Madeira is a playground for nature lovers. This lush volcanic archipelago off the west coast of Africa is known as the island of eternal spring for its year-round temperate climate. The dramatic landscapes are characterised by rugged mountains, verdant valleys and steep cliffs lapped at by the Atlantic ocean. Flowers and vegetation flourish with a temperature of 20C even in the November to February period, with botanical wonders that include huge poinsettia trees and camellias. Whales and dolphins play in the surf, while huge tuna and marlin lurk underneath the water and the coast can be explored in canoes. If you are looking for a natural adventure, then look no further than Madeira.
Walk the levadas
The levadas are mini-canals that were built as an irrigation system to channel water from the rain-heavy north of the island to the sun-parched south. A hike along these waterways is a unique Madeiran experience that should be enjoyed at least once during your visit. The paths were built for farmers, not hikers, and can be poorly signposted and quite steep in places, so it’s best to take a guide. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views, encounters with local farmers working their terraced fields and the scents of mimosa and eucalyptus as you journey through the lush vegetation.
Discover exotic gardens
The Portuguese call Madeira the “flower in the ocean” and you will soon see why. Streets are lined with blooming blue hydrangeas, while gardens are a cascade of roses, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, begonias and wisteria. The Jardim Botânico in Funchal hosts more than 2,000 exotic plants and you can enjoy fine views of the city and harbour. From the botanic gardens you can take a cable car to the Monte Palace tropical garden, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of cycads (palm-like woody plants that have been around for 2m years) and an attractive ornamental lake with wild swans.
Whale and dolphin watching
Madeira’s clean azure waters attract more than 20 species of whale and dolphin throughout the year, but the best time to see them is between April and October. Numerous companies, such as Lobosonda, run whale-watching tours year-round. The most common species you’ll see are the sperm whale and the pilot whale and you may also see fin, byrde’s or sei whales and even the rare beaked whale, which come to feast in the mackerel-filled waters just a few miles away from shore. If you are lucky you’ll also spot dolphins performing their acrobatics for you.
Explore the laurisilva forest
The ancient laurisilva forest in the Madeira Natural Park is an outstanding relic of a previously widespread laurel forest filled with its own endemic species and has been recognised as a Unesco world heritage site. Look out for the Madeiran long-toed pigeon as you walk or cycle through this lush, Tolkien-esque landscape. Pack a waterproof jacket though – the forest can sometimes be shrouded in fog, which adds to the magical atmosphere.
Journey to the centre of the earth
Well not quite, but a guided tour through the creatively illuminated caves of São Vicente will make you feel as though you are journeying through the Earth’s crust. These caves were formed when streams of lava flowed down into the valley 890,000 years ago, when Madeira’s volcanoes erupted for the last time. Once you’ve explored the lava tubes you can venture into the volcano museum and watch a 3D film of the island.
Birdwatching
Madeira is alive with the song of numerous land and sea birds, some endemic and some migratory – twitchers everywhere will be reaching for the binoculars. Porto Moniz, on the northwestern tip of the island, is the number one site for watching seabirds such as petrels and shearwaters. Zino’s petral, endemic to Madeira, is one of the most endangered seabirds in Europe. Inland you can spot the Madeira firecrest, which is also unique to the island, while also looking out for the Madeiran chaffinch, Madeira rock sparrow and canaries.
Brave the glass skywalk
The cliffs of Cabo Girao on Madeira’s southern coast are some of the highest in Europe. You might find your stomach churning as you look down at the precipitous 580-metre (1903 ft) drop to the raging waters of the Atlantic below. Inch out on the glass platform if you dare and enjoy the amazing views along the coast and down to the town of Camara de Lobos.
Eyeball the fishes
Madeira’s warm waters rarely fall below 18C (64.4F), which makes them appealing for snorkelling and scuba diving. Most of the dive centres are located in Funchal marina, where an underwater nature reserve provides the cleanest waters on the island. In the watery underworld you’ll see wrecks and reefs and come face to face with barracudas, stingrays, morays and big schools of amberjacks or trigger fish.
Go out on a fishing trip
If you’d rather catch the fish than swim with them, then try some big game fishing. Fancy your chances of hooking the massive Atlantic blue marlin, whose average weight is over 300kg (660lbs)? Or how about the blue fin tuna that have tipped the scales at 360kg? The calm waters and fine climate make sport fishing in Madeira great fun – and the tag and release policy means no fish get killed in the process.
Sea kayak around the coast
Several companies offer kayak tours from either Funchal or Calheta, a little further west. Don a buoyancy aid and head out into the Atlantic waters to get a unique perspective on the attractive fishing villages that dot the coast. As you paddle you’ll get fantastic views of banana plantations and some spectacular volcanic rock formations. Guides will point out birds, marine animals and interesting features of the landscape.
Book your Madeira Holiday with British Airways
Return flights from London Gatwick to Madeira and 7 nights hotel accommodation for £259pp. Book by 31 March at ba.com/madeira. British Airways Holidays standard terms and conditions and conditions of carriage apply. For full terms and conditions please refer to ba.com
