DISCOVER
MADEIRA
An adventure you won't forget
In the heart of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a natural paradise. The blue of the sea and the emerald green of the vegetation stand out against the exotic tone of the flowers, in an archipelago where two thirds of the land is a protected area and home to the largest laurel forest in the world.
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The year-round spring-like temperature is a great incentive for outdoor activities. You can go hiking along the network of "levada" paths (small irrigation canals carved into the rock), visit the city of Funchal on foot and discover the heritage of the Great Discoveries, or you can roam the island freely. Boat trips are an excellent way to see the coastline from a different perspective.
In a naturally welcoming atmosphere, balance and well-being are commonplace. Madeira offers various beach resorts and access to the sea, with good conditions for boating and diving. Sea, land and air activities are available all year around.
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In Calheta, you'll find paragliding, whale and dolphin watching, fishing cruises, sand beaches, various sports activities, trekking, mountain biking, and so much more...
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The festivities that take place throughout the year are good opportunities to taste the traditional flavors of gastronomy and see Madeira in celebration, including the Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival and especially the New Year's fireworks.
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Visit the official website of visitmadeira to find your inspiration or get in touch with us!
Our selection
Bars & Restaurants
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Pub Sunshine Bar (Pretty recent restaurant in Fajã da Ovelha, owned by a nice French chef)
https://goo.gl/maps/oPtKdWXhS5fCiT4G7
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Portinho (Next to the beach in Jardim do Mar, great food – choco frito is a must)
https://goo.gl/maps/ojTFaW3TC42F3uNA6
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D’Alma (wine bar in Estreito da Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/bHReU6W2bS8fdhtbA
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Pukiki (Cocktail bar in Estreito da Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/MSnMFztzsLr6Nvtz8
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Calheta Green (great food on the way to the mountains)
https://goo.gl/maps/WDFfsqmvpprV83Uu9
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As Fontes do Horacio (everyone’s favorite for good food (fish and meat) in Estreito da Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/335TXeRqaMJCtT1w5
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Mad Coffee (perfect place for breakfast or a snack during the day in Estrela da Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/S57MdnSQH4erNsjA8
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Manifattura Di Gelato (Best ice-cream and really tasty Italian food on the marina of Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/M5t5T45j4oszrYd67
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Gato Legal (homemade coffee and pastries in Ponta do Pargo, not far from the lighthouse, also now with a smaller shop near the marina in Calheta)
https://goo.gl/maps/9RDW7ycTYwPGjMer7
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Panoeste (bakery in Fajã da Ovelha)
https://goo.gl/maps/qFRWw7etjzQTHnqGA
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Vila Amore (bakery and cake shop in Paul do Mar)
https://goo.gl/maps/vVFzmjr97dLJ4epn8
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Bar da Pedra (great cocktails and amazing sunsets in Paul do Mar)
https://goo.gl/maps/akJuKYymK6tZqWb87
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Bar Dona Maria (one of the best 'real' ponchas in Madeira, fresh and authentic in Madalena do Mar)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdmYMcnyKqea2zEp9
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The Old Pharmacy (original sandwiches and tapas until late in Ponta do Sol)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vjuBUJzBwbucT97d7
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Steak and Sun (great for meat lovers next to the Old Pharmacy in Ponta do Sol, also open quite late)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dEsXMb4pWeg3kpkm8
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Engenho Velho (nice restaurant with a varied menu and a fantastic view in Arco da Calheta)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DR42MSbVVP4TmvcLA
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Sabor aMar (mostly fresh fish and very cozy atmosphere in Paul do Mar)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdCcMw1ZNPzMenWA6
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Beaches
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Calheta has two sandy beaches which are very popular but also features a more “traditional” pebble beach on the other side of the marina
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8YQpimXf7UZ8EQhk9
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You’ll find a nice spot to dive and jump into crystal clear waters (especially during the summer season) in Jardim do Mar (next to Portinho, perfect for a snack or a drink before/after)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTmHrzwTvaJWQ6Ay5
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On the north side of the island, you’ll of course want to visit the natural pools of Porto Moniz
The more modern ones https://maps.app.goo.gl/YQ8ytWD2YSfrxY1c8 (small fee)
The older ones https://maps.app.goo.gl/J59nrBetyFh7Jr1eA (free)
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One of the most mesmerizing beaches (black sand) of the island is in Seixal
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HqbVtTp2ZZZLJXDL9
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A bit further away (near the Ponta da São Lourenço/Caniçal) you’ll find another black sand beach, which is accessible by foot from a rather big parking spot: Prainha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3NvVN7Dvmt61YXub9
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Levadas / Trails
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There are so many ways you can discover the island, the most popular one is of course by foot. The levadas, Madeira’s Hydraulic System dates back to the fifteenth century and is unique in the world. The purpose of this vast network of stone channels is to capture the water falling in the mountains and carry it till the crop fields. The Madeira Island levadas network allows spectacular walks, sometimes for relatively easy paths, others through tunnels or walking several minutes on the edge. Given the popularity of these walks has been an effort to classify the various paths, from accessible to beginners, even the most difficult, lengthy and possibly dangerous.
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You’ll find all the levadas in practical guides as well online:
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https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/
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Be aware that, due to weather conditions or other natural events, some of the trails might be closed to public. The official sites will usually inform about the current situation. It is advised to be prepared before going on a trail, with enough water, some warmer and/or water resistant clothes as well as mobile phones (in case of emergency or as a flash light for the tunnels or darker spots). It is not recommended to do a walk alone and you should always inform other people which trail you’re going to do, just in case.