Madeira is an island off the coast of Portugal and is a very popular year round destination. The island offers you a subtropical climate which means that you get lovely warm temperatures of around 25 degrees in summer and in winter is still keeps temperatures of 20 degrees. The island’s climate and location combine to create a beautiful place so full of flowers and growth and greenery. The island itself it beautiful with amazing views of the ocean and of the mountain and all this is added to by the fauna and flora there. Maderia is a great destination for an adventure holiday if you want hiking, walking, swimming, scuba diving or if you just want to laze on some of the countless beaches and simply relax and unwind.
More About Madeira
Car Hire
Car hire Madeira is a great idea, the island is literally a sightseer’s heaven, and you will be treated to oceans, beaches, cliffs, mountains, valley, forests, lakes and so much more, all on one island. And to make life that little easier when driving, the island has tunnels under the mountains for driving, so you do not have to contend with scary hairpin bends when getting around. Car Booker compares car hire on Madeira, looking at all the main car hire providers to ensure that we get you the best choice of cars and the best prices on your hire car. Because we compare all providers and deals, we can save you on average up to 30% on your car hire bookingin Madeira.
Top things to do
The capital of the island is Funchal which is a lovely place to visit and explore. Our top things to do in Funchal are the botanical gardens, the Topical palace, which you should go up to by cable car and come down on their famous Toboggan! Visit the Funchal market for a great selection of fruits, vegs, meats and fish and also flowers, which are a bit theme on the island. For wines go to the Old Blandy´s wine lodge. Outside of Funchal, you can take your pick of fun things to do including whale and dolphin tours which leave twice a day and will also bring you Cabo Girao, which has the highest cliff in Europe, you will be allowed off the boat for some snorkeling or swimming. Because of the amazing scenery there are a lot of great walks and hikes, check out the Paul da Serra plateau which is the highest point on the western side of the island and you can start the Levada walks here. Also really worth a few hours of your time is the Laurissilva forests. And for water lovers, you can sail, fish, and surf from Madeira. And there is even an underwater reserve on the Garajau coast which is a special treat for divers.
Road Trips
There is a lot of exploring to be done in Madeira, and because it is not so big, you can just jump into your hire car and start exploring. To the north of the island you will more dramatic views and landscapes with spectacular views of valleys and cliffs. To the south, you will drive along the coast road and find a pretty landscape where to roads are lined with flowers and you will pass or stop off at pretty little beaches. Whichever side of the island you are on, you will find picturesque fishing village and lovely restaurants with locally caught fish on the menu. If you are looking for beaches, you will find that many have blacker sand because the island is volcanic, but don’t be put off by the colour. You will really enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters and warm (warmish is winter!) temperatures. If you want to search out golden sand on Madeira, then you will need to go to Calheta and Machico.