2. Savor the Market Nights
Popular events known as “Market Nights” are held in and around each municipality’s local markets, where seasonal goods like flowers, exotic fruits, candies and liqueurs are typically offered.
The most well-known is the Mercado dos Lavradores Market Night in Funchal, which takes place on December 23rd. The market’s surrounding streets are congested with traffic this evening as people take advantage of the chance to socialize, dance, listen to live music and do their last-minute Christmas shopping.

3. Take part in “Missas do Parto”
Nine holy masses, known as the “Missas do Parto” are celebrated in anticipation of Jesus’ birth between December 16 and December 24 at the crack of dawn, usually between five and seven in the morning.
The masses are held in the churchyards, where there are traditional chants and a joyous ambiance. Both the faithful and guests are provided with refreshments. While the “Missas do Parto” are held at all the churches on the island, it’s recommended Sé Catedral, Igreja do Monte and Igreja de São Martinho.

4. Go see the scenes of nativity
The Madeiran people have long treasured the custom of displaying nativity scenes in their homes, churches and public areas. Nativity scenes can be classified as either “em rochinha” or “em escadinha.”
The latter mimics the island’s topography, featuring mountains, valleys, fajãs (flat areas close to the coast) and a cave that is decorated with fruits, houses, churches and nativity figures.
While nativity scenes can be found all over the island, it’s especially suggested visiting the ones at Jardim Municipal, Mercado dos Lavradores and Jardim Botânico.

5. Discover December New Year’s Eve fireworks
The 31st December New Year’s Eve firework display dazzles and excites spectators both domestically and internationally, capping up December and the year in a flood of color, excitement and music.
There will be 61 fireworks posts this year, five on the ocean, 25 on the city’s waterfront and 29 in the Funchal amphitheater. Each post will last eight minutes and include accompanying music.
This year’s new launching locations include the Amparo Garden (Jardim do Amparo), the Ponta Gorda Bathing Complex and the Praia Formosa Promenade and the area north of it. On Porto Santo Island, there will be two posts as well.

Enjoy the most beautiful winter holiday in Madeira with your family and friends, always relying on Madeira Airport Transfer for high quality and easy taxi services, for unforgettable adventures and precious memories!

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Despite its name, Vila Baleira is Porto Santo’s only town of around 5500 people and it’s adorned with beautiful streets lined with palm trees.
If you decide to visit this place, you cannot miss Christopher Columbus’ former house in Vila Baleira, which represents the island’s main cultural reference.
Casa Museu houses a small museum. Besides several information boards about the history of Porto Santo, with English translations available, you’ll have the chance to see artifacts, maps, navigation instruments and charts from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Considered the highest point in Porto Santo, Pico Facho is 516 metres high. Due to the geographic position of the island and the high altitude,if pirate ships were seen, bonfires (fachos) were made here to warn the rest of the archipelago and the island of Madeira in order to be prepared if an attack was initiated.

Another of Porto Santo’s viewpoints, Pico do Castelo (Castle Peak) is at 437 metres high, where you can take a walk up to the top, admire the gorgeous landscape and breathe the salty ocean air. The views of the island and the ocean will definitely worth the effort.
Although there was never a castle there, the name is due to the fact that it was one of the places where the island’s inhabitants took refuge when pirate attacks ocurred.

Not far, Ana Ferreira Peak is 280 metres (918 feet) high. From here you can see the Facho and Castelo Peaks. You can also admire the basalt columns, probably the most beautiful geological formations on Porto Santo Island.

Before leaving this lovely island, you have to stop at Porto Santo Beach, where you can have a great time, enjoying the sunny weather , swimming and getting tanned. Located 4 km from Vila Baleira, the beach, as the whole of Porto Santo’s sand strip, is reputedly known for its therapeutic effects.

Enjoy the beautiful places of this fascinating island with your family and friends, trying new experiences and creating unforgettable memories!

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