GB Airways, operating as British Airways offers flights to 26 destinations in North Africa and Europe including Funchal. And of course, flying British Airways means you can take advantage of all the added benefits of our full scheduled service including complimentary food and bar service, seats allocated at check-in and convenient flying times.
For more information and to book go to www.ba.com
Madeira Introduction/Summary
Madeira is a lush, sub-tropical paradise, uniquely different in feel from its parent country, Portugal. In fact, Madeira is closer to Morocco than to Portugal.
Populated as long ago as the early 15th century, Funchal is still the only town of any size on the island. Much of the mountainous and volcanic interior remains remote even to this day although it`s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, remains a popular attraction for walkers.
Essential Information
Banks:
Opening hours: 8.30 to 3pm Monday to Friday. Some branches in tourist areas close at 6pm.
Currency:
Since January 1 2002, Portugal has been trading in Euros.
Changing money, credit cards:
Money can be changed at banks, hotels and bureaux de change. The cheapest way is to use electronic currency machines outside most banks. Travellers cheques are expensive to cash, Eurocheques with a Euro cheque card are a cheaper alternative.
Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted and can be used to withdraw money.
Differences in time:
The time in Portugal is the same as the UK - GMT from end of October until end of March. From April to end October Portugal is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
Places to go/Things to see
Cathedral in Funchal:
The cathedral, completed in the early 16th century is one of the few buildings in Madeira to remain virtually untouched since the island`s colonisation.
Museu de Arte Sacra- Museum containing some masterpieces including Flemish paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Monte- Monte is famous for its wicker-basket toboggan ride. The Monte Palace Gardens are worth seeing for the maze layout, fountains, bridges and cascades.
Caniçal- Once the centre for whaling in Madeira. The old headquarters for whaling is now the Museu da Baleia, a whaling museum.
Ribeiro Frio- A picturesque location which marks the starting point for two of the best walks on Madeira.
Pico Ruivo- Madeira`s highest mountain is accessible only by foot and not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
Porto Moniz- Porto Moniz is a series of warm natural rockpools.
Shops:
Opening hours: 9am until 7pm, but smaller shops in quieter areas usually close for lunch between 1pm and 3pm. Shopping centres are usually open from 10am until 11pm.
Medical Treatment:
Emergency medical treatment is available for all EU nationals by obtaining an E111 form before you travel. Forms are available from Post Offices and the Department of Health. Medical insurance is recommended.
Electric Current:
Voltage is 220 volts and plugs have 2 round pins.
Water:
Bottled water is recommended
Tipping:
Where service is not included tip restaurant staff 10 per cent.
Telephones:
Coin phones take euro coins. Phone cards can be purchased from post offices, Portugal Telecom outlets, tobacconists and newsagents. To call abroad dial 00 then the country code. Directory enquiries number is 118 and international directory enquiries is 098.
Post Offices:
The postal service is called correios. Opening hours: 8.30am until 6.30pm Monday to Friday. In city centres they are open from 8am until 10pm from Monday until Friday.
Stamps can be bought from post offices of from any shop displaying the Correios logo.
Cathedral in Funchal:
The cathedral, completed in the early 16th century is one of the few buildings in Madeira to remain virtually untouched since the island`s colonisation.
Museu de Arte Sacra- Museum containing some masterpieces including Flemish paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Monte- Monte is famous for its wicker-basket toboggan ride. The Monte Palace Gardens are worth seeing for the maze layout, fountains, bridges and cascades.
Caniçal- Once the centre for whaling in Madeira. The old headquarters for whaling is now the Museu da Baleia, a whaling museum.
Ribeiro Frio- A picturesque location which marks the starting point for two of the best walks on Madeira.
Pico Ruivo- Madeira`s highest mountain is accessible only by foot and not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
Porto Moniz- Porto Moniz is a series of warm natural rockpools.
Shops:
Opening hours: 9am until 7pm, but smaller shops in quieter areas usually close for lunch between 1pm and 3pm. Shopping centres are usually open from 10am until 11pm.
Medical Treatment:
Emergency medical treatment is available for all EU nationals by obtaining an E111 form before you travel. Forms are available from Post Offices and the Department of Health. Medical insurance is recommended.
Electric Current:
Voltage is 220 volts and plugs have 2 round pins.
Water:
Bottled water is recommended
Tipping:
Where service is not included tip restaurant staff 10 per cent.
Telephones:
Coin phones take euro coins. Phone cards can be purchased from post offices, Portugal Telecom outlets, tobacconists and newsagents. To call abroad dial 00 then the country code. Directory enquiries number is 118 and international directory enquiries is 098.
Post Offices:
The postal service is called correios. Opening hours: 8.30am until 6.30pm Monday to Friday. In city centres they are open from 8am until 10pm from Monday until Friday.
Stamps can be bought from post offices of from any shop displaying the Correios logo.