Introduced: Madeira

The island name Madeira is Portuguese and means "wood" as when the island was discovered around 1419, it was covered with countless forests, such as the island's characteristic laurel forests. Later, the magnificent diversity of flowers and plants developed, showcasing their beauty throughout the year. Madeira is part of Portugal and covers a total area of 741 km2, being home to approximately 267,785 Madeirans. The Atlantic Island is situated about 700 kilometers off the coast of Morocco, with the capital being Funchal, located in the south.

Portuguese is spoken on the island. The archipelago, along with the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Azores, constitutes the island region of Macaronesia, also known as the "blissful or fortunate islands" For all winter-weary adventure enthusiasts, this is the promised land. The subtropical climate guarantees pleasantly mild temperatures year-round, with averages hovering around 19 degrees Celsius in January and a delightful 26 degrees Celsius in summer! You can read even more about springtime hiking in Madeira in the travel story Madeira: Escape to the warmth.

Particularly impressive on Madeira is the variety of plants and the spectacular natural landscapes nestled between mountains and sea. In the center of the island, there are high peaks with a mid-to high-mountain character, while in the west, the high moorland of Paul da Serra stretches between 1,300 and 1,500 meters in altitude. The highest mountain is Pico Ruivo, standing at 1,862 meters above sea level. Along the coasts, natural swimming pools and impressive cliffs await, some of which extend up to 4,000 meters below the sea surface. For plant enthusiasts, the island offers an original floral display, with approximately 16 percent being endemic and exclusive to Madeira. In spring, one can look forward to the lilac blooms of jacaranda trees, while in summer, red and violet bougainvillea shrubs burst into bloom. In autumn, the flowers of the silk floss tree add their charm, and fitting for the season, winter brings forth poinsettias in red and white.

The marine wildlife is truly remarkable, boasting over 240 fish species in the waters surrounding the island. Among them are the enigmatic swordfish, redfish, blue marlin, haddock, tuna, dolphins, turtles, monk seals, and whales. The diverse nature of Madeira is best experienced by foot. Our hiking holiday Around Madeira takes you to all the special highlights on the island, including Porto da Cruz, the rugged north coast with Sao Vicente, the plateau of Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz, the coastal town of Calheta, the island's capital Funchal, the pilgrimage site Monte, the botanical garden, and Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe. Experience even more comfort during island hiking in the selected hotels and accommodations on the hiking holiday Around Madeira with Charm. No matter which tours you choose, Madeira will undoubtedly capture your hiking heart!