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Funchal's delightful centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, making it a pleasure to stroll around. The seafront is lined with a promenade dotted with restaurants, cafes and bars (great place to chill this with views out to sea!).

Madeira Island consists of more than just “Funchal”, the region of Calheta includes eight parishes spread over a total area of 116 square kilometres. for example how many time have you heard it said there are no sandy beaches? Not true, west of “Funchal is the beautiful resort of “Calheta” and its “Sandy Beache and Marina” albeit, man made they are truly wonderful to behold and relax on and kept spotless by daily checks,

Adjacent to the sands are top quality hotels, who will be only too pleased to inform you of all the pleasures of “Calheta” The Calheta Beach Hotel is a excellent beach hotel with friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, the shimmering pool and the sun loungers around it are the perfect setting in which to sip a long cool drink and catch up on your reading. Or if you prefer, soak up the sun on Madeira’s only golden sandy beach.

Take a journey into the interior and enjoy vistas only imaginable certainly not expected on Maderia Island. The highest point on Madeira is situated in the centre of the island at Pico Ruivo de Santa and reaches 1862m. To the west up from Ribeira Brava is the steep sided ravine and mountain pass through Encumeada.

On the south coast at Cabo Girao (just to the west of Funchal) Madeira lays claim to the second highest cliff in the world which stands at 580m and is a spectacular sight

As well as the spectacular inland terrain, you have the Levadas - Madeira's distinctive narrow watercourses which channel the abundant rainfall from the north to the dryer south of the island. Walking is popular along the Levadas routes!

Perhaps the most well known levada in Madeira is the Ribeiro Frio / Lamaceiros / Portela. levada walk. As we walk along this footpath you will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada along side the path, dash for cover as they perceive our approach. As we near Lamaceiros, the view of Porto da Cruz and Eagle Rock far below are out of this world. A walk that must not be missed.

The North Madeira landscape is dramatic indeed, both on the rocky jagged coast where swimming options tend to be naturally formed lido pools at Porto Moniz. Madeira's north coastal road is demanding driving indeed, but well worth the effort for the dramatic coastal scenery here.

The Eastern Madeira coastal stretch contains the hub of Madeira's resorts - particularly the Canico area. Here you will find Machico, Madeira's second largest town and site of the first settler landing in the 15th century. Don’t miss going to Ponta de São Lourenço

Images and video footage of the above are featured in our galleries

Entrance to many areas are restricted, you would most certainly
never get a tour bus near them, this is why we now recommend

Tollentino G Freitas

Tollentino became our guide, chauffeur, and eventually a very good friend

	You can by chance find Tollentino and his cab No 1208 at the Funchal Taxi ranks on his working days.
You may if you wish avail your self of his outstanding knowledge of the Islands little known locations by taking his tour as we did. (recommended)
	He speaks a number of languages including English and French. Alternatively you can phone him on (00359) 91 9910817