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Madeira tourism: everything you need to know
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It is no coincidence that Madeira is known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. With a mild climate for most of the year, stunning natural scenery, luxurious hotels and delicious cuisine, the island has been attracting tourists from all over the world for many decades. Have you ever thought about doing Tourism in Madeira?
Discover with Guerin the essentials about Madeira, considered for six consecutive years as the best island destination in the world by the World Travel Awards.
Madeira is more than an island
In addition to being the main island, Madeira gives its name to the Madeira Archipelago, which also includes the Island of Porto Santo and several islands and islets that are divided into two groups - the Desertas and the Selvagens. Madeira Island has around 270,000 inhabitants, of which 100,000 live in the capital - the city of Funchal - a mandatory stop for those who like to discover historic cities, admire the architecture of churches and squares and visit museums.
Where is Madeira and how to get there
As it is an island and located approximately 972 km from the Portuguese capital, Madeira does not have land routes connecting it to the mainland. For those who love cruises, traveling by boat and docking at the Port of Funchal is a good option. For those who prefer a quicker solution, there are daily flights from different origins and the direct flight from Lisbon takes just an hour and a half.
An island in Portugal, but close to Africa
Geographically located southwest of Portugal and in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira's location presents a curiosity: although it is part of the Portuguese territory, it is closer to Africa than Europe.
How long to stay on Madeira Island
At first glance, anyone who thinks of Madeira tourism might assume that it doesn't take many days to get to know the region. But especially for fans of adventure tourism and with so many circuits, beaches, parks, viewpoints and restaurants on offer, it is best to reserve at least seven days to explore and enjoy a little of everything the island has to offer.
Madeira tourism: the best time of the year to go
The mild climate, the small temperature range and the pleasant sea temperature make Madeira feel like spring all year round. If summer and winter are the seasons where temperatures have the usual variations, autumn and spring are great periods for those who prefer the low season. As with any destination, each season has its advantages, so choose the one that best suits your travel profile.
What to do in Madeira
Madeira tourism is more than bathing in the sea and natural pools, as those who visit Madeira have a lot to explore, especially outdoors. Below you can discover five activities you can’t miss on the island.
Admire the view from a viewpoint
In Madeira, the expression "enjoy the view" takes on a completely new meaning. Due to its mountainous terrain, the island has countless high-altitude points, which guarantee unforgettable scenery. Among these, located at an altitude of 580 meters and with an exciting glass platform on a stone wall, Cabo Girão stands out.
Dolphin and whale watching
Madeira is home to several species of dolphins and whales and a boat trip is an unmissable experience to observe these animals up close in their natural habitat.
Levadas walks
Present throughout the island, the irrigation canals built more than four centuries ago by colonizers to carry water from the north to the south of the island are today an important tourist attraction, allowing beautiful walks through the native vegetation.
Climb to the highest peaks
Anyone who doesn't miss a good adventure can't miss the trails in Madeira. And one of its highlights is Pico do Areeiro. Located in the interior of the island at 1,818 meters above sea level, it is the second highest place in Madeira and anyone who reaches the top has the feeling of touching the sky.
Discover exotic plants and flowers
Due to its privileged location, volcanic soil and mild climate, Madeira is a unique place to grow various plants. It is for this reason that on the island you can find so many gardens and parks with colorful and exotic plants and flowers, examples of which are the Jardim Monte Palace and the Jardim Botânico da Madeira.
Tourism in Madeira: A wide range of hotels
Rooms, apartments, hotels, hostels, inns and much more. Madeira Island is known for its wide range of places to stay, with options for all styles of travelers and budgets. And although most accommodations are located in Funchal - close to shops, restaurants and nightlife - those looking for quieter options close to nature can easily find them in other regions of the island.
What to eat in Madeira
Despite being one hundred percent Portuguese, Madeira's cuisine has a tropical and exotic touch thanks to the climate conducive to the cultivation of certain fruits such as passion fruit. Honey cake, passion fruit pudding, "espetadas", black scabbard fish, fresh tuna and limpets are some of the specialties that are difficult to resist and can be found from the simplest to the most sophisticated restaurants.
The best transport for tourism in Madeira
Car rental in Madeira with Guerin. There are several types of transport, but renting a car is the simplest and most practical way to make the most of your experience. With an excellent road structure and well-maintained roads, traveling by car on the island is a guarantee of freedom and ease of reaching practically all places worth visiting.
Nine kilometers of golden sand
Despite its proximity, Porto Santo is an island with characteristics very different from those of Madeira. The extensive golden sandy beach with therapeutic properties and the crystal-clear sea are the great attractions of the south coast, which is why you can find pleasant resorts located very close to the beach here.
The Laurissilva Forest, unique in the world
Due to its volcanic origin, 20% of Madeira's territory is covered by the exuberant Laurissilva Forest, a name that comes from its vegetation made up of trees from the laurel family. Humid and subtropical, this forest is found in mountains, valleys and cliffs and is classified as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Madeira tourism? Go with Guerin
Car rental in Madeira couldn't be easier. At Guerin, you will find the car that best suits your needs and is the ideal travel companion to discover everything this island has to offer. And for an even smoother experience, Guerin has at your disposal a wide range of complementary products such as the Top Travel Assistance, which protects you against various unforeseen events and covers the costs of towing and lost keys, among others.
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