Millions of years ago, laurel forests were common in parts of Europe and North Africa. Nowadays, many laurel forests have disappeared due to the ice age and other climate changes. You can only admire these special forests in Madeira, the Azores, Canary Islands and the archipelago of Cape Verde.
Special flora and fauna
The trees in Fanal Forest seem out of this world. They all have different shapes and the branches are covered with layers of moss. Because of the twisted branches it sometimes seems as if the trees are dancing.
In the forest you will not only encounter special flora. Be careful, because of the dense fog curious cows and birds can suddenly emerge from the fog.
Best time to visit Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest is located high in the mountains, so there is a good chance that it is often covered with a layer of fog. We definitely recommend visiting the forest on a cloudy and rainy day. Even on a rainy day the fog is unpredictable. There are moments where you can see 5 meters further and in a minute all the fog is gone. That makes this area even more adventurous. When fog rolls over this landscape, it creates fairytale scenes. The views looks like scenes that come straight out of a movie. Fanal Forest is super photogenic with fog and moody vibes and you won’t stop making content here.
It is difficult to predict when it will be foggy here, but early in the morning you have the greatest chance of fog. The south coast of the island is often sunny, if it is already rainy or cloudy here, there is a good chance that it will be foggy in Fanal Forest.
Hiking in Fanal Forest
In the area of Fanal Forest you will find several hikes, including the walking route PR13 Vereda do Fanal. This route of about 20 kilometers takes you through the forest in about 4 hours.
Don’t want to take such a long walk? Then there are several points where you can park the car and discover a part of the forest. We liked it the most to just walk around from the parking lot and get lost in the forest. We certainly spent the whole morning in Fanal Forest. You will not get bored here.
How to get to Fanal Forest
The easiest way to visit Fanal Forest is by car. It is an hour’s drive from Funchal. Unfortunately you cannot get there by public transport. So if you don’t have a rental car, the only option to see Fanal Forest is by booking a tour.
On Madeira you will find more than 3000 kilometers of levadas and together they form the impressive irrigation system of Madeira. The ancient levadas were built in the 16th century to transport condensation water and rainwater from the humid north via the mountains to the dry south. The paths next to the winding levadas were intended to be able to maintain the levadas. Today, these are popular hiking trails that make it possible to discover Madeira’s rugged inland.
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is 13 kilometers in total and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The hike incline over the entire hike is only 100 meters. The walk is flat and is therefore a perfect hike for beginners. It is a point-to-point hike, so you walk the same way back.
Facilities
Near the parking lot you will find a small house where you can eat or drink something. There are no facilities during the hike. So make sure you bring enough water and food. There are also toilets only at the starting point of the hike, for which you pay € 0.50 (cash only).
Handy to take with you / clothing advice
It can often rain in this part of Madeira. During the hike you will also walk right past several waterfalls. That is why we recommend bringing a raincoat and a waterproof cover for your bag so that your gear and other valuables don’t get wet. The trails are often wet and slippery, so it is important to wear (hiking) shoes with extra grip.
Walk with us
The hike starts at the typical Madeiran cottage with a thatched roof and red accents, where you can eat or drink something before or after the hike.
Discover the dense jungle of Madeira
In the first few kilometers of the hike you are completely surrounded by the greenery of ferns, tropical trees, colorful flowers and moss-covered rock walls. You will be in the middle of the lush jungle of Madeira for a while. Along the way you will come across some beautiful waterfalls and you will walk over bridges and narrow paths along the levada.
Tunnels during the hike
Halfway through the hike you will come across four tunnels. They are carved out of the rocks by hand. These tunnels differ in length and height. Watch your head in the tunnels because at some parts they can be very low. You definitely need a headlamp in the tunnels. Of course you can always use the flashlight of your phone, just make sure your phone is charged enough.
Breathtaking views and drop-offs
On the last part towards the largest waterfall of this hike you have the best views over the stunning São Jorge valley and the surrounding mountains. The views are getting more and more impressive, but the abysses are getting deeper and deeper. The levada flows along a the cliff at the last part, this can be challenging if you are afraid of heights. But luckily the trail is well maintained and the drop-off sections have fences to make the trail safe. Abel is afraid of heights and has walked the entire hike. If he can do it, so do you!
Admire one of the highest waterfalls on Madeira
The goal of the hike is to walk to one of the highest waterfalls on Madeira. This waterfall is powerful and the water falls from a height of 100 meters into an ice-cold natural pool. This is the perfect spot to have lunch, enjoy the beautiful nature and relax before walking back up the trail.
Good to know
A few meters before you arrive at the waterfall you will come across a sign that says that it is forbidden to get close to the waterfall and the Caldeirão Verde lagoon area. We thought this was a pity, because the sign can only be found at the end point. The area has been closed off due to a landslide and rockfall here in 2019. So it is risky and can be dangerous to get close to the waterfall.
Tip for extra impressive waterfalls
Do you want to see this spectacular waterfalls in the best conditions? Then go in the seasons when it rains more often on Madeira. Then there will be more water pouring down the waterfall. We were on Madeira in March. The island is not yet fully in bloom as it is later in the spring, but the waterfalls were very powerful and extra impressive.
How to get to the trailhead
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde starts in the north of Madeira, near the village of Santana. You can get to the starting point of the hike in different ways.
By car
The easiest way to get to the starting point of the hike is with a rental car. It is a 45-minute drive from Funchal. Navigate to Levada da Silveira first, from there Google Maps will direct you to the correct parking place Queimadas Parking Lot. It is a paid parking lot where you pay about €1 per hour, with a maximum of €3 per day (these were the prices in the low season in early 2022).
With a guided tour
Don’t have a car and don’t want to be dependent on public transport? Then it is possible to do this walk with an experienced guide who will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or apartment. An advantage is that you also learn a lot about Madeira during a tour.
By public transport
Would you rather walk by yourself, but don’t have a car? Then you can also take public transport to the starting point of the hike. Keep in mind that you will be on the road for a long time by public transport and this hike is not easy to reach. From Funchal, take bus line 56, 103 or 138 of the bus company Horários do Funchal towards Santana and from there travel the last part by taxi. Pay attention to the times when the bus will leave again and make sure you are at the stop on time. The buses only run a limited number of times a day. If you miss the bus, there is a chance that there will be no more buses driving that day.
In total, the island has more than 100 hiking trails. There are plenty of fun and challenging hikes for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Walking routes with ‘PR’ indication
The official and recommended walking routes on Madeira can be recognized by the ‘PR’ designation.
Levada walks
On Madeira you will find more than 3000 km of levadas and together they form the impressive irrigation system of the island. The ancient levadas were built in the 16th century to transport condensation water and rainwater from the humid north via the mountains to the dry south. The paths next to the winding levadas were intended to be able to maintain the levadas. Today, these are popular hiking trails that make it possible to discover Madeira’s rugged inland. Levada walks are easy, because there are almost no height differences.
Handy to take with you
It is good to be prepared for all weather conditions when you go hiking on Madeira. Due to the different microclimates, the weather is different in many parts of the island and can change quickly. It is therefore useful to always take a raincoat with you. On some routes you walk close to waterfalls, so don’t forget to put a waterproof cover on your bag so that your gear and other valuables won’t get wet. And because it rains regularly, the paths can be wet and slippery, so we recommended to wear (hiking) shoes with extra grip.
Temperatures on Madeira can fluctuate a lot and it can get chilly high in the mountains. Therefore, be sure to wear several layers, so that you can always take something off or put on if it gets too hot or cold.
On some hikes you walk through tunnels, so make sure your phone is charged enough to use the flashlight, or take a headlamp with you just to be sure.
Our 6 favorite hikes on Madeira
1. PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is the most beautiful levada walk on Madeira. The hike is 13 km in total and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The hike incline over the entire hike is only 100 meters. So the walk is flat and therefore it is the perfect hike for beginners.
The levada leads you through the lush jungle and takes you deep into the São Jorge Valley where you will be treated to impressive views of the green peaks and waterfalls. You are completely surrounded by the greenery of ferns, moss and overgrown rock walls. The last part you will walk close to the abyss which makes this hike very adventurous. The goal of the hike is to get to one of the highest waterfalls on Madeira. This waterfall is powerful and the water falls from a height of 100 meters into an ice-cold natural pool.
On the east part of the island is the narrow 6 kilometer long peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. It is the very tip of Madeira. Here you can walk the beautiful route PR8 of 7 km in total. This hike takes about 2 to 3 hours and is flat, so it is accessible to everyone. Only the very last part will be a little climb to reach the final view. The landscape here is completely different from what you see on the rest of Madeira. The moon-like volcanic landscape takes you past amazing views, rugged rock formations and colorful fields.
3. PR7 Levada do Moinho and levada Nova
A lesser known and more hidden hike is the PR7 Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova. With this hike you will follow a Levada and walk on narrow paths along steep abysses through a beautiful green valley. The views during the hike are spectacular. The highlight of the hike is the waterfall that pours down right next to the hiking trail. The path continues behind the waterfall. The hike is 7.5 km in total and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. It’s a loop, so you don’t walk back the same way. The starting pointof the hike is located behind the church Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol.
4. PR13 Vereda do Fanal
Fanal Forest, is a fairytale, ancient laurel forest in the mountains of Madeira. The unique forest is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as it is one of the last laurel forests in the world. The trees are special, they all have a different shape and are covered with different layers of moss. Walking route PR13 of about 20 km takes you through the forest in about 4 hours. Don’t want to take such a long walk? Then there are several points where you can park the car to get lost in a part of this mysterious forest.
Vereda dos Balcões is a short but enjoyable walk of 3 km in total. Ribeiro Frio is the starting point of the route. From here you walk to a beautiful viewpoint that is located in the middle of the Natural Park Parque Natural da Madeira. From the ‘balcony’ you look out over the green valley Ribeira da Metade and on a clear day you can see the three highest peaks of the island; Pico do Areeiro (1817 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m).
The viewpoint is also the perfect place to spot birds. Bring some nuts, seeds or fruit and wait patiently. If you give the birds their time, they will come flying over to you for a snack.
6. Rota da Banana
Madeira is a large producer of bananas and in the coastal village of Madalena do Mar you will find the largest banana plantation on the island. Here you can walk directly between the densely vegetated banana plantations and view the entire growing process of the bananas up close. Rota da Banana consists of three short walks: RB1, RB2 and RB3. In total it is an exotic walk of 1.5 km. The walk is easy and takes you in about half an hour along narrow paths, levadas and a whole lot of banana plants. Along the way you have beautiful views over kilometers of banana plants, the surrounding cliffs, the authentic village of Madalena do Mar and the ocean.
Walking on Madeira is great and as we said before there are many walking routes spread all over the island. We have not been able to make all the hikes yet. When we return to Madeira, we definitely want to walk the epic hikes below. So if you have more time, you might want to add a few of these hikes to your to do list as well.
🥾 PR1: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (we did go to the insane viewpoint at Pico do Areeiro during sunrise) 🥾 PR6: Levada 25 fontes 🥾 PR6.1: Risco waterfall 🥾 PR6.2: Levada do Alecrim 🥾 Boca do Risco
Rota da Banana consists of three short walks: RB1, RB2 and RB3. In total it is an exotic walk of 1.5 km, where you walk directly through the densely vegetated banana plantations. The walk is easy and fun and takes you in about half an hour along narrow paths, levadas and lots of banana plants.
Along the way you have beautiful views over kilometers of banana plants, the surrounding cliffs, the authentic village of Madalena do Mar and the ocean. If you like tropical places, you will love it here.
If you just want to walk one short hike, we recommend to walk RB1. This one was our favorite and has the most variety. It was the only route where you can follow a levada, which are the winding irrigation channels of Madeira.
The locals often work on the plantations. This gives you a unique insight into the entire process of the banana production. You see bunches with pistils, which are manually removed at the right time and when the bananas are ripe enough, they are cut manually.
Although the banana production seems huge, the production is only intended for Madeira and a small part goes to mainland Portugal and some parts of Spain. Madeira once exported bananas throughout Europe. Until the bananas were declined at auctions because, according to the European Union, they must meet a certain length and curvature. Such a pity! Because the bananas have a great soft and sweet taste.
Fun facts
🍌 Madeira’s annual banana production is equal to what Europe consumes in 1 day.
🍌 Up to 200 bananas can grow on one truss.
🍌 A banana plant only produces one bunch of bananas, then the plant is partially cut down so that a new bunch of bananas can grow.
🍌 A typical dish on Madeira is Espada com banana. This is a surprising combination of the Madeiran banana with black swordfish, which is fished from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
With a rental car you drive in 30 minutes from Funchal to Madalena do Mar.
By bus
There is an option to go from Funchal to Madalena do Mar by public transport. Take bus line 80 of the bus company Rodoeste towards Porto Moniz, the ride takes about an hour. Sometimes it can be a bit chaotic when traveling by public transport on Madeira. So keep the following things in mind and you will be fine:
🚌 You will be dropped off at a bus shelter in Madalena do Mar, right at the start of one of the trails of the Rota da Banana hike. If you are done hiking walk back to the bus shelter. There is no bus stop or bus shelter for the way back. Just wait on the other side of the road, opposite the bus shelter to be picked up.
🚌 Always give a signal or wave if you want to take that bus.
🚌 Pay attention to the departure times, because the bus only runs a limited number of times a day.
1. Get to know vibrant Madrid in the different neighborhoods
You will find fewer tourists in Madrid than in other major cities in Spain. So you find yourself completely with the Madrilenians here. The best way to experience local life and meet locals is by exploring the lively and hip neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own atmosphere and character. Let’s explore our favorite ones!
💛 La Malasaña is the trendiest neighborhood among young people. It is full of vintage shops, live music and you will find nice bars and restaurants on every corner of the street.
💛 Chueca is known as the LGBTI+ neighborhood and is the most vibrant. Here you come for the best nightlife and you can order a lot of tapas at almost every restaurant.
💛 La Latina is one of the oldest and local neighborhoods in Madrid. On Sundays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, the gigantic El Rastro flea market fills the winding streets of La Latina.
💛 Lavapiés is one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in Madrid. You will find bars and restaurants with cuisines from different parts of the world. It is also the best place to spot colorful street art and decorated streets.
💛 In the district of Jeronimos (Retiro) you will find a lot of greenery in the city park El Retiro, but you will also be amazed by all the impressive buildings.
💛 The Sol district is located just outside the city center. Highlights are the beautiful squares and the street Gran Vía, with all the museums, shops, theaters and striking architecture.
The best local experiences in Madrid
2. Discover the beautiful architecture of Madrid
As you wander through the streets of Madrid, you will be surprised again and again by beautiful architecture. We think the most striking buildings and palaces are Palacio Real de Madrid, Edificio Metrópolis, Palacio de Cibeles, cathedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, Palacio de Cristal, casa Gallardo and the Egyptian temple ‘Templo de Debod’.
3. Relax until sunset in the gigantic city park El Retiro
After all the sightseeing, it is great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The best way to do this is to relax in the huge El Retiro city park.
El Retiro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was previously privately owned by the Spanish Royal Family. El Retiro has been open to the public since 1868. The park is the green heart of Madrid and many locals find their way here. For running, walking the dog, for a cozy picnic or to cool off in the shade of the many trees.
Tips for your visit to El Retiro
The park is open daily and free to visit. From April to September, the park is open from 6:00 AM to midnight and from October to March from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The park is centrally located so is easy to reach on foot from many other highlights. Are you traveling by metro? Then get on line 2 and get off at the Retiro metro stop.
Things to do in El Retiro
In addition to relaxation, there is also plenty to do in El Retiro. Stroll through the gardens full of fountains and statues, visit the Crystal Palace, enjoy the music of buskers or rent a boat and row across the Estanque Grande del Retiro lake.
Rent a boat at the lake Estanque Grande del Retiro
A fun activity is to row a boat across the Estanque Grande del Retiro lake. On the lake you will enjoy the sun, the water and the impressive architecture around the lake, such as the large columned monument of King Alfonso XII.
You can rent a boat from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and from 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM (these times may differ in winter). Make a reservation in advance via telephone number: (+34) 91 574 40 24. With a reservation you skip the line at the cash desk. It is also possible to rent a boat on site. You rent a boat for 45 minutes. During the week you pay €6 per boat, during the weekend and on holidays a boat costs €8.
Visit Palacio de Cristal
The most beautiful sight in El Retiro is Palacio de Cristal. This crystal palace was built in 1887 and its purpose was to exhibit tropical (mainly Filipino) plants. Today, the beautiful location is used for changing exhibitions. The entrance to Palacio de Cristal is free. From April to September the palace is open from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM and from October to March from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Palacio de Cristal is closed on holidays.
It is definitely worth it to walk around Palacio de Cristal. The palace is surrounded by greenery and a pond, where turtles live. A beautiful reflection of the palace can often be seen in the water of the pond.
4. Pay a (free) visit to Palacio Real, the royal palace
After the Moorish Alcázar (fortress) was destroyed by fire in 1734, the royal palace was built in order by Felipe V. Palacio Real is one of the most important and impressive sights in Madrid. The huge Baroque palace has 3,418 rooms full of ceiling paintings, tapestries and frescoes. Stroll through the galleries of the palace and see the Royal Library, armory and throne room. Today, Palacio Real is only the working palace of the king and the royal family lives in another palace Zarzuela in the north of Madrid.
Tips for your visit to Palacio Real
The palace is open daily from October to March from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with different opening hours on Sundays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM). From April to September, the palace is open daily from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (with different opening hours on Sundays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM). From Monday to Thursday you can visit the palace for free for the last two hours. Are you not there on these days or times? Buy your tickets here to avoid queues at the ticket office.
5. Drink a cocktail at a special hidden gem!
Hidden under a regular shop, in the busy shopping street of Gran Vía, is bar Salvador Bachiller. Walk down the spiral staircase and arrive at a hidden lush jungle with cozy lights, a detailed interior and lots of plants. You don’t just go here for the exclusive cocktails. It is a whole experience.
6. Stroll through the indoor botanical garden of Atocha train station
The Atocha train station is not just any train station. In the middle of the station you will find a large botanical garden with more than 260 different tropical plant species. Here you certainly do not have to worry about missing your train, because this is not a bad place at all to wait for the next train. Even if you do not have to catch a train, it is worth visiting the train station. Tip: Walk upstairs for a nice view of the indoor garden and spot the impressive details of the station building.
7. Taste local specialties at the indoor market hall Mercado San Miguel
You can taste delicious tapas and drinks from all over Spain at the Mercado San Miguel. This market hall is located in a beautiful building from 1916. There are 31 stalls, each with their own specialty. Order a fresh empanada at La Hora Del Vermut, get a smooth red wine at Pinkleton & Wine or buy the tastiest fruit at Felixia.
The market hall is open from Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10.00 AM to midnight and on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays the market hall is open from 10.00 AM – 01.00 AM.
8. Stroll across Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is an imposing square from the 17th century. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings. In the center of the square is a bronze equestrian statue of King Filips III. Plaza Mayor used to be mainly used for markets, bullfights and public executions. Today, the square is regularly used for events and concerts.
A total of 9 streets lead to Plaza Mayor, which is why the square is a central point in Madrid. On the square you will find many restaurants and terraces, know that the prices can be higher if you want to eat and drink something here. From the terrace you can enjoy the artists and street performers who can often be seen on this square.
9. Watch the city from above at Sky Bar 360°
Sky Bar 360° is located on the 27th floor of the hotel Riu. Walk across the glass bridge and float above the city. Because of the height you have the best view over Madrid from here. Would you dare?!
10. Admire the Vertical Garden next to the Caixa Forum Museum
The Caixa Forum Museum is located in an old power station, that has been transformed into a cultural center. On the outside you will find a 27 meter high wall, covered with 15,000 – 17,000 plants. Due to the changing climate of Madrid (hot summers, cold winters), plant species had to be planted that can cope with these seasonal changes. Eventually you can find 300 (!) different plant species on the wall. The different structures of the plants and leaves and the different colors of green give a very special sight.
Traveling to Madrid
You can get to Madrid in many different ways. We took a ride via the BlaBlaCar platform from Málaga to Madrid. It’s a cheap and fun way to get from A to B. This way you can easily get in touch with locals and Carlos told us everything about his beloved Spain and the culture and history during the 6-hour ride. Super cool and educational too!
Another option is to travel by high-speed train from other Spanish cities such as Málaga, Valencia and Seville.
Madrid airport is one of the largest in Spain. So flying is definitely an option. From the Netherlands you fly to Madrid in just over 2 hours. From the airport you can take the metro to the city center for around €5.
Madrid is a big city, but still walking is the best way to explore the city. Walking allows you to take in more of the city and you get to places that you would otherwise not be able to reach by public transport or a taxi. You do need a good condition to walk everything. Madrid is hilly and you can easily walk several kilometers in a day.
To cover longer distances, you can also choose to travel by public transport. The metro is a quick and cheap option. You can buy a metro ticket for €1.50 and there are plenty of stops throughout the city where you can get on.
More ways to get around in Madrid
Are you in Madrid for a short time and do you still want to get a good impression of the city? Then these tours are something for you.
Our favorite places to eat and drink in Madrid
Throughout the blog you will find some nice and tasty spots to eat or drink. We list these and more for you below.
🥐 At Maison Kayser you can enjoy a delicious fresh breakfast. 🥯 Brunch Club Café is a cozy place for breakfast or brunch. The food is of good quality and the dishes on the menu are diverse. 🍹 Salvador Bachiller is a hidden bar under an ordinary shop in busy shopping street Gran Vía. Drinking a drink in this underground jungle is quite an experience. 🥟 In the beautiful covered market hall San Miguel you can choose from many tasty snacks or drinks. 🍔 For tasty vegan burgers, go to Mad Mad Vegan. We also recommend the Supreme YAYA fries. 🥑 Distrito Vegano is nicely decorated, there is a great atmosphere and the food is surprisingly tasty. 🍳 Plenti Café is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Choose a spot on the terrace, or go for a table in the cozy café. The fried egg dishes are unique and delicious, highly recommended! 🥞 Crêperie La Rue is located in the lively area of La Malasaña. They serve savory and sweet crepes and various small bites. ☕️ At Nomade Café you can order delicious smoothies, salads, toasts, pancakes or granola. 💚 La Huerta de Almería is a great concept! It is a small vegetarian supermarket, but you can also take a seat in the restaurant and choose from various healthy vegetarian/vegan dishes from the menu.
Stroll through the streets and city parks of Funchal
The city center of Funchal has many cozy streets, beautiful squares and special architecture. Visit the Sé Cathedral, stroll through the wide streets lined with purple trees and relax in one of Funchal’s parks. Our favorite parks are Parque de Santa Catarina and Jardim Municipal do Funchal.
Discover the vibrant vibes in Zona Velha, the old town of Funchal
The Old Zone, known as Zona Velha, is the historical and authentic part of Funchal. In the past this part of Funchal was dilapidated and it wasn’t a place for tourists to visit, but today it is the exact opposite. Through an art project and the many restaurants and bars, this part is lively and upcoming again.
Through the art project Arte de Portas Abertas, local and foreign artists have transformed the old part of the city into an open-air gallery. Be sure to stroll through the street of Rua de Santa Maria and its side streets, where the doors of the old houses are decorated with the most colorful works of art.
In Zona Velha you will find one of the oldest buildings in Madeira, the Corpo Santo chapel, built in the 15th century. A little further there is the outstanding yellow fortress of São Tiago, which protected Funchal from pirates and hijackers. You can visit the fortress for free. Note! The fortress is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dolphin and Whale Watching from Funchal Harbor
Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and this is an ideal and safe habitat for many cetaceans. More than 25 species of dolphins and whales have been spotted around Madeira. All year round you have the opportunity to see these special animals in their natural environment, but it depends on the season which species you encounter.
Several trips depart daily from the port of Funchal to discover the wildlife of Madeira. In our opinion, this is an activity that should definitely be on your bucket list. Do you want to know what to expect from such an amazing trip, how your experience will be unforgettable and when is the best time to spot the dolphins and whales? Then read our extensive blog about dolphin and whale watching in the waters around Madeira.
Visit Monte by cable car and enjoy the beautiful views of Funchal
From sea level, the cable car takes you over the valley of João Gomes Ribeira to Monte, the higher part of Funchal. During the 10-15-minute ride you will enjoy the panoramic views of Funchal. Because of the many green city parks, terracotta-colored roofs and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, the views are very colorful. You can buy your cable car tickets in advance to skip the line of the cash desk.
With the cable car you can make two stops, the first stop is at Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The second stop is at Jardim Botanico Madeira.
Get lost in the tropical gardens of Monte Palace
The end of the cable car to Monte, is the entrance to the tropical gardens of Monte Palace. On an area of 80,000 m2, you will find 2500 different plant species, various African stone exhibits and beautiful Japanese and Chinese influences such as bridges, flowing streams and stone sculptures. You can easily get lost in the gardens for a few hours! Check here the current opening times and ticket prices of the tropical gardens of Monte Palace.
There are several options to get back to Funchal from Monte, such as by cable car, by bus or by taxi. But you can also go down a part by a very special transport. Namely with a rush basket, also known as a toboggan. A toboggan is a traditional sled that is pushed by two carreiros. The sled can go up to 48 kilometers per hour and the carreiros wear special shoes with which they can steer and brake the sled. In the past, the sled was used to bring local products from higher places to Funchal. At first this was done by horse and cart, but this method was too slow as it was very heavy and the roads were steep.
Nowadays it is a fun attraction. A ride costs €25 per person, €30 per two persons and €40 per three persons. Note! The toboggan takes you down 2 kilometers in 10 minutes. After this it is a 25 minute walk to the center. Or you can continue by bus or taxi.
Drink Poncha! The traditional drink of Madeira
Poncha is probably the tastiest drink from Madeira. The original cocktails are made from lemon or orange juice, honey, sugar water and rum. These ingredients are mixed with a mexelote, a special kitchen utensil to mix the juice well. The end result is a deliciously sweet drink that you will probably like a little too much. The cutest bar to drink the tastiest Ponchas is at Rei Da Poncha in Funchal. Every Poncha is homemade and you can choose from different flavors. Saúde!
Look around at the local market Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores is the best place to discover the local specialties of Madeira. At the market, scents and colors come together and tourists mingle with the locals. Walk past the stalls full of exotic fruits and vegetables and admire the beautiful flowers of the island at the flower stalls. There is also a separate fish department.
If you want to buy something at the market, know that the products here are much (!) more expensive than at other local shops in Funchal.
How much time do I need to explore Funchal?
Funchal can be explored in 2-3 days. But the capital is certainly a nice base for your entire trip on Madeira. The island is not that big and Funchal has a central location. From here you can easily discover the beautiful places all over the island. Funchal is also the ideal place to stay if you want to travel a lot by public transport. Many buses depart from Funchal.
Another reason why we loved staying in Funchal is because of the many restaurants and bars and the bustling vibes in Funchal. If you have been out in nature all day, it is nice to be in a bustling place again.
Our favorite food and drink spots in Funchal
💛 At Casa do Bolo do Caco you can choose from several variations of the traditional bread Bolo do Caco. Originally it is eaten with herb butter and parsley. 💛 We ate the tastiest vegan quesadillas at Art food corner. It is also a super nice spot to bring your laptop to work here for a day. 💛 Prima Caju serves fruit bowls, scrambled eggs, pancakes, poke bowls, salads, wraps, toasts and more! 💛 For a delicious lunch go toBrunch Club Madeira. 💛 A Confeitaria, (location: na. Travessa) has plenty of vegan options for lunch. 💛 From Monday to Saturday, MadCuba-Villa Marista has happy hour with the best cocktails! You can also eat delicious Cuban meals here. 💛 Drink the tastiest traditional Ponchas at Rei da Poncha. 💛 Flair Spot Bar has an extensive cocktail list and plenty of typical Madeira drinks that you can try here. The bar is located in a cute street in Zona Velha.
Pena Palace is Sintra’s most notable landmark. This is due to the bright colors and the creative architectural style. Pena Palace is the former summer palace of the royal family and has beautiful domes, towers, gates and azulejos (ceramic tiles). The architectural style is a mix of Moorish and Manueline influences.
Not only the palace but also the location is impressive. Pena Palace is built on one of the highest points of the Sintra mountain. Therefore, you are treated with insanely beautiful views over the entire area, including the huge green park, Parque da Pena, surrounding the palace. Here you will find more than 500 species of plants and trees that the king imported from all over the world. From the entrance it is a 15 minute walk through Parque da Pena to get to the entrance of the Summer Palace.
Tickets
There are two types of tickets for the Pena Palace. A ticket for Parque da Pena and the inside of the palace (€14) and a single ticket for Parque da Pena (€7.50). If you choose to only visit the park, you can still walk around the palace to admire the colorful exterior and enjoy the beautiful viewpoints over the green surroundings. We only saw the exterior. Get your tickets in advance and skip the line!
Castelo dos Mouros
The Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. To defend this area, they built the castle Castelo dos Mouros in the 9th and 10th centuries. On top of a mountain, so they could see enemies coming from afar.
Walk the remaining walls of the castle. From here it is possible to see the other castles and palaces. A visit to this special castle costs €8 per person. Buy here tickets for Castelo dos Mouros.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira is a mysterious estate with a huge, lush garden and a castle. The estate was bought in 1892 by a Brazilian coffee and gemstone merchant. His goal was to show his wealth with this estate.
You will be surprised by the many hidden tunnels, paths and passage. Be sure to take a look at the 27 meter deep Initiation Well, which is actually an underground tower. The spiral staircase leads you through tunnels to other parts of the garden full of fountains, towers and a chapel. A visit to this mysterious palace costs €10 per person. This price includes a visit to the palace. Book a guided tour to learn everything of this mysterious estate.
Monserrate Palace
The romantic Monserrate Palace is definitely our favorite place in Sintra. The palace is often skipped by Sintra visitors which is too bad! The good thing about that is that it is less crowded here than at other places in Sintra. Explore the enormous exotic garden with flora from all over the world and a very special chapel. In the palace you can expect beautiful Arabic and Indian influences in the Gothic architectural style. You will also find a huge main hall, galleries with arches and detailed rooms. A ticket for Monserrate Palace costs €8 per person. This price includes a visit to the palace. Get your tickets here.
Sintra Town
Besides the impressive castles and palaces, it is also very nice to walk through the narrow streets of Sintra Town. Here you can get a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants. In the historic center you will also find the National Palace of Sintra. The palace has a special architecture and beautifully detailed rooms with coats of arms of families who have lived there, ancient objects and painted ceilings. A ticket cost €10 and you can buy the tickets here.
Buy your tickets in advance
Do you already know which places you want to visit? Then it is useful to buy your tickets in advance. This saves you time, especially at the popular palaces. You will also receive an online discount at most palaces and/or you will receive a discount code that you can apply to your other ticket(s). With an online ticket, you skip the line at the cash desk and just have to queue to get in. If you prefer to explore Sintra on a guided tour, check out the offers below.
How to visit Sintra
Most people visit Sintra by train from Lisbon. A train to Sintra departs every 20 minutes from Rossio station. The train ride takes 40 minutes and a return ticket costs about €5. Are you traveling with the Lisboa Card? Then the train tickets are free. You can also take bus 417 from Cascais to Sintra. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
Are you traveling through Portugal with a rental car and are you going to Sintra by car? Then know that parking in Sintra is very hard. At Pena Palace and the Moorish castle there are no parking spots at all and at the other sights there are only a few small parking spaces that are often already full. There is a car park close to Sintra station, called Parque de Estacionamento Estacao de Sintra. Or park your car outside the center and walk the last part from here to the Hop-On Hop-Off buses (if you don’t want to walk everything yourself).
Getting around in Sintra
The easiest way to discover the highlights of Sintra is with the Hop-On Hop-Off buses. There are two different bus lines that both start and end at the bus stops next to the train station. You can buy your ticket for €11.50 per person at the bus stop (you can pay with your debit card here) and you can take the bus all day long.
Bus line 434 takes you to the historic center, the Moorish castle, Pena Palace and back to the train station. Note! Pena Palace is the most visited landmark in Sintra. If you want to avoid the big crowds, we recommend going early in the morning or towards closing time. We chose to go to Castelo dos Mouros first. It is still so quiet there, because most of the tourists go directly to Pena Palace. After this you can easily continue by bus to Pena Palace. If you first visit Pena Palace it is only possible to walk to the Moorish castle (this is about a 15 minutes walk from the exit of Pena Palace)
Bus line 435 takes you to the historic center, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace and back to the train station.
How much time should you spend in Sintra?
You can easily spend a whole day in Sintra. There are many sights, and because everything is quite far from each other, it is unfortunately impossible to visit everything in one day. We were in Sintra twice and recommend you to plan a maximum of 2-3 sights per day. In this way you can fully enjoy and discover the castles and palaces at your own pace.
Poncha is perhaps the tastiest drink in Madeira. The original cocktails are made from lemon or orange juice, honey, sugar water and rum. These ingredients are mixed with a mexelote, a special kitchen instrument to mix the juice. The end result is a deliciously sweet drink that you will probably find just a little too tasty.
The famous Poncha can be ordered at almost every bar or restaurant. Nowadays you can choose from different variants of this traditional drink. We have tasted different flavors of Ponchas ourselves at Rei Da Poncha in Funchal, where the Ponchas are freshly prepared for you. We tasted the variant lemon, orange, passion fruit, strawberry and absinthe.
2. Discover the rich history of Madeira wine
Madeira wine is a local dessert wine. Characteristic of this wine is the sweet taste and the stronger alcohol percentage (between 16% and 22%). According to etiquette, it is not a wine for the main course, but the drier varieties are sometimes served with an aperitif. The sweeter varieties are actually only served as dessert wine.
You can buy Madeira wine in every supermarket, but it is a wine with an interesting history. So how great is it to learn more about that through a wine tour. In collaboration with Madeira Atlantic Tours we went on the Private Madeira Halfday Tour. Through this tour, we not only learned more about the Madeira wine, its production and its different variations, but also learned a lot more about the island.
You will be picked up in Funchal by your guide. The wine tasting takes place in the Henriques & Henriques tasting room in the village of Câmara de Lobos. Along the way you will stop at a beautiful viewpoint, where the guide will tell you everything about the region and the vineyards. The grapes used for the Madeira wine are grown by local families. Therefore, the whole island works on these fantastic wines. Most of the vineyards are located in the north of the island, where the conditions for growing the grapes are more favorable.
At Henriques & Henriques you get a tour of the beautiful winery. You will get insight of the entire process and see how the wine was made in the past. There are old tools with which they manually crushed the grapes and filtered the juice, large barrels where they kept the wine and carriers with which the wine was transported from place A to place B by foot (!).
Madeira wine is different from other wines. This is mainly due to the different ripening process, which was discovered ‘accidentally’ at sea. Portuguese sailors took wine with them on long ship journeys to get extra vitamin C. After the long journey the wine left over tasted very different. This was because they kept the barrels on the ships in warm areas. This change was so popular that it was the beginning of the unique Madeira wine. From that moment, skippers took extra barrels with them to sell the wine after they returned. They later found out that repeatedly heating the wine produced the unique caramel and nutty flavor. So they invented other methods to get the same taste. Such as storing the barrels in warm lofts and in warm sheds, or by just letting the wine warm up in the sun.
After the tour it is time to taste the wine. You can taste 7 different types of H&H Madeira wines. Starting with 6 wines from dry to sweet. From this you choose your favorite wine of which you can try the 10-year variant. Each wine has its own story and the degree of sweetness depends on the sugar content in the wine.
Next to the tasting room is a shop where you can buy a bottle of your favorite wine. We liked the medium dry Meio Seco the best. Henriques & Henriques also has a special, expensive collection of very old wines. Some are over 150 years old and the labels look really cool.
3. Try the typical bread Bolo do Caco
A typical Madeiran snack or lunch is the round flat bread Bolo do Caco. This bread has the shape of a cake (bolo) and is heated on a basalt stone plate (caco). Bolo do Caco was originally served with herb butter. But nowadays there are different variations, for example with cheese, avocado and pesto or meat.
These delicious sandwiches are very popular and are therefore on the menu at many restaurants and bars. We ate the cheese variant at Casa do Bolo do Caco and it is definitely recommended!
4. Enjoy the refreshning local beer
On Madeira you can’t miss the Coral beer. It is a drink you see on all terraces and the supermarket shelves are full of it. Coral beer is made by the Coral Lager brand and is brewed on Madeira. The beer has a golden color, soft pure taste and is above all wonderfully refreshing. This perfectly fits the tropical climate of the island.
5. Taste the delicious sweet bananas
Madeira is a major producer of bananas. You will be amazed by the amount of banana plantations on the island. The bananas mainly grow on the south coast of the island because it is the sunniest here. The taste of the bananas is soft and sweet.
Madeira once exported bananas throughout Europe. Until the bananas were refused at auctions because, according to the European Union, they had to meet a certain length and curve. Today the production is used for Madeira, Portugal and parts of Spain.
A typical main course in Madeira is Espada com banana. This is a surprising combination of the Madeiran banana with black swordfish, which is fished from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. According to the locals this seems to be very tasty, but we have not tasted it because we are vegetarians.
6. Stimulate your taste buds with the colorful exotic fruits and vegetables
The climate in Madeira makes it possible to grow tropical fruits. Such as pineapple, mango, banana and avocados. But there are also a lot of exotic fruits and vegetables, native to Central and South America, that you probably haven’t seen and tasted before. Such as the fruto delicioso (banana-pineapple with a fresh taste), anona da Madeira (a fine taste with a vanilla-like smell) and the chayote (family of the cucumber, watermelon and pumpkin and is used in various dishes). The exotic fruits and vegetables are often available in supermarkets or local markets.
In collaboration with Ventura – Nature Emotions we did a Whale and Dolphin Watching tour.
The best time to spot whales and dolphins
More than 25 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been spotted in the waters around Madeira. You have the opportunity to see these special animals all year round, but it depends on the season which species you encounter. The chances of spotting whales are the best from April to October. The most commonly spotted whales are Brydes’s whales, pilot whales, sperm whales and fin whales. The chance to spot dolphins is high all year round. There are permanent residents such as bottlenose dolphins, who live around the coast of the island all year round. Other dolphin species that are often spotted are the common and spotted dolphins. Some species are very rare to spot, such as orcas, they only pass Madeira during their transit to other waters. So the chance of seeing them is very small.
How do I find a tour that is ethical and responsible?
The opportunity to see whales and dolphins in the wild is amazing, but we don’t want to participate in activities that have a negative impact on animals! To keep the beautiful wildlife, the rules in Madeira are strict. The boats are monitored from land and warned if they do not follow the rules. If you still want to be sure that you book a tour with an organization that really respects the animals and does not use them for entertainment, make sure that an organization has knowledge about the animals and takes several measures to protect the animals and do not disturb or chase them.
Expertise and experience
We booked our tour with Ventura – Nature Emotions. They organize sustainable tours, guided by an experienced and professional crew. There is a marine biologist on every tour who is very passionate and loves to share her knowledge with you about the different dolphin and whale species. When dolphins or whales are spotted, she will help identify them and provides more information about the species. This is how we learned everything about the species we spotted.
Respect for wildlife
You notice in several ways that Ventura – Nature Emotions treats wildlife with respect in their natural environment. If dolphins or whales are spotted, the boat will only stop for a few minutes to admire the animals. The animals experience no stress and can continue their natural behavior. The crew also knows for each species how close they can get or whether they should keep their distance. If a group of animals swims away, they are left alone and certainly not chased, because then they can feel rushed.
RIB boat vs catamaran
If you ask us, a RIB boat tour is the best option to search for whales and dolphins. It is adventurous and definitely gives you an adrenaline rush as you fly over the waves. With a RIB boat you can cover greater distances in a shorter time, so that you can reach a new group of whales or dolphins faster. This increases the chance that you will spot multiple species per trip. You will also come face to face with the animals with this small, lower boat! Another advantage is that you will travel with a smaller group (maximum 18), which in our opinion makes the experience more unique.
Prefer a more relaxed experience? Then choose to go on a catamaran trip. On a catamaran you have several comfortable spots to relax and enjoy. There are often sufficient facilities on board, such as a bar with drinks and snacks, a toilet and snorkeling equipment for when the catamaran drops anchor. Another advantage is that catamaran tours are often cheaper than trips with a RIB boat, but the chance of spotting wildlife is smaller.
What to expect from the boat trip?
The tour starts at the meeting point in Funchal harbor where you will receive a short informative briefing about the wildlife and the boat trip. Then you put on your life jacket and you are ready to go on this adventure! With a RIB boat you sail for 2.5 hours over the open sea. Along the way, you can fully enjoy the views of the island and partly sail along the impressive coastline and see caves, waterfalls and colorful villages from a unique perspective. The boat trip is already a great experience, but the animals you spot make it extra special.
We went out to sea with Ventura – Nature Emotions twice and spotted four different species of whales and dolphins on these tours. For us this felt like a dream and it is pure magic!
Tour 1 – Our first encounter with wild dolphins
After an hour we spotted the first group of about 20 bottlenose dolphins and there were also babies swimming among them. They normally do not swim around the boat for long, but they were calm now and even came very close. The marine biologist told us they were probably resting from lunch. When bottlenose dolphins rest, only one half of the brain rests while the other half remains active. This keeps the dolphin swimming upwards to breathe, preventing them from drowning.
Soon after the meeting with the bottlenose dolphins, we spotted another species, the common dolphin. It was a group of about 10-15 dolphins and a few young dolphins swam among them. The common dolphin is much smaller than the bottlenose dolphin, has a pointed nose and a white belly. They are more playful and curious about the boat. Every now and then they made a jump and they also swam under the boat. So special! The common dolphin leaves in April or May and returns to Madeira around December.
Tour 2 – Watching dolphins and two (!) whales
During the second tour we already spotted the first whale, a sperm whale, after half an hour. Wow, this moment is so magical! He swam right in front of the boat. His fin was sticking out of the water and he occasionally showed his head. After a few minutes he dives under water and shows his tail. Sperm whales can grow between 11 and 18 meters long and weigh up to 57,000 kilos! They can also hold their breath for an hour, so we were very lucky to spot him. And the luck didn’t stop there, because later we spotted another sperm whale.
Right after the whale we spotted another large group of bottlenose dolphins and we were able to enjoy their company for a few minutes. Not much later we came across a group of spotted dolphins. They are normally a lot more playful, but there are many young dolphins swimming among them that they like to protect. The young dolphins are gray and do not get their spots until they are about 3 years old.
Wildlife spotting guaranteed
Because Ventura – Nature Emotions works together with spotters on land, there is a greater chance that you will encounter multiple animal species per trip. The spotters have special binoculars and can monitor a much larger area. The skipper keeps in touch with them throughout the trip. If unfortunately you do not spot any species, you can join again at no extra cost.
How do you prevent seasickness?
Do you know that you quickly suffer from seasickness? Then it is better to sit in the back of the boat. Here you are least bothered by the waves. The crew is involved and checks several times if everyone is feeling well and comfortable.
Tips for a suitable outfit
Wear layers! On a warm and sunny day it can be hot when the boat stops, but during the trip to the whales and dolphins it can be very windy, it is good to have a windbreaker or sweater with you.
Day 1-2: Arrival in Málaga, visit Castillo de Colomares and stay overnight in Mijas
We landed at Málaga Airport. Pick up your rental car and drive in 30-40 minutes to Benalmádena. In this small town you can visit the monument Castillo de Colomares. This monument pays tribute to the explorer Christopher Columbus and his crew. Esteban Martin Martin designed the fairytale castle and had it built between 1987 and 1994. He was very fascinated by the famous explorer. The monument is rich in beautiful details, an impressive architectural style, statues of gargoyles and here you will find the smallest chapel in the world! From the monument you have a panoramic view of the sea.
Continue your journey after the sunset towards Mijas and stay here the first night. The next morning you can experience the local life in Mijas. Mijas is full of beautiful viewpoints and cute narrow streets.
In the afternoon you can drive to your next stop; Ronda. From Mijas it is about 1.5 hours drive. The route takes you past rolling landscapes and along the way you will encounter many beautiful views.
Day 3-4: Discover Ronda
Many people make a day trip to Ronda, but staying in Ronda gives you the chance to fully discover and experience this incredible city. Ronda is located in a mountainous area, high on the edge of the El Tajo gorge that divides the city in two. The parts are connected by the ancient bridge Puente Nuevo, which is the icon of Ronda. Other highlights of Ronda include Spain’s oldest bullring, the cobbled streets of the historic center and the best-preserved Arab baths in Spain; Baños Árabes de Ronda.
Day 5: From Ronda to Setenil de las Bodegas, Zahara de la Sierra towards Seville
Today you will drive from Ronda to Seville with two beautiful and worthy stops. The total journey is 2.5 hours (not counting the time you discover the towns). The first stop is the small, whitewashed cave village Setenil de las Bodegas. Here you admire the special Cuevas del Sol, rock dwellings.
The second stop is at the idyllic hill town of Zahara de la Sierra. When you arrive, you can already see the town and its 13th-century castle towering over the landscape. Zahara de la Sierra is located on top of a rock, surrounded by green nature and turquoise water. The town looks very cosy, but unfortunately it was siesta time and everything was closed when we arrived here. So keep that in mind if you want to discover Zahara de la Sierra.
Make your way to your final destination, Seville, where you will spend the next few days.
Day 6-8: Staying in beautiful Seville
Seville is in our opinion one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia, where there is much to discover. You can easily spend 3 full days in Seville. Enjoy the Spanish sun and the pleasant atmosphere on one of the terraces of the delicious tapas restaurants. Visit the ancient palaces with Moorish influences or watch a flamenco performance to experience Andalusian culture at its best.
The drive from Seville to Córdoba takes almost 2 hours. Plan 1 full day to discover all the must-sees in Córdoba. One of them is the impressive Mezquita Catedral. The mosque dates from the 8th century and around 1523 a cathedral was built in the middle of the mosque. Numerous styles and religious elements of Islam and Western culture converge here. You only see this combination a few times around the world. Admire the beautiful elements of the Mezquita, such as the chapels, red and white arches, a prayer hall, decorations and stained glass.
Another highlight is the Puente Romano, a 2100 (!) years old bridge, built over the Guadalquivir river. The bridge was built by the Romans and later extended by the Moors, giving it its current appearance. From the bridge you have a nice view of the old town, the Puerta del Puente and the Mezquita. For all Game Of Thrones fans; the bridge is a filming location. It is the long bridge to the free city of Volantis.
Food tip: Looking for a cute place to have some breakfast lunch or dinner? Then definitely go to Breakfast Club & Co. The interior and the food is so colorful! This place is right next to the bridge.
Day 10-11: Beautiful nature in Antequera and staying in Granada
From Córdoba to Granada it is about 2.5 hours if you drive via Antequera. This route was our favorite during the road trip! Both the town of Antequera and the beautiful nature reserve nearby; El Torcal de Antequera are worth a visit. In this nature reserve you drive on steep roads past rocky outcrops, panoramic viewpoints and you spot eagles hunting for their prey. If you have more time, we definitely recommend hiking in this area.
Granada is the end destination for this day. This city certainly impressed us. During a road trip through Andalusia you will come across a lot of beautiful architecture with Moorish influences and, in our opinion, the most impressive building can be found in Granada; the Alhambra. The complex is located on top of the hills behind the city and is a must see when you are in Granada.
Day 12-14: Staying in Málaga and make day trips to Nerja and Marbella
Spend a morning in Nerja
On the way from Granada to Málaga, make a stop in Nerja (1 hour drive from Granada), a coastal town located directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The salty sea air, palm trees, bays and clear blue water give you the ultimate holiday feeling! Be warned as Nerja is very touristy. Don’t let that put you off, as it’s definitely worth a stop here on your Andalucia road trip. There are several reasons to visit Nerja. Walk down the boulevard and take a look at Balcón de Europa, a former fortress that rises far above the rocks, from here you have a beautiful view over the coastline and the impressive mountainous environment. You can also spend a day sunbathing on one of the beaches. The most beautiful beaches of Nerja are; Playa de Calahonda, Playa Carabeo, Playa El Salón, Playa la Caletti, Playa El Chorrillo. You can also do many water activities, such as paddle boarding, water skiing and snorkeling.
After a visit to Nerja, drive to Málaga in 45 minutes. This will be the end destination of your road trip through Andalusia.
Spend an afternoon in Marbella
A trip from Málaga to Marbella is a 45 minute drive. The old town is full of character and well worth a visit. Here you walk through colorful narrow alleys, past impressive churches such as Iglesia de la Encarnación, towards Plaza de los Naranjos, where you can admire the 16th century old town hall. Besides visiting the city center it is also nice to walk through the tropical city park la Alameda. And a little further you will find the boulevard Paseo Marítimo and the beach. These are the perfect places to relax and unwind.
Looking for a cute place to have a drink? Then definitely go to the urban restaurant The Farm. You can relax in their green courtyard while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Spend the rest of your time relaxing in Málaga
We fell in love with Málaga immediately and you are warmly welcomed by the Malagueños. This atmospheric city has a lot to offer; sun, sea, beach, beautiful green city parks, walking routes and a bustling harbor and boulevard. And until late in the evening you can enjoy the vibrant outdoor life, delicious tapas and cocktails on the terraces of the many restaurants, bars and rooftop bars.
Our daily budget was around €50 per person; including activities, a rental car for 10 days, fuel, parking costs, accommodations and food and drinks.
How to get around in Andalusia
We recommend renting a car from MalagaCar.com (not sponsored). If you arrive at Málaga airport, you will be taken by shuttle bus to their car shed in 5 minutes. Here you only have to pay and collect the keys. The communication with MalagaCar.com is super easy, the cars are well maintained and you can book a car in advance.
Tip: Avoid toll roads during your road trip. The other routes were often not the fastest, but so authentic and beautiful.
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Also read: Hiking on Madeira: Tips and 6 beautiful hikes
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