Madeira

The Madeira guide is compiled by Samantha Cox/www.madeiraactive.com


Airport Information

Madeira Airport

  • Holiday Taxis (easyJet.holidaytaxis.com) take you from home to the airport, then city or destination.

  • The Aerobus leaves from outside the Arrivals Lounge and goes through Funchal to the main Hotel area finishing at Praia Formosa. There are eleven services daily beginning at 09.45.Tickets €5 per person.

  • Visit the Europcar desk on arrival for special easyJet inflight rates.

  • A journey to the centre costs around €25-€30 and takes 25-30 minutes.

Bon Appetit

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↓ Up to €15
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    (36 Avenida Do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses. Tel. 291 242 170)
    A perfect stop for a coffee or a snack while exploring the Old Town or heading up the mountain in the cable car.
↓ Up to €30
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    (21 Rua Portão de Santiago, Zona Velha. Tel. 291 232 021)
    A quaint little eatery between Forte São Tiago and the museum. An ideal spot for a quick lunch in an historic part of town.
↓ Up to €50
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    (Rua Penha da França. Tel. 291 280 840)
    Conveniently located on the road behind the Savoy, this restaurant serves traditional Madeiran cuisine and has an extensive international menu. Dine on the attractive garden terrace.
↓ Exclusive
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    (Cliff Bay Hotel, 147 Estrada Monumental. Tel. 291 707 700)
    This formal restaurant in a luxurious hotel is an ideal setting for that romantic meal - it was the recipient of Madeira's only Michelin star earlier this year. French chef Benoît Sinthon offers an appealing menu of Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

After Dark

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↓ Low Key
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    (Beco da Casa Branca. Tel. 291 761 450)
    An English-style pub with a pretty terrace garden, ideal for enjoying a warm evening with a pint or two.
↓ Live Music
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    (English Church, 18 Rua do Quebra Costas. Tel. 291 220 452)
    The famous Madeira Mandolin Orchestra holds concerts in the English Church every Friday from 9pm. Tickets cost €20 and are sold on the door and also available from the tourist office.
↓ Late & Lively
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    (Rua Carvalho Araújo. Tel. 291 228 038)
    This cool, laid-back venue attracts a chic crowd. Lounge music and chill out 70s and 80s tunes while you sip your cocktail.

This month...

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Shop
  • Bazar Guanabara is an interesting souvenir shop that sells typical Madeiran goods, from embroidery to cakes, Madeira wine to trinkets and banana liquor (12 Rua do Bom Jesus. Tel. 291 225 936).
See
  • Music fans should head to the annual Funchal Jazz Festival in the Quinta Magnolia Gardens. Big names come from all over the world to play a broad selection of jazz styles (2-4 July).
Go
  • Starting from the beach at Praia Formosa, stroll along the coastal esplanade that meanders beside the coastline and takes you to the Lido. Signs along the way offer tips on how to get the most out of your walk.
Escape
  • Take a tour of the island from a different perspective. Travel in a helicopter and admire the breathtaking sights from a spectacular aerial view, from the mountain peaks to the more gentle coastal route. Contact HeliAtlantis Turismo en Helicopteros (Estrada da Pontinha. Tel. 291 232 882).

Tips

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No way!
  • Before Funchal airport was extended and modernised in 2000, it was one of the smallest airports in the world, with a runway of just 1,600 metres.

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