Madeira

The main island is essentially the tip of a massive underwater volcano. It features a subtropical climate that keeps average temperatures a mild 21°C in the summer and rarely dips below 16°C in the winter. The southern coast is sunny and developed, while the north is wild, mountainous, and lush with tropical fruits like bananas, avocados, and passion fruit.Madeira’s signature attraction is its network of levadas—centuries-old irrigation channels that serve as thousands of kilometres of walking trails winding through dense forests and dramatic mountain peaks.

The capital city, Funchal, sits naturally in a vast natural amphitheatre facing the sea. It is home to the historic Mercado dos Lavradores, the famous Madeira Botanical Garden, and the CR7 Museum honouring the island’s most famous native, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The island is synonymous with its namesake fortified Madeira wine. Culinary highlights include Bolo do Caco (garlic bread), Espetada (skewered beef), and fresh local seafood like black scabbard fish.