Enjoying an excellent year round climate, stunning scenery and superb quality hotels Madeira holidays are perfect for those wanting to escape the stresses of everyday life. The people are friendly and there are few places where you would enjoy better or more courteous service.
The Island of Eternal Springtime, Lovers’ Isle, Pearl of the Atlantic, Floating Garden of the Atlantic are just a few of the epithets awarded to Madeira, the largest of the islands in the Madeiran Archipelago which also includes the sand and sea worshippers’ island of Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of the Selvagens and Desertas. Located 400 miles west of Morocco and 600 miles from the European mainland, the islands are located on similar latitudes to Bermuda and Los Angeles and enjoy a good year round climate, allowing holidays to Madeira to be enjoyed both in the summer and winter months. Madeira is the tip of a gigantic mountain protruding from the ocean depths and the variations in altitude provide a variety of natural habitats from stunning coastal scenery to soaring mountainous peaks. The central area is volcanic in origin although you need have no fears – the last eruption is thought to have occurred 1.7 million years ago!
The island is 35 miles long and 16 miles wide and its subtropical climate and moderate rainfall provide an environment where lush vegetation prevails and exotic flowers bloom all year. The water temperature is also pleasant year round due to the warming influences of the Gulf Stream. Although there are no golden sand beaches the island boasts a few manmade beaches and there are numerous lidos and wonderful hotel pools overlooking the ocean or situated in magnificent tropical gardens which make Madeira holidays an ideal choice of destination for sun worshippers.
Read our Madeira blog here - https://www.thepersonaltravelagents.co.uk/my-blog/experience-madeira/
Insider tip
Take an Island tour whilst you are there - with various different routes around this beautiful island.
An eastern island tour includes Pico de Arieiro, the third highest peak offering magnificent views, the village of Santana famous for its traditional thatched roofed houses; the vineyards at Quinta do Furao, and the small fishing village of Machico. A western island tour takes in Camara de Lobos, a picturesque village once captured on canvas by Sir Winston Churchill, Cabo Girao, reportedly the highest sea cliff in Europe, Paul da Serra, a magnificent plateau at 1,600 metres and Porto Moniz, famed for its natural rock pools.
Popular things to do and see and unmissable experiences
Madeira's subtropical climate plus a wonderful combination of indigenous and imported plants combine to produce gardens that are the envy of horticulturists from all over the world. Garden-lovers must visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal, the public gardens and the Tropical Gardens at Monte, and the beautiful Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro gardens.
Climate
The weather in Madeira holds steady - with temperates averaging out around 18-19 degress between December and April, and then to the high 20's in the Summer months.
Other information
- Best time of year to travel:
All year round
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time from UK: 3.5 - 4 Hours
- Visa and passport information:
A visa is not required for Madeira