A few tips for your sporting activities outside the hotel pool
Baden
Madeira has only a few natural, small, stony and black strips of beach. Almost all hotels in Funchal and the surrounding area offer their guests swimming pools that are normally only intended for hotel guests. In some large hotels, however, people can also use the systems if they are not staying in the hotel, but only for high fees. Hotels or municipal administration have created access to the sea so that you also have the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic. The way is simplified by stairs that have been cut into the lava rock. However, extreme caution is advised when the sea is rough or there is wind. Please pay attention to the weather vanes, which usually blow at the entrances.
Orange / yellow flag means: Beware, only for good swimmers!
Red flag means: Bathing ban!
There are also several public swimming pools in Funchal:
Lido: below the Hotel Gorgulho, seawater swimming pool with direct access to the sea, as well as a restaurant and small shops (for a fee)
Club do Turismo: on the Estrada Monumental, approximately at the level of the Girassol Hotel
Club Naval: below the Hotel Do Mar, smaller pool available (for a fee)
Quinta Magnolia: In addition to the pool, other sporting activities are possible, such as tennis or squash
On the western edge of Funchal there is a public beach at the Pestana Bay & Garden Resort (Orca Praia) hotels, Praia Formosa.
A sea swimming pool created from lava flows and ocean surf can be found on the north coast in Porto Moniz.
Porto Santo offers an approximately eight kilometers long, golden-yellow sandy beach. You can reach the “golden island” by ship (approx. 2½ hours) or plane (approx. 15 minutes). Perhaps you will take a day trip to the little sister island.
Madeira is roughly at the level of the Moroccan city of Casablanca, i.e. at the level of Africa. Therefore, please do not underestimate the strength of the sun. Even in cloudy weather, the intensity is significantly stronger than in Germany. However, the impression is weakened by the wind. Please use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, especially in summer, and do not lie in the blazing sun, at least during the first few days of your vacation. They also turn brown in the shade. Maybe a little slower, but healthier and without painful sunburn.
Golf
Madeira offers two places in a beautiful location:
Palheiro Gulf: 18-hole course, about 6.015 square meters, on the eastern edge of Funchal, in a wonderful location right next to Blandy's Garden, embedded in a forest
Santo da Serra: 8-hole course, about 6.015 square meters, in the east of the island, with a breathtaking view, equipment can be borrowed for a fee
Riding
There is a central address where both riding lessons and rides are offered: Centro Hípico da Madeira in Funchal, Caminho dos Pretos.
Tennis
Many hotels have tennis courts. You can usually borrow balls and rackets. If your hotel does not have a tennis court, you can play tennis or squash as you wish on the grounds of the Quinta Magnolia.
Deep sea fishing
In the deep coastal waters off Madeira there is still a rich occurrence: marlin (spearfish), swordfish, tuna and various species of sharks. Day tours can be booked at the Funchal marina.
Sailing
In the marina of Funchal you can also book sailing trips or rent dinghies, but only for experienced sailors. You also have the opportunity to go on sailing tours along the coast on the sailing ship Santa Maria do Columbo.
As part of our excursion program, we offer leisurely catamaran trips with whale and dolphin watching. Details on this in the excursion program.
Diving
Divers also get their money's worth on Madeira. Especially on the south coast, the rocks were washed out by the sea surf, and so numerous caves have been created. In the clear Atlantic water you can marvel at a colorful underwater world. You can spot tuna, barracudas, hammerhead sharks and blue or red parrotfish just 4 km from the coast. Some diving bases offer underwater expeditions and diving courses and also lend the appropriate equipment, e.g. Diving Center Hotel Galomar (Caniço de Baixo).
Water-skiing
Some of the luxury hotels offer their guests the opportunity to go water skiing and have some boats with drivers and also the appropriate equipment, especially in summer. But you can also go water skiing at the Lido in Funchal.
Hiking
Madeira is a paradise for hikers, because all year round there is usually good hiking weather and suitable trails for all demands. You can take a leisurely stroll, but also take a tough mountain hike. In any case, you should bring the appropriate equipment and fitness with you. The levada walks are particularly popular. These hiking trails run along the artificially created water channels that run through the entire island - a total of over 2.000 km of routes is available. The paths along the levadas are soft and pleasant to walk and lead through the most beautiful areas of Madeira.
You can go on guided levada hikes, where everything is organized for you - from the transfer to the levada, sometimes with food, to the return trip to the hotel. This is of course very practical, especially for hikers who are not yet so experienced. If you are interested, take a look at our excursion program. There you will find hikes ranging from easy to challenging.
You can also go hiking on your own, but you should take a good hiking map with you so that you don't get lost. Use public transport to get to the levadas and off you go! But watch out! The directions are not always completely reliable, as storms, downpours, landslides and human interference often change nature and make hiking trails inaccessible or dangerous. Please inform yourself beforehand about the weather conditions, put on hiking shoes rather than sneakers, don't forget your waterproof jacket and sweater and tell someone (e.g. the reception, acquaintances or friends) where you want to hike. In any case, we wish you a lot of fun!
