Walking:
These range from gentle levada strolls to dramatic hikes, for the more adventurous, between the island peaks. Levadas are small canals which bring water from the wet north side of the island to the drier terraces of orchards and vineyards on the south side. They provide the perfect paths for accessing the many hidden valleys and lush foliage. Ahead for heights is necessary for a few of the walks.
Swimming:
Crystal clear bays, beautiful public swimming pools and, more recently, golden sandy beaches provide a wonderful choice of places to relax.
Fishing:
Madeira offers some of the world's premier sport fishing for deep sea marlin and tuna. There are a number of professional sport fishing boats available for hire.
Tours and inter-island visits:
For those more interested in dolphin or whale watching, there are cruises available ranging from luxury yatchs to a historic replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship, Santa Maria. Tours of nearby islands and a ferry to the sandy beaches of Porto Santo are also available.
Eating and drinking:
No visit to Madeira would be complete without a prego roll and coffee. Besides the excellent coffee, there are a number of tasty local dishes to sample - fresh fish (espada), espetada (steak on a skewer), bacalhau, bolo de mel (a delicious honey cake),and to end the evening, a poncha at a bar in Camara de Lobos.
Festivals:
The calendar is filled with festivals, the most interesting being the annual flower parade in April and the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Other activities:
Sea kayaking, golf, Madeira wine tasting, cable car up to Monte and then toboggan down to Funchal, surfing, mountain biking, seeing the world famous embroidery at a museum.
