Highlights of Madeira

Fancy a holiday in Madeira island? Volcanic in nature and surrounded by the Atlantic ocean, this island not only offers relaxation on the beach, but also adventurous hikes through its pristine forests. Awarded Winner of 2013 Europe’s Leading Island Destinations, Madeira is relatively tranquil, but certainly not lack of buzz and things to do. With only 57 km in length and 22 km wide, this mild climate island is easy and suitable to explore all year round. Madeira is only 1 hour flight away from the Canary Islands and 1.5 hours from mainland Portugal. There are frequent flights from major European cities.

The Atlantic island of Madeira is politically part of Portugal but is nearly 1000 km away from the mainland. While the nearest neighbouring island groups - the Canary islands, and the continent of Africa, is only half as far away. Together with the Azores, the Canaries and the Cape Verde islands, they form the Macaronesian, meaning “islands of the fortunate”. What you see today of Madeira, is only the "tip" of what has been built up over millions of years by several volcanic eruptions. The volcanic rocks coupled with the humid temperate climate contributed to the emergence of very fertile soil. The northwest part of the island tends to record more rainfall than the southeast, but overall almost the entire island is covered by green forests - hence the name Madeira (" wood" in English).

The lush vegetation of the island makes Madeira a hiking paradise, with the Levada trails being particularly popular. Levada is the ancient water irrigation system of the island which are still being used to this day. The networks of Levadas help supply the drier coastal and southeast regions with water. At these watercourses many narrow paths leads to the untouched wild nature. Lush forests, high mountains, deep gorges, steep cliffs, together with the unique volcanic landscapes have made Madeira the nature playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular activities you can do during your holiday in Madeira are: canyoning, mountain orienteering, hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, horse riding and jeep safari. Due to the island’s mild climate and wind conditions, hand-gliders and paragliders taking in the fantastic panoramas while flying above the island.

The interior of the Madeira is largely covered by forest and the coast consists mostly of high cliffs and rocky volcanic coastline with golden and black sand beaches scattered around the island. There are also many purpose-built sea pools where you can plunge in for a swim. This 740km2 island, which resides on top of the African tectonic plate, is surrounded by the Atlantic seas. The underwater is full of rich and diverse marine creatures, perfect for diving or gaining your qualifications. Madeira is also internationally famed for its big game fishing with possibility of marlin weighing half a tone being caught. Above the surface, water sports like jet ski safaris is a great way to explore the island’s coastline; while Paul do Mar and Porto da Cruz with its larger waves are more ideal for surfing and windsurfing. If you love the sea but all the above sounds too tedious, there are many boat excursions or sailing trips where you can just sit back and relax while spotting the Mediterranean monk seals. If you are lucky, dolphins and even whales might come close!

For the quiet minds who prefer solid ground under your feet, there are museums, botanical and tropical gardens of the island waiting to be explored. Most gardens and parks are located in the catchment area of the capital, Funchal.

The Madeira residents are happy folks with much joy of celebrating various religious festivities and other events like the Flower Festival in Funchal. The island also hosts one of the world’s largest annual new year fireworks shows, with its 2006’s event written in the Guinness World Records.

As for gastronomy, seafood and meats are the main contributions to the residents’ diet. The scabbard fish for instance is served with banana - a first ‘unusual’ combination for many people. A great meal would not be complete without the famous Madeira wine and pastries, which the locals adore! Madeira is also noted for its basketry and embroidery artisans, which can be purchased at the various specialty and gift shops.