3 things to do in madiera

With dramatic scenery, a subtropical climate and beautiful gardens, it’s no wonder that Madeira has long been a favorite vacation destination for Europeans. But it’s easy for Americans to visit this archipelago just off the coast of North Africa, too. With direct flights to Lisbon from several US gateways, Madeira is just a short flight away—and you can even build-in a stopover in Lisbon, if you like!

Want to visit Madiera? Here are our suggestions for three fun ways to experience the islands.

AFTERNOON TEA AT BELMOND REID’S PALACE

This hotel is a destination in and of itself, and afternoon tea is a tradition not-to-be-missed. The hotel is perched atop a cliff with stunning views, and since it opened in 1891, it’s hosted celebrities, royalty, and statesmen, many of whom have enjoyed afternoon tea on the terrace with gorgeous views of the Bay of Funchal. There are plenty of luxury hotels, each with an rich history and exemplary service, but a visit to Belmond Reid’s Palace is a must—even if only for high tea.

TOUR THE WINERIES

The Madeira Islands are renowned for their fortified wine, so a full-day tasting tour from Funchal is the ideal introduction. Explore the vineyards, tour the wineries, visit the cellars, and have guided wine tastings while someone else does the driving. It’s also a great way to see the islands, since you’ll stop frequently to take in the incredible scenery of the islands. Make sure you find a tour that includes a delicious home-cooked lunch, so that you can sample the local cuisine!

DO A LEVADA WALK

A “levada" is a small canals used as an irrigation system to distribute water from the wet side of Madeira island to the drier sunnier areas toward the south. The levadas cross the mountains and cover more than 2500 km, and some date back to as far as the early 16th century. On a levada walk, you can take a short hike on the walking trails beside the Levadas. Although the Levadas were originally constructed primarily for agricultural/industrial use they’re now just as important for people who want to enjoy outdoor adventure activities that aren’t accessible by cars.

So, why not get a group of friends together and give us a call? We’d be happy to plan a custom itinerary to help you experience the magic of Madiera!