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Funchal
Resort GuideOther ActivitiesAccommodation Quinta da Penha de França, FunchalQuinta Perestrello, Funchal | |
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Madeira
> Funchal
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| | Transfer time: |
| | Funchal: 20 minutes; Santana: 30 minutes; Prazeres: 1 hour |
Resort Information
As a volcanic island, Madeira has impressive, rugged scenery with high mountains and steep sea cliffs. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the climate varies across the island but is generally warm all year and can be humid in summer (Jul-Sept). Combined with generous rainfall this makes the island a paradise of tropical plants and wonderful flowers, not to mention the grapes from which the famous Madeira Wine is made. Water channels ('levadas') bring the rainfall gently down the mountains and often paths run along side, providing routes for walkers to follow past stunning waterfalls and picturesque view points. There are main roads on which to cross the island however you'll also find many narrow, winding roads, taking you to pretty villages, bathing areas and sights of interest. The history of the island is fascinating and even if staying in Santana or Prazeres, we recommend a trip to Funchal to explore some of the historical sights.
Our Opinion
• if you enjoy walking or just want a peaceful 'get away' you will love the settings of our hotels in Prazeres and Santana • for guided walks and tours of the island as well as many places of cultural interest base yourself in Funchal
Activities
Funchal: Too many places of interest to list, including museums, gardens, displays of embroidery. Don't miss: • Quinta das Cruzes • Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas • Mercado dos Lavradores (the colourful city market) • Adegas de São Francisco (learn all about Madeira wine) • Teleféricos da Madeiras - take a gondola ride to Monte
Facilities
Funchal: • bars • cafés • restaurants • casino • shops • markets • banks/cashpoints • post office • doctor
Prazeres and Santana: In each a shop for basic items, postcards, etc. For more facilities we suggest a trip into Funchal.
Getting About
• excellent public bus service across the island Funchal: • guided tours • inexpensive taxis; Santana: • car hire recommended; Prazeres: • hotel shuttle bus offering trips to local villages and to Funchal
Sightseeing
| Trip | | Price | Venture East
Stand on the highest accessible peak and
enjoy stunning views, stop for lunch in Santana
and gain an insight to the agriculture of the island. | FD | £35 | Best of the West
Pass the famous fishing village of Câmara de
Lobos, admire the drop of Cabo Girão (the
highest sea cliffs in Europe) and the black
rock formations at Porto Moniz. | FD | £35 | Taste of Funchal
Visit the colourful market, stroll through the
botanical gardens, admire intircate Madeiran
embroidery and enjoy a tasting session of
Madeira wine. | HD | £18 | Madeira Experience
A package of all 3 of the above excursions at
a discounted rate. | | £81 | 50% reduction for children up to & incl. 11 years. Infants who do not require a seat are free. For all tours please wear sensible shoes and bring a warm sweater/windproof jacket.
Twin Centre Suggestion
Twin a 3, 4 or 7 night stay in Prazeres or Santana with 3, 4 or 7 nights in Funchal to really make the most of this beautiful island. Explore the rugged landscape from the comfort of your Prazeres or Santana hotel and then discover the cultural history of the island while in Funchal (must be 7 night duration in total).
Criss crossed by levadas, irrigation channels, the island has wonderful scenery with lush forests, cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains. There are many marked walking routes, taking you along levadas and up onto the island's peaks. The east of the island (the Santana side) has the most extreme landscape with plunging green valleys. The west (the Prazeres side) is more remote with wilder scenery. The walk to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,861m) starts from near Santana and rewards you with wonderful views across the island. The most challenging walk on the island is the '3 peaks' walk between Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo and Achada Teixeira, suitable for the most experienced hikers. For this we suggest joining a guided walk. If you choose to stay in Funchal, you can pre-book a range of guided walks which include transport and are lead by qualified local guides.
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