Lush tropical gardens, quaint old villages, famed wines, quirky art, and untouched nature as far as the eye can see. This is Madeira, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, an island so remote and sophisticated, it feels like another world entirely.
THE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Well-maintained botanical gardens, lush greenery, and breathtaking exotic flowers at every turn gave Madeira its nickname of “The Floating Garden in the Atlantic”. But what really mesmerizes and enthralls the visitor is the diversity of its astonishing landscapes. You can enjoy everything, from gloriously green mountains vistas to coastal views that rival the best in the world. Please, read on.
To make the most of your time here, start with a stroll through the spectacular gardens of Funchal, or better yet, take a cable car ride up to Monte for some breathtaking views over Madeira’s capital as a bonus. If time permits, continue your adventure with a scenic coastal drive around the island. ER101 makes a full circle around Madeira and is an attraction itself, offering a truly unique experience with thrilling sharp curves, waterfalls that fall down the road from the mountains, pristine flower-filled valleys, pretty villages, and fantastic coastal scenery. And whatever you do, don’t miss the fascinating levada walks the island is so famous for.
THE HIKING
With its fragrant eucalyptus woodlands, luscious green mountains, and ubiquitous levadas, Madeira is a true hiker’s paradise. It is bordered by coastal paths with glorious ocean views, and its mountainous interior - criss-crossed by a fantastic network of irrigation channels – allows for tremendous hiking and walking opportunities.
The most famous, of course, are the unique levada paths, which allow trekkers of all abilities to explore the mind-blowing natural diversity of this European subtropical paradise. Some of them wind their way through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, while others take you past picturesque vineyards, terraced banana farms, idyllic verdant valleys, and fascinating rock formations. Add to all these some dramatic vistas and a rare flora and fauna, and you have the recipe for the perfect hiking holiday.
THE WINE
Madeira is different from any other place in the world and so are its famous fortified wines that keep forever. From dry to sweet, the island’s variety of wines includes Sercial (light and dry, characterized by a high level of acidity), Verdelho (medium-dry), Bual (semi-sweet dessert wine), and Malvasia (the richest, sweetest, and most famous variation of Madeira).
Madeira’s winemaking history dates back to the 15th century, but fortified wines have not been produced on the island until the middle of the 18th century when wars begun to influence wine trade in the area. Nowadays, steep terraced vineyards dot the volcanic island, and there are more than 4500 wine growers cultivating grapes here.
For those who want to enjoy free tastings, buy exquisite vintages, and learn more about the island’s winemaking tradition, Funchal – the region’s capital – is home to some great family-run wine lodges, wine shops, and even a museum dedicated to Madeira wine industry (at Instituto do Vinho da Madeira). During February, visitors can partake in the Festival of Wine, Embroidery & Handicrafts of Madeira (Festival do Vinho do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira).
THE GOOD MILD WEATHER
Madeira’s gorgeous weather is reason enough to visit the island. When you arrive in Madeira, take a good look around. The pleasant colours soothe the senses with different shades of green set against an azure sea – the hallmark of the subtropics.
Due to its geographical location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, closer to the African coast than to mainland Portugal, this unique volcanic archipelago enjoys superb springtime conditions year-round. Summers are never too hot and winter temperatures rarely drop below 18°C, which means outdoor activities are possible at any time of the year in this subtropical gem. But the skies also tell of rain. This is NOT to say that it rains all the time or most of the time. But it does rain sometimes, sometime between October and April, but you do not know exactly when it may rain in that period.
Most people who live here find that Madeira has just about the most perfect climate in the world. It is never too hot (although temperatures can get up to around 33 °C when the east wind coming from the Sahara desert blows for a few days every year) and the temperatures average at a maximum of 24 °C during the summer months (July through to October) and a minimum of 17 °C. During the winter, average temperatures drop by approximately 4 °C.
The island is full of diverse microclimates. Sometimes you may have different climates in the same day in different parts of the island. The bay of Funchal, protected by the highest peaks, enjoys good sunshine. Further down the west coast at Ponta do Sol and Calheta, backed by the hills of the Paúl da Serra, the sun shines brighter during the winter and summer months. It is the sunniest and warmest area of the island. Jardim do Mar and Sofia's Place is located in Calheta municipality, in the southwest of Madeira.
The prevailing wind is the North Easterly Trade wind that gathers off the Portuguese coast and runs down to the Cape Verde Islands. It brings moisture and large sea swells to the north coast, and often, particularly in the morning, adversely affects the weather on the eastern end of the island between Caniço and Caniçal
So now back to where we started. Madeira has lots of sun and a fair bit of rain. If you want undiluted sun (plus the tranquil features of a lunar landscape) then anything from Cairo to Lanzarotte should just about suit. Those with more mature tastes should opt for paradise.
THE FESTIVALS
Aside from its outstanding natural beauty and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, Madeira is well known for its colorful festivals. Not many people know, but the city of Funchal stages the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Furthermore, the electrifying Madeira Festival – which takes place in Funchal each February – is among Europe’s best and biggest street parties. So if you like samba music and spectacular parades, why not check around for last minute holidays that can take you to Madeira to join the party and sample a taste of Rio Carnival.
Other interesting events include Madeira Flower Festival (April/May), Atlantic Festival (June), Funchal Jazz Festival (July), Madeira Wine Rally (August), Madeira Classic Rally (August), Madeira Wine Festival (August/September), and Madeira Nature Festival (October).
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Information Copyright: Luxury Accommodations & Madeira Web
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Videos on Madeira:
Madeira Islands on Travel Channel
10 reasons to visit Madeira Islands
Madeira Islands: the McNamara Surf Trip (2014)
Introducing Madeira Islands (2012)
Lush island filled with treasures (Daily Mail)
The Island (teaser)
Madeira as it was in 1951
Nature & adventure in Madeira
Wicker basket toboggan riding
Madeira goodies
Madeira Islands: all year round
Aerial view of Jardim do Mar in Southwest Madeira
Calheta municipality (including Jardim do Mar): Southwest of Madeira
World famous footboller Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Madeira (Daily Mail)
Madeira explored by mountainbiker David "G-RAF"
The folk song of Madeira Islands: Bailinho da Madeira
Community typical dance in a popular feast (Jardim do Mar)
Hiking from Jardim do Mar to Prazeres and Paúl do Mar
Madeira Islands: photo video
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