Madeira.Vacations
Traditional Madeiran architecture with timber shutters

Culture

Madeira was uninhabited until the 1420s and grew up as an Atlantic staging post. That history is still visible in the wine trade, the sugar-era architecture of Funchal and the crafts of Camacha and Machico.

Where to go

  • Madeira Wine Lodges

    Working cellars in central Funchal.

  • Camacha wickerwork

    The island's basket-weaving village.

  • Santana houses

    Thatched triangular cottages, restored and visitable.

  • Sé Cathedral

    Late-15th-century, with a remarkable cedar ceiling.

Book it

Guided options

Colourful produce stalls at Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores
1.5 hours Funchal

Madeira Wine Cellar Tasting

A guided tasting through Sercial to Malmsey in a working Funchal lodge, explaining why the island's wine is aged the way it is.

from €25

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Funchal waterfront and old town at golden hour
4 hours Funchal

Funchal Old Town & Monte Tour

Painted doors of the Zona Velha, the market, then the cable car up to Monte and the wicker toboggan back down.

from €35

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