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Madeira is an archipelago that includes the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. The rest of the islands are considered uninhabited. Madeira International Airport (also known as Cristiano Ronaldo Airport) is one of the largest in Portugal. It is located not far from the city of Funchal, the administrative center and main port in Madeira. This airport is on the list of the most dangerous in the world: it is difficult to land here because of the surrounding mountains. In 2000, a flyover strip was built here, which greatly facilitated the landing.
People go to Madeira for leisurely walks along the levadas and contemplation of nature. In addition to mountains, parks, gardens and unusual beaches, it is worth appreciating the original architecture of local buildings.
There is a relic laurel forest (according to scientists, it is 2 million years old), the volcanic caves of Sao Vicente, Praia Formosa beach and nearby volcanic pools and more. From the highest cape in Europe, Cabo Girao, in good weather, a stunning view opens up, moreover, the floor of the observation deck is transparent, which creates the effect of hovering over the abyss. The hiking trail to the easternmost point at Cape San Lorenzo passes through a nature reserve.
The Botanical Garden is the pride of Madeira. It is located in Funchal and occupies about 35 thousand m². More than 2,000 plants grow on its territory, many of which are rare and endangered. Another park is planted around the Palheiro estate, which consists of themed gardens (Blandy Gardens): the French Garden, the Sunken Garden, the Lady's Garden, the Rosary, etc. The Tropical Garden (Monte Garden) impresses with an east-style park and an azulejo exhibition.
In Funchal, it is worth seeing the Cathedral of Se, the monastery of St. Clara and the palace-fortress of St. Lorenzo. One of the streets of Funchal has been turned into a work of art — all the doors and shutters on Santa Maria are painted by local artists. A lot of houses in the old center of Funchal are decorated with azulejos — Portuguese tiles. In Porto Santo, it is worth seeing the house of Columbus, the church of Largo do Pelourinho, the Town Hall and windmills.
The best way to get to the tourist centers from Madeira Airport is to take public transport or a rental car.
From the airport, shuttles depart from the arrivals area and travel to Formosa Beach, stopping at hotels along the way. The shuttle reaches the final point in about 45 minutes. To get from Madeira Airport to city of Funchal takes about 20 minutes. You can buy a ticket on the spot for cash.
Keep in mind that shuttles are not a private transfer, but a public one. You will have to wait: first, the departure time, because the routes run on schedule, and then (if your hotel is not the closest to the airport) until other passengers are transported along the way. This is inconvenient, especially if you are traveling with children, who should not be disturbed in their sleep schedule and a tiring road is undesirable.
There are regular buses in Madeira, both urban and heading between cities. The routes of some buses include stops at Madeira Airport: these are buses 113, 113RS, 156, 20, 208, 53, 23. Most of them go from Madeira Airport to city of Funchal or the nearest cities.
Keep in mind that most of the buses do not run on weekends and holidays, and getting somewhere further than Funchal is problematic at this time. You can wait for the bus for more than one hour, which definitely will not make the trip better: in the midst of the beauty of Madeira, you will want to see the sights as soon as possible, but not wait at the bus stop till the grass grow under one's feet.
Car service in Airport Madeira are available for travelers. The car can be booked in advance or taken upon arrival. But Madeira has prepared a surprise for non-local drivers — the roads on the island are narrow and winding, there are steep climbs and sharp descents. Here, on unexpected turns, it is easy to run off the road, visibility is limited on mountain roads, and it is difficult to miss large buses in narrow tunnels. The reason for this is the rocky terrain. If you do not have a lot of driving experience and desire to steer the rollercoaster, the best way to get somewhere is book a private airport transfer.
You can catch a taxi from Madeira Airport to city of Funchal and regions right at the arrivals terminal. It is not always possible to calculate the cost of a trip in advance: at night, on weekends and holidays the rates are higher. Additional charges apply for luggage or pets. It is not easy to get a taxi from Madeira Airport: there is a possibility that you can find the right car in the parking lot. For example, a minibus for a large company or a car with a child seat. You can book a taxi from Madeira Airport with the necessary capabilities through the service, but the range of such cars is small and they can already be booked: you have to wait until they are free, wasting time and patience.
To book Madeira airport transfers is the best way to get to the hotel or areas of the island.
Book and pay online. You will immediately know the cost of the trip, even before the trip itself. When booking a car online, a private airport transfer is reserved only for you. You will immediately see the final price of a car service in Airport Madeira and will be protected from unpleasant surprises.
Meeting at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a name plate and walked to the car. When booking a Madeira airport transfers, you will know how long your trip will last — so you will plan your journey in detail and will not be late anywhere. You will calmly sit down and go to the specified address on time.
Large selection of cars. You can choose a car class, a car for a large number of passengers and non-standard luggage. On Intui travel there are Madeira airport transfers for all your staff and small cars with roomy trunks. If you are traveling with children, you can pre-book child seats and boosters — everything for comfortable trips with a private airport transfer.
Excellent pickup on time.