This post will give you the top ten reasons as to why you need to explore the island of Madeira in Portugal as soon as possible.
Beware the bite of the travel bug that will surely give you a major case of wanderlust for this enchanting island.
Considered as one of Europe’s last undiscovered holiday destination (but is now generating a lot of buzz and piquing the interest of many travellers thanks to CNN Travel calling it the “island of eternal spring-like weather”) there are a lot of reasons why you should hop on a plane now and fly to “Portugal’s sunshine outpost” as dubbed by Telegraph UK.
- There is a lot to do and lot to see
Go climb a mountain, hire a car, drive around and discover historic towns, hike through valleys, eat a delicious seafood meal partnered with Madeiran wine, relax in sea lava pools, watch a whale, ride a horse, admire the gorgeous scenery… the list is endless!Madeira has stunning natural scenery, high mountains, steep cliffs, lush forests and flower parks and gardens. It is truly blessed with nature’s gift. Independent tourists will feel at home since the island offers more leisure activities than just sitting by the pool. Its capital, Funchal, is very welcoming as a testament to the Portuguese’s generous and laid-back attitude. Tourist facilities are excellent and the entertainment and sights will give you more bang for your buck.
- The island is filled with Portuguese architecture
Classic Portuguese whitewashed houses litter the streets of Funchal. Small churches and capitals and carefully maintained gardens and parks encourage late night strolls which are perfectly okay. Madeira is safe and crime is virtually non-existent! No need to worry about those individuals prying on gullible tourists.If used to travelling around Europe, you could still kick back and relax in Madeira with the comforts and values expected from European countries.
- The scarceness of sandy beaches is a good thing
Powerful waves and strong currents make the coastline of Madeira unsuitable for swimming. This is actually a good thing because the island has so much more to offer. It also prevented the island from being overrun by holiday packages enticing tourists to just lounge all day, although there are still picturesque beaches for the beach lovers. This island really has it all! Head over to Câmara de Lobos or Ponta do Sol for that sea, sun and sand experience.
- The island’s irrigation system is an interesting sight that people go see
Levadas are Madeira’s irrigation channels that serve as mountain water’s pathways to irrigate farmlands and vegetation. Hikers walk alongside the levadas for kilometres that doesn’t feel demanding and exhausting because of the scenery. The ends of some levadas’ courses are mountain tops for an exhilarating view of the coast, a worthy reward after that vigorous cardio exercise.
- The world’s largest laurel forest
The Laurisilva of Madeira in the Parque Natural da Madeira or Madeira Natural Park is the world’s largest laurel forest. This vegetation type is only surviving in the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira. The forests are one of the island’s ecotourism spot and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a vital property for the conservation of biodiversity because of the flora and fauna endemic to the island particularly the symbolic Madeiran Laurel Pigeon.
- The natural seawater pools
The village of Porto Moniz is one of the most visited places in Madeira because of the salt water natural pools. The pools are enclosed in volcanic rocks with water cool and refreshing. During high tide, the pools are replenished making it constantly filled with sea water.
- The cetaceans
Catamarans are available for rent in Madeira because the island is an excellent spot for whale and dolphin watching. The number of cetaceans species in the world is 80 and 29 of those species could be seen in Madeira all year round. Guests are treated most of the time with the sight of these aquatic animals sometimes playfully swimming around the boat.Want to sail in a replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship? Sail along the south coast of Madeira for a 3-hour trip. Get up close with giant tortoises and swim in the deep blue sea.
- The adrenaline rush
Various outdoor activities in Madeira bring about an adrenaline rush. Canyoning, paragliding, cliff and waterfalls jumping, there are facilities and available equipment for all of these. Still, want that rush but not a fan of the extreme? Go for the Cabo Girão Skywalk. The second highest cliff skywalk in the world after the Grand Canyon, the platform was constructed in 2012 and surely enough became one of Madeira’s popular tourist attractions.
- The music
Fado is a music genre that originated in 19th century Portugal. The melancholic music is the perfect background melody while eating Madeiran dishes. A lot of “fado-diner” food establishments in Madeira offer a dining experience with live music which will definitely stay in your memories.
- The flowers
The soil in Madeira is very fertile and with its climate, flowers bloom all year round and could be viewed in the 19th-century estate of Quinta da Boa Vista. Located in Funchal, the estate drew in guests because of its astounding orchid collection. Several other types of flowers are also insight such as paphiopedilums, cattleyas and cymbidiums. During May, the island is filled with excitement for the yearly Flower Festival with floral floats and dancers with colourful and fragrant costumes participating in the parade.Madeira is slowly being recognised as a holiday destination because of its fascinating history, natural beauty and cultural sights and wonders. A paradise tucked between mountains and sea and a land filled with adventures.
Daunted by the task of planning for the trip? Let the experts help you! Send an email to [email protected] with special package tours that suit your preference. Book that holiday and look forward to the vacation of your dreams. We ensure you will have a great time with us.
