Recommendations
Things to do in Madeira…
Here are some of our recommendations for the best things to do while you visit Madeira, as well as some of our own recommendations to make your experience the best it can be!
Levadas
Madeira is the perfect island to be explored by hiking on some of the hundreds of Levadas. We are happy to help you to chose the right trail.
Restaurants
There are tons of traditional foods and beverages you can try while you're here in Madeira. The selection of restaurants across the island will be sure to satisfy your cravings!
Rental car
When you are exploring Madeira, it is going to be much easier if you travel the island with a rental car.
Viewpoints
With views in almost every corner of Madeira, you'll find it hard not to come across some spectacular views of Madeiras epic mountainous scenes or coastal views.
Activities​
From snorkelling and diving to hiking and climbing... There definitely will be something for everyone who's planning a trip around our island.
Massages
Our massage service is available upon request. You can find out more by contacting us directly.
Levadas
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Madeira had a huge selection of Levadas, and most of them are located in the central and northern parts of the island.
They were used to transport water across the island to farmers and crops and they took many years to create. Today, they are now very popular with tourists and it gives you the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular waterfalls, mountains and scenery on the island. If you are hiring a car, then this will be the most convenient way for you to get to the starting points of the walk. There are some buses or even taxis that can take you, but of course this can work out more expensive.
Alternatively, you can always book one of many tours that are available on the island to be able to experience the walk with a guide and you may even learn some interesting facts along the way too!
Restaurants
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There are many restaurants here in Madeira that offer the opportunity to really experience the traditional food & drink on the island. In Ponta do Sol, you will find a good selection of restaurants on the sea front that offer traditional dishes such as: Lapas, Bolo do Caco, tuna steak, or even wheat soup. You’ll also be able to try the Madeiran wine, Nikita or poncha if you’re feeling adventurous!
Dos Amigos : our recommodation for meat.
A Poita (in Fuchal): Our recommendation for fish.
The Small House: Nice place to have a beer
The Old Pharmacy: Have a wine or poncha here in the evening.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are the most popular way for visitors to navigate around the island. It´s the best way to reach the hidden places and nicest hikes on the island.
With public transport being quite uncommon. You’ll find that you can experience so much more with a car, as well as being able to take your time at each destination without having to check timetables! We are happy to assist you with recommendations for renting out a car. Simply get in touch with us uppon your arrival!
Viewpoints
The island had several places where you can have some of the best views, and one of the most popular viewing areas is in Ribeiro Frio. You can take a walk (roughly an hour) where you will reach the Balcões viewpoint. It’s an easy walk for people that want a casual stroll and it really does give some of the most spectacular views of Madeira.Â
A great place to see some epic coastal views is in Ribeira da Janela. It’s very easy to get here if you are driving, and it doesn’t require any walking when you get there. You can just turn up in your car and admire the beautiful views!Â
The highest point in Madeira is Pico Ruivo. If you’re feeling like tackling this hike, then the best place to start is in Pico do Arieiro where you can take your car and walk at your own pace, or you can book a guided tour and travel in a group. It’ll probably take 5 or more hours for this walk to finish, but either way you are definitely going to see some of the best views of the island.
Activities
If you plan to have a full on adventure while you’re in Madeira, then maybe some of these activities will take your interest. You can do many things on the island such asÂ
- walking and hiking,
- canyoning and kayaking,
- dolphin and whale watching,
- swimming with dolphins,
- snorkelling,
- mountain biking,
- surfing,
- wine tasting,
- and much more.
There are a range of tour websites that you can book these experiences. Ask us for recommendations!
Massages
Feeling tired from hiking or simply want to relax your body and mind? We provide massages within your holiday home! Just let us know at least one day in advance and we´ll arrange everthing and check the availability for you.Â
The professional masseur we are working with provides different kinds of massages, like relaxing or deep tissue massage.
Ask us for prices!
More about us
Juan was born in Venezuela but has lived in Madeira for a very long time as he has lots of family here, which is why you will find that he speaks Spanish. We also both speak fluent Portuguese and good English. We try to be as versatile as possible when it comes to language. This way we can find a way to communicate with all of our guests the best we can.
Catia runs a little flower shop in Canhas called ‘Encanto das flores’ where she creates some spectacular floral arrangements for her customers, so you can always ask her more about this if you’d be interested to get to know Catia or maybe even see some of her work!
If you ever have any questions, then feel free to ask us and we’ll be happy to do what we can to help you. We hope you enjoy your stay in Madeira!
Catia & Juan
