10 Top Attractions in Madeira to Visit on a Rainy Day

Madeira is an island with a rich history. Many museums can be found, all with their unique approach to educating visitors. There’s also great shopping centres to sate your need for retail therapy. On the rare chance that you experience wet weather, here is our list of 10 top attractions in Madeira to visit to pass the time. Rain is usually short-lived in Madeira so explore these highlights during any weather.

Photo by: aldorado/Adobe Stock

1. Madeira Story Centre

Rua D. Carlos I Nº 27-29, 9060-051 Funchal

This museum in the Old Town lays the history of Madeira bare. From the island’s volcanic creation through to recent times, discover all there is to know. It takes a unique approach using sounds and smells. The shop sells locally made crafts and souvenirs. The café has typical Madeiran dishes for you to enjoy during your visit.

2. Fórum Shopping Centre/MadeiraShopping

Estrada Monumental 390, 9004-568 Funchal, Portugal/Caminho Santa Quitéria 44, 9020-119 Funchal

Get your retail therapy within the 80 shops at the Fórum Centre. Relax at restaurants or catch a film in the cinema. The rooftop gardens create a base for some great views. Alternatively, the largest shopping centre in Madeira, MadeiraShopping (enable Google Translate), can be found in Santa Quitéria. Wander around the 100 shops or book a treatment at one of the beauty centres.

3. Madeira Film Experience

Rua Conselheiro José Silvestre, 1, Marina Shopping, 9000-060 Funchal

Here you’ll learn the history of Madeira in a different way. The complete 30-minute audio-visual experience can be translated into five different languages. The guide through 600 years of Madeiran history covers all you need to know about the island’s civilisation and culture.

4. Electricity Museum

Rua da Casa da Luz 2, 9050-029 Funchal

The old Funchal power plant closed in 1989 and the Museu da Electricidade took over the premises. You’ll discover rare models of machinery and equipment that’s over 50 years old. Journey through the evolution of street lights comparing oil-run versions to modern electrical ones.

5. Museum of Natural History

Rua da Mouraria 31, 9004-546 Funchal

Pay a visit to the oldest museum on the island. It was established by natural history researcher, Adolfo César, in the 1850s. He was known for his articles on Madeiran zoology. Since then the collections within the museum have grown. There’s a special collection of volcanic rocks and even an aquarium on the first floor.

Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Photo by: Kushnirov Avraham/Adobe Stock

6. Whale Museum

Rua Garcia Moniz, nº1, Vila do Caniçal

Whaling was a large part of many fishermen’s lives until the International Whaling Commission banned it in 1982. Fishermen donated much of their equipment and tools to help the museum teach about their whaling past. They turned from hunting the whales to helping protect them when the waters were made a marine mammal sanctuary in 1987. The museum also holds examples of crafts and artwork made from whale bones and teeth. Compare the life-sized whale model and a fishing boat for an idea of just how dangerous whaling was.

7. Museum of Madeira Wine

Instituto do Vinho da Madeira, Rua 5 de Outubro, 78, 9000 Funchal

There are several wine-based activities for wine lovers to try. The first is a visit to the museum housed within the Madeira Wine Institute. This organisation controls quality and trade regulations for Madeiran wine. Learn more about the island’s wine history, production, export and instruments. The museum aims to fill the gaps in many wine handbooks, such as the types of wood used for barrels and methods of early wine production. Plus, it’s completely free of charge to visit!

8. Blandy’s Wine Lodge

Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal

Another wine-based activity is a visit to Blandy’s. The eastern warehouse holds wine which dates as early as the 1920s. Artefacts inside include letters from Winston Churchill and the island’s oldest lager (17th century). The tasting room contains murals painted by German artist Max Romer. There are three different wine tours available lasting between 30 – 60 minutes. All finish in the best way, with a tasting. Sample delightful cuisine at the 1811 bistro and wine bar.

9. Christopher Columbus Museum (Casa Museu Cristóvão Colombo)

Travessa da Sacristia, 2-4, 9400-176 lha De Porto Santo

People believe this is Columbus’s Porto Santo home, although it’s not proven. Learn more about his life here where he married and had a child before setting off to make incredible discoveries. Explore the house which contains diagrams of his journeys, copies of 15th and 16th-century maps, and a model of one of his boats.

10. Santa Clara Culture Centre (Universo de Memórias)

Calçada do Pico 2-4, 9000-206 São Pedro, Funchal

Known as the Universe of Memories, this museum is more a house of oddities. The collection of decorative arts come personally from the Secretary of Tourism and Culture, João Carlos Abreu. His trips around the world as a politician, journalist, artist, and more has led to a stunning collection of memorabilia. The 14-roomed attraction features over 10,000 pieces. There are over 600 horse sculptures within the Horse Room alone, and 1000 ties in the Tie Room. It’s worth a look for something a bit different.

Photo by: Vlada Z/Adobe Stock

Explore the 10 top attractions in Madeira your way

Hiring a car in Madeira is the best way to explore. Having the ability to travel where you want, when you want leads to a more relaxed visit. In Madeira, at the time of writing Zest work with the suppliers Rodavante, Insularcar, Hertz, Madeira Rent, and Guerin. Cars from Rodavante can be collected throughout the island. The most popular location to hire from is Funchal Airport, where you can collect vehicles from any of the suppliers listed. All bookings in Madeira have a free additional driver included.

What highlights and attractions in Madeira would you recommend? Have you visited any in our list? Let us know in the comments.

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