The island’s geography alone is enchanting; volcanic peaks are feathered with pine forests and on the fringes, most beaches like Calheta are blessed with golden sand, except for Ribeira Brava - a litmus strip of striking black volcanic grain and pastel blue ocean.
These beaches set a relaxed scene for Paradise Found but Madeira is a theatre of adventure deserving of exploration. You’ll be living levada loca navigating through the elaborate system of 16th-century mini-canals, built to irrigate rainfall. Weaving through forests and waterfalls, these walks will delight leisurely amblers while ardent rambles will be rewarded with astonishing valley views, particularly from Pico Ruivo’s soaring summit. However, the cases of São Vicente could well be the highlight of your cruise to Madeira.
From the flowering laurel to the hillside villas and chapels, white is a trending colour. In Funchal, Madeira’s untarnished urban capital, you can sip a balmy latte while snacking on Bolo do Caco. You can’t leave your cruise to Madeira without a bottle of its fortified finest and there are plenty of wine lodges to visit. It’s a great way to wind down after a traditional toboggan ride if feeling audacious enough.
Also in Funchal, a flora-filled exuberance compensates for the lack of golden beaches. Here, thousands of vibrant exotic plants vie for attention, exemplified by the luscious likes of Jardim Botânico, the city’s pride and joy, and the nearby Monte Palace Gardens. Below, the Mercado dos Lavradores is a bustling hive of activity, with many vendors still donning traditional Madeiran garb.
Which cruise lines sail to Madeira?
