In Madeira Island you will not only find good hotels and restaurants, but also several activities that will make your vacations unforgettable. These can be land activities, in the air or at sea, and in several areas of the island.
Below you will find a breakdown of the best activities to do on Madeira Island during your Christmas holidays, so you can start planning your trip.
Tourist Activities in Madeira Island to do to make your trip unforgettable!
1. Catamaran
1. Catamaran (Credits: Wikimedia)
One of the tourist activities much in demand in Madeira Island are the trips of catamaran in which through a boat ride, you can see the beautiful landscape that the coast island affords, and the varied marine species such as whales, dolphins and turtles.
This guided tour lasts three hours and can be done both in the morning, and afternoon. Monday to Friday, from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00. In the summer is the possibility of plunging in Cabo Girão Bay and do snorkelling.
This is the ideal tour if you are going to spend your holidays as a couple or as a family. The most recent catamarans have a bar on board and, in a comfortable space with a serene atmosphere, you will enjoy a peaceful and relaxing moment, feeling the sea breeze while observing a magnificent view.
This tour in the catamaran has a value of 30,00 euros for adults, 15,00 euros for children from 5 to 12 years, and is free for the babies up to 4 years of age , depending on the place of purchase , and has capacity for 98 passengers.
2. Diving in Madeira Aquarium
2. Diving in Madeira Aquarium (Credits: Wikipedia)
Diving is an activity that gives you a unique experience and, therefore, it is always worth trying. To do the diving at the Madeira Aquarium, you do not need diving experience. This enchanting activity allows you to be in contact with the species present in the aquarium, such as sharks, rays, morays, among others.
Will observe several species not found so easily in the sea and be a controlled environment, your safety it will be always guaranteed. Also, you can choose to be watched by your family while you are diving, making this experience even more special.
With this activity, you will possibly have your first contact with diving and will acquire some techniques. You will get to know the installations of the Madeira aquarium and you will get some explanations regarding the species present in it.
The Madeira Aquarium is located in the municipality of Porto Moniz and the activity will have a duration of 3 hours with a value of 80.00 euros per person, only adults from 18 to 70 years old and children aged minimum age of 10, accompanied by an adult . The activity is limited to a maximum of 4 people per dive.
3. Coasteering
3. Coasteering (Credits: Visit Madeira)
The coasteering is a sport activity that brings together several radical activities. This activity includes the practice of abseiling, climbing and jumping to the sea, providing you with a unique moment of fun and adrenaline. The three activities are carried out along the route , along the coastline, with the name Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s natural reserve, located in the municipality of Machico.
Madeira Island presents the ideal conditions for this activity, with its magnificent rock formations, several endemic plants and the calm and clear sea. So, enjoy a beautiful walk, enjoying a beautiful landscape and, still, enjoy a moment of relaxation, in the sea of the island.
With the proper equipment and supervision of the guides, you can get to know this experience, with guaranteed safety. The practice of coasteering lasts 3 to 4 hours with a distance of approximately 3 kilometers, a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8, and requires payment of 60.00 euros per person.
4. Hang Gliding and Paragliding
4. Hang Gliding and Paragliding
The good climate and the magnificent landscapes of Madeira Island, make the practice of hang gliding and paragliding suitable to be performed on the island. So, to start this activity, you must have the appropriate equipment and inform a professional pilot, so that the activity is carried out correctly and safely.
There are companies in the region that assist in the practice of this activity and adapt it to your level of experience, providing you with a better view and a unique and differentiated experience. Also, flying over the sea and enjoying the view of the mountains is always an unforgettable experience in which you must experience, feeling the adrenaline, but always in safety.
The paragliding is one of the most attractive activities and lasts approximately 20 minutes. You can take off in several places, such as, Pico da Cruz, Miradouro da Madalena, Porto da Cruz or in the prazeres and accompanied by a pilot, if you have no experience.
Regarding the landing, it can be safely done at Madalena do Mar beach.
5. Canyoning
5. Canyoning (Credits: Visit Madeira)
Canyoning can be practiced in several areas of Madeira Island and lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. The island has all the conditions for the practice of canyoning, being one of the best in Europe to practice this activity, since this activity is developed near the streams, in mountainous areas, in which it is allowed to rappel, jump, walk and swim in the magnificent lagoons.
The canyoning route has 3 levels of difficulty, which can be easy, moderate or difficult, so it is recommended for those who practice this activity for the first time, the canyoning of Ribeira das Cales, which lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.
The presence of rock formations, waterfalls and ponds, as well as the mild climate during almost every day of the year, favors the practice of canyoning, offering beautiful scenery as well as the possibility of swim in the fresh and clear waters of the island’s lagoons.
For the practice of this sport it is necessary to have the appropriate equipment, since it covers several different activities and different routes.
6. Monte Sledges
6. Monte Sledges
Monte Sledges are an activity practiced on Madeira Island, in which sledges are made up of wickerwork and two wooden skates. These are traditionally produced by carpenters and artisans, specialists in the wicker manufacturing technique that emerged around 1800.
This traditional island activity takes place in the town of Monte and has a lot of adherence, on the part of tourism. The cestos have two seats and are driven by two paths, dressed in white, with a characteristic straw hat on the head and thick rubber soled boots, which serve as brakes.
The route has a duration of approximately 10 minutes and a distance of 2 km, and the route starts at Monte and ends at Livramento. The route has a cost, which can vary depending on the number of people traveling. And, this trip provides an exciting and unique moment.
7. Jeep Off-Road Tours
7. Jeep Off-Road Tours (Credits: Visit Madeira)
Madeira Island brings together excellent conditions for the realization of Jeep tours and through this activity are provided unique landscapes that will leave you dazzled.
On a tour of the island, you will find vast vegetation, the Laurissilva forest, waterfalls, several species and magnificent landscapes that the island’s natural heritage provides. On a tour with 4×4 vehicles, you will visit the old roads and terrains, typical of the island, where you will be able to observe up close the exciting landscapes that the island has to offer.
This route will be perfect for those who like adventures, between the sea and the mountain. On this route it is possible to walk through difficult-to-access streets and with that, get to know the best landscapes, enjoying all the characteristics of nature.
8. Levada Walks
8. Levada Walks (Credits: Wikipedia)
The Levada Walks are attracting many turists and local population and Madeira Island has lush scenery and many impressive features that nature provides.
There are several tours around the island, relatively accessible for those who are going to hike for the first time, and longer routes for those who already have some experience. The duration varies from walk to walk and the level of difficulty of the route.
This is a unique experience that should be experienced by everyone who visit the island. When you get to know the natural heritage of the island, you get to know the stunning landscapes, with the presence of lagoons with clear water and trees with a characteristic perfume of the island. And, you can choose walk that walks you want to do, looking for informations about the route and taking the equipment and materials needed to complete the path.
9. Ropeslide
9. Ropeslide (Credits: Visit Madeira)
The slide is one of the activities performed, which provides you with a unique experience. Gliding through the mountains, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the adrenaline present in this activity. The island’s mild climate makes it possible to perform outdoor activities for those looking to live a true adventure.
When you climbing the mountains, look for a professional in the area to accompany you along the route, so that the activity is carried out safely. Therefore, this is an activity in high demand, as it provides a moment of adrenaline and a great adventure for those who practice.
The use of specific equipment is recommended and it is necessary to respect all safety measures.
10. Windsurf
10. Windsurf (Credits: Wikimedia)
Windsurfing is the perfect activity to practice in the sea of Madeira Island. With the calm sea, facilitating access to the sea, it is possible to practice this sport safely. The low ripple and constant wind, facilitate windsurfing, which reveals that the island meets the conditions appropriate to practice this.
Also, you can look for some areas to practice windsurfing throughout the year, such as Machico, Caniçal, Paul do Mar, among others. You can find schools and clubs that offer some Windsurf lessons and also the equipment necessary to practice it.
The calmer sea on the south coast of the island, provides good beaches and a better access to the sea, for the practice of this sport. Having everything you need, you should take advantage of this unique experience that Madeira Island offers you.
Through these activities you will discover the best characteristics of Madeira Island!
During this Christmas holidays, take the opportunity to get to know the nature of the Madeira Island better, doing all these tourist activities, from the sea to the mountains and enjoying this unique experience that will be your stay on the island.
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