Madeira: The Hawaii of Europe

Photo by Luis Freitas

This Thursday, I will team up with the Madeira Promotion Bureau and Belmond Reid’s Palace to deliver a virtual presentation about the island of Madeira. Ahead of this event, I want to give you some background on this beguiling island. 

Madeira is an archipelago of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean that is geographically closer to Africa while officially a part of Portugal. The largest of the cluster is the island of Madeira - a mere 90-minute flight from Lisbon. With its gorgeous landscapes, resplendent flora, and fresh seafood, Madeira is the perfect island getaway that gives you a taste of both Europe and Africa. 

Explore Madeira’s beautiful wilderness! 
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Madeira’s natural beauty has earned it a number of accolades, including the Hawaii of Europe, the Island of Eternal Spring and the Pearl of the Atlantic. Surrounded by sapphire ocean, the terrain of the island is a mix of plunging ravines, emerald-green valleys, and graceful waterfalls. 

Like Hawaii, the islands of Madeira also have volcanic foundations, having been formed by eruptions that took place 5 million years ago. One of the best places to see the legacy of these eruptions is the natural salt pools of Porto Moniz, which were carved out by the lava flow. Taking a dip in this crystal-clear water is an unforgettable experience while vacationing on the island. 

Pico Ruivo is the highest point on the island. The summit is accessible only via foot, and the most accessible hike takes 90-minutes from Achada do Teixeira. An alternative option is to take advantage of Reid Palace’s sunrise jeep service to the summit of Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak.

Another fantastic viewpoint where no hiking is required is that of Cabo Girão. Tottering 580 meters above sea level, this is the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world.

One other place to add to your Madeira itinerary is Laje Beach. From the black sand beach, you will spot the Bridal Veil waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.

Botanical Gardens

Madeira is abundant with a wide variety of flowers that thrive on the island thanks to the volcanic soil and subtropical climate. There are numerous botanical gardens located around Funchal, the capital of Madeira, where you can wander among lush flora from Europe, Africa, and beyond.   

The Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are just two examples where you get close to nature. These high-altitude gardens also provide 360-degree views out to sea.

Desertas Islands 

During your stay in Madeira, you can take the opportunity to hop over the neighboring islands. The three Desertas Islands - Chão Islet, Deserta Grande, and Bugio - are accessible only via boat. These islands form a nature reserve where conservationists are working to protect the rare Mediterranean monk seal. On the journey out there, you also have a high chance of spotting a whale or dolphin!

And that’s a brief overview of Madeira. If this has piqued your interest about the island of Madeira, then there’s still time to sign up for our presentation next week - Thursday, February 11th at 5:00 pm EST. Alternatively, you can contact me directly to discuss your trip to one of the safest and most diverse vacation islands in the world.