"Madeira - Sub-tropical landscapes" Madeira Island by sandysmith

Madeira Island Travel Guide: 776 reviews and 1,839 photos

Madeira is a small island - just 54 km long and 23 km wide - situated in the atlantic ocean some 600km from the Moroccan coastline. Its volcanic origins have shaped the islands peaks and valleys which predominate the interior of this lush semi-tropical island often referred to as a "floating garden".

What to see in Madeira
http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/tourmap.html

colourful flower

Its climate is warm all year round without reaching soaring heights in the summer but great for a winter holiday when its cold and wet in the rest of Europe. Its microclimate means that the peaks are often covered in cloud and mist but down at Funchal its very pleasant weather. This climate does wonders for the vegetation with exotic blooms and fruits of all kinds growing everywhere.

walking a narrow levada

The network of water irrigation channels or levadas as they are known, make for some interesting hikes around its mountains taking in so much variety of flora and cascading waterfalls too - some you have to walk through!

Pros and Cons

Pros:scenic coastal and mountain landscapes, levadas
Cons:microclimate!
In a nutshell:interesting winter destination

Last visit to Madeira Island: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Nov 9, 2003
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Reviews (28)

Ribeira Brava coastal view - Madeira Island

Ribeira Brava Things to Do (20)

Ribeira Brava - named after wild stream - is a developing town on the southwest coast of Madeira. Shops and cafes and a... more travel advice

Serra d'Agua Things to Do (20)

From Ribeira Brava on the south coast a new road traverses the 1004 m high Encumeada Pass - in good weather here you can... more travel advice

Paúl da Serra Plateau Things to Do (20)

In contrast to the high peaks of Madeira is the Paul da Serra plateau in the western central part of the island. Its... more travel advice

Pico do Arieiro Things to Do (20)

Pico do Arieiro is the second highest peak on the island with its altitude of 1,818 meters. It can be reached by car so... more travel advice

Transportation (5)
See All Organised Tours
Local Customs (2)
See All Camacha

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Levada Hikes
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Comments (18)

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LoriPori Mar 7, 2006 at 1:59 PM

I had no idea that Madeira Island was so stunning and beautiful. I truly enjoyed this page. Awesome pictures and very informative tips.
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scottishvisitor Nov 17, 2005 at 9:26 AM

What a lovely island Madeira is - would love the botanical gardens & the little houses are so sweet
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eurotravels Aug 13, 2005 at 3:01 AM

We're off there soon. The plane landing sounds fun. I think I'll give the hat a miss!
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bambino36 Oct 10, 2004 at 5:29 PM

Great page about Madeira! Nice job. Antonio
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bijo69 Aug 5, 2004 at 3:20 PM

Just beautiful! Looks like you've seen all of the island :).
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f1unland Jul 25, 2004 at 2:36 PM

Superlative pages on a wonderful island - I'll certainly be adding Madeir to my "must visit places" keep up the great work :-)
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sim1 Nov 20, 2003 at 4:03 PM

Excellent page and beautiful photos Sandy! The view at São Lourenço is beautiful, and the hike at Pico do Arieiro sounds great! That would be a reason for me to go here! Hahaha, no comment on the hat though, lol ;-)
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steventilly Nov 18, 2003 at 8:11 AM

Ok, so now I've seen teh airport, maybe I won't be visiting Madeira after all. Don't fancy landing there in an Atlantic gale!
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richiecdisc Nov 9, 2003 at 3:36 PM

Lovely coastal views, Sandy, but on the contrary, the sun looks like it was in a perfect spot for that shot. And you do look more like you were in Peru than Madeira....lol
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matcrazy1 Nov 9, 2003 at 3:07 PM

Wow! Wonderful page and island - like all islands I already visited! Haha, my wife must go to Madeira - she collects hats! Haha, I even don't try to count how many she already has hehe!