What do to in Madeira in March
It’s March in Madeira and Spring is around the corner. There’s less rain than in the previous months, flowers start to pop up by the side of the roads, and the days feel longer and warmer. If you’re coming to Madeira in March, here’s a few activities I recommend.
Walk the levadas while everything’s still ridiculously green
Back in January and February, I recommended sticking to a few wide levadas without much elevation. However, March could be the right time to explore other routes. After the generous rain at the beginning of the year, the mountains are green, luscious and, dare I say, jungle-like.
Levadas like Caldeirão Verde look extra lush and theatrical, with mossy walls, behemoth trees, small waterfalls, and that fresh, clean air you only get in the untouched laurissilva. Other popular levadas, like Levada do Rabaçal and 25 Fontes, are also on the cards again.
Plus it’s not peak season yet, which means you can enjoy the trails without feeling like you’ve joined a school trip. If you want to explore the path less travelled, Levada do Rei is a solid, easy-going pick. Levada dos Cedros also brilliant for that misty Fanal atmosphere.
Go Dolphin and whale watching
By March, the worst Atlantic tantrums are usually behind us. We’ve had our fair share of storms this year, but the ocean finally seems to have calmed down. Boats are going out almost every day from Funchal’s pier: you can either show up there or buy your tickets here.
I always recommend spending a day at sea to rest your legs from all the walking and hiking. Plus, the ocean is as big a part of Madeira as the mountains. In fact, if anything, it’s more untouched. You can truly witness nature in action when you’re on the water.
Dive in Garajau or explore a sunken ship
If you don’t love the idea of hopping on a boat, you can always try diving or snorkeling. Depending on your level of expertise, there are several options. You can explore the marine life in shallow waters at Garajau’s Natural Reserve or take a deeper dive to a sunken ship practically below Cabo Girão.
Hop on Santa Maria do Colombo
Speaking of ships, you can also hop into Santa Maria do Colombo to get a feel of what caravels were like during the Age of Discovery. And if that sails your boat, you can also visit the Madeira Story Centre in Funchal. The museum offers an interactive display of what life was like in the old days.
Attend the Madeira Music Festival For an Evening
March also has that “culture is back on the calendar” energy, and the Madeira Music Festival is the neatest example of it. The XXXIX (that’s 39th) edition runs from 7 to 28 March, with concerts across different venues, so it’s likely you can catch at least one of those if you’re coming to Madeira in March.
Even if you’re not normally a classical-music person, I’d urge you to try. You can have an early dinner, attend a concert at a local venue, support local musicians, and take a gentle stroll afterwards. Besides, you’re supposed to try things you don’t usually do on holidays, isn’t that right?
Experience Festa da Anona in Faial: your last call for cherimoya season
Cherimoyas are one of my favourite tropical fruits in Madeira. The texture is creamy, and the flavour tastes like a mix of banana and pineapple, mixed with a hint of vanilla bean. When ripe, it’s incredibly sweet. However they’re a Winter fruit, and March is one of the last opportunities to try them.
If you want to try them, head to Exposição Regional da Anona (Regional Cherimoya Exhibition) in Faial from February 28th to March 1st. It’s a lively party that will give you a local taste in more ways than one. Besides cherimoyas, there will be liqueurs, puddings, ice cream, smoothies, traditional music, and folk dances. It’s a lively event.
Try to Experience Funchal like a local
If there’s a day when the weather’s a bit undecided, or you’re feeling tired, I suggest trying to experience Funchal like a local. Go to the market, have a traditional lunch (something with milho ou molho vilão), do some shopping. Perhaps spend the afternoon at the Lido pool or play tennis at Jardim da Magnólia.
Then, finish you day with a brisa or ice cream by the beach. These are the little things you’re going to remember when you go back home!
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