Travel Guides > Sightseeing in Madeira Island

Sightseeing in Madeira Island

The Archipelago of Madeira is an excellent holiday destination. The Archipelago has many attractions, namely its mild climate all year round, its rare Nature with breathtaking views, the Laurissilva Forest, and of course, a vast cultural and natural heritage. Madeira and Porto Santo Islands are proud to offer locals and tourists wonderful and unique places, worth of visiting. When visiting Madeira Island, you should visit the rural areas. They will provide you with stunning sceneries and breathtaking views. Also take the opportunity to walk along the magnificent levadas and trails. In the Laurissilva Forest you will find various endemic species of Madeira Island. The most outstanding ones are the Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz), stongly associated to the Laurissilva Forest; the Zino’s Petrel (Pterodroma madeira); the Firecrest (Regulus madeirensis), the smallest bird in the archipelago. The capital of Madeira Island, that is, Funchal is also worth of visiting. In the city centre of Funchal there is a vast cultural heritage, some of them dating back to the time of the discoveries. The most outstanding monuments are churches, chapels, palaces, mansions and forts. Besides, there are also cultural centres and museums, most of them with temporary exhibitions of different artists. After visiting Funchal and its rich historical sites, take the opportunity and visit the various parks and gardens that Madeira and Porto Santo have to offer you. Enjoy the delicious “bolo do caco” (typical bread made of wheat flour), accompanied with the traditional “espetada” (a beef cubed on a laurel stick and grilled over an open fire), grilled chicken or a sandwich of “carne de vinho e alhos” (pork spiced with wine and garlic). However, there are also other beautiful places which are worth of visiting. Go off and explore the charms of spectacular landscapes of the Archipelago. There are many peaks and viewing points with stunning sceneries and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the opportunity of walking along the beaches. There are several pebble and sandy beaches all over the islands. Also visit the streams, waterfalls and natural pools. You will love them. Madeira and Porto Santo Islands are definitely one of the best holiday destinations for you.

Come to the Archipelago and stay in one of Madeira Rural accommodations. There are many rural accommodations at your disposal, namely country houses, cottages, bed and breakfast, self-catering, rural holiday homes and villas. Madeira and Porto Santo are pleased to welcome you.