Madeira is not just a beautiful island but is also a destination that one can explore and come back to again and again. Whilst staying at Quinta da Palmeira you may want to take advantage of just some of the places to visit and activities that could make your holiday more memorable.

 

   

 

• Levada Walking - Hiking along the myriad of Madeira's irrigation canals from high up in the mountains to many of the villages below can be one of the most spectacular ways to see unspoilt country and Nature at its best. You can walk or hike on your own and follow some of the well known routes from the selection of books availabe on Levadas (we have one for you to use in the apartment) or you can take an organised tour.

 

• Swimming - Ponta do Sol has its own beach which has recently been converted into a 'safe swimming' beach. The waters surrounding the island are extremly deep and can be quite dangerous, and there are many beaches along the coast such as the one in Ponta do Sol that have been modified, so that bathers can swim in more shallow waters whilst enjoying swimming in the sea.

 

• Whale and Dolphin watching - There are many boat trips that will take you out to sea where you can at most times of the year witness a spectacular sight of Whales and Dolphins as well as many other different types of marine life. For more information on just some of the different species found in our waters, take a look at www.madeiraactive.com and take a look at the Whales & Dolphins fact file pages. We can organise a trip for you with Lobosonda LDA who are based in the neighbouring village of Calheta or of course you can book a trip on your own.

 

• Deep Sea Fishing /Scuba Diving- This is a very popular past time for the serious angler as Marlin is the normal catch of the day. Trips go from Calheta Marina and we can help you to book onto one if you are interested. As for Scuba Diving there a couple of Diving schools in Funchal and Canico.

 

• Golf - We have currently have two spectacular Golf Courses on the island with a third planned to open in 2010 in Ponta do Pargo. Palheiro Golf is located above Funchal (about 25 minutes from Ponta do Sol) with stunning views over the city. Golf widows can also enjoy their spectacular gardens whilst the boy's are at play! The other course is in Santa de Serra, located above the airport and is about 45 minutes from Ponta do Sol.

 

• Paragliding - The sport here in Madeira is very actve due to the excellant flying conditions all year round. We do also accomodate pilots -  as we are so close to Calheta, where the action is! But if you have never tried it and fancy taking a flight, we can arrange for you to take a tandem flight with one of our local instructors.

 

• Clubbing & Nightlife - Funchal, is the hub bub of activity for party goers and those looking for some late entertainment. There are several night clubs, late night bars and hotels that provide alternative entertainment as well. The Casino is good starting point where you can have a flutter at the tables or on the slots and then mosey on down to the Copacabana club and dance the night away to the wee hours of the morning. Of course, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava and Calheta (in the Marina) offer things to do and see during the evening and are more suitable for the non - clubbing enthusiast.

 

• Eating out - Madeira is covered in Restaurants - you do not have to travel far to find an eatery that will serve the local delicacies or international cuisine. Funchal has a vast selection of places to dine, but are a little more expensive than in the more rural areas. Indian and Chinese are popular as the city does cater for more international flavours. In our area of Ponta so Sol, Ribeira Brava and Calheta you will find more traditional dining in the local restaurants where you can sample a typical meat dish called 'Espetada' or the infamour 'piri piri chicken' and also the local catch 'espada' which is the ugly long toothed sword fish - but tastes absolutely devine! Local prices are very reasonable compared to eating in town and the cuisine is just as good, if not better!

 

• Flower Market and Santo de Serra Market - The main floer market is in Funchal located next to the Fish market. Every sunday is the farmers market at Santa de Serra, where you can pick up a bargain or two or clothing or DVD's, flowers as well as fresh fruit and veg.

 

• Cable cars & Tobogans - There are many cable cars dotted around the island where one can get a birds eye view of the area. When venturing out and about to some of the remoter parts of the island you may come acoss signs that direct you to a 'teleferico'. These are often operated on certain days and times but are worth a trip if you are feeling brave. The most popular cable car is the main one that is based at the Zona Velha end of town and will take you up to Monte. There are gardens, a huge church and many interesting places to explore once up there and then for a thrilling ride back down, why not try out the oldest mode of transport via toboggan, which is a wicker basket guided by two strong men and you whizz back down through the narrow back streets of upper Funchal.

There are so many things to do and see which would be too long to list here. If you need any information on any thing else not listed here, please contact us.