Madeira Island is a Marvel in the Atlantic

A trip to this Island is a dream holiday as Madeira is a beautiful and fascinating island that offers a lot to see and do, from challenging mountain hiking though to discovering historic towns or simply relaxing in the natural sea lava pools of Porto Moniz. This makes Madeira an ideal destination for the more intrepid or independent tourist who wants more than just sitting by the pool for their holiday. Furthermore than its stunning natural scenery, Madeira boasts of massive mountains, jagged cliffs, lush forests and delightful flower gardens.

It is generally acknowledged that Madeira is one of the best places for trekking. The climate and landscape offer the chance of trekking everywhere making it walk able all year round. If you like hiking, you’ll be fascinated by the trail between the two highest points of the island: Pico Ruivo Trail to Pico do Areeiro, hiking above the cloud line at Pico Ruivo gives you all the adrenaline rush.

The heights inside the city are no less fascinating. A visit to Monte; travel up by cable car and return via the toboggan run is a must. Take a ride up to Monte in a cable car, enjoy the amazing view of Funchal bay and surrounding landscape. Don´t forget to wave at people as you pass them by as it might not be a two way journey. Instead of riding the cable car down to Funchal, take a thrill ride down to Funchal on a “Carro do Monte”, which is a traditional toboggan ride on a wicker sled with wooden runners driven by two men.

If you are looking to indulge in your love for swimming and diving here you will have enough opportunities. The water temperature ranges from 19º to 24º, which is perfect for snorkelling, diving, sailing, or even for a quiet boat trip to have a different perspective of the island, with luck you’ll find dolphins or whales that live here.

Porto Moniz

The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz which are the highlight of the village of Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water. The natural salt water swimming pools are made up of volcanic rocks, into which the sea flows naturally. The sea is incredibly blue in Porto Moniz which makes it gratifying to eyes. There’s a good viewing point above the town that you can walk up to, called Miradouro da Santa.

Botanical Gardens:

To me, Flowers are happiness. In Madeira one can experience the flavours and scents in the air and that are very characteristic of the island. One of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvellous views overlooking the city of Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden is located on one of the most peculiar estates in the city, the Bom Sucesso Estate. The garden is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants.