Golf
 Santo
da Serra Golf
A 27 hole golf course situated at 6015 m high plateau, with amazing
mountain and sea views. Santo da Serra Golf hosts the Madeira Island
Open tournament in January attracting many well known international
golfers.
Palheiro Golf
An 18 hole course surrounded by the woodland of Quinta do Palheiro
estate with a view to the bay and Funchal.
Porto Santo Golf
An 18 hole course opened in 2004 in the sunny Island of Porto Santo
which is just 50 Km distance from Madeira and takes around 2 hours
on the ferry from Funchal.
A third golf camp is planned for 2008, 20 minutes from our Lombo
do Doutor and Massapez homes.
Levadas
 Madeira
is one of the best walking destinations in Europe. The paths are a
heritage of the huge network of aqueducts (Levadas) or water canals
built in the island in the 16th century with the agricultural purpose
of taking water to the east part of the island which is the driest.
Today these aqueducts provide spectacular trails that you can walk
or hike, allowing you to know the inside of the island and observe
its magnificent unique vegetation, several beautiful species of birds
and other animals, water falls, and magnificent scenarios. You can
also be "on top of the world" walking through the high peaks
of the mountains looking at the clouds underneath you.
There are over 1300 miles of levadas available for you to enjoy.
The levada walks are a favourite amongst the people who visit us.
Some of these are easy to walk, others you are advised to be in
great physical condition to complete them safely.
Please note that some of these levadas are dangerous and not advised
for hikers prone to vertigo. We also recommend that you bring a
torch and wear head protection gear.
Football
 Madeiran
people, just like in the mainland are passionate about football. Madeira
has a few stadiums, the largest one being "Estadio dos Barreiros".
One or two local clubs play in the "Portuguese league".
Needless to say, locals are also proud of Madeiran born Cristiano
Ronaldo currently playing for Manchester United and Portugal's national
team.
Horse riding
 Horse
riding is an activity available. Madeira has a Horse riding association
(Associacao Hipismo da Madeira).
Other activities available for you to enjoy:
Catamaran rides
Jet Ski
Deep Sea Fishing
Scuba diving
Kayaking
Surf
Windsurf
Mountain Climbing
Tennis and much more
Lido Complex
 A
complex of swimming pools with access to the sea, with very good
facilities, an olympic size poll, children's pool, several cafes
and restaurants.
Dolphin and Whale spotting
 Not
seen as much as they were in old days, it is still possible to spot
dolphins and whales if you are lucky. Biologists have been working
in order to study the migration movement of whales and dolphins
in Madeiran waters. It's expected that the proposal for turning
Madeiran waters into a Marine reserve will take off, protecting and
providing sanctuary for these wonderful mammals.
Santa Maria
 A
replica of Christopher Columbus galleon "Santa Maria"
built in Madeira. There are daily excursions around the southern
coast. Seeing this galleon cruising the Atlantic Ocean is a beautiful
sight. The crew dress accordingly to Columbus time doing their daily
duties as they were done centuries ago. Madeira wine is offered
on board together with a slice of the famous Madeira cake (molasses
cake or bolo de mel).There is always a chance that you might spot
a group of dolphins or whales during the excursing so this makes
it perfect.
This galleon, for its historical and cultural value has been used
by several international companies to shoot documentaries and has
represented Madeira Wine in several events.
 Porto
Moniz natural swimming pools
The volcanic rocks form a natural swimming pool that has been deepened
and linked by paths. The lava rocks protect the bathing area from
the ocean making it a relaxed and wonderful place to swim. The tide
fills in the swimming pool with the crystal clean Atlantic Ocean
waters.
Porto Moniz's bathing complex is modern and safe, watched by lifeguards
overlooking for your safety and provides you with all the facilities
such as showers and changing rooms.
A visit to Porto Moniz is always worthwhile, for many visitors
it is the start or the ending point of a drive along the amazing
north cost road.
All images of Madeira are used under commercial
license from www.madeiraarchipelago.com |
