Madeira Landmarks and Monuments

(Madeira, Portugal)

Spread all over the island are a series of impressive landmarks and past monuments, with many of these sights having been created by the hand of man and are now quite synonymous with the appearance of Madeira today. The island has become famous for its extensive use of aqueducts, which are referred to as 'levadas'.

Many of these particular landmarks were created in the early part of the 20th century to transport water from Madeira's mountain lakes and reservoirs, with the levadas subsequently irrigating the agricultural land below, including the numerous banana plantations. For stunning views of Madeira, those of Cabo Girao and Eira do Serrado really don't come any better.

Cabo Girao

Address: Cabo Girao, Madeira, Portugal, PT
One of the most awesome natural landmarks that you are likely to encounter on Madeira, the Cabo Girao is actually the second-tallest cliff face standing on the planet, and so really is quite a dramatic and memorable sight. Close to Camara de Lobos, the Cabo Girao boasts stunning views from its top, where a viewing platform awaits. Beneath, the sheer drop is both spectacular and a little unnerving.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Eira do Serrado

Address: Eira do Serrado, Madeira, Portugal, PT
For some of the very best island views that you can expect to find on Madeira, come to the centrally located Eira do Serrado. This epic balcony setting is situated next to the Estalagem Eira do Serrado hotel complex and stands high above the lush valleys below. In particular, the views of the volcanic crater named the 'Grande Curral' are excellent, as are the panoramas of the terraced farmland and mountain summits, so do bring your camera. This lookout point (belvedere / miradouro) features its own car park and is sited approximately 16 km / 10 miles to the north-west of Funchal.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Levadas

Address: Madeira, Portugal, PT
In total, the island's levadas (water channels) cover around 2,500 km / 1,555 miles and really were quite a feat of engineering in their time. These days, walking along the adjacent pathways is a real highlight of any holiday and the levadas really have become an integral part of Madeiran tourism.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro

Address: Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, Madeira, Portugal, PT
The Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro is located on the southern side of Madeira and just 5 km / 3 miles to the north-east of Funchal and close to Camacha, where it has become an important local landmark in its own right. Part of this estate is a grand private mansion, which belongs to the island's Blandy wine family. In total, the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro comprises some 12 hectares / 30 acres and has become a popular park, where members of the public can enjoy landscaped gardens, seasonal flowers, walks and peaceful picnic spots.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 12:30
Admission: charge

Sao Vicente Caves

Address: Sao Vicente, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0291 842 404
The Sao Vicente Caves are a wonderful natural attraction and landmark, and reside alongside the river at Pe de Passo, in the pretty village on Sao Vicente. Located close to the northerly coast of Madeira, these caves are the remnants of some serious volcanic activity some 400,000 years ago and boast a series of impressive lava tubes. Tours of the caves last around 30 minutes, with visitors being led along a 700-metre / 2,300-foot pathway, passing some wonderful volcanic formations, stalactites, stalagmites and 'lava cakes' en route.
Open hours: daily, March to October, 09:00 to 21:00, November to February - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, concessions available

University of Madeira (UMA)

Address: 9000-082 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0291 209 400
The University of Madeira is known locally to the Portuguese as the Universidade da Madeira and is sited in the capital city of Funchal. Founded as recently as 1988, this educational institute formally became an actual university in 1996 and is now amongst the youngest of all Portugal's public universities and has always had an especially strong relationship with Lisbon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free