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PORTOBAY TRAVEL GUIDE

MADEIRA ISLAND

best tips . .. see video
PORTUGAL

Madeira Island

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN . ..

. .. with its landscape, mild climate, unique waterways, traditions and festivals, cuisine, boat trips, water sports and mountains, gardens and flowers, embroidery and wine make Madeira a multifaceted island destination.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • How to get there

    The island of Madeira is a 1hr 30 min flight from Lisbon and around three hours from the main cities in Europe. Madeira airport has direct flights from mainland Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Scandinavia, Spain, Belgium and Holland.

    SEE FLIGHTS

  • CLIMATE

    Madeira’s subtropical climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year (24°C - summer, 16°C - winter), guarantees the balance and is perfect for outdoor activities. The sea, heated by the Gulf Stream, is around 22°C in the summer and 17°C in the winter.

  • CLOTHING

    Madeira is rich in microclimates and it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day. Light clothing is advisable for the many sunny days. However, a sweater and a raincoat are also recommended.

  • HIKING TRAILS

    For anyone wanting to hike through the Madeira’s mountains, it is important to wear suitable footwear and sunscreen.

    + Info

  • AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (°C)

    Average annual temperatures are higher on the South Coast than the North Coast and are lower inland depending on altitude. The average temperature varies little during the year, is higher in summer (22°C - August) and lower in winter (16°C - February).

    + Info

  • LANGUAGE

    Although the official language is Portuguese, the Portuguese love to speak other languages. Other languages such as English, French, German and Spanish are also spoken especially at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

  • POPULATION

    The island of Madeira has 270,000 inhabitants. 75% of the population live on only 35% of the island, mostly on the south coast. This is where the capital Funchal is located, a city that accounts for 45% of the population (130,000 inhabitants).

  • TIME

    Madeira is on Greenwich Mean Time, the same as Lisbon and London. The island is one hour behind Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia (two hours behind Finland).

  • CURRENCY

    The currency used is the Euro (€). It is possible to exchange foreign currency over the counter at banks or at currency exchange bureaux. Major credit cards are accepted at most locations.

  • SHOPPING

    In the city of Funchal, you will find a wide variety of international brands and shopping centres. There are souvenir shops throughout the island where you will find the island’s famous embroidery and Madeira wine.

  • ACCESSIBLE MADEIRA

    ‘Madeira 4 All’ offers all tourists with reduced mobility an opportunity to experience and enjoy Madeira without barriers in safety and comfort.

    + Info

  • ELECTRICITY

    Electric current on the Archipelago of Madeira is 220V; European two-pin plugs are used.

  • WATER

    Water is abundant on the island of Madeira, and all of it is drinkable and of excellent quality. It is safe to drink the tap water from the public supply.

  • HEALTH

    There are 2 hospitals and several private clinics in Funchal. PortoBay hotels also have a doctor available who travels to the hotel if necessary (paid service). There is always a 24-hour pharmacy in each area.

  • VACCINATIONS

    Madeira has the full range of health services necessary for any eventuality that may arise and no vaccination is required before travelling.

  • EMERGENCIES

    112 is the emergency number.

  • DRIVING

    In Portugal vehicles drive on the right. Seat belts are compulsory, a helmet is required to ride a motorbike. No mobile phones allowed while driving. Traffic signs follow international conventions. The legally permissible level of alcohol is 0.5g/litre.

  • SMOKING

    In accordance with Portuguese law, smoking is prohibited anywhere inside PortoBay hotels in Portugal, including bars and restaurants. Smoking is also forbidden in rooms, and is only allowed on balconies and outdoors.

  • INTERNET

    In PortoBay hotels, as in public spaces such as Airports, Congress Rooms, Restaurants, Service Areas and Shopping Centres, there are clearly-marked wi-fi zones where you can access wireless internet.

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A MULTIFACETED DESTINATION

With its extensive natural landscape, Madeira is known for its lush prehistoric Laurel Forest, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

TIPS

We have everything lined up to show you the best Madeira has to offer! On our blog www.inportobay.com you will find culinary tips and suggestions for visiting unforgettable places, along with other places off the beaten track, but no less interesting . .. We have been given the precious help of bloggers from Madeira, and we also share special experiences: those of our guests.

What to do in Madeira Island

a complete travel guide

see blog

what to do

WALKS

Rabaçal or Caldeirão Verde are some of the must-see places to visit for nature lovers.

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CABLE CARS

There are several cable cars in Madeira; the Funchal Cable Car is next to Porto Santa Maria.

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GOLF COURSES

There are two golf courses on Madeira Island, one is next to the PortoBay Serra Golf Hotel.

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EAST OF THE ISLAND

From Camacha to Ponta de São Lourenço, via Ribeiro Frio or Santana, there is so much to visit!

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WEST OF THE ISLAND

The landscapes are unforgettable. ..from the bay of Câmara de Lobos, to the pools of Porto Moniz

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BOAT TRIPS

Explore the island from the sea! You are very likely to spot dolphins or whales.

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GARDENS AND FLOWERS

Don’t forget to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Botanical Garden and Vila Porto Mare.

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MADEIRA WINE

The most common grape varieties are Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia, Terrantez and Tinta Negra

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MUSEUMS

From Flemish painting to sculpture or contemporary art, come and discover the museums of Madeira

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EXTREME SPORTS

There’s no shortage of adventure! Go canyoning, mountain-biking, surfing, climbing, diving . ..

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CUISINE

Beef skewers, swordfish, fried corn bread and tuna steak are some of Madeira’s typical dishes.

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PONCHA

Poncha is a traditional drink made from honey, sugar cane brandy and lemon juice.

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OLD TOWN - FUNCHAL

With narrow streets and houses from the 15th century, this is a historical and picturesque area.

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FARMERS MARKET

Buy regional products directly from the producers - an experience not to be missed in Funchal!

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

Travelling with kids in Madeira is an adventure. Follow our tips and have fun with the family!

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7 Hotels

PortoBay Santa Maria

Madeira Island, Portugal

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The east of the island, the west of the island, boat trips, gardens and flowers, madeira wine, museums, radical sports, gastronomy, poncha, old town...

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