Madeira Island, located 900 km from mainland Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned as a paradise where spring seems to last all year. The island is home to the world's largest primeval laurel forest, Laurissilva, covering approximately 15,000 hectares and designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1999.
This ancient forest, which has survived for millions of years, is vital to the island as its trees condense fog, feeding the aquifers that supply all of Madeira. Visitors can explore the island via its famous levadas, historic irrigation channels now transformed into trails offering stunning views of valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, such as Levada dos Balcões and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
In the capital, Funchal, the Mercado dos Lavradores, the Sé Cathedral, and the Old Town with its open-air art streets invite cultural strolls. The Madeiran experience also includes the iconic Monte cable car and the thrilling descent in traditional wicker toboggans, as well as visits to Madeira wine lodges.
