Madeira is a semi-tropical island rising from sea level to over 6,000 feet. Its steep pitch gives the island six distinct climate zones. The ancient Laurissilva cloud forest at the highest elevations is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, 2/3rds of Madeira is conservation land. It has mountain plains, valleys, high peaks, streams, rocky coastlines, and tidal pools. The island has a unique landscape accessed by a modern roadway system of new tunnels, and the older mountain roads they replaced that wind along the hillsides.
Historic restaurant “A Gruta” reopens on Madeira
After being closed for 35 years, “A Gruta” has just reopened in Funchal, Madeira, with a completely renovated and modern look. The restaurant became very popular in the 1970s and 1980s due to its unique view over the bay of Funchal. The name means cave, and that is exactly what makes this place cool – along with fine traditional cuisine from Madeira.
Discover Madeira has a Food and Wine tour in Funchal for under $70
Experience traditional cuisine and regional beverages, meet local wine producers and discover the farmers market in this walking tour that explores Madeira’s restaurants, bars, vineyards, architecture and culture. With this 3h pack, enjoy tastings of typical fish and seafood, tropical fruits, local pastries and chocolate, Poncha and local wines.
You can see more than 20 species of whales and dolphins in the waters around Madeira
Every year, over 20 species of whales and dolphins swim across the coast of Madeira, making observation of these sea mammals a very popular activity. Several companies offer 2 to 3-hour guided boat tours around known marine life hotspots, and some tour operators even offer the more fearless visitors a chance to swim with dolphins. The best season for successful whale and dolphin watching runs from April to September, which is when more species visit Madeira’s seas.
Madeira celebrates its most important popular festival in August
For two consecutive days, August 14 and 15, the district of Monte, in Funchal celebrates its most popular religious festival in honor of Our Lady of Monte, who is said to have been seen by a young girl in the late 15th century near the hilltop Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. On August 14 at night, streets are decorated with flowers and colorful garlands, there are many food and beverage stands, traditional candy necklaces are offered and people dance to traditional music all night long. The following day on August 15, there is a Mass followed by a procession where devotees carry candles and wax figures.
Belmond Reid’s Palace is a winner of Monocle’s Travel Top 50 Awards
The Belmond Reid’s Palace hotel in Funchal won a Monocle Travel Top 50 Award for the 2019/2020 season, receiving the publication’s “No-nonsense hotel room” award. The 158-bedroom luxury hotel is set on extensive gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and offers heated outdoor pools, 4 restaurants and one bar, a lounging terrace, a Spa and tennis courts.
