Cycling Holiday on Madeira

Caniço is Madeira's second tourist center after the capital Funchal and is only around 10 km from the airport. Your hotel is located directly on the beach and you can relax there after your arrival if you wish. But there are also great opportunities to enjoy the sea and the sun outside the hotel. You can choose between idyllic rocky bays, rocky terraces with steps into the sea and a pebble beach. Those who prefer to explore the town can enjoy the various flower gardens and palm trees. The numerous restaurants and bars offer well-deserved refreshments after a stroll through the town.

In the morning, a transfer takes you to Camacha, known for its basket weaving. The first stage on the bike begins here. You have fantastic views on the mountain road towards the east coast. The destination of today's cycle tour is Porto da Cruz, which translates as Port of the Cross. The town was named after the cross that was erected on the shore to indicate the port to Portuguese explorers. Today, the idyllic coastal town is particularly popular with surfers and sun-seekers who enjoy the volcanic sand beach. Porto da Cruz is home to one of the last working sugar cane mills. Sugar is still produced today using the same process as in 1927, the year it was founded.

The long and steep ascent to Santana is covered by bus. Santana is best known for its traditional farmhouses from the 16th century. These are colorful, triangular houses made of stone with a thatched roof. They have been lovingly restored in Santana and most of them are now just a tourist attraction. Cycle along the country road through small villages and along the coast to São Vicente. The biggest attraction there is the Gruta de São Vicente. The lava caves were formed by an eruption 400,000 years ago! You can explore the caves on a guided tour.

The fourth day of your cycling vacation starts with another transfer, this time to the Paúl da Serra plateau. On a clear day, you can see both the sea to the north and south of Madeira from here. Along the edge of the mountain road that you now cycle along, you will come across grazing cows and sheep again and again. Soon you will feel the wind in your face on the long descent towards the west coast and enjoy spectacular views. Porto Moniz is known for its natural swimming pools. These are natural, volcanic pools. In the evening, stroll through the town and along the promenade, where restaurants, cafés and souvenir stores line the streets. If time permits, you should go to the Miradouro da Santa. This is a vantage point from which you have a great view over the city.

You cycle along the west coast through green forests and small villages. Calheta was founded as early as 1430 and was one of the first places to be explored by the discoverers of Madeira. There are two man-made beaches here with golden sand from Figuera da Foz in Portugal and Morocco. This beach is considered one of the best in Madeira. The best white rum, Aguardente, is produced in Calheta. This is also contained in the Poncha, Madeira's national drink. The only other ingredients are honey and lemon juice. What could be more natural than to try this typical cocktail in Calheta? But be careful - the sweetness of the drink almost completely masks the taste of the alcohol.

In the morning, you cycle directly along the shore and can enjoy the fantastic coastline. At Ribeira Brava, you cycle uphill and a little inland until you reach what is probably the most spectacular viewpoint of your cycling holiday on Madeira. At 580 meters, the Cabo Girão is the second highest cliff in the world. A platform has been built at the top, which juts out over the coast. From there you have a breathtaking panoramic view and through the glass floor you can see the sea and coast below. Enjoy the long descent back to the coast and the last few kilometers to Funchal. The capital of Madeira is named after the fennel spice Funcho, which was found when the island was discovered. With its magnificent bay and surrounding mountains, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

In Funchal, take the cable car to Monte. From there, you have a magnificent view over the bay of Funchal. The pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte, where the coffin of the last Emperor of Austria is located, is well worth a visit. He was sent into exile to Funchal after the First World War and died of pneumonia just one year later. The Jardim Tropical Monte Palace is a tropical garden with oriental accents and is certainly one of the most beautiful on the entire island. However, Monte's most famous attraction is certainly the Carros de Cesto. The wicker sledges were Madeira's first means of public transport at the beginning of the 19th century and are now a tourist attraction. Do you dare to take the speedy ride from Monte down to Funchal? Don't worry, you don't have to steer the sledge yourself. This is done by the two carreiros, men dressed in white with hats. One foot remains on the runner of the sledge, the other is used to steer or accelerate. Let's go for the ride!

Your cycling holiday on Madeira unfortunately comes to an end today. Did you know that Madeira is the Portuguese word for wood? If you still have time before your flight home, take a stroll through the Mercado dos Lavradores. The farmers' market has a great selection of exotic flowers, tropical fruit, fresh fish and local handicrafts. And if you still haven't had enough, we will be happy to extend your stay on the island.