Why Madeira Should Be At The Top Of Your 2024 Travel List
Madeira is an archipelago that’s comprised of four islands. The largest, also called Madeira, draws the bulk of tourists with its UNESCO-protected laurel forests, adventure, and wine. It’s easy to navigate the capital, Funchal on foot. Starting from the harbor, it’s nice to walk to many tasting rooms and some of the smaller gardens. To reach the famous flora and flamingos at Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, you’ve got a few options. It’s possible to arrange a car. A way more fun way to get there is to ride the scenic cable car. Speaking of thrilling modes of transport, adrenaline junkies won’t want to pass up the chance to do a toboggan ride on a traditional wicker basket.
One of the most popular outdoor activities for visitors to do in Madeira?
Walks along the levadas — the system of historic irrigation canals that traverses the island — which vary in length and difficulty. Cycling paths also wrap around the lush hillsides. To see a host of scenic attractions, namely Cabo Girão Skywalk, Fanal Forestry Station, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, in one fell swoop, book a full-day private Jeep safari with Discovery Island Madeira.
The beaches on the main island of Madeira are volcanic in origin. That means pebbles or black sand. Some of the most dramatic and cinematic include cliff-backed Prainha do Seixal and the larger Prainha do Caniçal. If you’re looking for golden crescents worthy of a tourism brochure, plan a day trip to Porto Santo to hit the sun-splashed shores of Ponta da Calheta. There are few ways to reach the tiny, 16-square-mile island. Most folks opt for the ferry — which boats old-school cruise ship-level amenities such as a game room, cafeteria, and movie theater. The journey lasts about two and a half hours. In a pinch for time? The flight between Madeira to Porto Santo takes barely 25 minutes.
