Madeira: Culture, Crafts and the Zêzere Landscape
Accommodation in Madeira
Traditional architecture shapes the character of Madeirã’s historic center; many buildings are inhabited and well preserved. When planning your trip to Madeira, you can also explore local specialties, craft traditions and the landscape along the Zêzere. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your trip.
Culture and the townscape
The Capela do Senhor Jesus de Vale Terreiro is worth a visit. Listed as Capela Sr. Jesus Vale Terreiro in the 2015 municipal plan, it is part of Madeirã’s cultural heritage. This brings together two distinct cultural perspectives: the traditional center as a whole and a specific, named religious building. If you’re interested in local history, you can take both aspects into account when planning your trip.
Regional specialties
Bolo de Mel is a local specialty associated with Madeirã; the production of Aguardente de Medronho is also strongly connected to the area. Cavacas are part of Oleiros’ culinary tradition and are especially common in the parishes of Madeirã and Estreito-Vilar Barroco. Their dough is hollow and not sweet, and they are topped with a white cream made from whipped egg whites and sugar. Their geographic associations therefore differ: Bolo de Mel and Aguardente de Medronho are associated with Madeirã, while the Cavacas tradition is especially widespread in Estreito-Vilar Barroco too.
Wool and traditional crafts
At the Arte para Amanhã workshop, wool is spun by hand. It can be worked in its natural color or dyed, resulting in both subtle and bold color combinations. Workshops on wool spinning and soap making are often held there. If you’re interested in a workshop, arrange the details directly with the workshop in advance. Another example of traditional processing is the old Lagar de varas in Madeirã: an olive press with a beam mechanism. The name refers to a specific design in which a beam forms part of the pressing mechanism.
Exploring the Zêzere
The GR33 – Grande Rota do Zêzere begins in the municipality of Oleiros, at the Garganta do Zêzere in Admoço, and follows the river to Madeirã. It offers a different way to experience the landscape from the scenic road between Madeirã and Casal Novo, which is designed for viewing the Zêzere Valley. There is also a panoramic view of the Meandros do Zêzere from a location in Madeirã. The Geositio Meandros do Zêzere extends, among other places, across the parish of Madeirã in the municipality of Oleiros, as well as areas of Pampilhosa da Serra and Fundão. The view of the Meandros from a location in Madeirã and the wider extent of the Geositio can therefore be considered as distinct points of reference. For cyclists, a route between Vilar dos Condes and Madeirã is also included on a tourist cycling map.
Discover more destinations: Ribeira Da Vaca, São Roque do Faial, Calheta, Arco De Sao Jorge, Porto Santo, Curral Das Freiras, Jardim Do Mar, Ponta Do Sol.
Back to the main travel overview: Madeira.
