Cool Places in Madeira

Madeira’s selection of interesting things to see is a varied one, providing something for all tastes. Madeira Island is where you’ll find the bulk of sights of interest, including the ancient churches of Igreja de Sao Joao Evangelista and Se Cathedral as well as the fascinating Sao Vicente Caves. A ride on the island’s cable car is a must if you want great views and a better idea of the island’s geographical layout.

Funchal Cable Car (visit)

The view that rides on this cable car offer along its journey from Parque Almirante Reis to Monte Palace Tropical Garden is outstanding. The ride takes around 15 minutes and en route presents visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Roughly four passengers can fit in one car, meaning families can ride together above the whitewashed houses below.

Church of St John the Evangelist (Igreja de Sao Joao Evangelista – visit)

The foundation stone of this splendid structure was laid in 1647 but it was some 23 years before its completion. Built in a style typical of the Jesuit order, to which it belongs, the church features a high nave, either side of which sit identical chapels illustrating a style that first emerged in the country during the 16th century. Inside the church are magnificent gold altarpieces that date from between 1647 and 1660, and an equally impressive carved high altar.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden (Jardim do Monte Palace – visit)

The gardens of the former Monte Palace Hotel are a popular attraction that features some of the finest examples of nature under creative human influences. The indigenous plant life of Madeira Island is represented, while exotic plants on display include specimens from Scotland, Belgium and South Africa, among other countries. The collection of Japanese koi carp is also well worth seeing.
Tel: (+351) 291 74 26 50

Santa Maria (visit)

The capital’s oldest street dates to the 1400s and although 5,000 years of progress have inevitably made their mark, it still retains an old-fashioned ambience and a number of classic buildings along either side of the traditional cobblestone thoroughfare. Take a wander along the street and you’ll come across the local fish market, the Barreirinha Bathing Complex and the Chapel of Corp Santo, plus an art museum and a selection of restaurants.

Sao Vicente Caves (visit)

Formed from volcanic activity some 400,000 years ago, the Sao Vicente Caves are a fascinating attraction that can be visited on a daytrip from Funchal or anywhere on Madeira Island. The caves, which were borne out of massive lava emissions, can be walked through independently or on a half-hour long tour, with some interesting geological formations presenting themselves along the way. There are also various exhibits offering background on the history of the caves.
Tel: (+351) 291 842 404

Se Cathedral (visit)

Located in Funchal, the Se Cathedral occupies a site that first saw a church erected sometime in or near the 1400s and saw enlargements in both 1438 and 1450. Construction on the current structure started in 1485 but it wasn’t until 1517 that the church was finally consecrated. The cathedral incorporates a mix of influences, including those of Gothic, Portuguese late-Gothic and Moorish origin.


You can sign up for tours at the conference!
Intertours offers many touristic adventures (“Excursões” such as island bus tour, Poto Santo, or Levada Walks) for conference participants who are staying before or after the conference – Availability would depend on the weather and people from Intertours would be on site at the conference to provide tour details and options.

Download the brochure
Contact Intertours via email
Visit Intertours website
Tel: (+351) 291 208 900
Fax: (+351) 291 225 020


Information source: HotelTravel.com
For more information about cool places in Madeira, visit madeira-web.com