Madeira Holidays

Most people have heard of the Portuguese island of Madeira, but not many know exactly where it is. Located more than 600 miles (966km) southwest of Lisbon, and off the west coast of Morocco, it is a mere speck in the vast Atlantic Ocean. Madeira, along with its sister island of Porto Santo, is actually the summit of an undersea mountain. It rears up with craggy cliffs from the warm blue Gulf Stream waters in one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic.

It features one of the world's highest ocean cliffs, soaring 1,933ft (589m) above the sea, which presented a forbidding sight to the ancient Portuguese mariners who first discovered the island archipelago in the 15th century. In fact, Porto Santo and Madeira were the first 'new worlds' that were colonised by Henry the Navigator in his quest to explore the world.

Madeira is tiny, just 13 miles (21km) wide and 35 miles (56km) long, and has no beaches. But it has an Eden-like beauty with its rich volcanic soil turning it into a botanical wonderland and agricultural treasure trove. Most of the indigenous thick forest was destroyed in a fire created by the first Portuguese colonialists to clear it for farming. Today, however, the island blooms with colourful masses of fragrant orchids, bougainvillaea, frangipani, wisteria and geraniums. Fruit and herbs grow on the hillsides and in ravines, and the mountain slopes are terraced with orchards and vineyards. The island has been termed a 'floating garden'.

Madeira's most famous export is its fortified wine, and with nearly 14,000 plots, there is a big variety to try. Vineyards like Fajã dos Padres and Silva Vinhos offer tours and tastings, and the Funchal Wine Walk is a good way to get a taste of this historical delicacy without leaving town.

Madeira is accessible by air, mainly from Lisbon to the airport near the capital, Funchal. There is no regular passenger ferry to Madeira but cruise ships regularly dock there, bringing thousands of visitors to the island each year.

Within the capital city Funchal, it is easy to get around using public transport. Buses cover the city as well as out into the surroundings. Although they are the cheapest, they are also the slowest, so rental cars are best for day trips. Guided tours are also offered to tourist attractions outside the city. Lastly, taxis are available throughout Funchal.

It is the very remoteness of the Madeira archipelago that makes the islands so enchanting. Yet there is still a lot to do and see. Although there are no real beaches of the golden sand variety, many interesting activities and cultural attractions draw visitors to its shores. These include exploring the colourful old town, visiting one of the many museums or cathedrals or browsing some of the famous markets.

Take an exhilarating 20 minute ride down the highway to Funchal from Monte in nothing but a wicker basket chair, steered by Carreiro dressed in white and only using their rubber-soled shoes as brakes, in what is known as the Monte Toboggan run. Another of the main attractions, and best ways to see the island of Madeira, is the exciting cable car trip. It gives its visitors fantastic panoramic views of Funchal and its surroundings, before ending at the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

But if speeding down the highway in a wicker chair or flying high on the cableway is not for you, visitors can also explore the island with a boat trip around the coast. You might even catch a sighting of whales and dolphins. Alternatively, hop on a ferry to visit the nearby island of Porto Santo which provides a pretty picture with colourful Mediterranean houses decorating the coastline.

Madeira Island has a varied oceanic subtropical climate, influenced by its geographical position and mountainous landscape. Generally, the weather is pleasant all year round, with an annual average of around 67°F (19°C). The hottest months in Madeira are August and September, while January and February have the highest rainfall.