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Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel is situated in a prime location. Within walking distance from the city centre, it lies in the very centre of the prestigious Lido area and has direct access to the Lido swimming pools, the sea and the scenic Lido promenade.
From its hillside position, the hotel offers incomparable views of sea, palm trees, flowers and all the natural beauty for which Madeira is renowned. Outside the hotel, the abundance of bars, cafés and restaurants offer the best of Madeiran and international cuisine and the Lido shopping arcade provides plenty of shopping opportunities. A stroll along the coastal Lido promenade will provide tantalising views of the sea while the carefully tendered flower beds bordering it will serve to illustrate why Madeira is so often referred to as the “island of flowers”.
This is a fantastic location from which to discover the rest of the island. The city centre can be reached on foot or by bus for a day’s sightseeing and there are plenty of attractions nearby. The magnificent Quinta da Magnolia, a peaceful retreat in which to admire the many species of flora that exist in Madeira and a perfect venue for practising a variety of sports, is a short walk away.
Madeira is a haven for nature seekers with its ancient Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers spectacular hiking along its network of levada trails, such as the iconic Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco, where lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls await. The island’s dramatic terrain invites adventurous souls to try canyoning in its gorges, trail running and mountain biking across rugged ridges, rock climbing with ocean views, and vibrant birdwatching among endemic species. For exhilaration, paragliding above steep cliffs and coasteering along the shoreline provide unique ways to engage with Madeira’s diverse landscapes. With guided nature tours, scenic viewpoints and protected areas that honour its rich biodiversity, Madeira promises unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Madeira’s gardens are a verdant tapestry of colour, history and horticultural excellence. Funchal’s renowned Botanical Garden spans across eight hectares, hosts over 2,000 plant species, a bird park and a small museum dedicated to research and conservation. Just a short cable-car ride away lie the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, set on steep terraces with exotic flora, Asian sculptures, lakes and stunning views over the city. The elegant Palheiro Gardens, perched on a hill east of Funchal, blend centuries-old trees, camellia avenues, Baroque architecture and panoramic sea views. In the city centre, Santa Luzia Gardens repurpose a former sugar factory into five themed botanical zones. The Núcleo dos Dragoeiros conserves endangered dragon trees. Finally, the Quinta do Arco Rose Garden boasts over 1,500 rose species and is considered among Europe’s finest rosaria.
Madeira’s heritage reflects over six centuries of history and cultural evolution. Wander the streets of Funchal and you’ll encounter striking architectural styles ranging from Manueline and military forts to modern civic buildings, each housing valuable artworks, jewellery, porcelain and historical furnishings. Iconic venues include the interactive Madeira Story Centre, where fourteen million years of island history unfold through themed multimedia exhibits and authentic artefacts; the Fort of São Tiago, a 17th‑century coastal bastion now doubling as a cultural landmark; and the Mercado dos Lavradores, an art‑deco market showcasing vibrant local produce, azulejo panels, and a living snapshot of Madeiran everyday life. Scattered across the archipelago are numerous museums, chapels, manor houses, forts, palaces, and dynamic cultural centres.
Madeira boasts a lively annual events calendar featuring some of its most celebrated and world‑famous festivals. Carnival in Funchal (February/March) rivals the grandest spectacles in Europe, with two vibrant parades. In spring, the Flower Festival paints the island in floral splendour as the capital flourishes with intricate flower carpets and a dazzling grand parade. June heralds the Atlantic Festival, a month‑long celebration capped by a spectacular pyromusical fireworks competition over Funchal Bay, alongside music, dance and open‑air exhibitions. Wine Festival, in late August to early September, honours the grape harvest with tastings, traditional stomping, parades, music and local food. Finally, New Year’s Eve in Funchal delivers a legendary fireworks show, once holding a Guinness World Record, transforming the bay into a glowing spectacle.
Madeira is a true paradise for sea lovers, offering various water activities. Thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts can join year-round cruises from Funchal or Calheta to admire dolphins and whales in their natural habitat and explore volcanic underwater landscapes teeming with marine life in reserves like Garajau. São Vicente and Jardim do Mar’s calmer waters invite kayaking and stand-up paddle adventures beneath dramatic cliffs. Scenic boat excursions range from gentle catamaran sails and sunset cruises to visits to the Desertas Islands. Beaches like Praia Formosa and Prainha, complemented by natural volcanic swimming pools in Porto Moniz and Seixal, are perfect for relaxing ocean dips. For a more structured seaside day, the bathing complexes at Funchal’s Lido offer saltwater pools with full facilities and Madeira’s modern marinas, such as Marina do Funchal and Quinta do Lorde welcome yachts, catamarans and daily water‑based excursions.