Holidays » Portugal » Madeira Holidays

Today, it is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well for its annual New Years celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show (considered the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records). The main harbour in Funchal is an important stopover for commercial and trans-Atlantic passenger cruises between Europe, the Caribbean and North America.Madeira has been classified as a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate but based on differences in sun exposure, humidity, and annual mean temperature there are clear variations between north- and south-facing regions, as well as between some islands.

The islands are strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream, giving it mild year-round temperaturesWith around 600 miles of walks, many alongside the Levadas, one of the islands greatest attractions providing stunning walks some of which are quite challenging While rally car racing (Rali Vinho da Madeira), Karting and golf are other popular sports played on the island. The island lies in an ideal location for water sports such as fishing, Sailing and diving due to its climate and location Untouched nature is the main feature of Madeira’s north coast. Here we find high mountains and deep valleys full of a wide variety of fauna and flora belonging to the Laurissilva Forest, a relic of bygone ages that has been declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The best ways of getting to know the north coast include rambling through the forest, enjoying the landscapes that seem to plunge into the sea or cooling down in the natural swimming poolsJust a short distance away from Madeira is one of the most beautiful, paradisiacal islands in the world, Porto Santo! It is very different from Madeira in spite of the fact that it is so close.

Nine kilometres of beach washed by a calm, limpid, deep-blue sea are its main attraction. It is known as the “golden isle”, because of its arid landscape full of warm shades of brown and yellow.