Apartments in Madeira: Accommodation Close to the Sea
Madeira is less than 400 kilometers away from Tenerife, 860 kilometers away from Lisbon and 770 kilometers away from the closest island in The Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of an archipelago of volcanic origin and its main economic activity is tourism. Its mild year-round climate and impressive steep cliffs are attributes that lure visitors. According to history, the Romans discovered the island. Portuguese sailors arrived here in 1418 and developed the sugar cane and wine trade in Madeira. It quickly became a spot that was frequented by European nobility. They gave it a majestic, sophisticated air that is reflected in its cities. The capital of the island is Funchal. Madeira is known for its dense vegetation. The Laurisilva Forest of Madeira is particularly noteworthy. It is a laurel forest that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island's steep slopes have transformed it into a paradise for hikers, photographers and fans of adventure holidays. If you do not like to take risks, there are viewpoints and terraces where you can enjoy the views from on high. Madeira does not have natural beaches, however pools have formed on the coast. They contain water from the Atlantic Ocean and work perfectly as "beaches." You can go sailing, surfing, fishing and water skiing. If you are a nightlife lover, Funchal is the center of entertainment. Bars, nightclubs and pubs provide entertainment for the guests from the numerous cruise ships that dock at the port, thus enriching local life. The city center of Funchal, perhaps one of the safest cities in the world, is the ideal place if you wish to go shopping. Portuguese food is the base of the Madeira cuisine, which is enhanced with local products. There are restaurants all over the island at very reasonable prices. Food is available in abundance and the restaurants specialize in typical seafood flavors and products.
If you are interested, come and have the best experience of your life. Our apartments in Madeira have both the charm and good taste that is characteristic of the island.
Accommodation in Madeira
Accommodation in Madeira is varied and reasonably priced. Many large 3, 4 and 5-star hotels are located very close to the artificial beaches and have swimming pools, because as previously mentioned, Madeira does not have natural beaches. Farther inland and especially in the capital, Funchal, you can find all types of accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses, aparthotels, etc. Tourist apartments are becoming more and more popular.
Only-apartments offers a large collection of apartments and the best quality at the lowest prices. We have beautiful apartments on offer with the best views of the island, flats that are fully equipped for a short stay and studios that are located in the best areas of this paradise. In all of the accommodations you can cook and wash your clothes and many of them offer you the chance to enjoy terraces, balconies and barbeques.
Places to Visit in Madeira
- Funchal has the form of an amphitheater looking out over the sea. Its whitewashed houses are elevated on the slopes of the hills and the terracotta roofs are a stark contrast to the blue and green hues of the sea. Strolling through the historic center, taking a walk through its cobbled lanes and visiting shops and Baroque churches are all popular activities.
- Funchal Cathedral was built in the 15th century. The cathedral's architectural style is Baroque and it is famous for the sacred images on the seats in the apse, which are encrusted with ivory and gold.
- Next to the cathedral, on Gill Enes Square, there is a flower market with sellers dressed in typical outfits from Madeira.
- The quaint neighborhood of Velha , with its cobbled streets, low-rise houses and bohemian atmosphere is popular among travelers. Rua de Santa María is full of bars, little art shops, galleries and small restaurants where you can have dinner while listening to fado.
Beaches and Viewpoints in Madeira
- Calheta Beach is in the southwest of the island. It is the best beach on the island, as its rocky shores have been covered with golden sand creating a beach. It is ideal for practicing water sports.
- Ribeira Brava Beach is located in the area of the same name. It has black sands, blue waters and is suitable for swimming.
- Praia Formosa is a small beach with black sands in Funchal Bay.
- The Botanical Garden is unforgettably beautiful and offers visitors incredible views. It is in Babosa, situated between the foothills that prevail in the Joao Gómez Valley and Funchal Bay. You can get there in 9 minutes if you take the cable car from Camino das Volta 15. Don't forget your camera -- you will see beautiful panoramic views, including the only laurel forest. The viewpoint has a restaurant and a fantastic terrace bar.
- If you like heights and you are not afraid of looking over a precipice then visit Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in the world and the most famous place on the island. If you want to experience what it feels like to float in the air, there is a viewpoint with a glass floor at an altitude of 580 meters. You can get there by cable car and it is a perfect place to go parachuting or base-jumping.
- Porto Moniz, an ancient city renowned for its natural pools is a few kilometers away.
Hiking Routes
- The Pico do Ariero walk starts at the site's car park at an altitude of 1,818 meters. It is a difficult route that is not suitable for beginners due to its abrupt ascents and descents on cobbled paths and its steep slopes. The volcanic scenery is unique and the views are extraordinary. The end destination is the Pico Ruivo retreat. The walk covers a total of 13 kilometers and takes approximately 6 hours. It is advisable to go in the morning, before the mist covers the landscape.
- The Levadas de Madeira are the most popular trails amongst tourists. The trails are on roads that run parallel with the mini-canals (levadas) or artificial streams of water that were made in the 16th century and run all over the island. There are 2,500 kilometers of mini-canals. Some of them run through tunnels, others run along cliffs so narrow that it is hard for even one man to fit. There are 5 different routes. We suggest that you try one for beginners: Queimadas -- Caldeirao Verde.
- Take waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes, a flashlight, water and a snack. Do not disobey the rules and enjoy hiking while feeling comfortable with the knowledge that you have already rented one of our Madeira apartments, where you will be able to rest after a hard day of climbing.
How to Get to Madeira
- Santa Cruz Airport is 16 kilometers away from Funchal. To reach the city center, take the Aerobus at the exit of the airport. You can also get a taxi opposite the exit. To travel around the island and have fun at your own pace, you can rent a car at the airport. They are cheap and enable you to have complete independence so that you can visit any part of the island at your own rhythm.
