Cabo Girão Viewpoint.
This skywalk of reinforced glass is Europe’s highest cliff viewing platform (580m). Admire bird’s-eye views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, and gaze down at the ocean below.
The magic of Madeira.
Nicknamed ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’ for its subtropical climate, compact Madeira island (one of four in an archipelago), lies off the west coast of North Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, and is blessed with beautiful weather, making it a tempting travel destination all year round.
The capital, Funchal, has a natural harbor where, on old trade routes, visiting ships took on supplies of wheat and sugarcane, often giving plants from their native lands in return. This may explain why the island is such a botanical paradise today. Here’s just a look at what’s to be discovered on Madeira vacations…
A paradise of color and culture.
The island’s microclimate and fertile volcanic soil produce a kaleidoscope of flowers and plants, including estrelícia, bird of paradise – a symbol of the island. Spectacular parks and gardens, such as the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro park, Jardim Botânico da Madeira and Monte Palace Tropical Garden specialize in stunning varieties.
The island’s unique wicker toboggans – called Carreiros do Monte – transport people and goods in speedy fashion downhill from Monte (where you can take in panoramic views). Two ‘gondoliers’ steer sleigh-like sledges on waxed wooden runners all the way.
‘The Old Town’s pockets of creativity include painted doors on the 15th-century street, Rua de Santa Maria, that create a modern-day open-air gallery.’ - Rachael Jackson, Port Presenter, Queen Elizabeth.
Cunard recommends.
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Always more to discover.
Câmara de Lobos. This picturesque fishing village was a favorite of Sir Winston Churchill, who painted here. See the spot where he set up his easel, and relax in characterful cafés that use upturned barrels as tables.
The Levadas. Take a walk alongside this network of ancient irrigation channels, built to bring water down the mountains to farmland. Still in use, the 1,000 miles of narrow channels are now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sample specialities. Try filete de espada com banana – battered black swordfish topped with baked banana. Enjoy espetada, where skewered chunks of seasoned beef are cooked over hot coals. Lastly, be sure to try poncha, a drink made from fermented sugarcane syrup, citrus juice and honey.
Go to market. Rub elbows with local shoppers at Mercado dos Lavradores, which sells fish, vegetables and exotic fruit, and see stallholders in traditional dress (it’s the law) ply their wares.
A taste of Madeira. Shakespeare mentions the seductive qualities of Madeira wine in his play Henry IV. Visit the wine museum for an in-depth history, or sip decades-old vintages at a Blandy’s Wine Lodge tasting to fully appreciate just one of the many wonderful things Madeira is famous for.
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