Going on holiday to Madeira next week, advice please!?

Question

I am going to punta do sol on Christmas eve for a week with my boyfriend, can't wait! I just have a few questions that i was hoping someone could help me with.

1)How cheap are the taxis in Madeira? we can't drive but would like to see round most of the island or travel between our hotel and Funchal.

2) does anyone know of a good company that does deep sea fishing or horse riding?

3) Where is the best place to go in Madeira to find out about all the excursions/activities?
4) Is there a church in punta do sol that I could go to midnight mass at on christmas eve? I would realy like to if i could

5)lastly on our first night we have a christmas gala dinner.Is it usually necessary for men to wear suits?

thank you

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Hello!! I'm from Madeira!!!
Ok in Madeira the taxi isn't very cheap, from the airport to Funchal, it's about 25, 30 euros and Pontal the Sol is far from the airport! Try to get a transfer it will get cheaper!!
Ask in the reception of the hotel for sea fishing or in Lido that's in Estrada Monumental they do it there and it's beautiful! Horse ridding is in Quinta do Palheiro!!
In Funchal, there is a place for turist information....in Avenida Zarco! They speak english and have loads of information!!
In ponta do sol must have a church... i'm not sure where exactly but ask in the reception! another interesting thing thill 23th december there is a ceremony called "Missa do Parto" it starts 9 days before the 24th representing the 9 months the Virgin Mary was expecting Her Baby! Its very earlier!! about 5.00 am but you wont regret! afterwards people usually drink and eat near the church!! ask for that too!! and in the 24th at midnight it's called "Missa do Galo" very beautifull too!! But please take very warm jackets it can be very cold!
Yes men wear suits in Christmas Eve!
Have fun on my beautiful island Ive been far away for 10 months and I miss it so much I bet you won't regret!!

Answer 2

Hey i went there duringthe summer! Its a really nice place! 1) Taxis are pretty cheap though its pretty easy to walk or get the bus to some places.
2) On the marine front in Funchal there are loads of things to do out at sea so dont worry bout that.
3) Theres an infomation point in a couple of places in funchal and also if ur staying in a hotel they shouldgiveu lots of leaflets. But if not, get a book on Madiera before u go, DK do a good one.
4) not sure about the church or dinner suits.
If u need more info theres loads of sites on the internet of things to do.
have a good time!
this site may help
http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/thing…

Answer 3

Ask at the hotel, they know better than anybody else.
Have fun.

Answer 4

I went to Madeira in August, and we stayed at Cabo Girao. When you're on the island, make sure you do the nature things as well as the shops. There was a lovely restaurant in Funchal that sold the local specialties, including limpets and the big beef kebab things (I forget the name). The only thing I hated was that they blitz their vegetables until they're all mushy. We went to see the caves on the other side of the island, and also to Santana to see the traditional houses. The beaches are volcanic, so black, but lovely. There is a man-made beach too, but we didn't go there. I am told taxis are really expensive there, but the busses are apparently reliable.

Answer 5

Ponta do Sol ... is my favorite place on Madeira Island. I think it will be a great choice to spend Christmas days there.

1) I am not sure about the prices in Ponta do Sol. I know that in Funchal they ask for a 4-seater Taxi €9.78 initial charge and then €27.14 for each hour. There is a taxi stand in the Vila do Ponta do Sol. Ask first how much it cost an excursion and try to negotiate.

2) For horse riding I think you need to go to Santo da Serra ... think there is a horse riding club there. For deep sea fishing at Calheta Marina you will find a bar/restaurant called Mad Era. If you are there ... ask for Charlie, the captain of Savage. He might give you some hints. And to make things more interesting ask for Mark, captain of the boat Magic (also in Calheta marina). Two competitors ... so lets see what they suggest.

3) I think the Madeira Tourism at Avenida Arriaga 18 (Funchal) will be the best place to start. On the web I have a collection of links to all kind of informational sites about Madeira .... maybe you can find also some info there: http://del.icio.us/madeira

4) You could even join the ‘Misa do Parto’ (the mass of giving birth) which starts around 5h00-6h00 in the morning ... a few days before Christmas.

5) You should ask the host of the gala dinner. Locals are used to wear gala outfits, but island visitors are somewhat 'excused' to these rules and wearing a tie is sufficient.

Hope you enjoy your stay on Madeira. This will be our third Christmas on the island .... and it is still exciting.