Even if you’ve never been here, Madeira may sound familiar to you. It’s the home of the famous Madeira wine. That alone is worth a trip to this Portuguese island, just north of the Canary Islands, but there’s more to sip and see. Fortunately, it’s just a short four-hour flight from the UK to Madeira, so even a weekend getaway is within reach. But once you discover just how much this destination offers, you’ll be tempted to stay much longer.
Known as the islands of “eternal spring,” Madeira (actually made up of two islands) is wonderfully warm all year. It has a garden-of-eden feeling because of its lushness and spectacular plant life. For a great view of its greenery, head to Cabo Girao, one of the world’s highest ocean cliffs at 590 metres above sea level. You may also want to see some of the pristine gardens in the region like the Jadrim Orquidea (featuring delicate orchids in every colour), Jadim Botanico in Funchal, the capital of the region, and the lovely perfectly groomed gardens of the Monte Palace hotel.
Then there’s the wine. It is produced in abundance here and you’ll be surprised about how many varieties there are. Some are very dry, some are intended to use in cooking, while others are sweet and sipped with dessert. It has a beautiful tawny, caramel-like colour and can be kept in a wine cellar for extended periods of time because of the unique way it’s made. The wine is subjected to high temperatures for months at a time. Bring a bottle or two back to share with friends and family when you share your stories about your holiday in Madeira.
It’s simple – the wine! It’s a worldwide favourite and comes in many styles. If you don’t like a certain one, don’t stop there. There are many to sample.
The city of Monte has stunning old palaces and lovely gardens that transport you back in time.
Wellness spas and treatments take full advantage of their seaside location with yoga classes outdoors and seaweed-based spa services.