Madeira - A Complete Holiday Guide

Madeira is a wonderful holiday destination. The weather is sub-tropical and is neither too hot, nor too cool.

The island is a botanical paradise. The volcanic scenery is stunning. The coastline dramatic.

The madeira hotels are numerous and range from the economical to the simply luxurious. Choose to stay in the capital Funchal, or venture further afield.

The fights to Madeira are short-haul from the European mainland. Flights from over 30 airports are currently scheduled into Funchal airport.

Perhaps, most importantly, the locals are friendly and welcoming.

Latest Updates

Santa Clara Convent - 28th August 2010

Aged religious artwork, vaulted ceilings decorated with holy depictions, items of historical and religious significance and dry, creaking woodwork. All are prominent features of the Santa Clara Convent and its adjacent church.

If you are in Funchal and have a couple of hours to spare then you could do worse than to visit this, one of the lesser known buildings open to the public.

The entrance fee is modest and there is no pretence here attempting to assume the role of a glossy tourist attraction. What you see is what you get - and it is still very much a working convent. Albeit today the convent runs on rather more modest proportions than it did in the past.

For the locals, it also operates a much respected kindergarten.

Whilst you are guided around the cloisters, chapel and church, you will be shown what may be considered the foundation stone of Madeira.

The stone lying before the high alter in the Church Santa Clara marks the spot where more. . .

 

Quinta das Cruzes Museum - 16th August 2010

The Quinta das Cruzes Museum is housed in one of the longest established Quintas in Madeira.

It is thought that João Gonçalves Zarco, the discoverer of Madeira, commissioned and actually lived in the original building himself.

The Quinta was refurbished and extended until, today, it is an impressive Mansion house with extensive gardens.

The museum has 16 display rooms with a collection of furniture, ceramics, trinkets and artworks that portray the evolution of the economic and cultural heritage of Madeira.

Outside, the gardens hold a collection of endemic and imported plants along with displays of Manueline styles window architecture and tombstone masonry. Also in the grounds is the small Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) chapel in which the tomb of more. . .

 

The Espada Fish - 5th August 2010

The espada fish, also known as the black scabbard or swordfish, provide Madeira with a delicious meal that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

Caught in the deep waters off the coast of the archipelago, this fish has been a favourite dish with the local population since the early 1800s.

Today, almost every restaurant offers a variety of meals based on the tender, white, mild flesh of the espada.

Prices range from a humble few euros upward, so there is no excuse not to try this traditional fare.

Just one word of warning: Do not go to the supermarket and view the fish in its raw state before you sample its delights - you may not like what you see more. . .

 

Camacha - 19th July 2010

Camacha is a small village with a significant history, situated north east of Funchal.

The village is a popular stop on most east of island tours that are offered by the major excursion operators.

Primarily known to the tourist because it is the centre of Madeira's famous wicker arts and crafts industry, Camacha also plays a major role in the island's cultural inheritance.

The village is famous for its talented folklore dance group which has performed at various locations in Europe.

Camacha also celebrates the apple harvest each year with a lively festival that is undertaken by, and for the benefit of, the local inhabitants - although, tourist are made very welcome more. . .

 

Camacha Clock Tower - 15th July 2010

Camacha clock tower, that today constitutes part of the O Relógio wicker showroom building, is often overlooked by visitors to the village.

However, the clock tower, and the clock it houses, both have an interesting history. A history that played a small, but significant part in Madeira's current day heritage.

Indeed, the timepiece did not originate in Madeira, but rather it was selected to be transported to Camacha because of its superior workmanship and accuracy.

Today, Camacha is the centre of Madeira's famous wicker industry, but in the past it held the distinction of providing a summer retreat where expatriates could escape the heat of summer more. . .

 

Timeshare Touts Video - 21st June 2010

If you walk around Funchal Hotel District or along the seafront promenade, you are likely to be approached by timeshare agents.

Timeshare touts are not prohibited in public places in Madeira, however there is a suggested code of conduct.

Accordingly, timeshare representatives are expected to refrain from aggressive or harassing behaviour toward tourists.

Unfortunately, there is a small minority of touts who are a little too enthusiastic when it comes to attempting to convince holidaymakers of those ever-so-wonderful-gee-whizz timeshare properties that they have to offer.

So, take some time out and enjoy our video that shows 3 minutes in the life of a, not so successful, timeshare tout more. . .

 

Madeira Weather Forecast & Information

Get the weather forecast for Funchal, Porto Santo and other locations in Madeira.

Other weather information is provided as well. Including: average daily temperatures; average maximum and minimum daily temperatures; average number of hours sunshine and average monthly rainfall.

The information given is collated from data collected over many years and shows useful weather trends for those planning to book a holiday.

Do not book your holiday without this vital information more. . .

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