Things To Do in Canico de Baixo

This smart, traditional hotel dishes up a smart, traditional-style bar. It’s a sizeable place – you can sit up at the bar and have the barman fix you a cocktail, or take a seat at one of the green lounge chairs. And the spacious outdoor terrace, with its palms and sea views, is the perfect spot for a sundowner.

You’ll find a handful of quality restaurants in the village above Canico de Baixo. These tend to be cosy little places with terraces and knockout views. Food-wise, you’ll find a mix of fish and international dishes. But do look out for traditional specialities like espetada – skewered meat prepared with garlic and salt. And the local tuna is perfect served grilled with a glass of Madeiran rosé.

The Madeira countryside is full of what are known as levadas. These irrigation channels – they’re a bit like mini canals – date back to the 16^th century. You can follow them through rolling green hills, valleys and ravines. The lush countryside round here just begs to be explored on foot, and this way you can reach places you can’t access by car.

In Canico de Baixo you won’t find much beyond a couple of minimarts and souvenir shops. There are bigger supermarkets up in the village, plus the Canico Shopping Centre, with its bowling alley. Funchal, meanwhile, delivers a bigger choice of markets and malls. Try the colourful Workers’ Market where, among other things, you can pick up fancy embroidery and leather goods.

You’ll get big portions and an authentic atmosphere at this Brazilian restaurant on Canico’s main street. Go for the radizio – a choice of grilled, skewered meats served up with black beans, rice and spiced cabbage. Service-wise, they really go that extra mile here – on arrival you’ll get a free glass of Madeira, plus they’ll even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

This little island has built a reputation for its amazing floral displays. They’re at their best in spring, so it’s no coincidence that this is when this annual celebration of all things blooming happens. There are parades and floats, along with flower carpets and some of the most elaborate shop windows you’ll ever see. The scent is something to remember, too.

Canico de Baixo is known for its watersports, in particular its windsurfing and waterskiing. But this is also one of Madeira’s best diving spots. Just off the coast you’ve got Garajau, Portugal’s only national marine park. There are caves and grottoes to explore, and you’ll likely spot turtles, barracuda and manta rays.