The Portuguese island full of group travel surprises: Madeira!
Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exotic adventure. While the whole island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, this blog will focus on its vibrant capital, Funchal, an exciting island-wide jeep safari, and a relaxing catamaran tour. An out-of-the-box destination for an exotic group or incentive trip in Europe!
Funchal, the city with a soul!
The charming and vibrant capital of Madeira is an excellent starting point for your Madeira adventure. In and around the city, you'll find a variety of lovely hotels and can consider various activities, such as:
- City tourDiscover the historic old town and pay a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers' market). While wandering through the picturesque neighbourhoods full of narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and charming cafés, the distances between the different places to visit are relatively short. At the farmers' market, you can sample many types of exotic fruits! For example, 3 different types of passion fruit.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Toboggan SlidesTo relax and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the ocean, a visit to the iconic Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a must. The tropical garden can be reached by cable car, and you can already enjoy beautiful views of the city and coast during the ride. You can also return the same way, but for the adrenaline seekers in the group, the ride down can also be made by traditional toboggan sledge. Together with two carreiros (drivers), you slide down the mountain on wooden planks! The roads here are so steep that wheels are not needed. An authentic mode of transport and a true experience for the group!
- Tantalise the tastebuds Culinary enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Funchal. Portuguese cuisine is present everywhere. In the evening, for example, you can dine wonderfully at Taberna do Capital. This restaurant specialises in Portuguese cuisine and turns every plate into a work of art. The stone walls, large windows, and woodwork breathe the history of the city. The island is also becoming increasingly good at vegetarian cuisine. For example, you can have a delicious lunch in the middle of the city at Latada do Doutor. The beautiful interior garden is decorated with grapevines and vegetable plants, and you can enjoy, among other things, a vegetarian lasagne: a top tip! All of this is, of course, accompanied by a local wine!
Off-road adventure in the wild heart of Madeira
After the urban charm of Funchal, we travel on to the wild heart of Madeira. A jeep safari is the ideal way to explore the island's rugged terrain full of panoramic views, dramatic cliffs and enchanting forests!
During this safari, the group will get acquainted with the diverse microclimates of Madeira. You will go off-road and climb to an altitude of almost 1,800 metres, where the Paúl da Serra plateau and the fairytale Fanal forest will be visited. Along the way, it is possible to stop at a local vineyard for lunch with regional specialities such as Espetada (a traditional meat skewer) and to sample the famous Madeira wine.
Relaxing amongst dolphins and turtles!
After the action on the island, it's time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Madeira from the water. A catamaran tour from Funchal will allow you to experience the island from a different perspective and offers a serene view of the coastline. Depart from Funchal marina and let the gentle ocean breeze carry you away while keeping an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and perhaps whales. The boat trip will be interspersed with swimming stops at secluded bays, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, we will provide snorkelling equipment so you can explore the vibrant seabed!
Value for money!
Madeira is easily accessible with a flight time of 4.5 hours, and prices on the island are considerably more affordable compared to other Western European destinations. From approximately €2,000 per person, a well-rounded 4-day package to this exotic island can already be organised!
When are we leaving for Madeira?
Madeira, an island that is both adventurous and relaxing, promises an unforgettable experience for every group trip. Whether you are looking for the bustling city life of Funchal, want to venture into nature on a rugged jeep safari, or wish to enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean aboard a catamaran: Madeira has it all. So, when are we departing for Madeira with your organisation? We are happy to think along with you about the possibilities fitting your business objectives!