Exploring Madeira MTB Style

A mountain bike, or MTB, is a bicycle designed for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. These typically include a front or full suspension, large knobby tires, more durable wheels, more powerful brakes, and lower gear ratios for climbing steep grades. Mountain biking is the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using such specially designed bicycles. The sport requires endurance, core strength and balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance. Advanced riders pursue both steep technical descents and high incline climbs. Traveling by mountain bike opens the door to a world of possibilities; you’ll gain access to places often too remote for the tourist hordes and engage with locals in a more meaningful way than from the seat of a tour bus. Research has shown that those who are able to distance themselves from the noise and havoc of daily life to find reprieve in the tranquility of nature are happier, less stressed and more energetic.

Madeira Island is a small paradise for mountain biking in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and only a few hours flight away from most European cities. Here you can find fantastic trails from mountain to sea level. It’s famous mild weather makes biking in Madeira enjoyable all year round. There are many mountain biking agencies that offer bike holidays at your taste from a full week program, a few days of biking or just one day discovering Madeira by bike.

For beginners there are tours that are ideal for a relaxed bike ride through amazing nature, and for more experienced riders there are tours for all tastes: XC, all mountain and Enduro with shuttle assistance. Some will be more technical, some will have more uphill meters, some will require crossing rocky trails, rain forest, root trails and eucalyptus forest, but all these tours will focus on exploring Madeira. In case you want to explore madeira without a guide, there also bikes available for rent. Challenge yourself going all the way up to Pico do Arieiro or just to go for a short Sunday ride.

So, don't look any further. Madeira is certainly a biker’s retreat. All you have to do is hop on a bike and hit the trails. In the end, you will be rewarded with the best nature Madeira has to offer.

MTB Tour Itinerary

Location: Fonte do Bispo, Lombada dos Cedros

Start: Fonte do Bispo (E.R. 210)

End: Lombada dos Cedros (E.R. 101)

Type: downhill

Difficulty: medium

Terrain: dirt road

Direction: one way

Distance: 4,9 km

Time: 8-20mins

Directions: Take the Via Rápida (VR1) towards Ribeira Brava. At Ribeira Brava, follow the Via Expresso (VE3) towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta. Once you arrive in the village of Prazeres, follow the first exit of the Via Expresso towards the Estrada Regional (E.R. 101). At the crossing with the Estrada Regional (E.R. 210), go left until you reach Fonte do Bispo. The trail is located on the left.

Safety: The track is flagged by red and yellow arrows from beginning to end. The terrain is generally quite even but requires some attention due to the possibility of loose rocks.

Necessary / recommended equipment: Full Face Helmet, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, mobile phone, thermal blanket, waterproof jacket, puncture repair kit, inner tube.

Funchal Half Marathon

A half marathon is a road running event of roughly 21 kilometers (13 miles). It is half the distance of a marathon and usually run on roads. Participation in half marathons has grown steadily. One of the main reasons for this is that it is a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon requires. A 2010 article by Universal Sports echoed the growing popularity of the sport and its distance. It is common for a half marathon event to be held concurrently with a marathon, using almost the same course with a late start, an early finish or shortcuts. The half marathon is also known as a 21K, 21.1K or 13.1 miles, although these values are rounded and not formally correct.
The city of Funchal hosts the Funchal Half Marathon on March 2^nd.  The Madeira Autonomous Region Athletics Association hopes to provide Funchal with a high profile sporting international event bringing together amateur and top class athletes in an enjoyable and competitive ambient.
The race will be run on an almost entirely flat course in a closed circuit, ideal for long distance runners.
For further information: http://www.funchalhalfmarathon.com/

Golfing in Madeira & Porto Santo

Madeira truly is paradise. A perfect climate, incredible scenery and some of the best course designers in the world is the perfect recipe for a perfect golf vacation. One of the best things about the Madeira Archipelago is that it's not all the same. Each island has its own personality and unique topography. As for the visitor’s ultimate golfing experience, well, let’s just say that it too has its own personality and unique topography.

Start with Palheiro Golf. Set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and lying adjacent to the five-star Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro – a Relais & Châteaux property – the 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland embroidered with lush, sub-tropical vegetation. At nearly 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level, the location is blessed with dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Nestling below just 10 minutes away is Funchal, the island’s capital.

Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, this picturesque layout with year-round appeal takes full advantage of Madeira’s hilly terrain, with abrupt ridges and deep valleys providing a compelling challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.

Then, there is the Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, where one can experience Madeira’s breathtaking  beauty, renowned history and Robert Trent Jones Senior’s spectacular 27-hole golf course in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes you could imagine.
Ranked among the world’s finest courses, Santo da Serra offers a premier golf and country club escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Clube de Golf Santo da Serra offers what is surely one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of The European Tour International Schedule.

Keith Waters, the European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, once said: “The Madeira Islands Open has become an established stop on the Tour Schedule, and provide a welcome opportunity for all of members to play and earn valuable Race to Dubai and World Ranking points."

Madeira’s neighbouring sister island, Porto Santo, also prides itself of Porto Santo Golf, designed by champion  Severiano Ballesteros.

Porto Santo Golf crosses the island from the dunes to the dramatic basalt cliffs. It offers a perfect combination - natural beauty and a challenging game. The plan was made so that the field would blend with the landscape, and with great care to minimize the impact to the environment.
The field has an 18-hole course, spread over the 6.434 meters, a Par 72. It is characterized by two distinct areas - the  southern route, traditionally American, dotted with lakes and requiring a long and precise game; the  North route developed on top of the fantastic cliffs.

There is a 9 hole course every pair 3 'pitch-and-putt' (ideal aim to train for a good shot), and a driving range. The club house  is a success of modern design, but blends harmoniously with the landscape, with its limestone walls, natural wood and modern furniture wicker. Facilities include sauna, jacuzzi and a good golf shop. You can also enjoy the fantastic view of the island and the ocean while savouring traditional specialities at the restaurant or simply sipping through an exotic cocktail at the bar.

Scuba Diving

It's a dive into another world. The only baggage you are allowed is SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). You could explore an expanse of sunken treasures, pose or photograph. Scuba or recreational diving is a relationship with a twist.

Most people think scuba diving is something that you see on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel, Madhava said. Bangalore is one of the best equipped cities to learn scuba diving. There are a lot of pools, and there's not only a huge interest in water sports, but also a great inclination to join the race. Whether novice or advanced, diving enthusiasts can’t help but be lured into the busy aquatic gardens and translucent ocean surrounding the spectacular Madeira Islands.

Here, the dramatic topography and clear sub-tropical waters brought in by the Gulf Stream culminate in an awe-inspiring sub-aqua experience enjoyed all year round.

With sea cliffs dropping sharply to depths of 3,000 metres, Madeira’s deep and temperate waters, ranging from 17°C – 24°C, provide a colourful home for dolphins, whales and a dazzling host of sea creatures.

The protected biosphere of the Parcial do Garajau Nature Reserve which hugs Madeira’s southern shore famously attracts a rare combination of warm and cold water species, including Barracudas, Mediterranean Moray, White Sea Bream, Monkfish, Turtles and even the colossal Atlantic Manta Ray.

Providing the chance to spot the monk seal – Europe’s most endangered mammal – on the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve and explore wrecks such as the Bom Rei (Bowbelle) at Madalena do Mar and the sunken Madeirense, which was famously shipwrecked off the coast of Porto Santo in 2000, Madeira is a diving and snorkelling paradise, attracting a wealth of underwater flora and fauna and scuba divers alike.

Thanks to its remarkable coastline, truly breathtaking array of sea life, and magnificent variety of dive points, Madeira is a scuba goldmine for all abilities.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Madeira is a a very pleasant experience. If you are a horse lover or if hiking just isn't your thing, horseback riding  is a great way to explore the winding trails of Madeira Island. The riding trails on the island offer exciting excursions for both beginners and experienced riders. The Centro Hipico Quinta de São Jorge is an equestrian facility offering horseback lessons for children and adults, from beginners to advanced. Two monitors are available on location to ensure pleasant and safe horseback riding. The Equestrian Center is composed of a well-ventilated and bright arena, stables for 21 horses and an uncovered area of 3.500 m2.
The center also houses a restaurant called ‘A casa dos Cavalos’ (The Horse House) and the ‘Horse Power Bar’. Visitors can also visit the Antique and Classic Car Exhibition which displays an array of antique vehicles and auto collectibles and paraphernalia.

For more information please consult the following website address: www.quintadesaojorge.com

Monte Toboggan Ride

The Monte toboggan ride down towards Funchal city centre is perhaps one of the most famous of Madeira's tourist attractions. American author, Ernest Hemingway, wrote of his journey in the wicker basket toboggan sled as the "most exhilarating experience" of his life.

Originally a fast means of transport down to Funchal for people living in Monte, these toboggan sledges appeared around 1850.

The Monte toboggan ride starts below the steps at Monte Church.

Payments acceptable only in cash. (Prices: €20.00 per single person, €25.00 for a couple, or €37.50 for three people)

The total distance from Monte to the finish of the ride is little more than 2km (1.2 miles). The journey takes approximately 10 minutes, which means that your average speed will be about 12kph (7mph). During your journey, do not expect your speed to go much beyond 20kph (14mph).

As for the journey, right from the start you will enjoy some panoramic views of Funchal and its harbour. The sled will be steered by two ‘carreiros’ (two men dressed in white and wearing straw hats). These men are responsible for guiding the wicker basket and, where necessary, using their rubber shoes as brakes.

You will be offered a souvenir photograph of yourself taken at the first corner and transmitted by laptop to await your arrival at the finish. You are not obliged to purchase the 10-euro photograph.

Schedule: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm / Sunday 9:00am to 1:00pm

Closed: 1st January, 14th & 15th August, 25th December

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