Madeira - Best Tourist Attractions
Monte Toboggan Ride - 23rd Jan 2010
The Monte Toboggan Sled Ride
The Monte toboggan ride in wicker basket sleds down toward Funchal city centre is surely one of the most famous of Madeira's tourist attractions.
The well-known American author, Ernest Hemingway, described his journey in the wicker basket toboggan sled as the "most exhilarating experience" of his life.
Indeed. from the 1850s onward, this unique means of transport has been thrilling visitors to Madeira island.
Today, the ride is purely a tourist novelty. As such, when commercial interests interfere with tradition, there are pitfalls awaiting the unwary traveller.
So, with the aid of our tourist guide, go pre-warned and enjoy the experience of a lost era without having to pay out unnecessary cash more. . .
Funchal Flower Festival - 8th Jan 2010
The Funchal Flower Festival Tourist Guide
The Funchal Flower Festival epitomises the essence of Madeira; friendly people, surrounded by flowers, enjoying themselves in the warm sunshine whilst welcoming the island's visitors.
Certainly, the Madeirans like their festivals - so much so, that barely a month passes without some celebration happening somewhere on the island.
However, the Funchal Flower Festival is something apart. It has a history spanning more than fifty years and each year that passes seems to bring yet another aspect or event to the itinerary.
From inauspicious beginnings, which comprised of little more than a flower exhibition, today, the festival spans 3 days and an every increasing number of activities.
If you want to visit Madeira, and you have the chance to schedule your visit for the second weekend after Easter, then don't miss out on the chance to experience the carnival atmosphere that awaits you more. . .
Funchal to Monte Cable Car - 17th Dec 2009
The Funchal to Monte Cable Car Tourist Guide
Since November 2000, the cable car ride up to Monte has been one of the premier tourist attractions in Funchal.
Not only are you transported to Monte church, but in doing so you are treated to some wonderful, panoramic views of Madeira's capital city and it's harbour.
The journey will take you around 15 minutes. But, have your camera ready as you board; there are some marvellous photo opportunities and the time will simply fly by!
Once at Monte, when you have finished looking around the church, there are other tourist attractions that have sprung up alongside that are well worth a visit. Monte Palace Tropical Gardens being one of the more impressive.
Then, when you have finished your visit, you can return to the city centre via the famous Monte toboggans more. . .
Blandy's Wine Lodge, Funchal - 26th Nov 2009
The Blandy's Wine Lodge
in Funchal
If Madeira is famous for anything, then it has to be its wine.
Blessed with its own unique blend of taste and excellent storage qualities, Madeira wine is viewed the world over as a superior product.
However, the properties that Madeira wine possesses have not always been present.
A fluke action of disobedience centuries ago led to a discovery that was to change Madeira wine forever.
Even after this chance event, decades still passed by without the full extent of the discovery being completely understood.
Today, the historical tale of mystery has been fully resolved, making Madeira wine a consistently superior tipple of choice. But, do you know the secret more. . ?
São Vicente Caves - 20th October 2009
The cave and volcanism centre at São Vicente, Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo, is one of the premier attractions of Madeira.
Situated in the north west of the island, just off the central valley road, the ER104, the centre is easy to get to by hire car.
Alternatively, you can take a cheap, half-day excursion with Carristur.
The caves themselves, although spectacular, are not the sole reason to visit.
The centre boasts a pavilion with multimedia displays and educational material for those interested in the facts. Also featured is an innovative, 3D solar system creation film. The surrounding grounds are also delightful. Neat lawns with pathways compliment the endemic plants species to be found here more. . .
Madeira Theme Park - 22nd Sept 2009
View our Madeira Theme Park tourist guide
Once, Madeira was considered unsuitable as a family holiday destination. There was a distinct lack of attractions and things to do for children. That has all changed now and the Madeira Theme Park is a major item on any holidaying family's list of places to visit.
The Parque Tematico da Madeira, as it is known in Portuguese, offers a wonderful day out for adults, teenagers and children alike. There is plenty to keep all occupied.
Multimedia themed pavilions and adventure activity centres blend in well with the more traditional, cultural aspects of the theme park. In addition, many of the displays are interactive, so even if the children cannot quite grasp their significance, at least they can have fun enjoying a hands-on experience.
The Madeira Theme Park likes to present itself as a journey through history, the present and the future. It is a journey that you should take! more. . .
