Madeira...Paradise in the atlantic
Passeio turístico
Visit the Botanical Garden of Funchal, one of the largest in Portugal, where visitors find more than 2,500 plant species and 300 species of Madeiran birds.
You can get there by car, cable car and get connected to Monte Palace another beatiful garden and museum and public transport .
142 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ботанический сад Мадейры
Visit the Botanical Garden of Funchal, one of the largest in Portugal, where visitors find more than 2,500 plant species and 300 species of Madeiran birds.
You can get there by car, cable car and get connected to Monte Palace another beatiful garden and museum and public transport .
The Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses an huge exotic plant’s collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans and duck’s, that populates the central lake, peacocks and chickens, that walk free in the main areas of the property. In the central lake, the visitor may also admire the beauty and majesty of the swans. They prefer the relatively shallow cool water of lakes and ponds as their natural habitat. Despite of being actually admired in gardens all over the world, the black swans originate from Australia, Tasmania and New Zeeland and the wild white swans have their origin in Iceland and Scandinavia.
The Monte Palace Madeira Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world.
One of the most interesting characteristics of the Monte Palace Madeira is the existence of a large collection of tile panels placed along the walkways and amongst the vegetation acquired by José Berardo, under the specialist direction of Manuel Leitão. This collection, considered to be one of the most important in the country after that of the National Tile Museum, is made up of Hispano-Moorish tiles of the 15th and 16th centuries and panels produced in Portugal from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
You can get there by car, cable car and get connected to the Botanical Garden, public transport and go down in our tradicional wicker basket sledges.
Find out more here https://madeira.best/product/madeira-toboggan-ride-on-traditional-wicker-basket-sledges
166 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Тропический сад Монте Палас
4 Caminho do MonteThe Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses an huge exotic plant’s collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans and duck’s, that populates the central lake, peacocks and chickens, that walk free in the main areas of the property. In the central lake, the visitor may also admire the beauty and majesty of the swans. They prefer the relatively shallow cool water of lakes and ponds as their natural habitat. Despite of being actually admired in gardens all over the world, the black swans originate from Australia, Tasmania and New Zeeland and the wild white swans have their origin in Iceland and Scandinavia.
The Monte Palace Madeira Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world.
One of the most interesting characteristics of the Monte Palace Madeira is the existence of a large collection of tile panels placed along the walkways and amongst the vegetation acquired by José Berardo, under the specialist direction of Manuel Leitão. This collection, considered to be one of the most important in the country after that of the National Tile Museum, is made up of Hispano-Moorish tiles of the 15th and 16th centuries and panels produced in Portugal from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
You can get there by car, cable car and get connected to the Botanical Garden, public transport and go down in our tradicional wicker basket sledges.
Find out more here https://madeira.best/product/madeira-toboggan-ride-on-traditional-wicker-basket-sledges
One of the main postcards of Madeira Island is in Porto Moniz: the spectacular natural pools embedded in volcanic craters.
The water in the pools is renewed with each wave of the sea and visitors can still enjoy an excellent infrastructure, with bathrooms, a deck with sun loungers, a bar, a restaurant and a hotel.
The natural pools are open all year round.
103 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Porto Moniz
One of the main postcards of Madeira Island is in Porto Moniz: the spectacular natural pools embedded in volcanic craters.
The water in the pools is renewed with each wave of the sea and visitors can still enjoy an excellent infrastructure, with bathrooms, a deck with sun loungers, a bar, a restaurant and a hotel.
The natural pools are open all year round.
Fajã dos Padres beach is a place that conquers visitors right on the way: the only way to reach the place is by cable car, with a privileged view of the cliffs and the ocean.
The region is home to an old summer house of Jesuit priests, a beach of dark sand and many pebble stones, as well as a forest garden.
54 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Fajã dos Padres
1 Estr. Padre Antônio Dinis HenriqueFajã dos Padres beach is a place that conquers visitors right on the way: the only way to reach the place is by cable car, with a privileged view of the cliffs and the ocean.
The region is home to an old summer house of Jesuit priests, a beach of dark sand and many pebble stones, as well as a forest garden.
The Cabo Girão viewpoint is one of the most must-see places on Madeira Island, Portugal.
On site, tourists find a glass platform located more than 580 meters high, through which it is possible to walk to contemplate the landscape from a privileged perspective.
The viewpoint is located on the highest promontory in all of Europe, overlooking the Atlantic, the city of Funchal and its surroundings.
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cape Girão
The Cabo Girão viewpoint is one of the most must-see places on Madeira Island, Portugal.
On site, tourists find a glass platform located more than 580 meters high, through which it is possible to walk to contemplate the landscape from a privileged perspective.
The viewpoint is located on the highest promontory in all of Europe, overlooking the Atlantic, the city of Funchal and its surroundings.
The charming village of Curral das Freiras is located in one of the immense valleys of Madeira Island, hidden in the midst of imposing mountains.
The old fishing village has a viewpoint that offers a view of Eira do Serrado, in addition to housing a charming historic center.
It is worth visiting the region on Sundays, when the village hosts a street fair with dozens of stalls selling handicrafts, typical foods and various items.
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Curral Das Freiras
The charming village of Curral das Freiras is located in one of the immense valleys of Madeira Island, hidden in the midst of imposing mountains.
The old fishing village has a viewpoint that offers a view of Eira do Serrado, in addition to housing a charming historic center.
It is worth visiting the region on Sundays, when the village hosts a street fair with dozens of stalls selling handicrafts, typical foods and various items.
The village of Câmara de Lobos is a very photogenic place, with the landscape dotted with colorful boats of fishermen who live in the region.
The region has narrow streets, old houses and a compact historic center, full of restaurants, shops and bars: ideal destination for those who want to rest during the trip!
59 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Câmara De Lobos
The village of Câmara de Lobos is a very photogenic place, with the landscape dotted with colorful boats of fishermen who live in the region.
The region has narrow streets, old houses and a compact historic center, full of restaurants, shops and bars: ideal destination for those who want to rest during the trip!
Located in the city of Santana, 40 km from Funchal, the Madeira Theme Park is the largest amusement park in the archipelago, occupying an area of more than 145,000 m².
There, visitors will find multimedia exhibitions that tell the history of Madeira and Portugal in a playful and fun way, as well as toys, a lake, a labyrinth and other attractions.
63 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Santana
Located in the city of Santana, 40 km from Funchal, the Madeira Theme Park is the largest amusement park in the archipelago, occupying an area of more than 145,000 m².
There, visitors will find multimedia exhibitions that tell the history of Madeira and Portugal in a playful and fun way, as well as toys, a lake, a labyrinth and other attractions.
Located at the southeastern end of the island of Madeira, it is part of the municipality of Machico.
It is renowned for its harbour with colourful fishermen’s boats, seafront walks, the quaint Whale Museum and delicious fresh fish restaurants.
There is much more to visit in this sunny corner, with arid landscapes that oppose the green tendency of the island.
The Whale Museum serves as a testament to the cultural and socioeconomic roots of Caniçal and invites you to explore the historical and natural importance of Whales.
Today, Caniçal is a regional and national reference in respects to tuna fishing. Tuna is a gastronomic symbol on the Island.
Ponta de São Lourenço is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction in the parish and one of the most popular places to visit on the Island. Most visitors make PR8 part of their plans and are taken aback by the unique landscape and geological beauty.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Canical
Located at the southeastern end of the island of Madeira, it is part of the municipality of Machico.
It is renowned for its harbour with colourful fishermen’s boats, seafront walks, the quaint Whale Museum and delicious fresh fish restaurants.
There is much more to visit in this sunny corner, with arid landscapes that oppose the green tendency of the island.
The Whale Museum serves as a testament to the cultural and socioeconomic roots of Caniçal and invites you to explore the historical and natural importance of Whales.
Today, Caniçal is a regional and national reference in respects to tuna fishing. Tuna is a gastronomic symbol on the Island.
Ponta de São Lourenço is undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction in the parish and one of the most popular places to visit on the Island. Most visitors make PR8 part of their plans and are taken aback by the unique landscape and geological beauty.
São Vicente is a region characterized by green nature and abundant forest, traced by volcanic forces and erosion on its beautiful slopes. One of the most representative symbols of the picturesque parish of São Vicente is the small chapel built inside a basalt rock, at the mouth of the stream that crosses the village.
Taking advantage of the geographical characteristics of the land, a garden was also built with a predominance of endemic plants. This county also has a series of pedestrian paths, harmoniously combined with water courses.
The Rota da Cal Museum, located in this parish, comprises a pedestrian path that takes about 30 minutes, from the limestone quarries to the museum.
In the parish of São Vicente we find an extensive area of the Laurissilva Forest. The importance of the Laurissilva is due both to its representation in terms of the diversity of flora and fauna species and its conservation status. The Laurissilva Forest was classified as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1999.
In this parish are located the caves and the center of volcanism. The caves and the Volcanism Center allow you to discover the interior of the island and the process of volcanic upheaval that gave rise to it.
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Sao Vicente
São Vicente is a region characterized by green nature and abundant forest, traced by volcanic forces and erosion on its beautiful slopes. One of the most representative symbols of the picturesque parish of São Vicente is the small chapel built inside a basalt rock, at the mouth of the stream that crosses the village.
Taking advantage of the geographical characteristics of the land, a garden was also built with a predominance of endemic plants. This county also has a series of pedestrian paths, harmoniously combined with water courses.
The Rota da Cal Museum, located in this parish, comprises a pedestrian path that takes about 30 minutes, from the limestone quarries to the museum.
In the parish of São Vicente we find an extensive area of the Laurissilva Forest. The importance of the Laurissilva is due both to its representation in terms of the diversity of flora and fauna species and its conservation status. The Laurissilva Forest was classified as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1999.
In this parish are located the caves and the center of volcanism. The caves and the Volcanism Center allow you to discover the interior of the island and the process of volcanic upheaval that gave rise to it.
At Seixal there is a viewpoint where you can see the Véu da Noiva waterfall.
The ‘’ Porto do Seixal beach’’ is located on the northwest side of the island, more precisely in Seixal village, it is name was derived from the abundance of pebbles on the beaches and is highly sought after by tourists who visit the Island.
This black sand beach on Madeira Island was born from sea erosion of volcanic black rocks. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape over the Atlantic and the green cliffs and mountains of the islands north coast. This unsupervised beach offers its visitors access to the toilet facilities, showers and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, right next to it, which is free access, where you can rent kayaks and diving equipment.
Once you are in Seixal you can visit other attractions such as the viewpoint of ‘’Véu da Noiva’’ waterfall that is a waterfall from the top of a hill that, due to its height and the amount of water that falls down the slope, reminds us of a bride's veil. The viewpoint is located between Seixal and S. Vicente and requires a small detour from the main road to the old road.
The famous natural pools of Seixal are known as ‘’Poça das Lesmas’’. This place is from volcanic origin and is situated on the North coast of Madeira Island.
“Poço das Lesmas” is one of the best swimming spots on Madeira secretly hidden in a magical place where it has blue and green coloured water, make it a place worth to visit.
Delight yourself with the best views of Madeira, take a moment to breath in and out and get in the water to relax your body, mind and soul.
33 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Seixal
At Seixal there is a viewpoint where you can see the Véu da Noiva waterfall.
The ‘’ Porto do Seixal beach’’ is located on the northwest side of the island, more precisely in Seixal village, it is name was derived from the abundance of pebbles on the beaches and is highly sought after by tourists who visit the Island.
This black sand beach on Madeira Island was born from sea erosion of volcanic black rocks. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape over the Atlantic and the green cliffs and mountains of the islands north coast. This unsupervised beach offers its visitors access to the toilet facilities, showers and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, right next to it, which is free access, where you can rent kayaks and diving equipment.
Once you are in Seixal you can visit other attractions such as the viewpoint of ‘’Véu da Noiva’’ waterfall that is a waterfall from the top of a hill that, due to its height and the amount of water that falls down the slope, reminds us of a bride's veil. The viewpoint is located between Seixal and S. Vicente and requires a small detour from the main road to the old road.
The famous natural pools of Seixal are known as ‘’Poça das Lesmas’’. This place is from volcanic origin and is situated on the North coast of Madeira Island.
“Poço das Lesmas” is one of the best swimming spots on Madeira secretly hidden in a magical place where it has blue and green coloured water, make it a place worth to visit.
Delight yourself with the best views of Madeira, take a moment to breath in and out and get in the water to relax your body, mind and soul.
Ponta Delgada is a pleasant town on the North Coast of the magnificent island of Madeira, belonging to the municipality of São Vicente, with a predominantly rural appearance.
In fact, in Ponta Delgada the fresh products typical of Madeira Island are produced, due to the fertile soils wisely worked in these very rugged terrains, since the times of colonization of the territory.
Ponta Delgada is now famous for its bathing complex with salt water pools, and a beach protected from the tides and strong winds, situated in a bay.
The town is proud of its Mother Church, the Chapels of the Imaculado Coração de Maria and Reis Magos, the D. Hilária Freitas Museum or the Horácio Bento Gouveia Museum House.
Throughout the Ponta Delgada region, the power of nature and its beautiful panoramas stand out, as can be seen in the Serra Verde with several rare species, and in the various existing viewpoints from where you can see beautiful landscapes.
A land of still very alive traditions, in addition to the fresh products of the land, interesting handcrafted items and objects are produced in the region, so typical of Madeira Island, such as weaving pieces, regional lace and embroidery or pieces in corn leaf. .
On the first weekend of September, the village of Bom Jesus is celebrated, where pilgrims from all over the island take place and whose tradition dates back to the 19th century. XV
Ponta Delgada Villa
Ponta Delgada is a pleasant town on the North Coast of the magnificent island of Madeira, belonging to the municipality of São Vicente, with a predominantly rural appearance.
In fact, in Ponta Delgada the fresh products typical of Madeira Island are produced, due to the fertile soils wisely worked in these very rugged terrains, since the times of colonization of the territory.
Ponta Delgada is now famous for its bathing complex with salt water pools, and a beach protected from the tides and strong winds, situated in a bay.
The town is proud of its Mother Church, the Chapels of the Imaculado Coração de Maria and Reis Magos, the D. Hilária Freitas Museum or the Horácio Bento Gouveia Museum House.
Throughout the Ponta Delgada region, the power of nature and its beautiful panoramas stand out, as can be seen in the Serra Verde with several rare species, and in the various existing viewpoints from where you can see beautiful landscapes.
A land of still very alive traditions, in addition to the fresh products of the land, interesting handcrafted items and objects are produced in the region, so typical of Madeira Island, such as weaving pieces, regional lace and embroidery or pieces in corn leaf. .
On the first weekend of September, the village of Bom Jesus is celebrated, where pilgrims from all over the island take place and whose tradition dates back to the 19th century. XV
Cena gastronómica
The “Espetada“, made with beef cubes in a laurel skewer and grilled on wood or charcoal. Many restaurants have tables with iron structures applied in the center, to hang long laurel skewers in which broil the meat pieces. To accompany the dish, the locals suggest the Fried Maize “Milho Frito” and Bolo do Caco, traditionally baked on a tile or slab over fire. The restaurants “Polar”, “Lagar” or “Santo António” in Câmara de Lobos are some of the most popular restaurants to eat a good espetada.
The most typical fish of Madeira Island is the black scabbard fish “Espada“, which swims in deep waters and has a fearsome appearance, at least when viewed in the market. However, it is also very tasty, especially when prepared the “Madeiran Way”, with passion fruit and banana sauce. The restaurant “Casa Madeirense “, “Classico” or “Doca do Cavacas” in Funchal and also the Restaurant “Preia Mar” in Madelena do Mar (Ponta do Sol) or “Maré Alta” (Machico) are some of the most popular restaurants for a great “Espada”.
A Madeiran specialty, much appreciated by locals and visitors. The limpets “Lapas” are cooked upwards in a frying pan of their own and their taste increases when splashed with fresh lemon and butter. The typical Bolo do Caco is a great accompaniment to this snack. We can suggest some Restaurants around the island to try these “Lapas” such as “Barqueiro” (Funchal), “Portinho” (Jardim Do Mar), “Muralhas” (Caniçal), “Poita” (Madalena do Mar), “Maré Alta” (Machico) or “Many” (São Vicente).
Octopus is a very popular dish here in Madeira, although it is not a typically Madeiran dish. It can be served as a “dentinho” or as an entree, a marinade or with rice. In São Vicente the “Many” restaurant is our sugestion to try this dish.
The “Prego” (steak sandwich): grilled steak, served on traditional Madeiran Bolo do Caco. The ‘Special Prego’ includes lettuce, tomato, ham and cheese, sometimes served with fries. A cheap and extremely popular dish for lunch. Our suggestion to eat the Best “Prego” is in Ribeiro Frio at the “Faísca” Restaurant or “Abrigo do Pastor” at Carreiras restaurant and, if you are visiting Porto Santo Island, take a stop at “Escorpião Pub” or “João do Cabeço” where you will also have a fantastic traditional Prego!
The “Picado” or “Picadinho” is a traditional Madeiran dish, and therefore prepared in almost all of the restaurants of the region. It is traditionally prepared with beef cut into small cubes, fried and seasoned with garlic and pepper.
The “Picadinho” is usually served on a platter being shared by several people, who dig in with a toothpick or a fork.
You can still find “Picado” made of octopus and squid, although the recipe and presentation are a bit different. Our sugestions for restaurants to eat a “Picadinho” are: “Caravela” (São Vicente), “Virgilio ” (São Vicente), “Beer Garden” (Funchal) and “Vila Bela ” (Porto da Cruz).
The famous Madeiran stew (Cozido Madeirense) is a dish based on salted pork, sausages and whole vegetables, among them sweet potatoes. It is cooked over a wood fire, which gives a great taste and flavor, the ingredients are all mixed in a large pot, and all cooked at the same time. To accompany all this meaty goodness, couscous. The restaurant “Cantinho da Serra” in Santana is a nice spot to try this typical dish.
In Ribeiro Frio there are the famous trout nurseries where they produce large quantities of trout. Due to this, in the parish of São Roque do Faial, the Ribeiro Frio Grilled Trout is an appreciated typical dish of this parish. Try the restaurants in Ribeiro Frio and the “SolMar” in Porto Moniz to have a traditional trout experience!
The Wheat Soup is one of the specialties of the island, characterized by its gummy texture, much appreciated by residents and also by theones who visit the island. It is a great soup to eat in the winter because it is very dense, due to the amount of vegetables it takes.
There are several variations of the recipe, each home does its own thing. The richest recipes are prepared with pork and various vegetables, in the humblest, only lard and seed are added. In Camacha village you have some restaurants where you can try a great Wheat Soup such as the “Bar dos Sócios”, “O Cesto”, “O Regedor”, “Café Relógio”, “Katespero”, “O Boleo”.
Tuna is one of the most popular dishes in Madeira, and is usually eaten in the form of steak. Tuna is a fish abundant in the seas around the island and hence have a strong component in the traditional cuisine of the region.
The Madeiran Tuna steaks are usually prepared in a marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt and oregano. It is served with cooked or fried maize, or boiled potatoes, rice and salad. Our sugestions for restaurants to eat a delicious “Tuna Steak” are: “Taberna Moderna” (Funchal), Fajã dos Padres, “PVP” (Funchal), “Atlantic” (Funchal), “Casal da Penha” (Funchal) and “Quinta do Furão” (Santana).
The “Bolo do Caco” is a typical wheat bread of Madeira and Porto Santo. This bread, made from wheat flour, is flattened and has rounded edges. Its name is due to the way, until very recently, it was cooked: on a basalt stone, called “caco”, on hot coals.
It can be consumed hot, such as a meal entree, with a garlic butter spread to melt, or even as a main delicacy. It is common to be used in making sandwiches based on the “Bolo do Caco” with varied fillings, such as steaks (Prego no Bolo do Caco), ham, swordfish, octopus. Try the “Padaria Petit Fours” in Funchal to give it a taste!
The “Carne de Vinha D’Alhos” is a traditional dish of the Christmas season in Madeira however, it is consumed all year round.
It is made with pork, white wine, vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and left to marinate for at least two days. At the time of eating it is fried along with the marinade and a bit of lard. One of the best spots to try this snack is in Funchal Farmers Market at the Restaurant “Cica”.
The tomato and onion soup is one of the references of traditional Madeiran cuisine. Served with poached egg and bread, it is to eat and cry for more!
The “Castanheta” is a fish that is found in abundance along the coast of Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands. They are seasoned with salt and fried in very hot oil. When serving, you can season with lemon juice and accompany with what you like best, we guarantee that they are a delight! The village of Caniçal is the ideal place to try this delicious dish at the “Amarelo” restaurant.
The “Chicharro” is a small fish that abounds in the Madeira seas and, for that reason, has played an important role in Madeiran gastronomy along the years. It can be eaten fried, grilled or baked, being currently more common to find it fried. The village of Caniçal or Machico is the ideal place to try this delicious dish at the “Amarelo” and “Muralhas” (Caniçal) or the “Maré Alta” (Machico).
Tropical fruits that grow on the island, such as bananas, mangos, papayas, pomegranates, grapes and avocados are undoubtedly an endless delight. Why not to try the tabaibos, also called “figs of the devil”? These fruits, from a species of cactus, are appreciated for their juicy freshness. Pass through the Farmers Market (Funchal or Ribeira Brava) and sample some of these fruits for free. A number of tropical fruits are well worth a try.
Madeira Island
The “Espetada“, made with beef cubes in a laurel skewer and grilled on wood or charcoal. Many restaurants have tables with iron structures applied in the center, to hang long laurel skewers in which broil the meat pieces. To accompany the dish, the locals suggest the Fried Maize “Milho Frito” and Bolo do Caco, traditionally baked on a tile or slab over fire. The restaurants “Polar”, “Lagar” or “Santo António” in Câmara de Lobos are some of the most popular restaurants to eat a good espetada.
The most typical fish of Madeira Island is the black scabbard fish “Espada“, which swims in deep waters and has a fearsome appearance, at least when viewed in the market. However, it is also very tasty, especially when prepared the “Madeiran Way”, with passion fruit and banana sauce. The restaurant “Casa Madeirense “, “Classico” or “Doca do Cavacas” in Funchal and also the Restaurant “Preia Mar” in Madelena do Mar (Ponta do Sol) or “Maré Alta” (Machico) are some of the most popular restaurants for a great “Espada”.
A Madeiran specialty, much appreciated by locals and visitors. The limpets “Lapas” are cooked upwards in a frying pan of their own and their taste increases when splashed with fresh lemon and butter. The typical Bolo do Caco is a great accompaniment to this snack. We can suggest some Restaurants around the island to try these “Lapas” such as “Barqueiro” (Funchal), “Portinho” (Jardim Do Mar), “Muralhas” (Caniçal), “Poita” (Madalena do Mar), “Maré Alta” (Machico) or “Many” (São Vicente).
Octopus is a very popular dish here in Madeira, although it is not a typically Madeiran dish. It can be served as a “dentinho” or as an entree, a marinade or with rice. In São Vicente the “Many” restaurant is our sugestion to try this dish.
The “Prego” (steak sandwich): grilled steak, served on traditional Madeiran Bolo do Caco. The ‘Special Prego’ includes lettuce, tomato, ham and cheese, sometimes served with fries. A cheap and extremely popular dish for lunch. Our suggestion to eat the Best “Prego” is in Ribeiro Frio at the “Faísca” Restaurant or “Abrigo do Pastor” at Carreiras restaurant and, if you are visiting Porto Santo Island, take a stop at “Escorpião Pub” or “João do Cabeço” where you will also have a fantastic traditional Prego!
The “Picado” or “Picadinho” is a traditional Madeiran dish, and therefore prepared in almost all of the restaurants of the region. It is traditionally prepared with beef cut into small cubes, fried and seasoned with garlic and pepper.
The “Picadinho” is usually served on a platter being shared by several people, who dig in with a toothpick or a fork.
You can still find “Picado” made of octopus and squid, although the recipe and presentation are a bit different. Our sugestions for restaurants to eat a “Picadinho” are: “Caravela” (São Vicente), “Virgilio ” (São Vicente), “Beer Garden” (Funchal) and “Vila Bela ” (Porto da Cruz).
The famous Madeiran stew (Cozido Madeirense) is a dish based on salted pork, sausages and whole vegetables, among them sweet potatoes. It is cooked over a wood fire, which gives a great taste and flavor, the ingredients are all mixed in a large pot, and all cooked at the same time. To accompany all this meaty goodness, couscous. The restaurant “Cantinho da Serra” in Santana is a nice spot to try this typical dish.
In Ribeiro Frio there are the famous trout nurseries where they produce large quantities of trout. Due to this, in the parish of São Roque do Faial, the Ribeiro Frio Grilled Trout is an appreciated typical dish of this parish. Try the restaurants in Ribeiro Frio and the “SolMar” in Porto Moniz to have a traditional trout experience!
The Wheat Soup is one of the specialties of the island, characterized by its gummy texture, much appreciated by residents and also by theones who visit the island. It is a great soup to eat in the winter because it is very dense, due to the amount of vegetables it takes.
There are several variations of the recipe, each home does its own thing. The richest recipes are prepared with pork and various vegetables, in the humblest, only lard and seed are added. In Camacha village you have some restaurants where you can try a great Wheat Soup such as the “Bar dos Sócios”, “O Cesto”, “O Regedor”, “Café Relógio”, “Katespero”, “O Boleo”.
Tuna is one of the most popular dishes in Madeira, and is usually eaten in the form of steak. Tuna is a fish abundant in the seas around the island and hence have a strong component in the traditional cuisine of the region.
The Madeiran Tuna steaks are usually prepared in a marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt and oregano. It is served with cooked or fried maize, or boiled potatoes, rice and salad. Our sugestions for restaurants to eat a delicious “Tuna Steak” are: “Taberna Moderna” (Funchal), Fajã dos Padres, “PVP” (Funchal), “Atlantic” (Funchal), “Casal da Penha” (Funchal) and “Quinta do Furão” (Santana).
The “Bolo do Caco” is a typical wheat bread of Madeira and Porto Santo. This bread, made from wheat flour, is flattened and has rounded edges. Its name is due to the way, until very recently, it was cooked: on a basalt stone, called “caco”, on hot coals.
It can be consumed hot, such as a meal entree, with a garlic butter spread to melt, or even as a main delicacy. It is common to be used in making sandwiches based on the “Bolo do Caco” with varied fillings, such as steaks (Prego no Bolo do Caco), ham, swordfish, octopus. Try the “Padaria Petit Fours” in Funchal to give it a taste!
The “Carne de Vinha D’Alhos” is a traditional dish of the Christmas season in Madeira however, it is consumed all year round.
It is made with pork, white wine, vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and left to marinate for at least two days. At the time of eating it is fried along with the marinade and a bit of lard. One of the best spots to try this snack is in Funchal Farmers Market at the Restaurant “Cica”.
The tomato and onion soup is one of the references of traditional Madeiran cuisine. Served with poached egg and bread, it is to eat and cry for more!
The “Castanheta” is a fish that is found in abundance along the coast of Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands. They are seasoned with salt and fried in very hot oil. When serving, you can season with lemon juice and accompany with what you like best, we guarantee that they are a delight! The village of Caniçal is the ideal place to try this delicious dish at the “Amarelo” restaurant.
The “Chicharro” is a small fish that abounds in the Madeira seas and, for that reason, has played an important role in Madeiran gastronomy along the years. It can be eaten fried, grilled or baked, being currently more common to find it fried. The village of Caniçal or Machico is the ideal place to try this delicious dish at the “Amarelo” and “Muralhas” (Caniçal) or the “Maré Alta” (Machico).
Tropical fruits that grow on the island, such as bananas, mangos, papayas, pomegranates, grapes and avocados are undoubtedly an endless delight. Why not to try the tabaibos, also called “figs of the devil”? These fruits, from a species of cactus, are appreciated for their juicy freshness. Pass through the Farmers Market (Funchal or Ribeira Brava) and sample some of these fruits for free. A number of tropical fruits are well worth a try.
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Транспорт
The best way is by car but public transport are good as well
The house is at São Vicente and in the center there is a rental car and you can check the rental prices here https://www.saovicenterentacar.pt/ and from what i can tell, you can pick up the car either at the airport or in São Vicente.
In case you choose to pick up the car at São Vicente be advised that the taxi from the airport until the house or the rental car office will cost approximatly 60/70 €.
Another rent a car you can check is https://www.centauro.net or https://www.goldcar.es/pt/ they don't have an office at São Vicente but you can pick up and deliver the car at the airport and their
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Hiking
If you are interested to know Floresta Laurissilva you can try hiking and you you can find a lot of routes here https://www.visitmadeira.com/pt-pt/info-uteis/passeios-a-pe/alertas-e-lista-de-percursos and the site is also available in a lot of languages.
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4x4 tours!
While hearing about local stories and what you ever wanted to know about this famous island, you will discover the past and the present, including geologic spots as the vulcanic rocks, a pleasant fruit tasting,exotic fruits as the banana passion fruits, beautiful flowers and plants, and more!!!
Madeira Off Road Tours is a unique 4X4 tour in Madeira island will take you away from the crowds and busy places!!!
Visit https://www.madeira-offroad.com/