Located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of the Moroccan coast, you’ll find the lush island of Madeira, Portugal. It is the largest of the four islands that make up the Madeira archipelago and is known for its green mountains, picturesque villages, rich culture, and, of course, the world-famous Madeira wine.
Madeira is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers, with numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and cycling. Especially the Baja Bikes cycling tours are a must to explore this beautiful island in a unique and ecological way during your City trip to Madeira.
Madeira Airport
You can choose from various travel options to Madeira. The most common way is to fly to Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, named after the famous footballer born on the island. The airport is located a short distance from Funchal, the capital of Madeira.
Accommodations in Madeira
Madeira offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and preference. Here are a few recommendations:
Accommodations in Madeira Madeira offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and preference. Here are a few recommendations:
Luxury: Belmond Reid’s Palace – An iconic five-star hotel with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. View here
Mid-range: Quinta da Casa Branca – A charming boutique hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Hotel Madeira is a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms in the heart of Funchal. View here
Subtropical climate in Madeira
Thanks to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira has a mild subtropical climate. This results in warm summers and mild winters.
The island is an ideal holiday destination almost all year round. The average temperature ranges from 25 degrees Celsius in summer to 17 degrees in winter.
In the months of July and August, temperatures can sometimes rise above 30 degrees Celsius. The best times to travel to Madeira are spring and autumn when the temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its most beautiful.
Natural beauty and historic cities
During a City trip to Madeira, you will want to discover as much as possible of what this beautiful island has to offer. Madeira is known for its breathtaking landscapes, authentic villages, levada walks, and historic cities such as Funchal. Below are some sights of Madeira.
- Botanical Gardens: The botanical garden of Funchal is a true oasis of tranquility. Here you will find a huge diversity of exotic plants and flowers, a bird park, and a stunning view of Funchal.
- Old town of Funchal: The old town, also known as Zona Velha, is one of the most picturesque parts of Funchal. The narrow streets, colorful houses, and artworks make it a place not to be missed.
- Madeira Wine Cellars: Taste the famous Madeira wine in one of the many wine cellars. Blandy’s Wine Lodge is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries on the island.
- Levada Walks: Levadas are irrigation channels originally built to transport water from the wet, northern parts of the island to the drier south. Today, they form an extensive network of hiking trails.
- Pico Ruivo: This is the highest mountain on Madeira, with a height of 1862 meters. The view from the top is spectacular. The path to the top is well-marked and well-maintained, but it can be quite challenging, especially in the rainy season.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden: This beautiful tropical garden offers a variety of exotic plants, Japanese gardens, lakes, and even peacocks. You can also visit the Monte Palace Museum here, which houses an impressive collection of minerals and gemstones.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: This is the largest market in Funchal, where you can buy fresh produce, fish, flowers, and traditional Madeira products.
A great way to explore Madeira is by renting a car and driving around the island. You can also join guided cycling tours or hikes.
Some fun facts about Madeira
- Madeira was discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese sailors
- The name Madeira means “wood” in Portuguese, due to the dense forests the explorers found when they arrived?
- The Madeira archipelago is one of the few places in the world where you can see whales and dolphins all year round?
- Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous footballer, was born in Funchal, Madeira?
- The island is also known as ‘the island of eternal spring’ due to its mild climate.