Canico Holidays

Canico Basics

Getting to Canico - Fly from London and all main regional airports from the UK to Madeira Airport (FNC). Flight time is typically 3hrs 50 mins to 4hrs 10 mins. To get to Canico, transfer by car is approximately 10 minutes. 

When to go - One of Madeira's biggest draws is its weather with day time highs rarely getting below 20 degrees. This makes it a great year round destination especially those looking to experience the island's beautiful outdoors. 

Getting around - A regular bus service from Canico connects to the island's capital, Funchal.

Weather - Funchal offers a warm subtropical climate throughout the year. Summers are typically hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees. Spring and autumn are relatively dry with temperatures rarely getting betlow 20 degrees whilst winter is wetter but still warm with day time highs of 20 degrees.

What to do in Canico

Miradouro Cristo Rei do Garajau: Towering high on Canico's headland, is the 14m tall sculpture of Christ. Sculptured by two French artists in 1927, you'll be forgiven for thinking it's a copy of Rio's Christ the Redeemer, but this is actually older. It sits within the older part of the town above the Garajau Marine Reserve. If you continue out along the path to the tip of the peninsula, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views of the Bay of Funchal. A cable car also takes you down to the best beach in Canico, a pebbly yet picturesque affair.

Diving - Canico is the home of diving on the island of Madeira. A number of dive centres can be found here, aided by the spectacular wildlife of the Garajau marine reserve as well as relatively sheltered and warm seas. Visibility is also one of the many draws of diving in this area with crystal clear waters. great visibility. Groupers and rays can be found in abundance. Diving here is unique and includes 65kg groups that lay on their side for you to scratch their belly!

Palheiro Gardens: Only 10 minutes drive from Canico on the eastern fringe of Funchal is the delightful Palheiro Gardens. Situated on an estate owned by the famous winemaking Blandy family since 1885, it's been a highlight for many visitors looking to experience an incredible diverse variery of plants.Hibiscus and Bougainvillea  are in flower almost all the year round along with Jacaranda, Spathodeas, Erythrinas and Bauhinias in their season. A regular bus from Funchal provides easy access throughout the year.

Levada da Serra do Faial: There are around 200 Levadas in Madeira, unique water channels that transport water across the island. Think of them as small canals, with excellent walking paths or trails running adjacent to them.  The Levada da Serra do Faial is around 6 miles in length taking you through ancient forest with magnificent views of Funchal and the ocean below. The starting point is a 20 minute drive from Canico. For me information visit the WalkMeGuide.

Day Trips from Canico

Monte and the Cable Car: Monte is one of the Madeira's most popular and symbolic places. Located above Funchal, start your journey with a 15 minute cable car ride, rising 560m over green slopes with stunning vistas over the city. On arrival you'll find the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, home to over 100,000 plants from across the world. It's located at the Quinta Monte Palace, a beautful mansion with fairytale like grounds.

Wine: Another emblematic symbol of Madeira is its wine. The sweet fortified wine's unique taste comes from repeatedly heating the wine and is one of a few wines that hasn't changed in 300 years. There are several wine museums and cellars on the island, however Blandy's Wine Lodge in Funchal is the one to visit, where you can not only learn about its great history but also sample the various styles of wine.

Pico do Airiero: The third highest peak on the island at 1,818m and the most popular sunrise spot, its views are unsuprisingly awe-inspiiring especially when looking out above a sea of clouds. For more experienced hikers, one of the most spectacular trails from Pico do Arieiro is the 7km (4 hour) walk to the second highest peak at 1,862m Pico Ruivo, making your way through cliffs, tunnels and steep slopes.

Explore more of the Island: Madeira may only be a small island but there's so much to see. A great way to see more of Madeira is to take a tour which includes the highlights of a certain part of the island. Western Madeira includes beautiful fishing villages, high sea cliffs (580m!), lush green valleys and moutains. Whilst the east allows you to experience culture, history and traditions.