Location: Madeira
Top Things to do in Madeira
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10 Outdoor Activities in Madeira That You Shouldn't Miss
Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.
Restaurants in Madeira
1. Vereda Zimbreiros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Levada Caldeirao do Inferno
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By CaptChaos179 - Winchester, United Kingdom
We planned to do this as an extension of the Caldeira Verde. They final waterfall although not as full and flowing as Verde has it owns charm and their are many delights along the way. It is around 2.5 hours extra on top of the Verde taking photos and a brief lunch stop. The Levada walk has been greatly improved over last year or so, it is there fore not as dangerous as some would have you believe. It does have quite a hard climb half way along (when you get to the railway tracks it is over) One of our group got vertigo on the next bit - the usual drop to the side but still the safety wires but the Levada briefly widens significantly here perhaps making them feel more exposed. If anyone does not want to continue they can admire the views and wait for you to return on the way back. There are many tunnels (but not lower than Verde but wetter and more uneven. The second of the bridges by the two waterfalls in crag between the has dodgy metal planks so you may want to straddle the beams as the planks move a lot, make sounds but didn't give way. You hear these feeder waterfalls from the beginning of a long tunnel building the expectation. The final climb to Inferno is a little rocky but pleasant and you reach your destination. All you have to do is return by the same route. The views and experi noes are even better than the Verde and thinking about men hanging from ropes from the top of the mountain to hack out the Levadas by hand will have you in awe and respect. A bucket list walk
3. CEM - Clube Equestre da Madeira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
At Madeira Equestrian Club you will find a diversity of activities associated with equestrian practice. The Club has excellent facilities, with large riding stables, well-kept stables and conditions that guarantee the well-being of all horses. Our horses are mainly Lusitanos. It is our goal to promote a harmonious relationship between horse and rider through the different equestrian practices.
Reviewed By KiiraT4
I can recommend CEM with a pleasure for everyone interested in riding! I have had a long break from riding and got a suggestion to try it at CEM again after many years. I took 3 private lessons from Iisa and that was definitely the highlight of my 2 week holiday in Madeira. Iisa is a very professional instructor. She is very patient, supportive and clearly enjoys her job. What made me very happy was that the horses were very well taken care of, the stable and the surroundings were clean. The stable is only about 20minutes from Funchal, so very easy to go to!
4. Levada dos Cedros
5. Madeira Explorers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Reviewed By anndannd
I did a "WIND LAGOON - LEVADA DO ALECRIM" walk and it was really fantastic! We were lucky enough to have an excellent bus driver Tony and a great guide Miguel. Miguel provided us with lots of interesting information and cared for our safety and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The walk itself passed through varied terrain and was a bit demanding at times, but the beautiful views were absolutely worth some effort. I highly recommend!
6. 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By melissaads - South Africa, null
One of the most beautiful and memorable hiking trails I've done. The vegetation among us is green and the actual 25 waterfalls are with the walk.
7. Levada Ribeira de Janela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By PatriciusZ
This one is really easy, but still very nice, good for older people or families with kids but also for easy hikers. Nothing especialy dungerous here, there are some cliffs, waterfalls and the views are very nice.
8. Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom
Don't miss out on climbing the Pico Ruivo (make sure you either have transport arranged or do a there-and-back-again walk), it's a fantastic viewpoint all over the island. You're above the clouds, it's sunny and the views are breathtaking. Hiking gear and UV protection is essential.
9. Levada do Castelejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By funq1
This is relatively straightforward to get to by bus. This is a lovely walk up and down a valley. The walk is relatively easy to do. The views are great across the valley and so out to sea. At the end of the walk up the valley the path meets the river and it is a great place for a picnic before the return journey along the path.
10. Levada Norte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By robpenarth - Plymouth, United Kingdom
We have no experience of other levada walks to compare with this one with but thoroughly enjoyed the day out. Start by catching a no 96 bus from Funchal to Estraito (2.75 euros one way, around 40 minutes). There is a signpost to show you where to begin close by. The walk then takes you along the narrow path next to the levada (irrigation channel) for 7 kms. It's all level and near the start you walk under grape vines and past small dwellings. Then the terrain winds around a large gorge for about 4 kms and the views at the end of this stage are stunning. In one or two places the path is too narrow but there is an alternative path marked by white posts for a few metres. It's a good idea to take a sandwich made of traditional Madeiran bread (very tasty) for your lunch. Near the end you have the option of climbing the steps to the viewpoint from the clifftop at Cabo Girao which is well worth doing. There is a bus back to Funchal from here as well.
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