Holidays To Madeira

The pearl of Atlantic, Madeira gloriously sits in the Atlantic Ocean about 620 miles from the European continent and 310 miles from the African coast. Known as the garden of Atlantic with its everlasting spring and mild temperatures ranging between 20 and 27°C, Madeira is a wonderful destination throughout the year offering vibrant coloured nature, beautiful landscape, pretty beaches and of course, the fabulous Madeira wine. This idyllic island has a sister island, Porto Santo, and two uninhabited sister islands, Desertas and Savage Islands. The archipelago was discovered by Portuguese navigators, Zarco and Teixeira, in the early 15th century and is an autonomous region of Portugal with Portuguese being the national language. The Captains Zarco and Teixeira’s ship was driven off-course by a storm and they landed to an island of Porto Santo (‘Holy Harbour’), which they named after their gratitude towards not being shipwrecked. The following year, Madeira was discovered when the Portuguese navigators came to take possession of Porto Santo.

Magnificent lush hillsides, beautiful flowers and idyllic villages form the interior of Madeira. The levadas (a clever watering system of stone- and concrete-lined watercourses) run across the island from the rainy north to the dry south distributing water - Madeira’s secret to its absolutely beautiful flowers that flourish all year!

Popular activities include nature walks alongside the levadas through green countryside, majestic hills and pretty coastline. The eastern side of Madeira is a nature reserve offering panoramic views over the giant Atlantic Ocean and a wonderful array of unusual plants. The walking trails have recently been upgraded including safety rails making walking a great activity for the entire family. Pack a pair of sturdy walking boots and enjoy the different side of Madeira!

Poised inside an amphitheatre-shaped valley with gentle slopes rising from the coast up to 1200 metres on the south coast of Madeira, Funchal is Madeira’s lively capital with modern shops, historical buildings, botanic gardens and a lovely harbour dedicated to yachts, tourist boats and cruise ships. Take a cable car to the suburb of Monte and enjoy the breathtaking view of Funchal and its shimmering waters. Although Funchal is all about culture and beautiful surroundings, there is also a beach towards the west of the city.

Sumptuous Madeiran cuisine is locally sourced and traditionally cooked. Indulge in slowly grilled steaks, hot chicken dishes or delicious seafood that plays an important part in Madeira’s cuisine. Try fresh tuna marinated in olive oil, garlic and oregano or local delicacy, espada (white fish) with banana creating an interesting combination of sweet tropical fruit and soft, succulent white fish. A visit to a local restaurant would not be complete without trying some delicious cakes and desserts - and the famous sweet Madeira wine of course.

Surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and big game fishing are excellent due to Madeira’s location in the Atlantic Ocean. Other activities available include golf, horse riding and mountain biking.