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Madeira flower

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Things to see and do in Madeira

Deep-sea fishing

Madeira is famed for its big catch, particularly blue marlin. A number of companies offer fishing tours to suit all budgets and tastes. Special charters can be arranged for groups.

Funchal

Funchal (www.cm-funchal.pt) has a remarkable 16th-century Cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art and Botanical Gardens - five hectares (12 acres) of terraced hillside, planted with species from around the globe.

Golf

The 27-hole Campo de Golfe do Santo da Serra (www.santodaserragolf.com) and 18-hole Palheiro (www.palheirogolf.com) offer unrivalled ocean views from cliff top heights.

Machico

Machico has 15th-century parish church, the Chapel of Miracles (a place of pilgrimage) and the small but picturesque 18th-century fort.

Madeira wine

There are many distinct varieties of the world-famous Madeira wine to be sampled. The grapes are pressed where they are grown and carried down the hills in goatskin bags by porters. The famous Madeira Wine Festival takes place annually in September.

Nossa Senhora de Monte

The cable car from Funchal to Monte leads to the Nossa Senhora de Monte church. On 15 August, it becomes a centre of pilgrimage when worshippers climb the 74 steps on their hands and knees.

Pico Ruivo

The top of the island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,861m/6,106ft) has spectacular views but for ones reached less strenuously, head toward the top of Pico do Arieiro (1,818m/5,965ft), partially accessible by road.

Santana

Santana is the most visited village on the island, known for its fairytale triangular-shaped houses or palheiros.

The levadas

The levadas are a network of ancient irrigation channels stretching some 2,130km (1,333 miles) across the island's slopes. The coastal path offers great hiking and dramatic panoramas, whilst tranquil terraced valleys await further inland.

Tobogganing

Toboggans carry tourists with two men using ropes to control the wide carro, a large wicker basket mounted on wooden runners. Runs to Funchal are located in Monte and Terreiro da Luta.

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