1. Furnas do Cavalum — Into the Lava Heart
High in the hills above Machico, a narrow track leads to the Furnas do Cavalum, a network of lava tubes formed when Madeira itself was still being born from fire. The world grows darker and cooler as you step inside, your light flickering across walls that glisten with moisture like veins of crystal. Every drip of water echoes softly through the tunnels. It feels alive — as though you’ve stepped into the island’s beating heart. Few visitors ever come here, and that’s what makes it so special.

2. Boca dos Namorados — The Lovers’ Heights
Above the deep bowl of Curral das Freiras, the tiny viewpoint of Boca dos Namorados feels like a secret balcony hanging between heaven and earth. The wind carries the scent of pine and wild herbs, and the mountains fold into one another in endless shades of green. Locals call it the Lovers’ Mouth, and it’s easy to see why — it’s quiet, intimate, and breathtakingly romantic. At sunset, the valley glows in shades of violet and gold, and all the world feels far away.

3. Achadas da Cruz — Down the Edge of the World
On Madeira’s wild northwest coast, cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic. From the village of Achadas da Cruz, a tiny cable car slides down the cliff face to the Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a sliver of land between mountain and sea. Down below, abandoned stone cottages stand among old vineyards, and waves crash against the black shore. The silence here is immense, broken only by the sea breeze and the cry of seabirds. As you ride the cable car back up, the view opens like a painting — endless blue ocean, the island’s spine rising behind you, and the sense that you’ve just glimpsed the edge of the world.

4. Calhau da Lapa — The Hidden Beach of Dreams
Near Campanário, a steep trail winds down through cliffs and fig trees to reach Calhau da Lapa, one of Madeira’s best-kept secrets. The descent is demanding, but at the bottom, you find a small cove of polished basalt stones and crystal-clear turquoise water. The cliffs above are dotted with fishermen’s caves carved by hand generations ago. Down here, the world feels timeless — the sea whispering against the rocks, sunlight glittering on the water, and not another soul in sight. It’s a place to breathe, to float, to forget the clock entirely.

5. Ribeira da Janela — Where the Sea Stands Still
On the north coast, just east of Porto da Moniz, the black beach of Ribeira da Janela stretches toward three jagged sea stacks that rise like ancient guardians. The Atlantic crashes against them in endless rhythm, and the air is rich with salt and wind. When the sun dips low, the rocks blaze orange and the sea becomes liquid silver. It’s wild, cinematic, and completely untamed — a place that humbles you and fills you with awe all at once.

November might just be the island’s finest month. The days are long enough for adventure, the air hovers around a comfortable twenty degrees, and the levada trails shimmer after the rains. The light turns golden, the hills smell of wet laurel and eucalyptus, and the roads are blissfully quiet. This is when Madeira breathes deeply, and when travelers who crave authenticity will find their paradise.
To truly experience the island’s secret corners, you’ll want the freedom to explore at your own pace. Driving through Madeira is an adventure in itself — tunnels opening into sweeping sea views, hairpin turns revealing quiet villages clinging to the hillsides. Funchal Car Hire makes it easy to rent a car right at the airport or in the city, giving you the keys to the island’s hidden roads. And if you’d rather sit back and let the scenery roll by, Madeira Transfers offers smooth, reliable rides to and from any corner of the island, so you can simply relax and watch the mountains unfold.

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2. The caves of Sao Vicente
The Sao Vicente Caves were created by a volcanic explosion around 890,000 years ago. The inside of the lava flow took longer to cool than the exterior. Numerous lava tubes were produced as a result, and since the 1990s, several of these have been accessible to the public.
Walking through these amazing underground caves and seeing the Volcano Center are included in the ticket charge. This excellent set of displays explains more about the geological formation of Madeira’s amazing terrain and volcanic activity.

3. The natural pools of Porto Moniz
Located near the island’s northwest tip lies Porto Moniz, a popular location for its delicious honey and sugar cane cake. You should explore the area’s natural pools in addition to the bakeries.
The water in these naturally occurring swimming pools comes from the sea and was created by the cooling of volcanic lava. Since the pool’s salt water is constantly changing, you’re swimming in brand-new water. You can utilize the facilities, which include showers and lockers, even though the pools are natural.

4. Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s tallest peak, rising to a height of 1862 meters. It is accessible on foot by following a designated trail. There are two options: the easiest to get to takes two hours, while the more difficult one takes four to six hours.
Once at the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of Madeira Island and the neighboring peaks. It takes one hour to drive from Funchal to the hike’s beginning location.

5. Monte Palace Gardens
The hilltop location of Monte Palace Gardens offers a view of Funchal Bay. Take a charming cable car ride to the top of the hill to explore the gardens’ impressive tile collection, unique Asian patterns, rich biodiversity, and fascinating museum.
Originally a stunning mansion from the eighteenth century, the garden was eventually converted into an opulent hotel. José Berardo, a Madeiran businessman, bought the hotel in the 1980s to realize his vision of a tropical public park. The climate of Madeira makes it possible for both native and exotic plants to flourish in a garden.
Wander around the grounds and take in the tile collection set among the lush tropical plants. These tile fragments, which are mostly from the 15th to 20th century, were collected from churches, palaces and private homes.

Enjoy the most beautiful moments in Madeira, always relying on Madeira Transfers, for easy and high quality taxi services and unique moments with your family and friends!

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Madeira is famous for its all year round summer climate, fauna and flora, exquisite cuisine, astonishing touristic attractions, but maybe you didn’t know that it’s also famous for its spectacular embroidery tradition and impacting profound handicraft.

Despite its isolated location, Madeira has maintained a good cultural autonomy.
This is reflected in the language and in traditions that have learned to deal with the combination of different elements coming from various countries who have accepted Madeira´s emigrants.
Madeira´s crafts are of great importance to the economy of the region. You can admire the art of embroidery and weaving in many of Madeira´s villages and discover its charm by visiting the The Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute, settled in the old headquarters of the Madeira Embroidery Industrial Association, opened in 1958, by the architect Fabrício Rodrigues.

The Museological Center of the Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Handicrafts of Madeira (IVBAM) is a space dedicated to the history and culture of Madeira Embroidery, seeking to recreate the romantic atmosphere of a house on the island of Madeira, paying homage to a secular art and offering the visitor a display of pieces produced over 150 years.
The museum center contains pieces of furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, in the Victorian style. It also brings together a collection consisting of pieces of Madeira Embroidery, produced between the 1960s and the 1930s.
The Madeira Embroidery is one of the world’s best and was often purchased by royal houses of Europe over the past 100 years. The secret is in the plight of the designs and the high quality of the parts that only receive the guild seal of Madeira Embroidery Institute after rigorous inspections.

One of the driving forces behind this activity was Miss Phelps. She was the daughter of an English merchant, who came to Madeira in mid 1850. Impressed by the manual ability of local women, taught them the techniques of broderie anglaise. Quickly assimilated these teachings, Miss Phelps sent some of the first pieces to England, and then rained down orders. She started up a new art on the island.
The Madeira embroiderers were so competent and original that three decades later they had imposed a style that would become known as madere broderie. Embroideries brought a new source of income for thousands of families. In 1906 there were 30,000 embroiderers in rural areas, which joined the two thousands of professional embroiderers in Funchal. Most of the work was done at home, with the final finishes made in Funchal factories.

The World War I, the appearance of other foreign companies competing for the place of the lucrative German companies and the Americans of Syrian origin who came to dominate the industry, flooding the world market with low-quality cushion covers, led to a negative effect on the image of Madeira Embroidery and decreased sales between 1916 and 1925.

In 1925, two American entrepreneurs, Charlie Rolland and Leo Behrens invested in the recovery of the Madeira Embroidery quality. They created the Imperial Linens Company and introduced new techniques inspired by the embroidery of other European countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Spain and France. They introduced new motifs and designs taking as model the flowers and other plants of Madeira and added feathers, shells, marine motifs and scenes of daily life in Funchal. Thanks to this renovation, it was born the Madeira embroidery as we know it today. One of the most famous pieces of the Imperial Linens Company was the tablecloth Princess Grace, designed by the talented German designer Herman Klein, at the wedding of actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The art of craftsmanship is a special one, as unique handmade pieces of art are forged out of imagination, love, dreaming and beauty.

The wickers grow in wet valleys near streams, in places like Camacha, Santo da Serra, São Vicente, Faial and São Jorge. The sticks are cut close to the ground in the first months of the year and put into water to germinate. After peeled and left to dry, they are ready to be worked. The craftsmanship of the lintel has secular traditions on the island.

An example is the conical baskets used to transport the grape, called barraleiros. However, the manufacture of wicker furniture only began in the nineteenth century. The industry wickerwork started in Camacha around 1850, when many English families living there had their cottages. William Hinton brought Italy furniture and asked local craftsmen to take that as a model. They proved to be perfect in this art and soon they began to sell furniture and rattan cane to the top hotels in Funchal and export to Germany and England.

Currently the Camacha parish continues to be the center of this activity. If you pass the Clock Coffee “Cafe Relogio” can see skilled craftsmen dedicated to their work. Among the artifacts produced are chairs, tables, baskets, baskets, animal sculptures, shelving and more. Many of these parts are exported to the United States, South Africa, Canada and Italy.

This is magical piece of heaven with a volatile atmosphere, surrounded by unique pieces of authentic pure art made by the hands of very talented people.

If you want to discover this rich unique culture and if you want to admire this remarkable art, Madeira is the greatest place for this! Discover this mesmerizing place, always counting on Funchal Airport Transfers or Madeira car hire for beautiful adventures and unforgettable memories!

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For the 26th time, Madeira will be hosting again this year, at the end of June, the Madeira Classic Rally (Volta à Madeira), a famous classic and vintage automobile race event, where the participants have to overcome 400 km of dangerous mountainous​ roads in order to finish the race. The rally is usually held in a few stages, from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos, then beautiful Machico and Santana, allowing the participants to admire Madeira’s fascinating landscapes.

The first day of July represents the Day of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and Madeiran Communities. The anniversary of the political Autonomy of Madeira is celebrated with various ceremonies in the centre of Funchal and throughout the region. Come and enjoy the fireworks and parades and be part of this anniversary party, filled with joy and pride!

Another exciting event to come is the 24 hours Dancing Folklore Festival, which is a Regional Folklore event held in Santana, where groups from many regions of Madeira and other countries are invited to perform during a 24-hour period. This festival aims for fostering and promoting the cultural heritage and the culinary traditions of this emblematic municipality of the northern Madeira island, held on July, 6th and 7th.

Between 19th and 21st of July, the village of Madalena do Mar, in the municipality of Ponta do Sol, pays tribute to one of its most important and best known products, which is also one of the main regional agricultural productions, the Banana Exhibit (Mostra Regional de Banana). This festival serves to promote the banana production and it is acknowledged as a major cultural event. Visitors can enjoy the most interesting activities, banana sampling and traditional treats.

There are so many events you can attend and enjoy this summer and you can always count on Madeira Transfers, if you want to use reliable, easy and fast taxi services. Furthermore, if you want to discover Madeira’s beauties and marvels, you can always book a sightseeing tour or a hiking trail guide for infinite adventures and unforgettable memories!

If you just want to be your personal holiday architect, you can just hire a car to drive it yourself whenever and wherever you want, enjoying full insurance and advantageous offers, only with Funchal Car Hire!

Come and visit Madeira! You will be charmed by this mesmerizing island, which is waiting impatiently to astonish you!

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Spending a few weeks in Madeira will still seem like it’s not enough: apart from the activities you can practice here, there is a certain seductive quiet that will seduce you here and turn the Island into… home. So if you plan on spending the entire month of July in Madeira, we encourage that full-heartedly! But even if you are only here towards the end of the month, it’s still good to know what events are in store for you:

With its rustic traditional houses, Santana is one of the most beautiful places in Madeira. Between the 10th and 12th of July 2015, it also hosts the 48 hours Dancing Folklore Festival, when performers from Madeira and from abroad are invited to come and dance for 2 full days. Food and drink and stands are provided.

Festa da Banana (held in Madalena do Mar town between July 17th and 19th 2015) is a tribute to the local production of bananas.

Music will also play in Funchal’s Municipal Garden between the 16th and 18th of June 2015 at the Festival Raizes do Atlantico, an international music festival, considered one of the oldest and greatest such events in Portugal.

Another music event, the Madeira Island Summer Opening, is scheduled to take place in Sta. Catarina Park between the 24th and 25th July. The event will welcome international artists in a warm and festive environment, on the shore of the Atlantic.

And to end the month in style, the Rali Vinho da Madeira is scheduled for 30th of July – 1st of August 2015. Rally cars will fill the streets of Madeira as international competitors will attempt to conquer the winding routes.

To travel in Madeira, you can go online to Funchal car hire or book a Madeira airport transfer, also through the Internet.

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The wonderful, mild weather which continues virtually throughout the entire year, breathtaking landscapes and last but not least the kind locals have made Madeira into one of the top European tourist destinations. The weather alone would be incentive enough to lure the Brits to the earthly paradise of the island, but actually the answer to the question of their return lies in history.

Today, Madeira is an autonomous region belonging to Portugal. It was the Portuguese discoverer Prince Henry the Navigator who first arrived in Porto Santo, Madeira in 1419 – although the region had been mentioned by the Roman historians Pliny and Quintus Sertorius.

The British Crown, however, would play an important role in the more recent history of the Island. In the 16th century, the British “discovered” Madeira and settled a community here. In the 17th century, the island was already an important point on the map for them: a prominent commercial and maritime port.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the British Empire occupied Madeira. This was a peaceful occupation concluded in 1814, when the Island of Madeira was returned to Portugal. Nevertheless, the British left a clear mark in the cultural specific of the island and in the lifestyle of the locals: everything from commerce to fashion and language (English is the second language spoken here) has been affected by the English.

It all started with the sweet Madeira wine, which the British put much effort into promoting and commercializing.

Today, the British are the keenest “fans” of Madeira and perhaps the most faithful tourists, coming here year after year. So if you are English or if you simply speak the language and look for a haven of Brit civilization, Madeira is your place.

In terms of transport, you can book a Madeira transfer of rent a car in Funchal.

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With spring just knocking on our door, let’s talk about the most exciting March 2015 events in Madeira. The Madeirans really know how to welcome spring, the time they are in their element.

Festa da Anona (or, in translation, the Cherimoya Fruit Festival) is celebrated in Faial, Santana between the 7th and 8th of March. Anona (the actual Cherimoya Fruit) is grown around Faial village, on the northern coast, and is the symbol of sweet fruits that grow on the Island. The Festa da Anona is celebrated with a beautiful exhibition of fruits and local products and with a loud, happy party.

No sooner does the Cherimoya Fruit Festival approach its end then the Madeira Island Open starts. This professional golf tournament is held annually in Santo da Serra. It is scheduled for the period 8-11th of March and offers a thrilling experience and world-class golf courses for all those who wish to participate.

As we approach the end of March and with the weather expected to get warmer and warmer, people are invited to the Madeira Forest and Tree Week starting on March 21st. Taking place in the Ecological park of Funchal, this is also an annual event meant to promote ecology and awareness regarding the importance of promoting nature and forests. In the pure Madeiran style, the event entails workshops, exhibits, contests and activities (tree planting being the most important of them, of course).

To travel in Madeira, you can either book a Madeira transfer or rent a car in Funchal.

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