Madeira, a lovely paradise floating gracefully in the North Atlantic Ocean, offers an alternative to other holiday islands in Europe. The Portuguese archipelago has breathtaking landscapes, an eternal spring climate, and a rich cultural tapestry awaiting curious travellers.
Born of Fire and Sea
Madeira's dramatic geography is the result of volcanic origins dating back over five million years. The island's towering cliffs, deep valleys, and jagged peaks are a reminder of its fiery birth. Rising almost straight out of the ocean, the island's highest point Pico Ruivo stands 1,862m above sea level and offers panoramic views that stretch across the rugged landscape.
Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world's last surviving remnants of the ancient laurel forests that once covered much of southern Europe. Its trails, shaded by endemic trees and moss-covered rocks, give hikers the feeling of stepping into another world.
The island's intricate network of irrigation channels, known as levadas, built centuries ago to channel rainwater from the mountains to agricultural areas, now double as scenic hiking routes.
Wonderful Climate
Located just 90 minutes by plane from Lisbon, one of Madeira's most alluring features is its mild, subtropical climate. With temperatures rarely dropping below 16°C in winter or exceeding 26°C in summer, the island enjoys what locals affectionately call "eternal spring."
This climate creates ideal conditions for the explosion of colour that defines Madeira's landscapes with vivid bougainvillea, majestic jacarandas, and the iconic bird-of-paradise flower painting the island year-round.
The capital, Funchal, hosts the annual Madeira Flower Festival, an event that transforms the city into a living garden, filled with floats, music, and vibrant parades.
Festivals
Madeira experiences Carnival like few places elsewhere. These days of revelry and extravagance fill the city's streets and nightlife with brightness, colour and animation from February 11 to 22.
From famous parades such as 'Cortejo Alegórico' and the satirical 'Cortejo Trapalhão' to the festivities held during these days in multiple locations, Madeira's Carnival fills the entire archipelago with a unique liveliness.
The Saturday night parade is the highlight. Over 1,500 revellers participate dressed in eye-catching costumes in addition to a dozen exquisitely decorated floats.
From June 5 to 28, the Atlantic Festival, celebrated every Saturday in June, also hosts cultural activities in the archipelago's streets, including the International Madeira Fireworks Competition, Multimedia Show, Circus Show, Regional Arts Week, and the Funchal Lyons Club Bread Fair.
Madeira's Wine Festival is a highly symbolic cultural and ethnographic event. Held during the grape harvest season, from around August 27 to September 13, it celebrates the internationally acclaimed nectar produced in the archipelago. The event takes place both in the streets of Funchal and in vineyards and wine cellars in rural areas.
The Columbus Festival, from September 17-20, aims to recreate the atmosphere that the navigator encountered during his stay in Porto Santo. At this time, the streets are filled with theatrical performances, concerts and a realistic 16th-century market.
Explore Funchal
Funchal beautifully blends old and new. The city's cobblestone streets, adorned with black-and-white mosaics, lead to charming squares, Baroque churches, and vibrant markets like Mercado dos Lavradores, where one can find tropical fruits, local crafts, and freshly caught fish.
Paradise for Adventure
Adventure seekers find Madeira irresistible. The island's wild terrain offers countless opportunities for exploration from mountain biking through forest trails, canyoning down waterfalls, paragliding over coastal cliffs, or diving among volcanic caves. The surrounding Atlantic waters are a sanctuary for marine life, making Madeira a top destination for dolphin and whale watching.
For those who prefer a slower pace, a scenic drive along coastal roads reveals charming fishing villages like Câmara de Lobos. This picturesque village inspired the British statesman Winston Churchill, who famously painted its view during a visit in the 1950s.
Gastronomy and Hospitality
Madeiran cuisine is as diverse and flavorful as the island itself. Local specialities include espetada, succulent beef skewers grilled over an open flame, and bolo do caco, a traditional flatbread served with garlic butter. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local honey cake also feature prominently on the island's menus. Accompanied by a glass of poncha, a traditional rum-based drink, every meal becomes a celebration of local craftsmanship and hospitality.
Celebrate Sunrise and Sunset
You can almost always count on a spectacular sunrise or sunset, and locals take great pride in celebrating them. The stunning landscape and red, orange and pink hues of the sun can create fantastic photographic opportunities. Some of the best places to view the sunrise or sunset are Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Ponta da Ladeira, Guindaste do Faial viewpoint and Bica da Cana.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
