Madeira - "The Beautiful Pearl of the Sea"

I recently visited the island of Madeira with a group of travel agents. Madeira is located in the mid-Atlantic, approximately 1,000 kilometres southwest of Portugal and 600 kilometres west of the coast of Morocco. The area is known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic” and consists of two islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, with Madeira being the larger of the two.

The climate is described by locals as one of the most pleasant in the world. It is rarely too hot, with temperatures generally ranging from 17°C to 24°C. However, temperatures can reach 33°C when the leste, an easterly wind from the Sahara Desert, blows for a few days each year. During my visit, temperatures were between 20°C and 22°C, which was very pleasant.

I flew directly from Dublin to Funchal with SATA Airlines. The flight took approximately three and a half hours, and I found it very comfortable, with complimentary hot meals, in-flight refreshments and entertainment. SATA also provided convenient daytime return flights from Dublin. Passengers could check in one 20kg bag free of charge, while golf enthusiasts could also bring one pre-booked golf bag.

The transfer from the airport to Funchal took approximately 30 minutes. There are many three-, four- and five-star hotels in Madeira’s Lido tourist area. Most of the four- and five-star hotels are situated on the cliffs overlooking the promenade or ocean, while the three-star hotels and apartments are generally located around 300 to 400 metres from the promenade.

During our time in Funchal, we visited the marketplace. Here, you can find fresh produce such as fruit, flowers and fish, as well as local Madeira wine. It is also where many local people do their daily shopping. There are two major shopping centres in Funchal: Dolce Vita in the city centre and Forum Madeira in the Lido tourist area.

The majority of Madeira’s beaches have black sand or pebbles. Praia Formosa is the largest free public beach on the island. Located west of Funchal, it consists of four sandy and pebble beaches: Praia Nova, Praia Formosa, Praia dos Namorados and Praia do Areeiro.

The beaches offer excellent water quality and a range of facilities, including parking, sports activities, a skateboard ramp, changing rooms, lifeguard supervision, snack bars, restaurants and a children’s play area. A long seaside promenade also begins here and links the area with Lido beach.

Porto Santo is the best place to visit for golden sandy beaches. A ferry from Funchal will take you on the two-hour journey to this beautiful island. During a visit to Madeira, a trip to Porto Santo is well worth considering.

Madeira once had a reputation for being an island mainly suited to older visitors, but this could not be further from the truth. It caters for couples, families, groups and solo travellers of all ages, with plenty of activities available. The city comes to life at night, with some bars remaining open until the early morning.

Water sports such as sailing and fishing are popular, along with whale and dolphin-watching trips. Levada walks are also one of the best ways to experience the island’s natural surroundings and lush green landscape.

Santa Cruz Aquapark and Madeira Theme Park in Santana are very popular with families. Horse riding is also available for all experience levels. Golfers can choose from two spectacular courses, both offering lovely views and excellent playing conditions.

The popular 18-hole Palheiro Golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and has hosted the Madeira Islands Open, part of the PGA European Tour. It is regarded as one of the best golf courses in Europe.

Another popular experience is the Monte Toboggan Ride. This involves travelling downhill from Monte towards Funchal on a wooden sledge, which is steered and pushed by two men through narrow, winding streets. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes and is an adventurous but safe way to travel.

Madeira has outstanding natural beauty, with tropical gardens and spectacular panoramic views. Its green mountains, cliffs, steep valleys, flowers, sunshine and blue sea combine with the island’s warm hospitality to create a peaceful setting.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning, this unique island is sure to leave a lasting impression with its natural beauty and culture.

I am really looking forward to my next trip to Madeira. If you have any questions about the island, please give me a call and I will be happy to help.