Madeira Island - Top group travel tips

Magical Madeira Island is located right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a place of unforgettable beauty - dramatic cliffs, picture-perfect villages and exotic colourful flowers which stand out from the deep blue sea. Its springtime temperatures, which can be felt all year round, are perfect for open-air activities, conferences, incentives and short getaways.

Must experiences:

• The Monte Toboggan Run – After taking the cable car from Funchal to Monte, you are met by two “carreiros”. These men, wearing straw hats, will be your “drivers” on this downhill adventure. They wear special shoes and use ropes that help them steer and brake your toboggan, essentially a wicker basket attached to two wooden skids. This exhilarating trip to the bottom takes 10 minutes down a curvy road and you can expect to reach speeds up to 30mph!
• Explore the “Levadas” – Join our jeep tour to discover breathtaking landscapes on the island as you walk along some of the 3,000km network of “Levadas”. These water irrigation canals were built in the 16th century. Finish your tour with lunch at a countryside restaurant or a secret private picnic.
• Dolphin and whale watching cruise – A highlight of any trip to Madeira is heading out on a leisurely catamaran cruise or an exciting high-speed rib boat into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean in search of whales and dolphins. A bonus is the stunning views looking back at the cliffs and green landscapes of the island. The best months are May-June and September-November.
• Unforgettable city tour of Funchal – Discover the heritage associated with its discovery in 1419 by Portuguese explorers and visit the Fortress of St. James and Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers market) with its colourful benches and exotic fruit and flowers. Along the way, enjoy coffee and delicious Madeira cheesecake.
• Madeira Wine Tasting – Madeira owes some of its celebrity to the wine bearing its name. The taste of Madeira wine is very distinct, served as both an aperitif and after-dinner drink, with a unique character and aroma. It is a fortified wine, with a history spanning more than five centuries and has earned fame and prestige around the globe. You will taste the wines at vintners Pereira d’Oliveira and one of the oldest, Blandy’s Wine Lodge.

Must eat:

• Espetada, made with beef cubes on a laurel skewer and grilled on wood or charcoal with fried corn and Bolo do caco (bread).
• Black Scabbard fish fillet with banana and after dinner, try Passion Fruit Pudding.

Best nightlife: Copacabana Club within the casino is Funchal’s best night out.

Best time to visit: Between March and September.

Top tip: The Flower Festival takes place in April when the Madeiran flowers are in full bloom! This enchanting festival showcases the multiplicity of floral species on the island, with parades and floats through the streets of Funchal and the perfumes of the flowers in the air. This festival creates a fairy tale ambience for your visit to the city centre.

Our recommended DMC: Inside Tours DMC Portugal - Pedro Costa manages this friendly team of travel professionals in Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.