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O Madeira Island attractions, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The magical ways are through its colorful gardens, sea-cliff precipices, fertile landscapes, Funchal Old Town and toboggan rides down the mountainside. And most importantly, wise words from the old folk song “Have some Madeira (wine), m’dear.” As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I explored this unique island as my port of call numerous times. So, I endearingly recount my wonderful memories on how best to enjoy this enchanting place.
This Portuguese island is part of an archipelago in the North Atlantic region known as Macaronesia. Madeira is west of Morocco on the African Tectonic Plate. Its capital, Funchal, majestically sits on the south coast. Over the years, Madeira became renowned for its wine and unique wine-making process. This began during the Age of Exploration, when Madeira was a regular port of call for ships travelling to the East Indies. Later, by the 16th century the wine industry here supplied these ships with wine for long voyages. Also, the island of Madeira has an oceanic climate with high rainfall and average mean temperature of 66 °F (19 °C).
Funchal, the Capital City of Madeira Island Attractions
Known as the “Garden City,” visitors understand why soon enough. The city harmonizes with the landscapes, seeming to organically grow from the mountainside and coast, among the exotic flower gardens around you. In Funchal, I rode the cable car to the Botanical Gardens and then came down in their famous toboggan ride. Also, I savored wine-tasting in town of their world-renowned Madeira wine. Plus, I walked the cobblestone roads and alleyways of their Old Town, shopping, wine-testing and eating at exquisite European restaurants, al fresco style.
Cable Car to Monte and Botanical Garden
The Madeira Cable Car is accessible close to the cruise terminal on the coast of Funchal. I took it up the mountainside to Monte. Then, from Monte I enjoyed a cable car ride to the gardens and walked 4.1 km back to Monte. From the scenic Monte, I caught the toboggan rides down the steep hills back to Funchal. Sound like an obstacle course? Well, it kind of was, but this makes for a spectacularly scenic and adventurous day in Madeira!
Madeira Botanical Gardens
The Jardim Botanico is magnificent, perched on the mountainside, with more than 2000 species of plants from all continents. Plus, from the gardens, the panoramic view is stunning. I saw my cruise ship below, as well as the beautiful Funchal and endless breathtaking landscapes and sea all below.
The lush gardens are a private park, created and shared by the Reid Family since 1881. Also, at the gardens there are both a Natural Museum and a Bird Park (over 300 exotic birds). Furthermore, the 20 acres (8 hectares) of exotic gardens divide into 6 sections:
- Madeiran indigenous species
- Arboretum (collection of trees and shrubs)
- Palm Trees and Cyads
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Agro-industrial plants
- Succulent Plants
Monte and the Toboggan Rides Back Down to Funchal
The village of Monte sits at 1,025 meters above sea level, lush from greenspaces with exotic plants and flowers. Most importantly, it’s renown for being the starting point to toboggan rides down to Funchal. The Monte Toboggan (wicker sled) is one of Madeira’s most famous attractions. Since the 1850’s, it served as the iconic, downhill public transportation.
I caught my own toboggan with the 2 drivers behind me, wearing their white uniforms with straw boaters (hats). Scarily, we whizzed down the mountainside’s steep grade through narrow roads and sharp turns, stopping near Funchal (another 20-minute walk).
Wine-tasting in Madeira Island
Lyrics from Have Some Madeira, m’dear (old folk song)
Have some Madeira, m’dear. You really have nothing to fear.
I’m not trying to tempt you, that wouldn’t be right,
You shouldn’t drink spirits at this time of night.
Have some madeira, m’dear. It’s really much nicer than beer.
I don’t care for sherry, one cannot drink stout,
And port is a wine I can well do without…
It’s simply a case of chacun a son gout
Have some Madeira, m’dear.
Madeira is a fortified wine, ranging in many varieties, such as, dry and sweet or dessert wines. Also, this region is known for its unique winemaking process. It involves oxidizing the wine through heat to accelerate the aging process. Because of these methods, the wines last for decades or even centuries. I savored my wine tasting tour at D’ Oliveira’s in Old Town, Funchal.
Also, unique to Madeira wine is their vineyards. Because of the climate, fungal grape disease threatens the viticulture here. Therefore, the vineyards are often planted on low trellises, known as latada, raising the canopy above the ground. Also, because of the mountainous, volcanic island the vineyards are planted on man-made terraces of red and brown basaltic bedrock. These terraces, aka poios, are similar to the Douro terraces for Port wine production.
Old Town Funchal – Madeira Island Attractions
This charming quarter is full of history taking you through cobblestone streets for shopping, historic buildings and world class restaurants, interwoven with colorful flower gardens and sea vistas or belvederes. My best memory is having a delicious Italian meal with Madeira wine. Then, I wandered the narrow alleyways to observe the Painted Doors of Madeira. Furthermore, the Painted Doors Project transformed the Old Town in Funchal to an outdoor museum. Many doors for shops and houses are lucidly painted with murals and designs. Overall, it joins several guest artists to work on decorative paintings on doors of houses and shops along Rua de Santa Maria.
Painted Doors Project that transforms this area into a permanent art gallery.
Cabo Girao Sea Cliff
This lofty Cabo Girao Sea Cliff looms on the southern coast of Madeira, known as the second highest sea cliff in the world. There is also a cliff skywalk with transparent glass views here. Furthermore, this diamond-shaped sea-cliff escarpment rises from 560 meters (1850 ft) to 589 meters (1932 ft). Cabo Girao lies between 2 river valleys that flow into the Atlantic Ocean.
Overall, Madeira Island Attractions
This magical island is truly one of my favorite destinations in the world. There’s only one Madeira Island such as this and therefore, the one guarantee is it offers a unique adventure. Thus, all travelers can agree to “Have some Madeira, m’dear…”
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