Last Updated on the 7th of December, 2025
The remote Portuguese island of Madeira is a place full of treasures, still unknown to the masses.
It may be just 13 miles wide and 35 miles long. Yet, the autonomous Atlantic region of Portugal, situated over 1,000 km away from the mainland, boasts a diverse range of landscapes and activities despite its slender proportions.
One of the best things about this stunning Portuguese archipelago is its climate.
Thanks to Madeira’s year-round mild and sub-tropical temperatures, nature and blooming gardens overflowing with vivid flowers can be enjoyed all year round.
The dramatic scenery, created by various volcanic eruptions, is brimming with vivid shades of natural hues and provides the ideal environment for as many outdoor adventures as you’re up for!
Whether you are planning a family vacation or an outdoor adventure, there is plenty to see and do on the far-flung Portuguese isle of Madeira.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best things to do and the most popular attractions worth seeing during everyone’s first holidays in Madeira.
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#1. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping by Riding the Famous Monte Toboggan
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Madeira? For many, it’s Madeira’s famed Toboggan Run, also known as the “Carro de Cesto”.
Dating back to the 1850s, this Madeira sledge ride was the primary means of downhill public transportation in Funchal.
It is an absolute must to experience Madeira’s dry-land toboggan rides, which take place in Monte Village. Typically, these two-seated sledges, made from wicker and wood, are pushed by two Madeirense runners dressed in traditional attire and wearing straw hats.
The maximum number of people allowed per sledge is 3, and it costs €30.00 for 2 people and €25.00 for a solo ride.
Given that these rides can reach 48km per hour, they are only for the brave.
*Our Crossing tip – expect a queue when you arrive. It’s a very popular tourist attraction, so you won’t get in a sledge straight away.
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#2. Be Utterly Charmed By The Lush Capital, Funchal
The picturesque city of Funchal is often the first port of call for visitors to the island.
Located 21 km from the airport, Funchal is the capital city of the stunning Madeira archipelago and the 6th largest city in Portugal, which is best known for its world-famous wine cellars, a Gothic cathedral and blooming gardens.
Backed by verdant mountains and filled with verdant parks, sculpted gardens and wild forests, the lush Funchal is teeming with green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Here, you can visit Madeira Botanical Garden and Funchal Market, ride the cable car and lose yourself in its narrow cobbled streets.
One of the best ways to see the city is to embark on Funchal’s cable car. The ride, which costs €11 per adult one way, will treat you to spectacular views of the sea and the lush, green mountains covered with tiny traditional houses clinging to the sides.
Book a Funchal Cable Car Ride
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#3. Be Amazed By Fanal Forest
The beautiful Fanal forest is a place I thought only existed in fairytales.
The twisted tree branches with layers of moss on them have such interesting forms that it almost look as if they’re alive.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its natural beauty and ecological importance. With its 500-year-old trees, it is already enchanting, but when the fog rolls in, an unreal atmosphere invades the area.
Book Fanal Forest Private Guided Tour
Incredibly, 15 to 40 million years ago, much of Southern Europe was covered in this type of laurel forest. Now, it can only be found in Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.
Fanal is around a 1-hour drive from Funchal or Santana. Before you go, you can check the webcams to see if clouds are rolling in. Fanal is located in the northwest part of the island and is actually part of the Vereda do Fanal.
*Our Crossing tip – On your way up there, make sure to drive slowly. The local cows tend to walk on the road in the area, and they always have the right of way.
Read More: 5 Top-Rated Day Trips From Beautiful Lisbon, Portugal You Shouldn’t Miss
#4. Endure the Pico Do Ariero To Pico Ruivo Hike
The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, commonly known as the “Pico to Pico” hike, connects the highest points of the island dramatically, offering countless viewpoints of the dramatic valley.
The spectacular mountain path was constructed 50 years ago by the island’s administration and leads hikers along narrow pathways, up and down ominous staircases, and through dark tunnel chambers.
This trail is quite difficult due to the almost 1000 m of incline throughout the return trip. The total distance of the hike is 11 km out and back.
In our experience, the first part of the hike was very foggy, but luckily, it only lasted for a few minutes. Then, everything cleared up. It’s important to remember that weather conditions change a lot in these mountains.
Don’t give up hope if the weather isn’t perfect when the hike begins. Just make sure to double-check the weather forecast, and if rain is not predicted, a little fog may disappear after a while.
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#5. Explore Its Many Beaches
Madeira may not be your typical beach holiday destination, but the beaches on the island are worth exploring.
Whether you love to soak up the sunshine, surf great waves, snorkel your way around the amazing marine life or simply love capturing the waves with your camera, there is a spot for everyone.
- Praia São Lourenço | is a small cobbled cove that’s tucked away behind dramatic cliff edges with some of the best turquoise seas on the island.
- Prainha Do Caniçal | is a black sand beach that is surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs. Located in Caniçal in the southeastern part of Madeira, in the municipality of Machico, is a small jewel with black sand.
- Praia Formosa | is arguably Funchal’s most beautiful beach and one of the best beaches in Madeira. It is a big, black sand beach that stretches for over 1.5 km, making it the largest sand beach on the island.
- Praia do Porto do Seixal | If you’re looking for a great scenic black sand beach in Madeira, Seixal is probably the one you’re looking for. It spans about 160 meters, offering lots of space for those who want to swim or sunbathe.
- Praia Da Maiata | is located in the north of the island and is a mixture of pebbles and black sand.
*Our Crossings tip – always carry spare change when visiting beaches in Madeira. This is because car parking and sunbed rentals are often cash only. Sometimes, you’ll need to pay to use the toilets, too.
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#6. See The Traditional Houses In The Town of Santana
While Madeirans no longer live in small triangular houses often seen in postcards, you can still find a few of them in Santana Town.
This little town is known for its Casas Tipicas de Madeira, traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs that often have scarlet doors and windows with blue frames.
The houses were built completely from locally sourced materials – the straw was grown for the thatched roofs, and the wood was cut from nearby forests. The steep angle of the roofs allowed any rainfall to quickly drain away.
Although small, they were able to guarantee some well-being and comfort to the less well-off people of this autonomous region.
The house usually consists of one or two rooms and could host one family.
- How far is it from Funchal to Santana? If going by car, the drive takes just over 40 minutes and is around 40km long.
- Admission: Entrance to the Núcleo de Casas Típicas de Santana is free
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#7. Follow a levada through a forest
Walking holidays are very popular in Madeira, thanks to the island’s network of irrigation channels known as levadas.
These old waterways were built hundreds of years ago to transport water from the north of the island to the south, where it doesn’t rain as much. and wind their way past banana farms, remote waterfalls and ancient laurel forests.
They consist of maintained paths alongside man-made water springs, making it a calming experience. You’ll be surrounded by lush nature, and along the way, you’ll see amazing panoramas and pass many waterfalls.
A Levada is also a little more sheltered, so for our rainy day, we decided to complete one of the most beautiful levada’s on the island of Madeira.
You can find and walk along the levadas yourself – after all, there are 2,000 kilometres of levadas on Madeira – but having a guide will help you access the best ones and get a whole heap of local information.
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#8. Hike the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning nature reserve located on the easternmost point of the island of Madeira.
Situated near the town of Caniçal, it offers several stunning viewpoints and is a must for anyone eager to explore the rugged coastline and the rocky outcrop that’s shaped by the forces of wind and water and looks like the tail of a dragon.
The reserve can be discovered through a popular hiking trail referred to as PR8, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.
The hike is a six-kilometre route back and forth and will take you about 2-3 hours, depending on how many breaks and photo stops you make along the way at its scenic spots.
- Difficulty – While the hike itself is graded as easy/moderate, what makes the São Lourenço hike challenging are the windy conditions and being exposed to the sun with absolutely no shade for the entire hike.
- What to bring – Always be prepared for the rough terrain, sun, wind and rapid change of weather. Bring your sunscreen, water and snacks.
The trail: The route is clearly marked, but it is a good idea to have the official Madeira walking app.
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#9. Witness a cloud inversion from Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak on Madeira Island and one of the best and most popular spots to experience cloud inversion.
From all the way up here, the clouds often form a thick layer between you and the world below. This makes sunsets and sunrises look even more enchanting and extraordinary than usual.
One of the reasons why it’s such a popular spot where crowds gather to watch the sun break through the thick sea of clouds is its easy accessibility.
There’s a road taking travellers and sunrise lovers almost all the way to the top, where they can enjoy the view across the whole island.
Plus, it is just 30 minutes by car to reach from Funchal, so this makes it a great option for people of all ages and abilities.
*Our Crossings tip: Keep in mind that it can get pretty cold this high up, especially after sunset. Make sure you are dressed properly.
Book your Pico Arieiro Experience Here!
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#10. Stop by Mercado dos Lavradores (Workers Market)
Every Portuguese town has a market where people buy their vegetables, fruits, fish and meat, but the island of Madeira has a very big and lively one. It is called the Mercado dos Lavradores and is waiting for you in Funchal’s city centre.
Still frequented by locals, Mercado dos Lavradores (meaning Workers Market) is a great place to spend some time among local people, soaking in the atmosphere of this popular and vibrant market.
What makes this market one of the main tourist attractions in the city is the colours, flowers and exotic fruits that you have possibly never seen before, such as philodendron, banana-pineapple fruit and tamarillo fruit.
Funchal’s main market was built in 1940, and much of the original art deco structure is still intact today.
While some people refer to the market as an expensive tourist trap, there is also a more authentic one you could stop by – the Mercado do Santo da Serra, or Santo da Serra Market, where most products are 1/4th the price compared to the more popular Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal. The downside is that it’s only open on Sunday (9AM – 6PM).
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Madeira? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Madeira and have travel-related questions!
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OUR CROSSINGS 
Another amazing place to visit, love the traditional houses, so unique. 😊
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Thanks so much, Glenys 🙂 Madeira is an island of great natural beauty famed for its varied fauna and flora. I loved the typical houses in Santana, too. These small, triangular and colourful houses represent a part of Madeira’s heritage and one of the most popular tourist attractions of the island. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It really is a stunning island, isn’t it, Aiva? It must be 10 years since we visited, certainly before those major floods in Funchal, and they’ve done an amazing job with the recovery. Your photos are lovely and lots of useful facts. I’d love to have done the Pico to Pico walk. Maybe one day… Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks so much, Jo. I couldn’t be happier to finally visit Madeira. Ryanair launched their new direct service from Dublin to Madeira, Portugal last year, which was welcomed news for Irish tourists dreaming of holidaying on the idyllic island.
I hope you get to endure a Pico to Pico walk. The 11-kilometre out-and-back trail is tough with over 1000 meters of incline, but the views and experience on itself are totally worth it. It is one of the most beautiful hikes on Madeira. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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🤗🩷
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Nice stuff! Love your work my friend!
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Thanks so much! I loved exploring Madeira. It’s a perfect destination for holidaymakers who are looking for sun all year round. Madeira’s luxurious vegetation and beautiful landscape make it a great choice for tourists who want to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the island through a range of activities, such as whale and dolphin watching, walking, hiking and cycling. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It looks lovely Aiva – I have considered it a few times – not summer but maybe October or Easter -but wasn’t sure enough about the weather to go ahead and book. There certainly seems like there’s plenty to do and enjoy… Did you fly direct or via Portugal?
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Thanks so much, Marie. I had Madeira on my wish list for a long time but never managed to visit as there were no direct flights from Dublin. Ryanair finally launched their new direct service from Dublin to Madeira in the spring of last year, it was a sign for me to book a flight.
The flight duration is just 3 hours and 40 minutes, and when I travelled in January, the route operated twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. I was pretty blown away by everything I had a chance to see and do on the island, especially their lush forests and incredible hiking trails. And given the recent price hikes in our stores, it was nice to browse the supermarkets where wine was priced at €1.50 per bottle. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I wouldn’t have thought of January but looks like you can get nice weather …. and now with direct flights… I’ll certainly be giving it a good look… XXXXMarie
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Wow!! Absolutely stunning pictures. I need to add this to my list, thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks so much, Lyssy. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is an island with incredible natural beauty.
It is an ideal location for foodies, famous for its original yet simple cuisine including seafood (swordfish, tuna and limpets), fried corn, the delicious bolo do caco (a type of muffin) and beef on a skewer of laurel wood. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow Aiva. This looks like a great place for a vacation. All the walking trails and all that history. Love the chalet style houses. That example was certainly beautiful. Thanks for showing us what to do Madeira. Allan
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Thanks so much, Allan. Madeira is an incredible photogenic island with impressive rugged coastlines, majestic mountains where you can easily be above the clouds and magical foggy forests. And we had a great time exploring it. It’s a heavily underrated tourist destination which is so much more than just Cristiano Ronaldo’s home. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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So beautiful!
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Thanks so much. Boasting a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, lush rainforests full of manmade Levadas (aqueduct systems perfect for hiking), amazing golden and black-sand beaches; and some truly unmatched wineries (and Poncha, if you’re after something stronger), this island oasis can deliver adventure, culture, and history in spades. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow. This looks like an amazing destination. The photos are very inviting. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Ali. It really is! With a pleasant climate, dramatic scenery, beautiful flowers and gardens, mountain trails and unique island culture, Madeira is a holiday destination with something for everyone. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A wonderful post. We were struck by how much there is to do in Madeira and PR8 was our highlight for sure. We didn’t make it to the houses at Santana but they look amazing!
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Thanks so much! I was quite surprised by how much there is to see and do, too! So much so that during my 10 days on the island didn’t even manage to explore all the places I had on my travel wish list. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I think if I visited Madeira, I would have to stay there. The forest and the little houses look like they belong in a fairy story. Gorgeous!
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Thanks so much, Kery.
I was utterly delighted to discover that the island of Madeira is a proud guardian of an environmental heritage of inestimable importance. And rushed to explore the largest surviving stand of laurel forest on my very first day. I found that the flora and fauna of this relict forest are quite unique; there are many endemic species including the Zino’s petrel and Madeiran long-toed wood pigeon (Trocaz pigeon), the latter of which is mostly restricted to indigenous laurel forests. Therefore, hiking through a 20-million-year-old subtropical Laurissilva rainforest is still my favourite memory from exploring the island. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! Madeira just gets better. I have never heard of a Laurel forest. Now I have to Google long toed pigeons… Love to you, Aiva and all the family. K x
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The long-toed pigeon is only found here: on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
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What a stunning place to visit, I would love to go there, one day🙂
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Thanks so much, Christie. Madeira is filled to the brim with lush green forests, tons of hiking trails, fantastic food and plenty of things to see. It’s dubbed the “Pearl of the Atlantic” and for good reason. I hope you get to explore it one day. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Madeira is a really charming island, especially when you think about it from the cold of winter. Thanks for the original suggestions to walk along the levadas and see the cloud inversion, it’s enjoying nature at its best.
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Thanks so much. There will be few destinations around the world that can boast of continuing in all their splendour at any time of the year – either because there’s a rainy season or it starts to get too hot or too cold. But Madeira is unique: any month of the year is ideal for visiting. As I travelled to Madeira from Ireland in the second week of January, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter +20’C. There is no real concept of winter in Madeira and it is very unusual to see Madeirans wearing these big heavy, padded winter coats. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The funny thing is I actually met someone from Madeira, thousands of kilometers away from her home in this tiny archipelago. She managed a hotel in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, a small country where I met her.
While the natural landscape definitely looks stunning in your photos, it’s the traditional house of Santana that stole my attention, with those colorful blooms and the brightly-painted door and window.
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Hi, Bama, it’s so nice to hear from you! How cool you’ve met someone from Madeira – I find that encountering people from different countries is always fun due to valuable cultural exchanges.
I was blown away by the natural beauty of Madeira. From its soaring peaks and rugged cliffs to its verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, it’s a place unlike any other. I am glad you loved the cute, traditional A-shaped houses Madeira is famous for. Surrounded by colourful flowers they are cute as a button. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The geography in Madeira is unreal! From a tropical-like jungle to the forested sections (with cottages that look reminiscent of those in England), it’s incredible the diversity of landscapes on such a small island. It’s a part of Portugal that I’ve been to, but it’s since piqued my interest to go– thanks to your post!
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Thanks so much, Rebecca. My trip to Madeira was an unforgettable experience. Fun fact – the extreme gusts of wind mean pilots have to take special training before being allowed to land there. Also – the main airport in Funchal has one of the shortest runways in the world which is cut short by high mountains and the sea. I was a bit hesitant at first but decided to travel anyway. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Madeira sounds like a beautiful place to visit regardless of the time of year. I got a good laugh from the Toboggan Run. Sounds like a fun experience. Agreed, Fanal Forest looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. What a gorgeous picture of the trees surrounded by the early morning fog. Pico de Arieiro looks like a fabulous spot to capture the sunrise. Thanks for sharing. Linda
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Hi, Linda 🙂 I loved Madeira and was enchanted by its mountains soaring from an ocean of deepest blue. With its rugged cliffs and lush jungle it’s also a photographer’s dream to take pictures here! As I took a chance and travelled in the off-season, I didn’t see many tourists and my hotel was half empty. All in all, I found that Madeira is an extremely welcoming, laid-back, and affordable part of the world and I would strongly recommend it for anyone looking to experience island life, while still being in Europe. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You’ve listed some splendid things to see and do in Madeira Aiva. We’ve stayed in Funchal three times now and always found it to be a beautiful island.
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Thanks so much, Marion. It was my first time in Madeira, and I loved every minute of it, especially being surrounded by the incredible nature. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thank you for sharing an amazing and detailed travel guide for Madeira. I would definitely want to check out one of those beaches someday!
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Thanks so much, Allie. A trip to Madeira is an unforgettable experience. You will discover incredible nature with stunning landscapes, a beautiful sea surrounding the island with dolphins and whales, delicious food and super friendly people! If that’s not enough to convince you to travel to Madeira, then you should also know that the island is an all year round destination. if you want to escape the harsh winter in the rest of Europe, then head to Madeira for some sunshine and warm temperature! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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that’s such a pretty house in Santana. great photos! my kids would love that sledge ride
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Thanks so much, Tanja 🙂 Madeira is one of the best destinations in Europe for nature – this tropical paradise has unique flora and fauna. . Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Great tips! Plenty more to do in Madeira but there’s never enough time whenever I go back. Some great suggestions and good writing. Cheers
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Thanks so much, Devin! I very much enjoyed my time on the island and a side of Portuguese culture that’s unique from that of the mainland. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Actually Aiva, I’ll tell you that Madeira was one of the places I was considering moving to back in 2018… Always been fascinated with islands although I haven’t lived on one for any significant amount of time… Beautiful pictures and phenomenal information. Definitely will keep this post in mind when I visit, and I plan to, sometime… All the best and a great middle of the week to you!
Francis
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Thanks so much, Francisco. After visiting Madeira and being blown away by its colourful towns rising up from volcanic hillsides and botanical gardens overflowing with exotic plants, I was ready to relocate! There’s definitely something about islands which so fascinates, and soothes after time spent in cities. I think it’s that in the opposing allures of island and city there’s a paradox at work: in the city, it’s easy to become isolated and lonely, and on an island to feel part of a community. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A most comforting analogy. Well said Aiva. Cheers and all the best!
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Portugal is on my short list, but I had never really thought of going to Madeira. The hiking junkie in me shall have to remember this!
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You would love exploring Madeira as this little Portuguese archipelago is a treasure trove of dramatic landscapes, unique architecture and unforgettable bucket-list adventures. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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We visited Madeira years ago and so amazing. This.was a very charming island. Love rhe chalet houses..These are stunning photos. Anita
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Thanks so much, Anita. This was my first time visiting Madeira and I was in awe of everything I had a chance to see and do, especially its colourful flowers and lush forests. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! It looks like an amazing place that I had never even heard of. Love the houses, and it does seem like a walkers’ paradise.
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Thanks so much, Bernie :)Madeira is best known for crisp sea views, clifftop hikes, and a year-round summer climate. It was easy to see why this island is one of Europe’s most visited holiday spots. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I had to go to a map. It’s so far south! No wonder it has a year-round summer climate. It’s hard to get to from here, though.
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Thanks for the tour of Madeira, Aiva! I’ve actually never heard of this island but it looks like a diverse and lovely place for a getaway!
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Thanks so much, Diana 🙂 Madeira is often overlooked by holiday goers, who dismiss this tropical island as being for honeymooners only, yet these people are seriously missing out. This volcanic archipelago is also a dream for the adventurous, hikers and even foodies. Think peaks as high as 1,800m, lush greenery and waves perfect for surfing and other watersports. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! What a beautiful place to visit! The nature is absolutely stunning! And so many things to see! Also that Toboggan Run seems really fun 🤩
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Thanks so much, Ribana. It was my first time in Madeira, and I had a fantastic time exploring it. I didn’t go on a Toboggan Run but loved seeing other people who wanted to make this exciting experience of sliding at high speed on narrow, winding streets down to Funchal, have a go at it. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What an amazing and diverse island of beautiful nature and excitement! Looking on a map, I would have guessed it belonged to Morocco. So enjoyed this post!
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Thanks so much, Ruth 🙂 Madeira might be a small island, but it has a giant reputation. This volcanic island is anchored closer to Africa than Europe and is renowned for its natural beauty. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a great guide Aiva. Your Fanal Forest picture is lovely with the mist covered trees. The view from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is beautiful and looks well worth the tough climb. I’ll have to add Madeira to my list! Maggie
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Thanks so much, Maggie. Tucked away in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is still relatively unknown among tourists. And yet, this small island has everything you need for a perfect getaway, especially if you are a hiker and outdoors lover. But don’t just take my word for it. In the last seven years, Madeira has won seven consecutive World’s Leading Island Destination titles by the World Travel Awards, beating the likes of Bali, Fiji, the Maldives, and yes, even Hawaii.
Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a fun list of things to do! Well done for doing the Pico to Pico! The A-framed house is adorable. I’ve seen them in snowy climbs for shedding snow. Those irrigation canals are so cute, and that forest looks like something out of Lord of the Rings. When we go to Portugal next spring, it won’t include Madeira, but I’ll have to put it on a “Future Portugal” list.
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Thanks so much. Madeira is jam-packed with incredible hiking trails, but the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo was hands down my favourite. The colours, the views, and the chance of finally seeing a cloud inversion were well worth the early morning wake-up call. During my trip, I fell head over heels in love with Madeira! I’ve never been to a place in Europe where front gardens are dotted with papaya, guava and passion fruit trees and vines, while municipal planting boasts trees with bright foliage and birds of paradise peeking out of borders. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Sounds wonderfully tropical!
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For someone who lives on Ireland’s West coast, surrounded by nothing but dense wetlands filled with partially decayed vegetation, it really was xx
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I know you verify what you write with actual viewings of the landscape. Madeira thus feels right for us on future cruise travels.
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A trip to Madeira is an unforgettable experience. You will discover incredible nature with stunning landscapes, a beautiful sea surrounding the island with dolphins and whales, delicious food and super friendly people!
If that’s not enough to convince you to travel to Madeira, then you should also know that the island is an all-year-round destination. if you want to escape the harsh winter in the rest of Europe, then head to Madeira for some sunshine and warm temperature! Thanks for stopping by and I hope all is well with you and your family 🙂 Aiva xx
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And well wishes to you and your family as well.
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Thank you kindly 😊 xx
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Pico Do Ariero To Pico Ruivo Hike, Madeira. Definitely on my wishlist! Gorgeous pictures and what an adventure it looks to be. 🙂
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This unique and unforgettable hike is the most famous on the island, and for good reason, as the route straddles high mountain ridgelines, traverses steep stairways, and darts through tunnels bored through the mountains themselves. It’s a must when visiting Madeira, Cheryl. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow, Madeira looks stunning! I have never considered visiting up until recently, and your post definitely confirms that I should absolutely go one day! It sounds at the same time cute and super epic, a bit like a Southern Iceland!
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One of the things I like about Madeira is that the climate on the island is mild all year round, average between 18 and 24º C. Never too hot, never too cold! Thanks to this perfect climate, you will be able to explore the nature of Madeira all year round. You can swim in the natural pool at Porto Moniz, see impressive waterfalls at Levada do Caldeirão Verde, hike Ponta de São Lourenço and so much more! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful 🙂 Aiva xx
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The landscape is just wow. And the traditional house looks like it comes straight out of a fairy tale. The sled ride looks fun as well. But 48km/h downhill is not for fainted hearts 🙂 Which month did you visit the island? The weather looks perfect.
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This was my first time visiting Madeira, and I was in awe of its epic landscapes and lush nature. It rained quite a bit during my visit in early January, but the mild temperatures provided a refreshing respite from the severe winter storms battering Ireland. While Madeira is known for its year-round sunshine, and dry, warm temperatures, the island’s winter warmth is accompanied by a mix of sunny days and occasional rain, which nurtures its lush landscapes, ensuring they remain vibrant and green throughout the season. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Many thanks for the information, Aiva. It’s very comprehensive 🙂 Have a great week ahead!
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🥰🥰🥰
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Wonderful post Aiva with load of excellent tips!
Although we travelled through Portugal this year, we didn’t make it to Madeira. The toboggan ride would be loads of fun, but I also loved your Fanal Forest and the Santana house photos. So much to do, especially on an island. Enjoy the festive season! Nilla x
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I’ve been to Portugal many times, but up until last January, never been to Madeira. I don’t know why I even waited so long to visit the island! There are a good few reasons why it is often referred to as the Pearl of the Atlantic – it is made for adventures by water, has a mild climate year-round and accommodates all kinds of travel interests. Madeira might have all the makings of a remote destination, but it’s accessible and affordable, so I hope you get to visit this wonderful place. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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