Madeira

Europe's Hawaii

The natural beauty of Madeira beckons, often labeled "Europe's Hawaii." Complementing the immense natural beauty is the aspect of a living cultural tapestry. This Portuguese island is enchanted by two towering peaks, one of them being Pico Ruivo, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offering an unusual mix of drama and serenity. To nature lovers, Madeira is an earthly paradise with its lush levada trails, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking coastline. From lively markets, exquisite dining, and the local renowned wines to historic charm combined with modern flair, Funchal is a vibrant capital of an island. Whether one is looking forward to some thrilling outdoor activities or a peaceful retreat, Madeira is sure to give every traveler an experience not to be forgotten.

Things to Do in Maderia

  • Hike the Levada Trails.

    Hike the Levada Trails.

    Hiking through the evergreen levada trails of Madeira is not to be missed. These ancient irrigation channels loop through verdant forests on the island, down to stunning waterfalls, valleys, and mountains. A few routes, such as Levada do Caldeirão Verde, burrow deep into the Laurisilva forest-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-where plunging into the beauty and tranquility of the island takes on a whole new meaning.

  • Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

    Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

    Monte Palace Tropical Garden peering over Funchal appears almost as a botanical Eden, comprising the most incredible number of plants originating from all parts of the globe. Stroll along meandering paths leading through the garden past koi-filled ponds and ornate sculptures, stunning azulejos telling the history of Portugal. The views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtakingly beautiful from the gardens.

  • Explore the Caves of São Vicente.

    Explore the Caves of São Vicente.

    Take a trip into the bowels of the island in the São Vicente Caves, examining the volcanic cornerstone of Madeira. These are a number of lava tubes, more than 890,000 years old, which give an interesting-as-well-as-quite-distant look back into some very old geology. Guided tours take you through a series of tunnels and chambers, explaining the volcanic processes that shaped Madeira, before ending up at the Volcanism Centre, where an informative exhibition rounds off your tour.

  • Enjoy the Views from Cabo Girão Skywalk.

    Enjoy the Views from Cabo Girão Skywalk.

    From Cabo Girão, visit one of the really high sea cliffs in Europe, boasting a glass-floored skywalk. This looks over the panoramic views of Madeira's coastline, terraced fields below, and the glittering Atlantic from 580 meters above the ocean. It is a very good spot for having a dramatic photo taken and to feel the height of one of the most iconic landmarks on the island.

  • Go Canyoning in Ribeira das Cales.

    Go Canyoning in Ribeira das Cales.

    Those who enjoy an even greater degree of risk will love canyoning in Madeira. In Ribeira das Cales, you will have a great opportunity to make your way through the gorges, jump into crystal-clear pools, and go down waterfalls on ropes, right in the thick of greenery covering the island. The real adrenaline UNICODE-this sport is targeted at youth and those young at heart who want to experience the taste of wild Madeira.

  • Party at Funchal's Nightlife Spots.

    Party at Funchal's Nightlife Spots.

    Sure, Madeira may be famous for its natural beauty, but the nightlife in Funchal is just as alive. You'll find everything from hip bars to live music and clubs in the Old Town, or Zona Velha. Places to go like Venda Velha and Copacabana have everything from craft cocktails to late-night dancing-so this is a pretty great place to meet other travelers and locals.

  • Surf at Jardim do Mar.

    Surf at Jardim do Mar.

    The waves that Madeira receives from the Atlantic are attractive to surfers, and Jardim do Mar is considered the number one surf spot on that island. The powerful waves and beautiful cliff backdrop make this southwest coast village a favorite destination for surfers from around the world. In fact, even if you are a complete newbie at this sport, you can easily take waves because local surfing schools give lessons at all levels, and you can first-hand experience what island surfing culture is about.

FAQ About Maderia

  • Madeira enjoys a soft, subtropical climate all year round, and thus it is really worth visiting at any period. However, the most favorable time is from April to October when warm and dry weather allows multiple outdoor activities: hiking, canyoning, and enjoying all the beauties of the island. The island's famous Flower Festival in spring is also an excellent time to visit.

  • Getting around in Madeira is quite convenient, with a number of options on offer. Car hire, the most flexible option, allows access to the more remote villages and viewpoints, taking in the breathtaking views at leisure. Madeira does, however, have a very reliable bus system linking the major towns and attractions, while taxis and guided tours are also widely available for those who do not wish to drive.

  • The cuisine in Madeira is really particular in its combination of general Portuguese flavors with local tastes. Among traditional and really worth trying dishes, you will want to have Espetada-small grilled beef skewers; Bolo do Caco-garlic bread; Scabbard Fish with Banana-a real local specialty. And last but not least, don't miss a chance to taste Madeira wine, the type of fortified wine famous for this island, and another traditional drink, Poncha, actually made of aguardente, honey, and lemon juice.

  • Definitely, Madeira is an adventurer's haven. The island offers a range of activities to be undertaken-from the very popular hiking options in the levada trails to canyoning in some of the rugged gorges, paragliding over stunning landscapes, surfing at Jardim do Mar, and diving in the transparent Atlantic waters. Having very diverse terrain and natural beauty developed in these islands, Madeira will be ideal for people looking at an active, adventurous holiday.

  • Madeira is really a cultural experience unto itself with its array of must-see attractions. In Funchal, the capital, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a place to be visited for its stunning botanical collections, while the Madeira Story Centre has the history of the island. Do not miss the Sé Cathedral with beautiful Gothic architecture and the Museu CR7 in honor of the most famous son of this island, Cristiano Ronaldo. The island also houses dynamic festivals throughout the year, like the Madeira Wine Festival and Carnaval; these events show highly animated traditions and customs.

  • Generally speaking, Madeira is a rather affordable destination when one thinks of value for money, especially in relation to other European tourist hotspots. There are all kinds of different accommodations that range from very budget-friendly guesthouses to five-star resorts, so they could fit any budget imaginable. One could also dine out relatively cheaply because there are several restaurants serving delicious local food at reasonable prices, so dining out could be relatively inexpensive. Hiking activities were free of charge, while transportation came at a moderate price, making Madeira highly suitable for travelers in search of a beautiful, fairly inexpensive holiday.