Madeira
Highlights
- Coastal walks
- Dramatic coastlines
- Botanical paradise
- Pico Grande
- Pico do Arieiro
- Pico Ruivo
- Caldeirao Verde
- Funchal
- Spectacular Levadas
With its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, charming fishing villages and dramatic coastlines, the archipelago of Madeira is a popular year-round adventure holiday destination. Known as the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’ or ‘Garden Island’, Madeira’s mild climate has allowed a tremendous biodiversity to bloom, including a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna. Much of the islands are designated National Parks, allowing for some tremendous trekking opportunities during your adventure holiday, through botanical paradises lined with flowers and along spectacular coastlines teeming with beautiful seabirds. The warm waters that lap the shores of Madeira offer chances to enjoy adventure activities including sailing and scuba diving, whilst inland these volcanic islands harbour a wealth of caves and mountains to explore.
Although located on the African Plate, Madeira has always belonged culturally and politically to Europe. In the 16th century the Portuguese started building an inventive water irrigation system called levadas, which now provide a remarkable network of walking paths. After removing your walking boots, you can explore the winding streets of Madeira’s historical towns before visiting a local bar to sample a glass of famed Madeira wine.
