Madeira - Little Known Attractions

The Madeira Aquarium - 17th April 2010

If you go to Porto Moniz, then try and find the odd hour or two to visit the Madeira Aquarium.

It is the perfect venue for those with small children - or if it happens to be raining.

Housed in the renovated São João Baptista Fort, the aquarium boasts a number of large display tanks stocked with fish that populate the ocean in the vicinity of Madeira island.

There is not only the fearsome shark and the intriguing octopus but also a myriad of other fish right down to the fascinating starfish.

Open all the year round and with reasonably admission prices, the Madeira Aquarium is one of the less well known of Madeira's tourist attractions more. . .

 

Rocha do Navio Cable Car - 10th April 2010

Although not built with the tourist in mind, the Rocha do Navio cable car provides the holidaymaker with an exhilarating ride.

As you make the descent, against the dramatic backdrop of the coastline in the municipality of Santana, you will view a spectacular cliff waterfall.

You will also get a bird's-eye view of the Rocha do Navio, which translates into the English Ship Rock.

This outcrop is also known as the Ilhéu da Viúva or, in English, Island of the Widow.

The area has been designated a Nature Reserve since 1997 and the natural beauty and diversity of the stretch of the coast from Ponta de São Jorge to the Ponta do Clérigo is now fully protected more. . .

 

Christ Statue at Garajau - 2nd April 2010

Quinta Magnolia - 12th November 2009

Covering over 40,000 square metres and formally the British Country Club exclusively serving the affluent British expatriate community, Quinta Magnolia is now in the guardianship of the Regional Government of Madeira and is open to all.

The mature trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns set against a backdrop of Funchal City Centre provide an excellent opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle for a quiet hour or two.

There are sports facilities available, in particular tennis. So, if you're feeling energetic, go prepared.

But, perhaps one of the delights of the gardens is the elusive, under-the-bridge path. Tourists often look down from the bridge on the Avenida do Infante, gazing at the giant cheese plants, cascading bougainvillea and the spiky Aloe Vera and wonder:

How do you get down there?

Our tourist guide reveals the secret more. . .

 

Fortaleza de São Tiago - 9th Nov 2009

An excellent way to spend a couple of hours is to visit Funchal's coastal fort, the Fortaleza de São Tiago.

Unmistakable, because it is painted bright yellow, the fort can easily be seen from anywhere along Funchal's seafront promenade.

It houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, but its main attraction is the building itself. The passageways, watchtowers and tunnelled walkways throughout the building give a sense of Madeira's history and the extent the locals went to in order to protect their interests from pirates.

Children will love being able to wander around the turrets and ramparts and along the windowless tunnels. Meanwhile, adults can appreciate the views of Funchal Bay that are to be had from the fort's rooftop.

And, if you feel like spoiling yourself, the Restaurante do Forte is located withing the walls and you can dine whilst surrounding yourself with history.

This is perhaps one of the most photographed structure in Funchal more. . .

 

North Coast Road - 14th October 2009

If you hire a car during your holiday to Madeira, you will surely want to visit Porto Moniz and the west north tip of the island.

An excellent way to make your way to the famous, natural volcanic seawater rock pools of Porto Moniz is to incorporate into the journey the driving tour along the old north coast road, the Antiga ER101.

The views are spectacular on this narrow, winding road. The fresh sea breeze can make it exhilarating and a bit like a roller-coaster ride. There are Atlantic waves breaking against the coast below you. Many waterfalls cascade down from the high sea cliffs above you. Who could resist it?

On the route, there are the two lovely villages of more. . .

 

Quinta Palmeira, Funchal - 8th October 2009

The Quinta Palmeira Estate is one of the less well known tourist attractions of Madeira. Nevertheless, it is well worth a visit if you have an interest in the history of the island or you want to visit a garden with a difference.

Today, the Quinta, or mansion house, is closed to the public, but you can wander around the surrounding grounds and imagine yourself as a rich English sugar merchant.

Not only do the grounds reflect the upper classes at play - with their croquet lawn, butterfly ponds and rose garden - but, another culturally significant relic resides on the hillside overlooking Funchal Bay.

Information included on more. . .

 

Quinta Vigia, Funchal - 2nd October 2009

The Quinta Vigia Estate dates back to 1662 and has a varied, and sometimes tragic, history. Nobility from the crown heads of Europe have stayed here over the years, and some have even died here.

Today, the updated Quinta, or mansion house, is the official residence of the President of Madeira.

The gardens and delightfully decorated chapel, originally known as the chapel Nossa Senhora das Angústias, are open to the public. It's not often you get the chance to stroll around a Presidential garden, so do not miss the opportunity to visit Quinta Vigia during your stay in Madeira.

Information included on more. . .

 

Santa Catarina Park, Funchal - 23rd June 2009

Santa Catarina Park lies on the outskirts of Funchal City. Madeira may be famous for its botanical gardens, but most are tourist attractions that require an entrance fee. Santa Catarina is different. It boasts many tropical and sub-tropical plants, shrubs and trees - and it is free to the general public.

Indeed, Santa Catarina Park is popular with the local inhabitants of Funchal. So much so, that newly weds often come here to stroll around the grounds after the ceremony. It makes a lovely backdrop for those special photos of the occasion.

Information included on more. . .