Designat för att kopiera den ursprungliga Santa Maria som förde Christopher Columbus till Amerika 1492, har detta massiva fartyg blivit ett resmål för både marina älskare och historiaentusiaster. Med två resor dagligen kan besökare utforska Madeiras sydkust medan de tar en tur tillbaka i tiden. Tre timmars resor reser längs västra sidan av Funchal och stannar vid Cabo Girao, den högsta kusten på kontinenten.
Resor inkluderar tid för ett naturskönt dopp samt prov på Madeira-vin och lokal honungskaka. Det finns också en god chans att de ombord på Santa Maria kommer att upptäcka valar, delfiner och annat marint liv medan de är på turné.
Constructed in the small fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the Santa Maria de Colombo aims to bring 15th-century maritime history to life. The replica vessel is based on historical documents and makes an impressive spectacle on the water. The 72-foot (22-meter) ship is built from mahogany and features a 53-foot (16-meter) mast along with multiple sails.
You can admire the recreated galleon from the shore, or hop on board for a trip around Madeira’s southern coast. To beat the crowds and make your sailing experience even simpler, secure your tickets online before you travel. The cruise along the coast makes stops for swimming breaks during the summer.
The Santa Maria de Colombo is located on Funchal’s waterfront, along the city’s marina, at Loja 3. The ticket office is situated separately just steps away. The marina is only moments from central Funchal and can be reached by taxi, by bike, by local bus services, or on foot.
Daily tours are offered from 10:30am–1:30pm and from 3–6pm. Book tickets online in advance to simplify your experience and guarantee a reservation.
In addition to the Santa Maria de Colombo, there are other transportation options for exploring Funchal’s coast. For a luxury experience, book a whale- or dolphin-spotting trip on a catamaran, join a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the city’s waterfront highlights, or book an excursion just beyond city limits to the Cabo Girão Skywalk: a glass-bottomed lookout point on one of the island’s highest sea cliffs.