"Madeira: the garden island in the Ocean" Madeira Island by PALLINA

Madeira Island Travel Guide: 776 reviews and 1,839 photos

Why Madeira?

Actually I wished to go to Porto Santo, a small island near Madeira with a 7-km golden beach. I was addressed to Madeira, instead and now I have really to thank the person to conviced me about Madeira.

Not many Italians visit it. Most of the tourists are from UK, Germany or France. And Portogal, obviously. I hardly found a travel book in Italian; the new release of Lonely Planet's Portugal does'n include Madeira (can someone tell me why?) and also on the web, looking for the same travel book in English, seems no Lonely Planets guide haven't been written about it. Very strange. But I found a good replacement: Madeira (Dumont pocket guide to travel). Nice photos and descriptions, restaurants tips not always to be followed. OK.

I think the reason why Italians (thanks God there is still a place on the Earth without Italian barbaric invasion...) don't go there is - as far as understand- the lack of long and sandy beaches. Moreover, ocean is too cold for us to swim.

Things to do

Ponta de Sao Lourenco

1.To hire a car from your arrival at the airport and leave it at the airport’s departure. Unless you want to stay only in Funchal, a car is absolutely necessary.
2.Travel the coastal road. Sometime it’s better to avoid galleries to enjoy the beautiful views. Do not miss: Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Punta do Pargo
3.Visit its capital Funchal, in particular its colorful market (flowers, flowers, fruits and vegetable and fish)
4.Visit Monte and have a ride on certain wooden vehicles driven by locals. It’s an old traditional transportation mean for Englishmen living in Madeira
5. Have a swim in Porto Moniz’s natural piscinas
6. Visit little villages like Camara do Lobos, Sao Vicente, Machico, Ribeira Brava
7. Visit Santana and its typical roof houses
8. Have a hiking tour from Pico de Areiro
9. Do not look for sandy beaches: there is only one, small and overcrowded. Do not look for beaches in general (especially if you come from Mediterranen region: every beach will disappoint you)
10.Jardim Botanico

Don't look for sandy beaches...look for nice paths

Pico do Areiro

Pico de Areiro is more or less 1800 meters high. It's very nice to enjoy the view from its several miraduoros, but it can be ever nicer if you have good trekking shoes and follow the paths. Have fun!
Moreover:
If you come from, let's say, central European countries, you'll find Portugal very chap. Madeira is cheap also, but averagely more expensive than Lisbon.
You have to hire a car if you want to see Madeira; the air conditioning is not strictly reccomanded during summer but it can help! Madeirans drive very very speedly. Pay attention, especially after galleries (there are many galleries). Choose also the old streets and NOT only the freeway, otherwise you will not see the island.
Everybody can speak or, at least, understand a bit of English.

Pros and Cons

Pros:TEMPERATURE IS 15°-25° ALL YEAR LONG. SUMMER CAN BE WARMER (ALSO 30-32°)
Cons:BEACHES
In a nutshell:Sunny warm and lively garden in the ocean!

Last visit to Madeira Island: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Sep 12, 2007
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Reviews (10)

Visit Santana's traditional houses - Madeira Island

Visit Santana's traditional houses Things to Do (2)

Santana (the name arises from Sant Ana) is a small village in the northern part of Madera, famous for its traditional... more travel advice

Tropical flowers in Mercado dos Lavradores - Madeira Island

Fresh seafood & flowers Shopping (1)

The Mercado dos Lavradores is really worthseeing. At the entrance you see immediately tropical flowers everywhere and... more travel advice

A very special way to travel from Monte - Madeira Island

A very special way to travel from Monte Off The Beaten Path (1)

Monte is a hilly village just outside Funchal, the capital of Madeira. It was used to be the place where rich English... more travel advice

Piscinas Naturais: both ocean and swimming pool - Madeira Island

Piscinas Naturais: both ocean and... Things to Do (2)

When you travel around Madeira, you cannot miss to stop in Porto Moniz, where the village has not much to offer except... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
the best "quinta" in Madeira
Been to Madeira Island?
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Travelogues (1)

Written May 13, 2008

1 photo

MADERA: island of wood

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Comments (12)

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850prc May 29, 2011 at 5:42 AM

Very alluring place and page, A. We do someday want to visit Portugal and Madeira needs to be on our to-do list. Sounds "off the beaten trail" and I'd like that.
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slitty_tulip Feb 25, 2010 at 10:02 AM

i asked f0r inf0rmation on line they posted books and maps that was good
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Luchonda Sep 10, 2008 at 1:59 AM

Again nice resto tips. Greetz
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Maurizioago Apr 28, 2008 at 2:09 AM

Ciao!
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Basaic Jan 18, 2008 at 9:49 AM

Loved your tips
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Jim_Eliason Jan 18, 2008 at 5:45 AM

Nice tips!
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deecat Sep 26, 2007 at 8:22 AM

Annamaria....the Quinta looks so marvelous. Wonderful, informative introduction. Honest, interesting tips. Restaurant tips were especially helpful, especially the advice about spices.
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pikuu Sep 24, 2007 at 6:36 AM

Hi Annamaria. Excellent (and short) sentence describing Madeira: "Don't look for sandy beaches...look for nice paths". Also great photos and comprehensive info about the island I want to returne someday!
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MarioPortugal Sep 23, 2007 at 8:48 AM

Great insights about Madeira. Thank You.
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tini58de Aug 29, 2007 at 12:04 AM

I would love to go to Madeira one day - and I love your restaurant tips! Well done!