Madeira Island, Portugal: Europe’s Tropical Garden

Madeira isn’t one of those places that hits you all at once. It sneaks up on you slowly—the way the air smells faintly of salt and flowers, how the ocean never really leaves your line of sight, and the way the mountains rise so suddenly behind you it almost feels surreal. For many, this little Atlantic island off the coast of Portugal remains a hidden gem, but once you've walked its volcanic trails or taken in a sunset from a clifftop café, it’s impossible not to fall in love.

They call it “Europe’s Tropical Garden”, and honestly, that’s not just travel brochure fluff. Madeira is green and wild in a way that feels almost untouched, where banana plantations meet jagged cliffs and hydrangeas grow like weeds along the roadside. It’s a place where every bend in the road reveals something new—waterfalls, hidden valleys, deep gorges, or little terracotta-roofed villages clinging to hillsides like they’ve always been there.

Where Exactly Is Madeira?

To those not overly familiar with European geography, Madeira might seem a bit off the radar—and that’s part of its magic. The island is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers southwest of mainland Portugal and just over 700 kilometers off the coast of Morocco. Despite feeling remote, it’s very much a part of Portugal and the European Union.

The main island of Madeira (there are a couple of smaller ones too) is volcanic in origin, which explains its dramatic topography: steep mountains, deep ravines, and coastline that plunges straight into the ocean. Add to that a warm subtropical climate, and you’ve got an island that blooms all year round—literally.

How To Get To Madeira

By Air:

The most convenient way to reach Madeira is by flying into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal (yes, it’s named after the football legend, who was born here). Direct flights operate from several European cities including Lisbon, London, Madrid, and Frankfurt. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, a connecting flight from Lisbon is the usual route.

By Sea:

While cruise ships do dock at Funchal, there are no regular ferries from mainland Portugal or other countries. However, once on the island, you can take a ferry to Porto Santo, a nearby island known for its long golden beach.

Top Things To Do In Madeira – Beyond Just Views

1. Wander Through Funchal’s Old Town

Funchal, the capital city, is an easy place to fall for. Cobbled streets wind through colorful buildings, street art peeks out around every corner, and cafés spill out onto sunlit squares. The Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) is worth a visit for its explosion of local fruits—some of which you’ve probably never heard of, like the curious-looking monstera deliciosa, known here as "banana-pineapple." Take a cable car from the city up to Monte for panoramic views, and when you're done? Ride back down on a traditional wicker toboggan—yes, a toboggan on the road. It’s a quirky Madeiran tradition and somehow both thrilling and hilarious.

2. Go Levada Walking

One of the most unique things about Madeira is its network of levadas—narrow irrigation channels that snake through the mountains, built centuries ago to bring water to the agricultural areas. Today, they also serve as beautiful walking trails that take you deep into the island’s heart. Some are easy strolls with sweeping views, like the Levada do Rei, while others like Levada das 25 Fontes take you through dense laurel forests, across bridges, and past waterfalls straight out of a fantasy film. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone who just wants a nice walk in nature, there's a levada for you.

3. Chase Waterfalls And Cliffside Views

Madeira is full of waterfalls, and you don’t even have to go looking too hard to find them. Some, like the Cascata dos Anjos, actually pour right over the road, giving drivers and pedestrians alike a spontaneous shower. Others require a bit of trekking but reward you with tranquil spots to pause and breathe it all in. Then there’s Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The glass skywalk here isn't for the faint of heart, but the view—wow. On clear days, you can see all the way down to the terraced farmlands clinging to the base of the cliff and far across the Atlantic horizon.

4. Explore The Island By Car

Madeira isn’t massive—you can drive across the island in a couple of hours—but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in elevation and curves. Roads here twist and rise dramatically, cutting through tunnels and skirting cliff edges. Renting a car gives you the freedom to pull over at hidden beaches, tiny mountain villages, and viewpoints that’ll have you grabbing your camera every five minutes. If you’re into road trips that feel like mini adventures, Madeira is an absolute dream.

What’s Madeira Famous For?

Madeira Wine: A fortified wine that’s rich, complex, and nothing like anything you’ve sipped before. Try a tasting session at one of the old wine lodges in Funchal.

Tropical Flora: From dragon trees to bird-of-paradise flowers, the island is a haven for plant lovers.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Love him or not, Madeira is proud of their hometown hero—there’s even a museum and a bronze statue in Funchal dedicated to him.

The Laurisilva Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient laurel forest is one of the few remaining of its kind in the world, with unique biodiversity that feels straight out of Jurassic Park.

Best Time To Visit Madeira

Madeira is blessed with mild weather year-round, which means there’s really no bad time to visit.

Spring (March to May): The island bursts into bloom, especially during the Madeira Flower Festival, which transforms Funchal into a floral fantasy.

Summer (June to August): Warmer weather is perfect for sea swimming and coastal hikes, but it’s also the busiest season.

Autumn (September to November): Fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures, and harvest season make it a great time for food and wine lovers.

Winter (December to February): Still relatively warm, especially compared to mainland Europe. And the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Funchal? Absolutely legendary.

Madeira isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. It doesn’t overwhelm you with chaos or glitz. Instead, it charms you softly, like a warm breeze or a familiar melody. It’s the kind of place where you can hike through clouds in the morning, eat fresh seafood by the sea at lunch, and sip wine while watching the sun dip behind jagged cliffs in the evening.

Some travelers describe it as a tropical escape without the jet lag. Others say it’s Europe’s answer to Hawaii. But maybe it’s better to just call it what it is: Madeira—lush, soulful, and utterly unforgettable.