The embodiment of an earthly paradise in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean - Madeira Island is associated by many with the famous Madeira wine. This is no coincidence - it was the strong wine made from white grapes that stimulated the economic development of the Portuguese region. Football fans know that the blessed island is the birthplace of the famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo. Discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century. the Madeira archipelago, consisting of 3 islands, became the property of Portugal. Madeira is the largest main island - a synthesis of incredible natural resources and beauty + resort luxury and comfort. The British, Germans, Finns and other Europeans prefer to rest here. But in recent years, more and more Russians are striving to visit an elite resort, despite the very short distance. The airport, named after the football star, receives over 900,000 tourists, many of whom are Russians. Interesting excursions in Madeira in Russian have been developed for them.
The pristine nature of western Madeira
Despite its small size, the enchanting island surprises with the diversity of its landscape, flora and fauna. The 8-hour tour will allow you to see firsthand the richness of the generous nature of the western part of the island and appreciate its virgin beauty. The first point of the road trip is the fishermen town of Camara de Lobos, on the quiet streets of which you will plunge into the atmosphere of life, tastes and traditions of local residents. Visit Churchill's balcony, Cape Girau and its observation deck for breathtaking views.
Then, heading to the center, you will find yourself high in the mountains, on the Paul da Serre plateau, from where the discoverer of Madeira, Joan Zarco, observed the stunning surroundings. Crossing the plateau, you will see pristine rainforests, banana plantations and the beauty of mountain tundra. In the town of Porto Monij, the next stop on the trip is to plunge into the natural pool formed by the volcano.
After enjoying a swim in the purest water, continue to experience the pleasure of a barbecue or baked trout in a private restaurant. After refueling, head to the north coast, famous for its mesmerizing waterfalls. Take a promenade through the charming town of São Vicente and experience an eerie thrill on the steep serpentine road to the Encumeada Pass.
When the magical view of the Ribeira Brava river valley opens before your eyes, you will understand that the adrenaline rush was not in vain. The way back to the hotel among the beauties of the Via Rapida Autobahn will allow you to calmly "digest" the experience.
Price 188 € for 1-4 persons
Eastern Madeira - from forest to desert
Participants of an 8-hour trip to the east coast of the island will discover irresistible panoramas, exotic rocky spurs, amazing beaches with black volcanic sand, etc. Ascent to the Arieiro peak, from which you will see stunning surroundings, will make you feel like conquerors of peaks. You will enjoy a stroll through the Santo-da-Serra park with English lawns. In the city of Machico you will visit the observation deck, learn the legend of romantic love.
During a visit to the golf club, admire the views of the islands of Porto Santo and Desertas. You will find yourself at the most eastern point of Madeira - the Cape of St. Lawrence, from where you can admire the amazing landscapes of the southern and northern coasts of the island. Stop at one of the unusual beaches with black volcanic sand, cool off in the ocean, admire the kaleidoscope of tropical fish scurrying in the clear water.
In the town of Porto Cruz, you will find a delicious lunch of fresh seafood, an interesting walk through the local market. The culmination of the visit will be a visit to an authentic cane rum factory. Here you will see mechanical devices, which are 150 years old, and taste a specialty drink. If you wish, stop by Santana, famous for its triangular thatched houses. In one of the wine cellars, you will taste the taste of the collection Madeira, enjoy the surrounding nature to its fullest.
Price 188 € for 1-4 persons
Ah, Madeira
An unforgettable immersion in the world of natural masterpieces awaits you on a comfortable journey to the west of the island. For 8 hours, you will not get tired of admiring the stunning landscapes. Standing on the glass of the observation deck of the highest cliff of Cabo Girau, you will discover all the beauty of a divine piece of land in the middle of the ocean. Breathe in the healing air of the relict laurel forest of Laurissilva, walk along its paths among the sea of flowers. The real magic awaits you in the stalactite caves in São Vicente. Here, see an old chapel that remembers the generations of the first Portuguese.
Seeing the Bridal Veil waterfall, you will forever be enchanted by its crystal 200-meter curtain and the legend associated with this natural miracle. A trip along the Enkumeada mountain pass will allow you to view the panorama of the southern and northern coasts, walk among the relict laurel thickets and breathe in the scent of heather. A lot of amazing things await you in the Rabasal nature reserve, with unique flora and fauna, cascades of waterfalls and lush green valleys.
During the trip, you will get acquainted with local legends, customs, national cuisine. In the fishermen's village of Camara de Lobos, feast on the delicacy of swordfish fried in batter and garnished with banana. You will experience real pleasure in the village. Porto Moniz while swimming in the lava pools. At a local restaurant you will taste espetada - Portuguese kebab with punch and wine. At the Madeira factory, you will learn the secrets of its preparation.
Group up to 8 people, cost 45 € each, excluding lunch at the restaurant.
Walk on the rooftops of Funchal
Unusual experiences await you on an equally unusual journey across the rooftops of ancient Funchal, the capital of Madeira. A whole world of intricate designs, a kaleidoscope of warm colors under your feet will reveal its secrets. From its height, the famous sights of Funchal will appear in an unexpected perspective.
Climbing to the roof of the tallest building in the historic center, you will take stunning pictures as a souvenir. The exterior and interior of the gallery on the roof of the Jesuit church of the local college will make a deep impression. Visiting the roof-parking of an embroidery factory, you will admire truly magnificent views. During this exciting walk, you will hear a lot about the use of roofs by the townspeople and decorative decorations.
You will find out why astronomical instruments have become an indispensable element of various buildings in Funchal, get acquainted with the architectural styles of the city. The final chord of the high-rise promenade will be a visit to the rooftop restaurant, where, to the sounds of excellent jazz, treat yourself to a delicious cocktail and delicious coffee.
Cost 35 € for 1-7 persons. from everyone.
Sunrise at the peak of Arieiro
If you are a romantic by nature, take part in the fabulous meeting of the morning sun at the highest point in Madeira, the peak of Arieiro. This will be an unforgettable start to a new day of your stay on the magical island. The only difficulty is the need to wake up long before dawn in order to have time to get to the place before sunrise. When you find yourself in the world of jazz music, hot coffee in harmony with the irresistible beauty of morning nature, you will not regret at all that you did not sleep.
The best musicians of the island will perform enchanting jazz compositions for you. Coffee made in an exclusive way will seem the most delicious, and the sight that opens around will be mesmerizing. The feeling of heavenly delight, delight will not leave you during your 2-hour stay upstairs.From the observation deck, you will see a beautiful picture spreading below, and then descend "from the clouds to the ground" enchanted to the core.
Cost 300 € for 1-5 people.
Western part of the island
Breathtaking landscapes, colorful appearance of seaside towns, new taste sensations await you on a 7-hour tour along the west coast of the island. On the way, you will hear a lot of interesting information about the history of the entire archipelago from the lips of an erudite guide. Arriving in the town of Camara de Lobos, which Churchill loved to visit, you will understand why he often stayed here. Visiting a local wine factory, you will taste the 4 types of Madeira and get acquainted with the process of making the famous drink.
On the next point of your trip - Ribeira Brava, you will be impressed with a visit to the old church of the 17th century. and its history. Here you will stroll through the authentic streets, drop by one of the bars and taste an exclusive drink - a cocktail based on cane rum with the addition of lemon and honey. Moving from the south of the west coast to the north, you will find yourself in the city of San Vicente, you will see the difference between the ocean. At the local market, admire the variety of balsa wood products, bordadouche embroidery, and buy something.
Staying in Seixal, on a black sand beach, plunge into the ocean water. And in Porto Moniz you will splash in a natural lava pool for 1 hour. Refreshing, have a snack in the fish restaurant with a special dish of saber fish, washed down with green wine. After that, climb to a height of 1.5 km and from Mount Paul da Serra observe the incredibly beautiful panorama of the island.
Price 225 € for 1-3 persons
Through the parks and gardens of Funchal
By ordering such an excursion, you will see all the delights of the garden city, literally drowning in tropical greenery and bright colors. Walking along the city streets and alleys, you will not stop admiring the surrounding landscapes, worthy of photographic lenses. While enjoying your morning coffee in the open-air café of Monte Park, view the rare trees surrounded by them. Walking along the gorgeous paths of the golf club, you will see a charming pond, outlandish "weeping" pines, an amazing ornament of fancifully trimmed bushes in the adjoining park.
You will freeze with delight, stepping into the alley of blooming camellias of striking beauty, and in the very center of the Old City, amid a kaleidoscope of flowers, you will see an unusual musical instrument. In one of the bars, you will taste the local wine while listening to the guide's narration with interesting facts and events related to the park and celebrities. By the end of the voyage, you will know a lot about the beautiful flora of Madeira, about the attitude of the islanders to plants and their protection.
Cost 45 € per participant.
Art walk in Funchal
On the 5-hour voyage, you will immerse yourself in the art world of Funchal, walking through objects that reflect the life and work of the city's famous painters. In the old tasting room, be sure to admire the wall panels by the German artist Max Romer. A little later, you will get acquainted with the creations within the framework of a local conceptual art project - the painted doors of houses on one of the streets. By visiting 3 galleries in turn, expand your ideas about alternative art, form an opinion about exhibition objects, get to know the artists of Funchal.
Living among such beauty, it is impossible not to become a painter - make sure of this at the master class. Within 3 hours, create your first oil painting, maybe a masterpiece. The creative process will be consulted by a real artist, giving valuable advice and tips. Leave your creation as a souvenir of Madeira, you will feel how your knowledge of painting, its styles and directions has been enriched.
The cost is 180 €, including a master class for 1 person.
Fairy forests
On a 7-hour trip through the fantastic nature of the island, you will experience true delight in the beautiful views of Laurisilva, get drunk with the aromas of the healing air and feel like an artist in your soul. It is no coincidence that Madeira's laurel forests have become a world heritage. Making your way along the paths under the crowns of relict laurels, you will find yourself in the fabulous world of rock crystal lakes, silver waterfalls, and the mysterious beauty of the forest.
The surrounding landscapes with heather thickets on the slopes of gorges, gray walls of stone cliffs, streams, sometimes turning into waterfalls, is breathtaking. The heady air, saturated with eucalyptus and laurel, will give you peace. On a forest trip, you will learn how such lush vegetation appeared on the once bare volcanic rock. The guide will introduce you to Veredy Levada, tell you about the pioneers of the island.
Price 150 € for 1-4 persons
Incredible Funchal
The amazing history of the Old Town will clearly appear before you on a sightseeing tour of iconic landmarks. In 3.5 hours, penetrate the most picturesque corners of Funchal, see unique architectural objects and visit a winery. After visiting the main cathedral, you will be transported to the era of the 15th century, admire the paintings of the Flemings and the Silver Cross. Walking along the colorful stalls of the central market, marvel at the exotic variety of fruits, fish and vegetables. You will experience tremendous aesthetic pleasure during a visit to an authentic embroidery factory.
And in a shop that sells wonderful products from cork and ceramics, you will not resist the temptation to buy something from the range on offer. It will also be interesting in the Historical Museum, which reflects the stages of Madeira's development. Looking into the cellars of the winery, you will taste all the branded drinks and learn the secrets of their production. In the district of Monte, you will see the famous church, where the remains of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I are buried. With your consent, order a lunch of freshly caught fish in the best restaurant.
Price 150 € for 1-3 people.
Valley of the nuns in the mouth of the volcano
The irresistible beauty of the northeast coast, with its volcanic landscapes, unfolds before you on a 7-hour road trip. Serpentine mountain trails, inconspicuous country roads will lead you to the most incredible natural sites and man-made wonders. Arriving at the settlement of Curral das Frairas (Valley of the Nuns), walk along the volcanic lava frozen in the mouth of a volcano 6.5 thousand years ago, hear the history of the settlement. After admiring the stunning surroundings, stop by the local church.
Then ascend to a height of 800 m and see below the "Valley of the Nuns" in the form of a toy village. From any angle, you will discover stunning views of the enchanting Funchal, the endless turquoise of the ocean, the ancient village of shepherds. In the vicinity of Santana, visit the Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream) and the ruins of a sugar factory. In the town itself, you will admire the unusual 3-cornered houses. During a stop in Kalhau, stop by a local cafe and feast on a taste of espada (saber fish) with a banana. You will experience a lot of emotions in the Arco di San Jorge, admiring the rose garden.
Price 188 € for 1-3 persons, excluding lunch.
Conquer the easternmost point of Madeira
An exciting trip to the eastern part of the island will give you a lot of emotions. In 9 hours you will see unique natural attractions, visit authentic towns. The first of them will be Gorozao, where you can climb to the observation deck and be enchanted by the surrounding views of Funchal and the southern part of the island. Stand by the statue of Christ, copied from the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. Then go to the foot of Cape San Lorenzo and from there walk upstairs, stopping at the observation decks along the way.
It will not be tiring - a leisurely walk with rest and a snack, photographing the species you like. Going down, head to Porto da Cruz with a stop at the volcanic beach of Pranha, where you can splash in the ocean, walk on the black sand. A serpentine road among dense forests with many observation platforms will be an unforgettable adventure.Porto Kruz will charm you with its patriarchal appearance, a wonderful promenade, with an outdoor pool.
Visit the old Madeira rum distillery The next stop on the route is Ribeiro Frio, where you will visit a trout farm and have lunch at a fish restaurant. A pleasant moment will be the ascent to the mountains to the peak Areiro, under the very clouds. While on the observation deck, once again appreciate the fabulous beauty of the island's landscapes. The tour ends with a delicious dinner, a glass of wine and a relaxing atmosphere in an inexpensive restaurant. If you wish, the route can be slightly changed if you do not want to walk for a long time.
Price 235 € for 1-3 persons
The beauty of northwest Madeira
Do you want to visit Churchill's favorite places, drive through mountain tunnels, see deep gorges and fall in love with the nature of the island? Then it is worth becoming a member of an interesting trip to the north-east of Madeira. The voyage will begin with a visit to a fishing village, which Churchill once visited, inspired by its landscapes.
He spent a lot of time at his easel, showing artistic ability. Climbing the glass observation deck of the Cabo Girau cliff, admire the picturesque panorama. Driving through Ribeiro Bravo, you will travel along a picturesque canyon to São Vicent and from there along the coast to Seiscalo. See plenty of mountain waterfalls falling from the cliffs into the ocean.
Feel the adrenaline rush as you dive into the tunnels carved in the rocks. Arriving in Porto Moniz, you bathe in one of the many pools formed by lava. After swimming, refresh yourself with lunch in a cafe or at a local inexpensive restaurant, according to your desire and capabilities.
Cost 235 € for 1 person, excluding lunch.
Traveling around the western part of the island
Do you want to see the tops of cliffs hiding in the clouds, silver waterfalls and authentic settlements, learn the history of the island? The first on your way is Camara de Lobos, a lovely fishing village. She was glorified by Winston Churchill, who loved to paint the surrounding landscapes with watercolors. Walking through the village, you will see where the famous politician spent his last years. From the cliff of Cabo Girau, standing between the clouds, admire the fabulous views of the Atlantic and the island. During your visit to Ribeiro Brava, visit the ancient chapel of St. Benedict.
Further, having overcome the pass, you will find yourself in the town of San Vicente, where you will explore the underground caves and grottoes. During the further trip, go up to the observation deck and admire the magnificent view of the Bridal Veil Waterfall, learn the history of the name. The end of the trip will be a visit to the city of Porto Moniz, where you will enjoy bathing in natural lava pools. Refreshing yourself, you will go to a local restaurant, where you will be served national dishes of meat and fish.
Cost 188 € for 1-3 persons.
Eastern
As a member of the 7-hour tour, you will get acquainted with the landscape beauty of the east coast, with amazing natural and architectural sites. Stopping in Machico, go up to the Pico de Facho observation deck, which was in the 15-17th century. an observation post for pirates. The extreme runway of the airport, under which you pass, will make a strong impression.
Then go to Cape Ponta da San Lorenzo, whose name he got from the island's pioneer ship. After visiting the local sandy beach with sand brought from Morocco, swim in the ocean. Then from Mount Santo da Serra you will see the Cape of St. Lawrence, the neighboring islands, and see the golf course.
Stop at Poiso, taste the local punch and head towards Areiro Peak. Admire the panorama spreading below, if you wish, go to a mountain restaurant and try Madeira-style beef shashlik. After lunch you will have a walk through the wild laurel forest in Ribero Frio, a visit to a trout farm. To conclude your trip, visit Santana with its lovely thatched cottages and famous estate.
Cost 225 € for 1-3 persons.
