Five reasons to visit Magical Madeira

The Portuguese island of Madeira, floating in the Atlantic to the west of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands, is known both as “the island of everlasting spring” and “the island of flowers”.

Not only does it enjoy a mild climate all year round, with plenty of winter sun and warm temperatures – even in January it can be 20°C – but it is renowned for its lush vegetation and colourful blooms, dramatic volcanic landscapes, panoramic mountain views, walking trails, art, history and gastronomic delights.

Winter is the ideal time to escape the chilly UK for a relaxing break in the sun and Madeira, just a four-hour flight from the UK and with no time difference, is the perfect place to unwind.

English and Scottish merchants established trading posts on the island in the 17th century to export Madeira’s famous fortified wine, and the British occupied it twice during the Napoleonic wars. Their presence left its mark on the island’s architecture, gardens, culture and language: English remains widely spoken today.

The English imported many plants from the tropics which have thrived in the fertile volcanic soil and subtropical climate. Hibiscus and bougainvillea bloom all year round. In winter, crimson poinsettia unfold their leaves.

As the year goes on, rhododendrons and rosewood flowers blossom, followed by agapanthus and hydrangeas. And around the island you will see Madeira’s native species: wild olive trees, Canarian laurel and eucalyptus trees, Madeira blueberry and bracken.

On a Saga holiday to Madeira, you can admire these botanical wonders and visit bustling farmers’ markets, wine-tastings, scenic nature trails, dramatic coastline, pretty villages and towns – including Funchal, the colourful capital.

There are so many reasons to pack your suitcase and head for the alluring attractions of Madeira in winter, but here are five of the best.

Cable car to Monte

Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate all year. In the winter months, the daytime temperature along the coast reaches a balmy 18-21°C and 19-24°C in spring and autumn, with an average of five hours sunshine a day. In the summer, sea breezes ensure that it’s never swelteringly hot. It’s an ideal climate for walking, sightseeing and explorin

This magical island can sometimes see all four seasons in one day depending on where you are on the island – in the middle it might be wet and foggy, while on the coast there is bright sunshine - so it’s worth packing a waterproof along with your sun hat.

Levada trail

The off-season months provide the perfect weather for walking and Madeira has the perfect terrain: it is crisscrossed with hundreds of kilometres of levadas, 16th-century stone former waterways once used to irrigate farmland, that have now become walking trails, recognised by UNESCO for their historic significance.

You will be rewarded with cinematic scenery as the paths lead past working watermills, waterfalls and mountains, through verdant valleys and the famous 20-million-year-old Laurissilva Forest.

Madeira Flower Festival

Madeira is famous for holding festivals and fiestas throughout the year, starting with a spectacular new year firework display that rivals those of Sydney and London. From Funchal’s amphitheatre of hills, you can watch the fireworks soar over the bay. There are other impressive displays around the island.

The Cantares dos Reis do Funchal, or the Singing of the Kings of Funchal, marks the 12th night after Christmas with outdoor concerts held in Funchal and elsewhere.

The annual Carnival of Madeira begins at the start of Lent and builds to a joyous extravaganza on Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday as it’s also known, when the island erupts into carnival fun: samba music, dancing, dazzling costumes, marching bands and street parties.

The island’s natural abundance is celebrated with an annual Flower Festival in May, a Wine Harvest festival in September, and a Chestnut festival in November, held amid the dramatic scenery of Curral das Freiras – also known as Nun’s Valley – which lies at the bottom of an extinct volcanic crater in the mountains.

On the first weekend of September, people flock to Ponta Delgada to celebrate the holy Sacrament. The streets come alive with colourful flags and lights, traditional dancing and food stalls serving local delicacies such as Espetada (beef skewers), a procession, brass bands and fireworks over the sea.

Madeira wine

Madeira is a gastronome’s dream. Its fertile soil and warm climate yield a cornucopia of fresh fruit and vegetables, while its Atlantic fishing tradition produces incredible seafood.

Madeirans make the most of this abundance in delicious traditional dishes such as heart tomato and onion soups served with Bolo do Caco – a local flatbread, marinated tuna, aromatic grilled limpets, barbecued squid or sausage, fried corn and fresh salads, washed down with a glass of Madeira’s famous fortified wine, or try some Poncha, the national cocktail with 18th-century origins, made from aguardente de cana (sugarcane rum), honey and fresh citrus juice and stirred with a “mexelhote”, a traditional wooden tool. Fishermen used to drink it to keep them warm at sea.

Explore these foodie delights at the many delightful cafes and restaurants around the island or head for the hills outside Funchal to browse the stalls at Santo da Serra farmers’ market.

Santana

Madeira is full of fascinating attractions and awe-inspiring views.

Visit charming Santana to see traditional Madeiran stone houses with tall A-framed thatched roofs, or stroll around the harbour walls at Canical, a quaint fishing village. Perhaps head to the seaside village of Porto da Cruz to learn about Madeira’s sugar cane production at a traditional rum distillery uniquely powered by steam.

If you like dramatic vistas, you are spoiled for choice. On the west coast, admire Bride’s Veil Waterfall plummeting into the sea. Take in the spectacular mountain scenery and ocean views from the observation deck of Miradouro da Portela or Cabo Girão, a soaring 2,000 feet sea cliff, reputed to be the second highest in the world. Or walk up to the white marble statue of Christ for sweeping views over the Bay of Funchal.

Venture into Madeira’s mountainous central region, and explore the Garajau Nature Reserve on the south coast to observe an incredible diversity of marine life in its crystal waters, such as giant manta rays and dusky groupers.

At Porto Moniz, the most north-westerly point of Madeira, volcanic rocks have formed natural swimming pools along the shore.

Interested in walking or visiting the beautiful gardens on this much-loved Portuguese isle? Join a Saga special Interest holiday which includes having an expert host for the duration of your stay, as well as at least four included excursions to really help you delve into your passion and get to know the island.

Monte Mar Palace Hotel

Monte Mar Palace, about an hour from the airport, stands on Madeira’s dramatic north coast. If peace, seclusion and relaxation are what you’re after, it’s ideal. Just a 260-yard walk uphill is the charming village of Ponta Delgada, on a sliver of land reaching into the sea. You can sit in the café on the small marina and watch the world – and the Atlantic waves – go by.

Enotel Lido, only half an hour’s drive from the airport, is a modern 5-star resort hotel, perched above the Atlantic with stunning views across the ocean and an infinity pool above the crashing waves. It’s just ten minutes by bus from Funchal, Madeira’s colourful capital with its painted facades and giant murals above the cobbled streets of the old town.