Our Tourist Guidebook - Castelo do Mar
To help plan your perfect vacation on Madeira island, we've put together some useful information about:
- Recommended Car Rentals
- Nearest Supermarkets
- Easy 3-Day Plan
- Our Trusted Tour Guides For Unique Experiences
- Points Of Interest Around Madeira
- Current events on the island
- Seasonal Events & Festivals
- For Best Beaches Click Here
- For Our Recommended Restaurants Click Here
- For Rainy Weather & Indoors Activities Click Here
A car is necessary to explore Madeira island!
Due to the high incline and decline (up to 80%) of Madeiran roads, we strongly recommend renting an automatic car. Based on our experience and previous feedback from our guests, we advise you to book directly with Girassol:
https://girassol.rent/
Alternatively, there is also G&F Rent-a-car:
(+351) 922 260 963
Nearest Supermarkets
Supermarkets are usually open from 8:30 AM until 9:30 PM during the week and until 9:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays (except December 24th and December 31st). Biggest nearby supermarket is Continente Modelo in Ribeira Brava, with comfortable parking, 10min away by car:
https://goo.gl/maps/mUH2SNkeKFKory7U8
Other supermarkets nearby:
- Pingo Doce Ribeira Brava: https://goo.gl/maps/b9u48wiH8TyGABoq5
- Continent Model of Ribeira Brava 2: https://goo.gl/maps/34wVYhB4ngZE4xKe7
What to do on paradise island - 3 day plan
1 Day:
- 1st stop: drive to Fanal forest with ancient trees and walk above the clouds
- 2nd stop: visit Porto Moniz to see natural pools
- 3rd stop: drive to Seixal to see natural pools
- 4th stop: drive to famous black sand beach in Seixal
- 5th stop: have some food at a local restaurant Las Caraibas at Praia de Laie, 5 minutes drive from Seixal: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtKUxHyzsJ9ffZp87
Day 2:
- see 25 waterfalls in one day and take some seeds to feed the birds (they land on your hand!) at Bistro Rabaçal
https://www.komoot.de/tour/1227008603?ref=aso&share_token=ayVp2A24DNkLJvHD2DdAU61BqmoP2XNczEt70VVaiVNwXqJOH6
Day 3:
- have a relaxed and easy hike on Levada Nova https://www.komoot.de/tour/1189176783?ref=aso&share_to ken = aC8Xh5scArNyAE6J1BP2d9VQUsQfxBzj75iBXikjrdRDnB7e4s
- park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKn2TgZBboVFruLz9
- enter the Levada here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rrv4qB7T3bU6YedF7
https://www.komoot.de/tour/1189176783?ref=aso&share_token=aC8Xh5scArNyAE6J1BP2d9VQUsQfxBzj75iBXikjrdRDnB7e4s
Apps we recommend during your stay on Madeira:
- For general navigation 'google maps' is the best
- For hiking use 'Komoot' app: there are over 3 000 km of hiking trails on Madeira and for your own safety it is better to use the app.
- 'Windy.com' app for weather: the weather can change quickly and usually varies significantly by altitude, coastline and even in short distances.
- Google translate for translation of text and images (there is a camera feature inside which allows you to directly translate the image, ie a menu in a restaurant)
- Here is also a useful website (not an app) for weather checking on live webcam feeds around the island: https: //www.netmadeira.com/webcams-madeira
Our trusted local tour guides for unique experiences and personalized trips:
- Olivier, Private Tour Guide & VIP Tours (French/English)
Personalised tours all over the island, visit famous spots and less known- levada walks & viewpoints, unique beaches, waterfalls etc. Guided tours to the famous mountain peaks- Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo; the enchanted forest of Fanal- a UNESCO site; Seixal & Porto Moniz incredible natural pools in the north; Porto da Cruz Rum Distillery experience; Madeira Wine tours.
Whatsapp: +351 925 216 994
lachambreolivier@gmail.com
- Rob, Local Tour Guide (English/Portuguese/Polish)
Guided hiking trails, boat tours, dolphin watching, kayaking, snorkeling, buggy tours (off-road).
Whatsapp: +351 961 300 798
https://www.robexperience.com/
- Gavião Madeira – Boat Tours (English/Portuguese)
Private trips with a sailboat, dolphin tours
http://www.gaviaomadeira.com/en/oceancruises/
- Gilberto, local taxi (English/Portuguese/Spanish)
Airport transfers (9 seats), taxi service for Tabua, Ribeira Brava but also possible to book rides for other areas
+351 962 661 503
Points of Interest around Madeira
Well...where to start...we love the nature, the people, the climate and fantastic landscapes....
- Restaurante Sabor a Fado in Funchal: Small, family owned restaurant in the capital of the island (make a reservation Tel. +351925612259). 3 generations of the family singing traditional Portuguese Fado music, and serving the guests every day in most authentic atmosphere. The restaurant opens at 6:00 pm (every day), but reservations can be done before opening as well. The family with starts singing and playing Portuguese guitar at 7:30 pm till 11:30 pm: So reservation is best for 7:15 pm - don't be late! Pedro, one of the family owners, is one of the last Portuguese guitar teachers (Portugese guitar has 12 strings instead of 6 like normal guitar) on the island. Alexandra and Sylvia, his aunt and sister, are the best Fado singers on the island. They sing 4 times with a short break in between for serving the guests. The food is one of the best quality traditional Portuguese dishes you can find on the island. But together with the Fado experience and the atmosphere this is the best restaurant on Madeira for me! You have to try the recommendations of the house (see the picture on the left). For a vegetarian dish ask them directly as it's not on the menu. They usually prepare mushrooms in cream sauce with fried cornbread cubes, rice and French fries.
Click Here For more restaurants recommendations from us!
- If your prefer to experience an original Caravela Portuguesa AND see whales from a bit of distance, cruise the waves around the island with the rebuilt flagship of Christopher Columbus - the Santa Maria - this would be our number one recommendation. You don't have to book the tours online, you can also book with them in person in Funchal harbor.
- More sailing experience and being closer to the whales and dolphins you can do so by Catamaran. Enjoy the sound of the wind in the sails and being on one of the fastest ships! Visit VMT Catamaran Trips Madeira. You don't have to book the tours online. You can book with them directly in person in Funchal harbor.
- Funchal harbor promenade / Marina : Even if you live in Funchal, you can find everything here! Shopping mall "Plaza" is a good place to leave your car, begin your stroll at CR7 museum, then walk on the promenade to the restaurants in downtown, enjoy life under palm trees and tropical atmosphere in front of the impressive ocean liners !
- Mercado dos Lavradores / Daily fruit and vegetable market in Funchal : You probably won't know the names of all the plants creating these extraordinary fruits! Some fruits are just known in South America, for example pipinella, banana-ananás, Anonia and many others. They are all tasty and worth trying! There's nothing that can make you feel like you are on a paradise island like tropical fruit! What is even more relaxing: sit down and relax in one of the cafes and order a bica (Madeiran word for espresso) and observe the island life happening around you.
- The oldest Poncha Bar on Madeira: Taberna da Poncha , not far from Castelo - or those who want to try the famous (alcoholic) cocktail of Madeira
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Funchal Cable Car / Teleférico to Monte
- Monte Palace Madeira with its Tropical Gardens : Anyone who likes exotic plants and gardens will be impressed by garden architecture from all over the world. Even Queen Sissi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria) came to cure her illness on Madeira. And even better... take the cable car from Funchal promenade to go there
- Carreiros do Monte in Funchal : EUR 40 per person is worth it to see it once! Take the cable car from Funchal harbor to Monte, and after the taxi back to Funchal promenade again
- Natural pools of Porto Moniz are one of the biggest attractions of Madeira.
- ...the beach promenade at Madalena do Mar with cafe
- ...the serpentines and the old road to Paul do Mar
- ...the cliffs on the north coast, fe Ribeira do Inferno ,...or at Sao Jorge
- ...the old coast roads and the old tunnels hammered out of stone - my favorite: The old road from Ponta del Sol Beach to Madelena do Mar, driving through the old tunnels, passing the old prison, driving through the Angels Waterfall (you can also stop and take a photo!).
- ... the high altitude forest in Fanal with ancient trees.... you might think you are in Switzerland or Austria, but you are in Madeira...
- ...sunset at Ponta do Sol : enjoy the sunset at the old prison - you can drive through the old tunnel at the end of the beach in the direction of Madalena do Mar/Calheta - at the end you're going to find the old prison in front of the tunnel or enjoy at the beach bar-restaurant Maré Alta Bar.
- ...the flowers ,...
- ...the waterfalls ,...
- ...and last but not least: The levadas, Madeira's Unesco world cultural heritage ! A unique way to transport the water from high up in the mountains to the dryer areas below ... they were carved out of the rock by hammer and hand
- The highest cliff in Europe is also a good start for sightseeing: Miradouro Cabo Girão Skywalk . This offers a spectacular view from 500 meters altitude from Funchal to Fajã dos Padres!
Events happening on the island right now
- Christmas village and Christmas market in centre Funchal: https://www.funchal.pt/christmas-in-funchal-2024/
- concerts (different genres) - click on the date of your choice: https://www.madeiraconcerts.com/monthly-program
- art exhibition: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/exhibition-private-investigations/
- Madeira mandolin orchestra concerts: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/mandolin-orchestra-weekly-concerts/
- Madeira international digital art festival in Ponta da Sol and Calheta: https://eventsmadeira.com/en/event/madeira-dig-festival/
- concerts at Barreirinha bar café Funchal: https://www.instagram.com/barreirinhabarcafe/
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Madeira's epic Carnaval and main parade at Funchal harbor promenade - from February 26th to March,9th 2025
- Madeira Flower Festival, starting last weekend in April until 21st of May
- Christmas market at Funchal harbor promenade : The lights throughout Funchal at night are spectacular: carousels, hot chestnuts and Christmas stands in front of the biggest ocean liners in the world, starting in mid-November until 08th of January
What to do on a cloudy or rainy day?
Due to the altitude of the mountains it never rains all over Madeira, usually just in some parts. So check the weather for the day.
Here are two examples of external websites offering access to webcams all over the island:
 |
Most recommended restaurants/cafés/bakery - click here
On the South coast beaches are usually warmer then on the north coast
- Praia da Calheta - 14.4 km/19 min - 5-star Sahara sand beach, perfect for swimming, warmest water on Madeira, water temperature 24-26°C in summer and 20-22°C in winter, 2 beaches easy to swim from one to the other with harbor, restaurants, bars, bistros, Pingo Doce supermarket is right beside, very handy for snacks.
- Praia da Ribeira Brava - 3.6 km/7 min by car, 3 km/40 min walk - black sand beach, our beach rating: ***
- Praia da Ponta do Sol - 5.3 km/10 min by car, 25 min by bike - stone beach, our beach rating: ***
- Cable Car Beach: Fajã dos Padres - 12 km/16 min - stone beach, but what a panoramic view and the beach has a restaurant, and a perfect snorkeling area, our beach rating ***+
- Praia Formosa, Funchal - 19.5 km, 24 min, leave your car here , most famous beach of Madeira, our beach rating ***** but be careful swimming here due to the tides!
.jpg/picture-200?_=186b89e1bd8)
North coast beaches are usually colder
- Check the temperature at Porto Moniz first
- Check if there's sun at Porto Moniz
- Check if the tides/waves are less than 2m high eg via Windfinder app
- Seixal beach (29.1 km/39 min - natural black sand, perfect for surfing or bodyboarding if the tides/waves are higher than 1 m)
- Praia da Laje, Seixal (30.3 km/36 min - small uncrowded stone beach, perfect to swim with good restaurant beside
- Santana Cable Car (60.5 km/59 min - it is not recommended to swim there but you get a 5-star-panoramic view...
Walking on Madeira - where to find best walking tours on Madeira?
Did you know there are over 3000 km of hiking paths in Madeira? Madeira island is a paradise if you like hiking, but it can also be very treacherous! We strongly recommend installing the hiking app 'Komoot' on your smartphone to choose a walking tour that is suitable for you. You can choose a hike according to distance, altitude and quality of the path.
Be aware that there's Madeira weather! You can start your day swimming in Calheta with water and air temperature of 22°C and find snowy rain at 4°C higher up on Pico Ruivo with 1,861 m altitude - both in the same day. In the winter months there can be all four seasons playing out in the span of 24 hours! Every bay and valley usually has its own weather. To check the weather we recommend the 'Windy' app.
- Our favorite tours to take are L evada do Alecrim , cascata do Risco (waterfalls) , 24 fontes (springs and waterfalls) , and feeding the birds and geckos at Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe (buy some unsalted nuts, crush them and put them on your palm - the birds will fly to you and eat from your hand - but beware: bread can kill the birds!, the geckos really like fruit). Take your swimwear with you: But go into the poços (bassins) slowly - water temp is a bit lower than you think... To start: Best leave your car here.
- Calhau and ruins de São Jorge : Leave your car here . If you are not afraid to pass the sign "beware of falling rocks" you don't have to walk the same way back. It takes 1.5 hours if you are fit! But be aware there is a 150 m altitude difference on small slidy stairs and possible rockfalls, like on many other hikes on Madeira. The panoramic view is worth it though!
- Levada dos Balcões, Ribeiro Frio and Levada do Furado - they are spectacular! But take warm clothes/dress in layers with you as it can get chilly near water.
- Pico Ruivo, 1861 m altitude - highest point and highest mountain on Madeira. If it rains on the rest of Madeira, it might come as a surprise: in winter it is possible to find snow with sun ... depending on the temperature and the height of the clouds.
- Fanal forest / Ancient trees / Lantern pond : Parking here . Who would have expected woods like in Switzerland or Austria with bearded pines and cows on the meadows?
What do you recommend for cave lovers?
- Grutas de São Vicente (Caves ) and Volcanism Center e
- Furnas do Cavalum : Recommended for families if your kids like caves.
Where to go shopping? Where to leave my car visiting Funchal Downtown?
Several big shopping malls in Madeira are waiting for you!
- MadeiraShopping is our favorite with its cinemas, perfect quality restaurants where you can try Mexican (Taco Bell) and also traditional Portuguese dishes, but also Burgers (Burger King and McDonalds) and Pizza (PizzaHut).
- Forum Madeira has more or less the same size like shopping Madeira but on 4 floors, also with cinemas on top floor.
- "Plaza" Central Parking and Shopping mall : Beware of December/Christmas rush hour: 5:30-8:00 pm
- Anadia Shopping are both good to get a feeling for Portuguese life. If you buy something over 15/30,- EUR at Pingo Doce you get a better price for parking.
- CR7 Museum to leave your car: If you ask... what's CR7 standing for? ...don't ask about Madeira, please ;-). Christiano Ronaldo number was no 7...so better visit the museum ;-). Christiano's mother is still living on Madeira...
What do you recommend in December or January?
Are the Christmas markets worth a visit?...short answer: Yes Madeira is famous for its Christmas market in Funchal! But other towns are lit up with lights as well as some other destinations on Madeira are worth visiting too. You will find Christmas markets all over the island from 1st of December to 8th of January.
- Christmas market at Funchal harbor promenade at night : carousels, hot chestnuts and Christmas stands in front of one to 4 biggest ocean liners in the world, starting in mid-November). Best to leave your car at CR7 Museum.
- Parque de Diversões Santo Antônio is for young and old - time to be a teenager again ;-).
- Christmas market at P raia da Calheta ... a lot smaller than Funchal...but Calheta by night is magnificient...