Madeira Island hasstunning natural landscapes and hot temperatures all year-round. Get on thehiking trails that run alongside the man-made irrigation channels. Enjoyunforgettable views over clear blue waters and cliffs covered in greenvegetation. Spot brightly coloured and sweetly scented flowers in the spring.Chill out on sandy beaches, try out thrilling water sports or delve into theisland’s enthralling cultural heritage.
Take in Madeira’sidyllic natural scenery with a levada walk: the levadas are a series ofmini-canals developed by early settlers to distribute water around the island.Explore a network of more than 870 miles (1,400 kilometres) of irrigationcanals and follow them to waterfalls and lagoons, as well as valleys, mountainranges and laurel forests.
Brave the glass-floored skywalk at CaboGirão, one of the highest ocean cliffs in the world. Standing 1,902feet (580 meters) above the water, you can spot Funchal,the island’s largest city, and Câmara de Lobos from this dramaticlocation.
Visit the gorgeous village of Santana,known for its multicoloured A-framed cottages, called palheiros. These charmingthatched-roof residences are unique to the island and well worth a visit.
See the ornate geometric patterns decorating theroof of Funchal's cathedral, Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção. Constructedin the 16th century, this Moorish-influenced cathedral also features beautifulBaroque altars, gilded choir stalls and intricate tiling.
Don’t miss the views over Funchal from JardimBotanico, a beautiful botanical garden. Walk along the well-labelled paths andadmire collections of cacti and anthuriums. Look for the overlapping roots ofan ancient heather tree, which is said to be more than 10 million yearsold.
Calheta Beach may be man-made, but its golden sandsand clear waters are nonetheless scenic. Canoe, windsurf, swim or stop for somefresh seafood at one of the restaurants found along the beach. Be sure tosample the region’s unique white rum called aguardente.
Madeira Island islocated about 350 miles (563.3 kilometres) from Morocco. Regular flights leavedaily from Lisbon.
