Holidays to Madeira

A chance to get back to nature

An exclusive island Madeira boasts amazing scenery with subtropical weather. Holidays to Madeira not only offer old colonial charisma and rich history, this island is truly an upmarket destination. Madeira is not a real favourite for sandy beaches due to its rocky, pebbly coastline but a two-hour trip over to Porto Santo could have you basking in its soft, luxurious white sands. Madeira is a true haven to nature lovers, walkers and hikers; holidays to Madeira attract travellers keen to explore the history and culture of this beautiful peaceful island. To absorb this gorgeous island fully, Funchal the capital of Madeira offers a balloon trip giving a magnificent perspective of this whole island.

For tourists who want to get back to nature, Madeira is top of their list of destinations. The beauty of the island cannot be beaten; with its sprawling mountains, deep blue sea and cliffs to explore, it’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to discover the great outdoors.

It is this natural beauty, which has earned Madeira the reputation of being ‘the floating garden’. Everywhere you look; there are bright flowers and vast valleys creating a peaceful destination.

The island is situated in the North Atlantic, 560 miles from Portugal and 370 miles off the coast of Morocco. Madeira holidays can cater to all sorts of tastes; for travellers wanting to experience the vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city, then a stay in Funchal is recommended. A rich history and a bustling centre, Funchal has plenty to discover and the mountain views are spectacular too. For a more tranquil trip, there is the coast to discover. The coastline with its rugged rocks, blue sea and stunning cliffs really has to be seen to be believed.

And for the more adventurous tourists, there are the mountains to explore further inland, which completely contrast with the warm, sunny and bright surroundings of the coast.

Hints and tips for your Maderia holiday

Holidays in Maderia are the ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a quiet stroll around some beautiful countryside or an active trip packed full of fishing, hiking and diving; Madeira has it all. With the mountains, valleys, cliffs and blue seas, Madeira is not just a floating garden; it is also a floating playground for any adult who wants to get back to nature and make the most of the great outdoors.

Eating out in Madeira

With it being an island with an active marine life, fish is the order of the day in Madeira. The fertile land also means fresh produce is always available to accompany your fish. In Madeira, the laid back atmosphere means that sitting down for a good meal is just a way of life. And of course, there is no point eating out in Madeira unless you are going to sample their famous wine. There are plenty of varieties to choose from; all with a very distinct taste.

Travel in Madeira

The key to getting the most out of your holidays in Madeira is by exploring it thoroughly. There are plenty of coach tours which can take you right into the mountains and of course, you can always hire a vehicle of your own if you fancy tackling the mountains yourself. As well as exploring Madeira, a ferry link can allow you to make the most of mainland Portugal too.

Madeira attractions

There is nothing more magical than spotting dolphins and whales swimming in the sea. And that’s exactly what visitors on Madeira holidays can enjoy. Some years have seen very rare beaked whales as well as oceanic dolphins making a splash just off the coast.

For visitors who want to find out a little more about our scaly friends, Madeira holds some great diving opportunities. The waters here are crystal clear and that makes for some beautiful sites underwater. Divers often come across barracudas , rays and mantas as they explore the deep blue sea.

Visitors often find that the best way to discover the island on their holidays in Madeira is by bike. The island boasts some great bike trails that make for an ideal way of making the most of the great outdoors and those spectacular panoramic views which Madeira has plenty of. For real mountain bike enthusiasts, the island also has a bike park in Porto Moniz, with jumps and courses to try out.

For those who don’t like travelling on two wheels, exploring the island by foot is just as rewarding. The scenery as you tackle the challenging routes is truly breathtaking with mountains, waterfalls and forestry adding to the magic of the experience. The volcanic island has become legendary among hikers because of the wonderful opportunities it offers and a favourite walk to take is along the Levadas.

Things not to miss

Take the trip of a lifetime on a carro de cesto street toboggan. This is an absolute must during Madeira holidays. Sit in the toboggan and slide at high speed down the hill on the winding streets all the way to Funchal. You will be seated in a wicker sledge and pushed and steered by two drivers

After the thrill of the toboggan ride down the hill to Funchal, you can relax in a cable car which will take you all the way to Monte. There are some spectacular views to be seen of the mountains, the ocean and of Funchal as you glide up the mountains.

Monte is worth setting a day aside for. It’s a romantic spot and one of the star attractions there is the exotic Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

The Sacred Art Museum shows a collection of Flemish paintings and gold work from chapels and churches and is well worth a visit during your Madeira holidays.

The fascinating volcanic island can be explored further at the São Vicente Caves. Located at the north coast, you can explore the cave and the lava channels within, to find out more about the beginnings of the island from the volcanic convulsions.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Madeira by air. Book a helicopter ride over the island and enjoy some spectacular views and unbeatable photo opportunities.

Fishing enthusiasts will be blown away by the fishing opportunities presented by the island. The island is located on the migratory routes of big game fish and that means you could be casting your rod to white marlin, blue fin tuna and swordfish among many others.

Weather in Madeira

What to wear, when to go

Travellers on holidays in Madeira enjoy the warm climate that Madeira has to offer and the fact that the island never becomes too hot. There is little rainfall and the temperature remains relatively warm all year round.

MADEIRÃ WEATHER

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