Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +351 for Portugal
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +351 (0)29 152 4633 from 7am-midnight seven days a week.
Taxi :
A journey to the centre costs around €25-€30 and takes 20 minutes.
Bus :
The Eurobus leaves from the airport and goes to the main Avenida in Funchal. There are seven daily services from 9.30am. Tickets: €5
(18 Cam Esmeraldo. Tel. 291 932 844) Simple snack bar that's the perfect place to pick up a prego (sandwich) or picado (spicy beef stew) at any time of the day or night.
(179 Estrada Monumental, Lido. Tel. 291 762 559) After a dip in the pool, relax and enjoy a traditional meal on the veranda while gazing at the panoramic view of the city and sea.
(Rua dos Lavradores, 4 Pico Saloes, Estrada de Camara de Lobos. Tel. 965 001 597) Set in a beautiful quinta (traditional house), you'll dine in style at Casa da Vinha. Rustic charm with a touch of romance.
(Travessa Piornais, San Martinho. Tel. 291 700 386) An international menu is served in the stylish and up-market setting of Madeira's finest catering school. Expect a five-star menu and service to match.
(Centro Comercial Avenida do Infante, Avenue Shop 1. Tel. 291 220 292) Central spot near the nightlife hub with an outgoing atmosphere of its own. Grab a coffee or a beer and sample the delicious cakes.
(Regency Palace Hotel, Piornais. Tel. ) Enjoy a musical evening in the cocktail lounge with Lauren and David performing duets of swing songs, musical hits and old classics.
(Rua Imperatriz, 119-121 Dona Amelia . Tel. 291 228 038) A modern venue that's suitable for people of all ages in search of late-night dancing to the latest sounds in a fun atmosphere.
On the ground
Shop
Visit Pereira D'Oliveira Lda, a 100-year-old wine lodge. Sample a few of the delicious varieties of Madeira wine before you buy (107 Rua dos Ferreiros. Tel. 291 220 784).
Insider Tip
If you purchase the new electronic bus ticket for getting around town, be careful to keep it separate from your credit cards and mobile phone, as this has been known to destroy the data.
Key Area
If you don't want to miss your weekly church service while on holiday, then pop into the English Church on Rua Quebra Costas. It holds Sunday services open to all faiths (www.holytrinity-madeira.com).
This month
The streets and alleys between Praca do Municipio and Rua do Carmo are brightly decorated to celebrate the annual Festas da Sé from 23-31 May. There are daily performances by various bands and choirs from 7.30pm-midnight.
Day Tripping
Paragliding
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Pilots from all over the world visit Madeira due to its great climate and excellent paragliding weather all year round. To experience the delights of the island from the air, why not take a flight of your own?
No way!
The uninhabited Deserta Islands, visible on a clear day off the coast between Santa Cruz and Funchal, are a nature reserve and home to that infamous spider, the tarantula.
