Madeira's climate is mild, with temperatures from 61°F in winter to
72°F in summer, making it the perfect year round holiday destination. Madeira is famous for its abundant vegetation: bananas, oranges,  lemons, melons, avocados, passion fruit as well as bougainvillea, jacaranda, orchids and the national flower, the Bird of Paradise. Paths by the original irrigation channels to the terraced fields, known as ‘levadas’, provide unique walking access to the inland mountain terrain.

Funchal, lying on Madeira’s south coast, is the island’s capital and location of the majority of hotels, museums and historic buildings. Old streets are lined with beautiful houses perched on low cliffs and backed by green terraced mountains. Try the dry toboggan ride to Funchal starting at Monte, also known for the sweet profusion of flowers from its superb gardens.

Deep ravines, winding roads, cultivated fields falling into the sea and an abundance of Mediterranean and tropical plants are typical features of southern Madeira. The charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos, a favourite spot of Winston Churchill is one of the few places on the island which has remained untouched by the passing of time.

Further west is the scenic viewpoint of Cabo Girao, famed as Europe’s second highest sea cliff (more than 500 metres above sea level) and the coastal town of Calheta immersed amongst flourishing vineyards and banana plantations.

The interior is a region of high peaks and deep ravines covered in lush green vegetation. The Serra de Agua mountain range offers nature trails for walkers of all competence levels.

The North of Madeira is an area of rugged beauty covered by green
forests, terraced vineyards and small-cultivated fields. One of the
most spectacular views is from Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz, a narrow
road carved into sheer cliffs passing through tunnels and countless
waterfalls. Remember to take a swim in the natural sea pools carved from the volcanic rock at Porto Moniz.