When I first heard about Madeira, I imagined a place where spring never ends. And indeed, when I got there, I realized that it was not just a tourist slogan.
Madeira is a place that stays in your memory. From the first moments I set foot on its land, I felt as if I had entered another world. The air is clean and the lush green forests surrounding me make each breath deep and full. And the climate? The combination of spring warmth, wind and sea breeze makes every day different and every day full of possibilities. This is February, I understand!
You won't experience extreme seasonal changes here. The island is teeming with life to the rhythm of mild temperatures that range from 22-25°C in summer and do not fall below 14-15°C in winter. It is a climate that favors both the inhabitants and the vegetation that blooms here all year round. It doesn't matter what time of year you plan to spend holidays in Madeira, it will always be a weather-wise hit! In spring, flowers bloom everywhere and the capital hosts a very famous flower festival. This is the time when nature comes to life and the city of Funchal turns into a lush garden. Summer brings warmer days and more subtle colors of the landscape. Although some waterfalls turn into small streams, the ocean invites you to swim. Autumn and winter in Madeira are the time when rainy days nourish the island and the greenery becomes even more intense. The waterfalls come back to life, full of water and energy. Moderate temperatures are perfect for exploring the levadas and trails that crisscross the island.
Madeira, the land of eternal spring - a place where nature plays the main role. The island, which was formed about five million years ago by volcanic eruptions, offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and a sea of clouds under your feet. It is one of the highest volcanic islands in the world - its total height is approximately 6000 meters (of which 4000 m UNDER the water surface). This is why it owes its characteristic structure - vertical, several hundred-meter-high cliffs falling straight into the ocean. Known for over 3000 kilometers of measured levadas, it is a photographic paradise and a great place for a few-day vacation and to recharge your batteries in the winter months.
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, diving, climbing, magical forests and steep cliffs. Madeira is a paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. The official PR trails lead through the most picturesque parts of the island, and trekking in the Laurissilva National Park and along the levadas is an experience that combines the beauty of nature with the thrill of emotion, because on most routes the security is quite makeshift. There are several hundred trails of varying difficulty and length. However, if someone is just starting their adventure with hiking in the mountains or doesn't like to get tired - it's perfect - most of the routes along the levadas lead along a flat path, guaranteeing unforgettable views.
During my wanderings around this extraordinary Portuguese island in the middle of the Atlantic, I saw places that will remain in my memory for a long time.
Here is my selection of the most interesting attractions in Madeira that you must see:
- PR 1 – Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo (Vereda do Areeiro) – it is worth getting here early in the morning because the sunrise on this route is a breathtaking moment. While hiking between Madeira's two highest peaks, I witnessed the sun slowly rising above the clouds. The route offers beautiful views. It is demanding, but the satisfaction after completing the most famous route in Madeira is guaranteed.
- PR 9 – Levada Caldeirão Verde – for me one of the greenest routes on the island and therefore the most beautiful for me. This levada takes you deep into the São Jorge Valley, where the Caldeirão Verde Waterfall awaits at the end. I remember a picnic under the waterfall - immersed in the cool fog and the sounds of falling water, I looked around and felt admiration for this place. The route allows you to see the incredible beauty of the island, admire the mountain landscapes and... not get tired - I walked 10 km in 4 hours and the route ran along the flat levada.
- Cháo da Ribeira – a full-day hike that leads through the Chão da Ribeira valley, full of lush forests above Seixal. It is part of the Laurissiva National Park - a subtropical rainforest. This is the so-called primeval forest – created without any trace of human interference. Nature created its own works of art here, with waterfalls and streams crossing my path every now and then, adding magic to every step. The trail is wild and I didn't meet a single person here.
- PR 16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues – dear reader, have you watched Jurassic Park? Close your eyes and imagine huge monsters, tall trees and dense forests. Minus the dinosaurs, naturally. Faja do Rodrigues is a levada that leads through picturesque landscapes and tunnels. The route is flat, straight and full of peace, where the only sounds were the sound of water and the singing of birds.
- Achadas Da Cruz – a small, inconspicuous village in the north of the island, accessible by cable car – a slope with a slope of 98%. And downstairs? Peace, silence, the sound of the ocean, cliffs almost 500 meters high and a beautiful walking path along the ocean - a beautiful place for a sunset.
- The Botanical Garden of Monte is a real jewel of Madeira. It is located on a hill with a beautiful view of Funchal. This is a place where you can admire the diversity of flora from all over the world. The gardens are home to hundreds of species of plants. Interestingly, you can get here by cable car all the way from the center of Funchal, and then on your return it is worth taking a ride on the famous sleigh! Wicker vehicles slide on wooden runners on the asphalt, guided by 2 carreiros - the descent takes about 10 minutes and the speed reaches almost 50 km/h! During your holiday in Madeira, you cannot miss a visit to this beautiful place.
- The Vereda to Larano route is one of the most picturesque routes in Madeira. The trail leads along the cliffs. I recommend it to those who are looking for adventure and are not afraid of space or heights - the path winds along a steep slope and we feel very small.
- Ponta de São Lourenço – otherwise known as the Saint Lawrence Peninsula. The easternmost part of the island captivated me with its harsh climate, contrasting with the rest of the island. What's waiting for us there? Steep cliffs, rough ocean and space - a walk around the peninsula is a must-see in the program of visiting Madeira during island tours.
Man does not live by effort alone, so apart from constant hiking, I also found time for going to the beach. Although the vast majority of beaches are rocky, there is some sandy part in almost every part of the island. The beaches may not be spectacular, but their location is unique. My fondest memories are the golden beaches in Machico and Calheta and the black beach in Seixal, where the sunrise is enchanting. The black, volcanic beach is surrounded by high cliffs and lush greenery, which creates an extremely picturesque landscape. The sand here is soft and pleasant to the touch, which makes Seixal an ideal place to relax after an eventful day.
And where to sleep in Madeira? The best high-end hotels
The island is so small that the most convenient place will be the capital of the island - Funchal. In Madeira you can find luxury hotels that will perfectly meet all your needs. Number one, in my opinion, is Belmond Reid's Palace. The first luxury hotel on the island was built before the airport was built. Elegance, tradition - here you can feel history intertwined with modernity. Two heated swimming pools, a restaurant with excellent Michelin restaurants, stone terraces and access to the ocean - the perfect place for a luxurious holiday. Belmond, as befits one of the best luxury hotel brands, is more than a hotel - it is part of the history of Madeira.
However, if we prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, I recommend the brand's hotels Savoy Signature. A fresh, modern hotel, opened in 2019, presents guests with 2 concepts: savoy palace combines luxury and ease. There are plenty of amenities for guests, including swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of restaurants. The reserve is an exclusive part of the Savoy complex where guests have a more private and personalized experience. This boutique hotel offers special amenities such as a private pool and terrace, and a dedicated restaurant.
The island of Madeira is also a paradise for wine lovers. Even though it lies in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the island has many vineyards worth discovering. I will mention two: Barbeito Madeira specialize in single-varietal and mixed wines, from drier to sweeter, and Henrique & Henriques, whose traditions date back to the 15th century, is one of the most respected names in the world of Madeira wines.
I had a wonderful time in Madeira. During my wanderings, I couldn't help but feel that every corner of this island hides some secret. Wandering along narrow paths that wound through steep slopes, I constantly came across picturesque views.
I encourage anyone looking for a place where nature and culture create a harmonious whole to visit this unique island. This is a place where every day is a new adventure and unforgettable memories. Regardless of whether we are looking for relaxation in luxurious surroundings, nature or culinary experiences, trip to Madeira will meet all expectations. This is a great destination both as a sole destination and as an extension of, for example, a tour of mainland Portugal.
Author: Katarzyna Deptuła
