One way Adults €10 Return Adults €14.50 Children aged 4 to 14 half price, under 4's travel free. Telephone: Madeira 291 78 02 80 E-mail: info@madeiracablecar.com |
| Cable Car - Botanical Gardens 10 minutes from the centre of Funchal, this connects from Quinta do Bom Sucesso to Largo das Babosas, passing through the beautiful valley of Ribeira de João Gomes. Opens every day except Christmas day, 9.30 until 17.45. Prices: One way Adults €7.75 Return Adults €12.25 Children aged 4 to 14 half price, under 4's travel free. Telephone: Madeira 291 21 02 90 E-mail: info@telefericojardimbotanico.com Website: www.telefericojardimbotanico.com |
Funchal Fruit Market
One of the most colourful scenes
you will see, will be in the fruit
market in Funchal, it is situated to
the east end of the sea front road,
set back a little. 'O Mercado dos
Lavradores' was opened in 1940,
with some weird and wonderful
architecture to marvel over.
Open Monday to Thursday 8.00 to
19.00, Friday 7.00 to 20.00 and
Saturday 7.00 to 14.00, except on
public holidays.
One of the most colourful scenes
you will see, will be in the fruit
market in Funchal, it is situated to
the east end of the sea front road,
set back a little. 'O Mercado dos
Lavradores' was opened in 1940,
with some weird and wonderful
architecture to marvel over.
Open Monday to Thursday 8.00 to
19.00, Friday 7.00 to 20.00 and
Saturday 7.00 to 14.00, except on
public holidays.
Tour Bus - Funchal
The yellow double decker bus takes you around various points
of interest around Funchal. The tour runs for an hour and 15
minutes, giving taped information In English, Portuguese and 5
other languages. Once you buy your ticket, you can get on and
off the bus as many times as you like during the same day.
Information: (mobile) [00351] 968 342413
Prices: Adult €7.50, Children aged 4 to 10 €5.00, Babies go free
The yellow double decker bus takes you around various points
of interest around Funchal. The tour runs for an hour and 15
minutes, giving taped information In English, Portuguese and 5
other languages. Once you buy your ticket, you can get on and
off the bus as many times as you like during the same day.
Information: (mobile) [00351] 968 342413
Prices: Adult €7.50, Children aged 4 to 10 €5.00, Babies go free
Leisure Activities & Attractions
Helicopter Tours
Get a birds eye view of beautiful Madeira, with a helicopter flight on
one of the various air bound tours, subject to acceptable flying
conditions. Bookings and take off are from the Harbour (west end of
Funchal). Open all year except Christmas eve and day, 9.00 until 18.00
Prices per person: 10 Minutes €61, 15 Minutes €79
30 Minutes €145, 45 Minutes €207
Information: Tel: Madeira [00351] 291 23 28 82
email: heliatlantis@netmadeira.com
Get a birds eye view of beautiful Madeira, with a helicopter flight on
one of the various air bound tours, subject to acceptable flying
conditions. Bookings and take off are from the Harbour (west end of
Funchal). Open all year except Christmas eve and day, 9.00 until 18.00
Prices per person: 10 Minutes €61, 15 Minutes €79
30 Minutes €145, 45 Minutes €207
Information: Tel: Madeira [00351] 291 23 28 82
email: heliatlantis@netmadeira.com
Boat Trips & Fishing
Around the harbour area in Funchal there are a
number of boat excursions on offer, including
dolphin & whale watching trips, fishing
excursions, and general sightseeing trips that
offer fantastic views of the island.
Madeira has a good reputation for game
fishing, with plenty of large fish, including the
Blue Marlin. You can also hire a boat, if you are
able to sail one
Around the harbour area in Funchal there are a
number of boat excursions on offer, including
dolphin & whale watching trips, fishing
excursions, and general sightseeing trips that
offer fantastic views of the island.
Madeira has a good reputation for game
fishing, with plenty of large fish, including the
Blue Marlin. You can also hire a boat, if you are
able to sail one
| Museums, Galleries, & Culture Trips There are around 30 attractions to see in this category, mostly in and around Funchal. Their content ranges from toys to art, from sugar to natural history. Most charge a small admission fee between €1 and €5, but the Madeira Wine Museum (78, Rua 5 de Outubro) and Palace of São Lourenço (Avenida Zarco), both in Funchal, are free to enter. Most of them open weekdays at 10am, some a little earlier, but the weekend openings vary, so its best to check first |
Cave Tour
Most visitors to Madeira pass through São
Vicente at some time, so when you do, look for
the signs for the 'Grutas', and take the tour. The
complex continues for about 1 kilometre,
dropping in level by around 40 metres, and the
water ingress through the rock forms streams
and rock pools. It is in inexpensive way to
explore Madeira's volcanic rock from the inside,
and the tours are multilingual. Open at 10.00 and
closed at 18.30 or 19.00, depending on the
season. Tickets cost €8 or €6 (children to 5 to 14)
Tel: [00351] 291 842 404
Fax: [00351] 291 842 684
Most visitors to Madeira pass through São
Vicente at some time, so when you do, look for
the signs for the 'Grutas', and take the tour. The
complex continues for about 1 kilometre,
dropping in level by around 40 metres, and the
water ingress through the rock forms streams
and rock pools. It is in inexpensive way to
explore Madeira's volcanic rock from the inside,
and the tours are multilingual. Open at 10.00 and
closed at 18.30 or 19.00, depending on the
season. Tickets cost €8 or €6 (children to 5 to 14)
Tel: [00351] 291 842 404
Fax: [00351] 291 842 684
The Highest Cliffs In Europe
To be found at Cabo Girão, a few
kilometers west of Funchal, and
visible from Funchal. It gives
superb views over Funchal at
nearly 600 metres high from a
railed in viewpoint, and on some
days in high season you might find
some additional entertainment
from musical performers and craft
sellers. Less well known as the
second highest cliffs in the world.
To be found at Cabo Girão, a few
kilometers west of Funchal, and
visible from Funchal. It gives
superb views over Funchal at
nearly 600 metres high from a
railed in viewpoint, and on some
days in high season you might find
some additional entertainment
from musical performers and craft
sellers. Less well known as the
second highest cliffs in the world.
Up In The Mountains
The mountains are spectacular
from below, and the views are
spectacular from above.
There are many documented
mountain walks, but most tourists
get to see them from the island
tours. If you can make your own
way to Paúl da Serra, you will reach
a natural reserve, and you will be
surprised how flat the terrain is,
and the real delight is coming out
above the cloud into beautiful
sunshine.
Madeira's highest mountain is Pico
Ruivo, at 1,862 meters.
The mountains are spectacular
from below, and the views are
spectacular from above.
There are many documented
mountain walks, but most tourists
get to see them from the island
tours. If you can make your own
way to Paúl da Serra, you will reach
a natural reserve, and you will be
surprised how flat the terrain is,
and the real delight is coming out
above the cloud into beautiful
sunshine.
Madeira's highest mountain is Pico
Ruivo, at 1,862 meters.
Porto Santo - By Air or Ferry
If you are looking for a break from Madeira, do as many Madeirans do in
the Summer, pop over to Porto Santo, where there are acres and acres
of white sandy beach. The main holiday season runs for just 3 months
(June to August), and you might find prices a little steeper there.
You can do this on a day trip by air, or by sea on the Madeira to Porto
Santo Ferry, which takes a little more than 3 hours.
If you are looking for a break from Madeira, do as many Madeirans do in
the Summer, pop over to Porto Santo, where there are acres and acres
of white sandy beach. The main holiday season runs for just 3 months
(June to August), and you might find prices a little steeper there.
You can do this on a day trip by air, or by sea on the Madeira to Porto
Santo Ferry, which takes a little more than 3 hours.
Churches & The Cathedral
Madeira is a deeply catholic society,
and many older citizens still attend
church regularly. Funchal is best
known for Sé Cathedral, but all towns
have their own churches, and many
smaller villages too. Towns and
villages also have frequent religious
festivals, according to their particular
adopted saints or icons.
Some of the churches in Madeira are
quite astonishing in their beauty, and
many have unusual features and
finely crafted interiors
Madeira is a deeply catholic society,
and many older citizens still attend
church regularly. Funchal is best
known for Sé Cathedral, but all towns
have their own churches, and many
smaller villages too. Towns and
villages also have frequent religious
festivals, according to their particular
adopted saints or icons.
Some of the churches in Madeira are
quite astonishing in their beauty, and
many have unusual features and
finely crafted interiors
Aqua Park
The aqua park in Santa Cruz is
situated not far from the Madeira
airport. Very reasonably priced
and able to host a thousand kids
and parents.
There are 5 toboggan rides, 4
'bomber' slides, 2 swimming
pools, changing facilities and
locker rooms.
Refreshments can be brought on
site.
The aqua park in Santa Cruz is
situated not far from the Madeira
airport. Very reasonably priced
and able to host a thousand kids
and parents.
There are 5 toboggan rides, 4
'bomber' slides, 2 swimming
pools, changing facilities and
locker rooms.
Refreshments can be brought on
site.
| Sporting Events To Watch It won't be much surprise for anyone to hear that Madeiran men are football mad. Although other sports are played they don't really rank as spectator sports in comparison. Madeira has two top league sides, Nacional & Marítimo. Both play in Funchal, or thereabouts, and there are a number of other professional teams on the island. In September 2007, the National Sports Stadium of Madeira in Ribeira Brava was inaugurated with a excellent facilities to serve both football and athletics, as well as many other sports and pursuits, and it is hoped to attract some class acts to the venue. |
Marítimo v Belenenses 2007
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