DISCOVER Madeira
Madeira Island Oasis
DISCOVER NATURAL WONDERS, VIBRANT CULTURE, AND OCEANIC BEAUTY
The Madeira archipelago comprises two primary islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, along with two groups of smaller, uninhabited islands.
Often acclaimed as the ‘Garden Island’ or the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, Madeira lies closer to Africa than the Azores, just 400km north of the Spanish Canary Islands, believed to have been discovered and settled in the 15th century.
Funchal serves as the capital of Madeira, a cosmopolitan hub renowned for hosting Portugal’s largest Carnival festivities and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations. In Madeira island other significant cities and towns include Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, and Machico.
Madeira Island, the largest in the archipelago, features a rugged central mountain range, characterized by sea cliffs, valleys, and ravines extending to the coast. The island’s north is adorned with lush laurel forests, while agricultural and urban areas dominate the south.
Unveiling Portugal
Renowned for its production of Madeira wine and thriving tourism sector, the island attracts many European cruise ships, particularly to Funchal. In contrast, Porto Santo Island focuses primarily on sun and beach tourism, boasting nine kilometers of sandy beaches.
To immerse yourself in the authentic Madeiran experience, wander through Funchal’s historic core, take a thrilling downhill ride on a traditional basketwork sled, indulge in the island’s renowned sweet pineapples, or savor a glass of Poncha da Madeira, a local blending cane brandy with lemon juice, and sugar.
Outdoor enthusiasts go to Madeira to explore its breathtaking landscapes, with hiking along the Levadas, historic irrigation channels, ranking among the island’s top choices. Traversing these paths unveils hidden waterfalls nestled within the lush Laurissilva forest, a subtropical rainforest dating back 20 million years and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on the Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail with breathtaking views.
Atlantic Ocean water species such as whales and dolphins are common to watch by iTravelPortugal ecotours.
From the cliffs of Cabo Girão to the rugged peaks of Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, and the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, Madeira’s diverse terrain offers endless exploration opportunities.
Porto Santo, the archipelago’s second-largest island, stands as a beloved beach retreat among the Portuguese. With temperatures rarely dipping below 15ºC or surpassing 27ºC, visitors can bask in the sun year-round, making it an ideal destination for winter escapes.
The Ilhas Desertas, the smallest islands within the Madeira archipelago, serve as a nature reserve and home to a thriving sea lion colony. Accessible via boat tours, these uninhabited volcanic isles offer a glimpse into the untouched wilderness, though visitor numbers are carefully regulated to preserve their extraordinary biodiversity.
The islands boast biodiverse, subtropical climates, with Madeira experiencing varying climates from north to south. Overall, the climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, resulting in mild to warm temperatures year-round. However, snowfall in the mountains of Madeira is not uncommon during winter.
Private Tour
8 days
Funchal & Lisbon
7 Nights in a DoubleRoom
