Madeira Theme Park
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The ‘Theme Park’ in Santana, opened to public in October 2004, is divided in several nucleuses and includes many attractions for young and old – tourists as well as locals – related to history, traditions and culture of the people of Madeira.
It covers an area of around 17 acres where visitors can find themed attractions such as a machine, which simulates the island's discovery, a 'zoom-in-zoom-out' circuit (with several references to local monuments or garments like the typical Madeiran hat 'gorro de orelhas' – a cap with long earflaps – in small and huge sizes), a smaller replica of the Monte train making the connection between these attractions, a bullock cart and a trip in one of the mini boats reminiscent of the Câmara de Lobos fishing boats.
In other parts of this village, visitors can practice radical sports (like cable sliding, bungee-jumping, wall climbing, etc.). There are also two restaurants and a bar, a car park and a souvenir shop.
The combination of its attractions and shows, its themes, the quality and variety of the services offered make the Madeira Theme Park a unique place where entertainment goes hand in hand with knowledge and appreciation of nature.
Enjoy a great day outdoors and learn something about Madeira’s culture and traditions at the same time! |
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Finally an aqua park on the island!
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Finally an aqua park on the island!
Madeira is improving every day and big investments are being made in leisure facilities both for locals and visitors to the island. One of the most recent is the aqua park in Santa Cruz. This facility, with capacity for over 1,000 people, boasts five toboggan rides and four fast slides, two swimming pools (one of which reserved for children), a lazy river running round the pools, a bar and locker rooms. Children and adults alike will surely spend enjoyable moments at Santa Cruz Aqua Park! |
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Horseriding
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Horseriding
If you want to do horseback riding on the island, there is a very good riding association (open from Tuesday to Sunday) to turn to for more information (address: Associação Hípica da Madeira at Quinta Vila Alpires - Caminho dos Pretos – Funchal). This association provides several training levels and organizes riding tours in the area.
There are also several private leisure companies offering horse riding on exciting adventure tours and private stables opened to public with horse riding courses. |
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Tennis & Squash
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Tennis & Squash
Besides all of its natural attractions, the beautiful island of Madeira offers excellent conditions for practising outdoor sports throughout the year.
Almost every bigger hotel resort has its own tennis court. Just inquire in the hotels. Squash courts you will find at Quinta Magnólia, Baía Azul Hotel, Alto Lido Hotel, Ocean Park Hotel, Eden Mar Hotel, Panorâmico Hotel, Clube Naval do Funchal, Madeira Regency Palace, Madeira Regency Club, Galomar and Onda Vital Club (the two latter are in Caniço de Baixo). |
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Golf
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Golf
Golf is available on two spectacular golf courses, both with lovely views and excellent conditions: the Palheiro Golf and the Santo da Serra Golf Club.
The Palheiro Golf has a course with 18 holes and was designed by Cabell Robinson. The Santo da Serra Golf Club has 27 holes and was designed by Robert Trent Jones. This latter hosts every year the Madeira Island Open (part of the PGA European Tour) and is rated as one of the best in Europe.
Porto Santo also has a golf course, inaugurated on the 1st of October 2004 and designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the former Spanish world champion golfer. It includes two 9-hole circuits and a 9-hole, illuminated pitch and putt course, plus a clubhouse, putting green and driving range. This is a course that can be played all year round |
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Whale & Dolphin Spotting Safaris
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Because of its unique location in the mid-ocean the island of Madeira is blessed with a very special event: the presence of visiting whales and dolphins, which has only recently been recognized as another asset to this beautiful holiday destination.
The year 2003 was an extraordinary year with regard to the number of Fin and Sei Whales to be spotted in the waters surrounding the island, where these species took up residence during the summer months. |
As just five kilometers off shore the ocean floor reaches a depth of more than 3,000 meters, Madeira’s waters close to the coast rapidly drop very deep, and on most days these ocean going creatures are swimming by right on your door step. In some years oceanic species of dolphins along with very rare Beaked Whales are also common to see in the waters of Madeira.
Apart from this breathtaking whale and dolphin spotting experience you will also get a glimpse of ocean wandering sea birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world!
Here are some of the species that can be spotted during these safaris: Fin Whale, Sperm Whale, Sei Whale, Pilot Whale, various kinds of Beaked Whale, Humpback Whale & many others; Oceanic Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Bottle Nose Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Rough Tooth Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin & many others.
The island of Madeira can make a whale and dolphin watcher’s dream come true! | |
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Helicopter Flights
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There is nothing like a ‘bird’s eye view’ if you want to discover the genuine beauty of the island of Madeira in all detail and this is exactly what ‘Heliatlantis’, the company, which is running the helicopter, has to offer.
Several sightseeing circuits are being operated everyday until sunset:
Bay of Funchal – 10 minutes
Curral das Freiras – 15 minutes
Cabo Girão – 15 minutes
East of Madeira – 30 minutes
West of Madeira – 30 minutes
Island Tour – 45 minutes
A minimum of 4 persons (maximum of 5) and good weather conditions are required for take off.
Flights to Porto Santo can also be organized. This package includes a two-way flight of about 45 minutes and a 2-hour stop in Porto Santo to give you the opportunity to visit Madeira’s neighbor island. Instead of flying back, it is also possible to return free of charge with the ferry ‘Lobo Marinho’. Please arrange this alternative with the ticket seller when booking your trip.
Interested in any of the above offered helicopter tours? Then just look out for the small Santana house at the liners’ pier (Pontinha) in the harbour of Funchal or call (from abroad dial +351 first) 291232882. |
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Reservation: reservation@lmho.net 
