Madeira Travel Guide
We’re not sure you’re fully prepared for the subtropical wonders of Madeira. We all know it as the garden isle, perhaps famous for its botanical garden and a dash of Madeira wine. A few of you might even be expecting a slice or two of cake. Which all sounds a little pedestrian, depending on how hard you hit the wine. Sweep all of that sleepy nonsense away and Madeira’s a little Portuguese firecracker. The surrounding waters rarely get a mention, but ask any scuba diver and they’ll tell you the seabed’s just swimming with rays, seals and colourful shoals. Quirky wrecks, snorkelling with dolphins and island hopping to even better beaches are all up for grabs too.
On land, hiking routes weave you through the mountains via the levadas. Madeira’s irrigation system hardly screams adventure, but, trust us when we say, it’s worth following these waterways. Perch (safely) on cliff edges and you’ll be among some of Europe’s rarest seabirds. Explore the shoreline and you could end up chatting to the owner of a micronation. Natural pools practically beg to be swum in. Towering skywalks with glass floors peer down on to crashing waves and Cristiano Ronaldo is practically worshipped as a god. Madeira delivers on the unexpected, and if you do one thing? Well… just try the poncha.
Madeira Travel Guide
We’re not sure you’re fully prepared for the subtropical wonders of Madeira. We all know it as the garden isle, perhaps famous for its botanical garden and a dash of Madeira wine. A few of you might even be expecting a slice or two of cake. Which all sounds a little pedestrian, depending on how hard you hit the wine. Sweep all of that sleepy nonsense away and Madeira’s a little Portuguese firecracker. The surrounding waters rarely get a mention, but ask any scuba diver and they’ll tell you the seabed’s just swimming with rays, seals and colourful shoals. Quirky wrecks, snorkelling with dolphins and island hopping to even better beaches are all up for grabs too.
On land, hiking routes weave you through the mountains via the levadas. Madeira’s irrigation system hardly screams adventure, but, trust us when we say, it’s worth following these waterways. Perch (safely) on cliff edges and you’ll be among some of Europe’s rarest seabirds. Explore the shoreline and you could end up chatting to the owner of a micronation. Natural pools practically beg to be swum in. Towering skywalks with glass floors peer down on to crashing waves and Cristiano Ronaldo is practically worshipped as a god. Madeira delivers on the unexpected, and if you do one thing? Well… just try the poncha.
Soundtrack of the country
A slice of island life…
3 course meal for 2: £25.62
-
A regular cappuccino: £0.80
-
A medium beer: £0.85
-
One-way (Local Transport): £1.15
A slice of island life…
-
3 course meal for 2: £25.62
-
A regular cappuccino: £0.80
-
A medium beer: £0.85
-
One-way (Local Transport):£1.15
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Madeira
Madeira’s outdoor attractions pair nicely with the warm and sunny vibe. Mild winters – temps never really drift too far below 16°C, and hot summers – think 30°C make it a year round destination. The best time to visit Madeira. Those predictable shoulder months when everything’s just right.
Discover the real Madeira
The Atlantic’s garden isle doesn’t disappoint on lush green looks. But the real Madeira? It’s woven into the ingenuity of the agri-landscape, the joy of the historic toboggan dash and the pride in the produce. You’ll eat well, see some spectacular sights and have fun finding them.
Naturally, Madeira is an island where outdoor pursuits rank a little higher than the museums and galleries. That’s not to say, we’d swerve them. But if the weather’s good (it often is) then go full tilt at Madeira’s amazing menu of options. Gardens are a good place to start.
Ready your tastebuds for a little agri-tourism. Farm-to-table dining just sort of happens by default on Madeira, though it’s worth tracking down the chefs that REALLY get those local ingredients popping. At times, local specialties can border on the rustic, but never bland. Don’t miss a sip of poncha.
There’s A LOT to see and do, both on and off the island. Hidden gems, hidden islands and well, just about all of Madeira’s quirky and unique spots are hidden. Having a snippet or two of inside info really serves you well on this island. We’ll let you in on the island’s secrets, without too many spoilers.
- See & do
-
Naturally, Madeira is an island where outdoor pursuits rank a little higher than the museums and galleries. That’s not to say, we’d swerve them. But if the weather’s good (it often is) then go full tilt at Madeira’s amazing menu of options. Gardens are a good place to start.
- Food & Drink
-
Ready your tastebuds for a little agri-tourism. Farm-to-table dining just sort of happens by default on Madeira, though it’s worth tracking down the chefs that REALLY get those local ingredients popping. At times, local specialties can border on the rustic, but never bland. Don’t miss a sip of poncha.
- Guides & tips
-
There’s A LOT to see and do, both on and off the island. Hidden gems, hidden islands and well, just about all of Madeira’s quirky and unique spots are hidden. Having a snippet or two of inside info really serves you well on this island. We’ll let you in on the island’s secrets, without too many spoilers.
- Map View
-
More of Portugal
You can have a riotous old time in Portugal. Feast on festivals, dance, culture, street art and Pastel del Nata. Explore ancient cities, conquer castles and generally throw yourself headlong into everything the country has to offer. Yes, you could snap up a reasonably priced fortnight by the pool. But, appealing as that is, it won’t be long before you’re strolling through a buzzing market place, getting swept up in the coastal splendour or tottering over some UNESCO listed cobbles.
