Discover the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’
Words by Gemma Watson
An idyllic and remote haven located in the Atlantic, Portugal’s Madeira is the award-winning island destination that will capture your heart and soul. With quiet confidence, it awaits your arrival.
Colin Watts / Unsplash
Along with the French Riviera, the 19th Century saw Madeira become one of the first European tourist destinations visited by the aristocracy. An island that has long drawn politicians, artists and royalty to its shores, it comes as something of a surprise that Madeira remains relatively unknown to the luxury traveller of today. Yet for those fortunate to have landed, it has offered a sanctuary bursting with natural life, charming authenticity and warm hospitality.
Accessible via a 90-minute flight from mainland Portugal, the island of Madeira lies 500km west of Morocco along the African Tectonic Plate, and forms part of the Madeira archipelago alongside sister island Porto Santo. Rising above the vast underwater mountain range, Madeira Island is rugged, botanical and unspoilt; so diverse is its landscape that you can sail the coastline, swim in natural pools and climb above the clouds in a single day. Add the benefits of the Gulf Stream and Madeira is an exotic sanctuary for wildlife with balmy temperatures year-round. The island is a natural marvel, with one of its wonders being the prehistoric Laurisilva Forest, now listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is no wonder that in years gone by, Madeira’s good air has been recommended to help in the recovery from illness.
Beyond its natural beauty, the island has long been renowned for its fortified wine, which flourished in the 17th Century. It has been so revered that it was mentioned by Shakespeare in Henry IV, Part 1, was used by Thomas Jefferson to toast the Declaration of Independence in the United States, and was also said to have impressed Winston Churchill with its with its ability to preserve its taste even when left unopened for years. Testament to this, Garrafeira Nacional at Time Out Market in Lisbon once had a 250-year-old bottle of Madeira wine which could be sampled for €150.
To discover more about its rich history and unique qualities, a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal city is a must. Those arriving in late August will also be able to enjoy the annual Madeira Wine Festival which celebrates the country’s oldest traditions. (Don’t forget to sip the local and sweet Poncha wine too!)
No matter what time of year, there’s plenty to do on the island. Madeira's climate means it is recognised as one of the best European winter destinations, with many attractions being open all year round - including the Quinta Monte Palace tropical garden and and its famous wooden sledges which provide a quick and exhilarating way to travel between Monte and Funchal. From spring, visitors will witness why the destination is coined ‘the island of flowers’ and up until autumn, its coast is frequented by dolphins, sea lions and whales. In fact, Madeira’s marine life and warm water temperatures make it a rising destinations for diving.
Though a small island, Madeira’s friendly people, customs and unique sense of place mean guests can easily feel like a local, which is why those that experience Madeira once are sure to feel compelled to return time and time again. Madeira’s ability to capture the hearts and souls of its visitors is thanks to an authenticity that has endured through the centuries.
Poised to welcome guests from around the world, there is no doubt that Madeira’s re-emergence onto the luxury travel map is only just beginning. As Visit Madeira’s Executive Director, Nuno Vale rightly points out, “The new tourist is seeking uncrowded and unspoilt destinations, sustainable tourism and a sense of authenticity. Madeira has long been up to that challenge.”