Lost in the vastness of the Atlantic, Madeira is an earthly paradise 1.5 hours by air from Lisbon. It belongs to Portugal but is considered an autonomous region and is full of habitats and protected wildlife refuges. When you set foot in Funchal Airport, which is located by the sea, you will be dazzled. The island is volcanic, but without seismic activity, and the landscape is so gorgeous that looks like a painting. High mountains cut vertically from the sea, and the land is fertile and juicy. Here you will walk along endless paths filled with orchids, hydrangeas, lilies, but you will also cross plains with herbs, banana plantations, vineyards, sugarcane fields, eucalyptus forests and giant pines.
Temperatures remain budding all season. It has a subtropical climate, which is affected by the warm current of the Gulf. More specifically, temperatures range between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal destination for a beautiful holiday without the cold but also avoiding too high temperatures. It sure it is a crucial advantage to travel to Madeira.
What makes Madeira such a popular destination?
In addition to its world-famous wines, this popular destination has islands and islets with lush vegetation, which makes Madeira look like the closest tropical paradise to earth. In fact, it has a kind of laurel that forms whole forests.
It is worth noting that visitors to Madeira do not travel there to enjoy the frantic nightlife because it does not exist anywhere on the island. Not even in its capital, Funchal. What attracts the world is its natural beauty and of course its rainforest, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is worth noting that the hiking throughout the island can be done through the built paths, which lead to a magnificent view that charms everyone that goes through them.
Explore its wild nature
The distinct streams of the irrigation network called “levadas” run through the whole island. Built paths that are ideal for hiking are offering magnificent views to the visitors. Those of you who are in good shape and looking for adventure do not miss the opportunity to climb Pico Ruivo, and Pico do Areeiro. The road to the top leads you above the clouds, and it will definitely make you feel like a king of the world. In the protected area of Garajau, again, you will be able to rent scuba diving equipment for some underwater exploration. The island of Porto Santo, the second largest in size and population, although rocky and steep in the northeast, on its southwest side unfolds a dreamy beach of nine kilometres of white sand, a beach so unique in the entire archipelago of the volcanic islands. Tennis courts, golf and horseback riding on the beach complete the puzzle of an exclusive resort experience. It is worth mentioning, finally, that you can also visit the capital of Vila Baleira, in which Christopher Columbus lived for some time in his life.
Explore it by car
Although the island has many beautiful places for hiking and exploring, the way you travel to the island should be by car, so it’s time to plan your summer road trip list, don’t you say? By renting a car from Madeira, you will not only have the comfort and capabilities of a vehicle in your hands, but you will also have the opportunity to discover all those places with the wild beauty and vegetation of the island. You will be able to make all those extreme escapes from the high mountain peaks to the low depths of its shores.
Having a car for your travels, you will be able to visit all those enchanting caves of Sao Vicente on the north coast of the island and then head back to the southern part of the island in Funchal and its lush mountains full of tropical flowers. So you will have the opportunity to live a whole travel experience. The solution to car hire in Madeira is provided by Enjoy Travel, with a vast range of cars and financial offers, always adapted to the needs of its customers. So what are you waiting for? The raw and natural beauty of Madeira is waiting for you!