The island’s natural world is incredibly diverse. Above the coastline are high, rainforest-covered mountains, lush and rich in native species such as the near-extinct La Gomera laurel tree and the eerily beautiful (and curiously named) stinkwood, which can grow to 130ft in height. You’ll spot both, along with many ferns and rare birds such as the Madeiran chaffinch and laurel pigeon, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurissilva, an ancient forest that has an almost mystical feel. Higher still, above the treeline, you’ll find a more rugged beauty, with rocky and herbaceous pastures filled with pretty flowering heathers and, occasionally, native blueberries. At Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s easternmost point, fragrant grasslands top striking sandstone cliffs. All along the coast, small farms occupy green valleys such as Chão da Ribeira, in the north, where a cluster of tiny villages shelter from the ocean that froths at the foot of black cliffs.
The best way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty is to hike a levada, small irrigation channels originally created to transport water from the north of the island to the drier south. With about 1,550 miles of tracks to choose from, there’s something for every fitness level. Balcões is an easy, well-trodden 1.6-mile walk which winds through trees to emerge at a lookout, with striking views of forest-covered hillsides, white-washed villages that seem tiny from a distance and of course the ever-present ocean. For a longer hike, the seven-mile 25 Fontes levada makes for a relaxing three or so hours spent winding through high forests, culminating in a pretty lagoon surrounded by waterfalls.
The climate of Madeira Island is one of the main attractive factors of the region, since there are neither too high nor too low temperatures. This characteristic attracts countless visitors throughout the year to the region. So, it is the perfect destination to spend your next vacation.
The region’s mild climate favors the performance of various activities. You can visit the beaches in the region, go on boat trips, go through the region’s characteristic walks, as well as other tourist attractions evident on the island. Given this, you will enjoy your stay, with sunny days, enjoying all that the island has to offer.
With this subtropical climate in the archipelago, it is not necessary to bring very warm clothes for your stay, because even in the winter season, you can enjoy beautiful sunny days with clear skies. The most windy days, characteristic of the island, allow the practice of some activities, such as paragliding and hang gliding.
The subtropical climate will be an advantage for those in love with the summer season, with a good temperature of the sea water, throughout the year, you can dive and enjoy moments of relaxation.
The cuisine here is another big draw. Fresh tuna traditionally comes with a piquant vinegar, garlic and oregano sauce, while black scabbard, a fish that’s only caught in the depths of the ocean, is served with fried banana. Lapas taste a bit like a cross between an oyster and a scallop and are delicious with garlic butter and lemon. Espetada, meat cooked on long skewers over hot coals, is another speciality. Choose from a range of cuts – everything from prime fillet to offal such as heart – the grilled meat requiring nothing more than bolo do caco, a local flat bread made with sweet potato and filled with garlic butter.
Natural world aside, there are some remarkable man-made elements on the island too. Madeira’s curvaceous casino, which opened in 1976, was designed by superstar Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer along with Portugal's Alfredo Viana de Lima, and gives the illusion of an object surging from the earth. The Casa das Mudas art museum, a low-slung, dark-brick building by architect Paulo David, sits with brutalist intent on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Its strikingly minimalist galleries host exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, with a focus on Portuguese and Madeiran artists such as painter Martha Telles. On occasion the structure itself outshines the artworks, with large windows carving the sunlight into modernist shapes against the white walls and offering endless views of the ocean below.
Madeiran culture encompasses several traditions, which are followed by the majority of the region’s population. Given this, when traveling to Madeira island you will know different traditions that will make your stay more pleasant and will make you feel welcomed by residents.
Of several annual traditions followed by residents, are Missas do Parto, which takes several people to the churches to see nine Masses at the time of Christmas. This is one of the most followed Christmas traditions and aims to announce the birth of Jesus, also, other traditions take place on the island, with the traditional costume of Madeira being one of them, as well as the traditional Madeiran music, namely the bailinho.
Arraiais are also one of the Madeiran traditions, which attracts thousands of people every year. It is celebrated in several locals on the island and it is a moment of great joy and conviviality. From food and drink, to music and decorations in the streets, characteristic of this party. Also the events held are on the island, such as Festa da Flor, Carnival Festivities, End Year’s Party, among others, are characteristic of the region and are followed for years by residents and visitors.
The population of Madeira Island has very present the traditions in their day to day, making these increasingly present over the years and in which gathers the population throughout the year to celebrate in socializing these holidays, making this, a humble population, very close to the family and their land. Madeira culture generates interest on the part of those who visit the island, given its empathy and simplicity.
In this tourist destination you will find your dream stay, with excellent customer service, providing you with a unique experience in one of the various accommodations in the region. In addition, you will have at your disposal several services that will contribute to a great stay.
In Madeira Island you will find accommodation in various parts of the island, staying at your discretion to choose for obtaining a stay unforgettable. In addition, you can choose a hotel with a good quality / price ratio or even a lower price but good quality accommodation.
The ease in choosing an accommodation is due to the wide range of hotels and the remaining local accommodation is providing you a pleasant stay, such as Hostels and pensions.
In order to have a pleasant stay, you should look for the accommodation that best responds your needs, taking into account the criteria defined by you. The island’s hotels have a high level of quality, as well as exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, characteristic of Madeiran culture.
Vindima is the Portuguese name for the annual grape harvest, a sociable community celebration. The grapes for Madeira’s famous fortified wines are harvested between late August and early September, so for wine aficionados this is a great time to travel to the island and participate. Alternatively, pay a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge at any time of the year. A guided tour through the fragrant winery provides plenty of information on how Madeira is produced and is rounded off with a tasting.
The island’s largely unspoilt coastline is a natural attraction. Seixal is one of the most beautiful beaches, its fine black sand framed by mountains and jagged cliffs. Surfers should head to pretty Jardim do Mar, named among the best big-wave point breaks in the world, and families can swim and play in the rock pools at Porto Moniz, which are patrolled by lifeguards. But don’t stay land bound. Hire a yacht, ride a catamaran, windsurf or kayak to see the island from the sea’s vantage point. Between April and October, you can spot whales and dolphins. Or get up close and personal with barracuda, mackerel and giant anemone by diving in the Garajau Nature Reserve.
Madeira is incredibly lush and fertile, even roadside verges have trees heavy with fruit. European crops such as cherries and plums flourish in cool valleys, while a little higher in the tropical zone, avocado, mango, guavas, cherimoya, araçais and passion fruit are plentiful. Madeira’s bananas are particularly delicious – small, fat and sweet. Visit a banana plantation for a guided tour to learn how they’re grown and harvested and to taste them too. To try the island’s plentiful fruit supply, visit the market in Funchal (see above) and combine several flavours in a smoothie or check out one of Madeira’s locavore-style restaurants, where the menus incorporate the island’s bounty, including a delicious, must-try passion-fruit pudding, pudim de maracujá.
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