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Madeira Island Activities |
LEVADA WALKING
- Walking is often the best way to experience the wondrous and
thrilling landscapes of Madeira. The courses laid out for walks are
breathtaking, winding along trails and paths through the majestic peaks
and deep gorges of the island, or along the rugged coastline of the
island. Many walks follow the “levadas”, small water courses built by
man for irrigation purposes, veritable “veins” which criss-cross the
island in all directions. They run along the contours of the island
transporting water from the north side to the south side and providing
the ideal way to see the very different landscapes and types of flora
and fauna to be found on the island. The walking is easy, if a little
vertiginous. In fact, many a love affair with Madeira has started with
the discovery of the levadas. They are unique in their accessibility
and extent (presently 2150km) and deserve appreciation not only for
their beauty and design, but also for the courage and determination
needed to bring the concept to its present glory. For more advanced
walkers and climbers there are challenging routes over the interior
mountains. Botanists can find endless delight in the Botanical gardens
and other beautiful gardens open to the public at the Quintas of
Palheiro Ferreiro, Monte, Palmeira and Boa Vista. The wild garden of
Madeira can be experienced whilst travelling into the countryside where
hydrangeas and agapanthus grow wild along the road side, or better
still, by walking the levadas and coastal paths.
MADEIRA WINE COMPANY - Madeira Wine is perhaps Madeira’s most famous product, and for many
people, the Blandy name is synonymous with the wine. The first Blandy
to settle on the island, John Blandy, arrived in 1807, and had
established himself by 1811, purchasing a house and adjacent wine
stores at number 8, Rua de Sao Francisco. These have become The Old
Blandy Wine Lodges, wich are still working lodges open to the public,
welcoming approximately 200,000 visitors per year. In 1989 the
Symington family took a controlling share in the Madeira Wine Company,
adding Madeira to their existing Port wine portfolio. This has enabled
the Madeira Wine Company to benefit from the larger Port wine marketing
and distribution network, vital to ensure Madeira’s survival as a
specialist wine in the marketplace.
Visit the Madeira Wine Company website here - 
SCUBA DIVING - The popular diving club can be easily reached with an elevator and is
the only base in the underwater national park of Madeira. It's only a
few steps away from the domestic reef with a large number of fish which
you can discover by yourself with dive buddy or with a guide from the
diving base.
The base is furnished with up-to-date rental equipment and is
maintained and checked by skilled personnel. A sufficient equipment
selection is available for underwater sports. Beginners and advanced
students are trained according to CMAS/DTSA and Padi. There is also the
possibility to achieve different brevets up to the diving teacher
assistant.
Don't forget to bring your medical certificate and diving license.
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