Cabo Girão Viewing Platform
Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, has long been a popular lookout spot on the south of the island. A couple of years ago the area was refurbished and now incorporates a new glass-bottomed platform and skywalk. The viewing platform is located on the cliff 580 metres above the sea. This means it enjoys fantastic unobstructed views out over the clear water of the Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding towering cliffs and rolling greenery, the capital of Funchal and, of course, a perfect view of the beach far below the feet of those who visit!
Fireworks
Madeira is famous for its fabulous firework displays. Funchal goes all out every New Year's Eve with its large display being an incredible sight to behold. With approximately 50 launch posts all over the city, the Funchal NYE fireworks hold the Guinness World Record for the largest display, and they're very impressive. If you want to make the occasion extra special, take a boat out onto the water and view the magnificent firework display from the harbour where the explosions of colour are reflected back from all around you.
If you are holidaying in summer rather than winter, Fireworks also take place during the Atlantic Festival, every saturday night in June.
Cable Cars
Take the cable car from Monte, outside Funchal, across to the Botanical Gardens, and be wowed with stunning scenery. The village of Monte sits high up, overlooking Funchal, and the gardens are set on the hillside slightly further down. As you travel between the two you'll have 360° panoramas over the surrounding landscape, Funchal bay far below and the River of João Gomes. Once at the Gardens you can see the 2,500 exotic plants from all different continents, and explore the 5 main zones. The key aim of the gardens is the preservation of these fantastic species.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Also on the hillside of Monte, but worth their own mention, are The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. These are centred around the pretty 18th century palace and are home to a large variety of exotic plants, flowers and wildlife. With an array of interesting sights, walkways, water features and garden art, these gardens provide wonderful views.
São Vicente Caves
On the north of the island, the small village of São Vicente is home to a fantastic cave system. The caves of São Vicente are of volcanic origin and were created following an eruption thousands of years ago, when the underground lava tubes cooled to become tunnels and cavernous chambers. The overall development is 1000 metres in length, making it the largest on the island, and a tour will lead you on a walk of roughly 700 metres. Along the way you'll be faced with interesting formations of stalactites and lava accumulations; there are transparent, subterranean pools and the rocky passageways are well lit to showcase all the details. Tours will generally last around 30 minutes.
Pico Ruivo
The highest peak of the Madeira islands, Pico Ruivo, can only be reached by foot. And you've got to be pretty fit for the hike there (and not afraid of heights!). From the top you've got some of the most incredible mountain scenery, and a trail will lead you right up to brilliant look-out points. Up here the cloud can role in and obscure views, but if you time it right, it's a fantastic place to see the sunrise and sun sets.
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