This Portuguese outpost offers a sunny climate, a charming Old Town and rich traditions. Nicknamed “The Island of Eternal Spring”, the Portuguese outpost of Madeira, off the coast of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands, is blessed with a mild and sunny subtropical climate which has long lured sun-seeking Brits and Germans, as well as being a popular cruise stop. While most of its shoreline is rocky, there are a couple of beaches with sand imported from the Sahara.
Water temperatures of between 18 and 22 degrees contribute to its appeal as a resort destination. But with its soaring volcanic mountain peaks, abundant nature and rich traditions, basking in the sun should be an afterthought rather than your main motive to visit. Funchal, the capital of the island, has a modern port where more than half a million cruise passengers disembark annually.
From here, it’s an easy walk along the mosaic-paved waterfront to the charming Old Town, with its maze of cobbled streets lined with bars and restaurants housed in buildings dating back to the 15th century. Look out for the quirky “painted doors” art project adorning Rua de Santa Maria, or shop for local produce in the Mercado dos Lavrodores, its entrance marked by hand-painted azulejos tiles. As enticing as the waterfront in Funchal is, don’t miss the opportunity to see the city from above, accessed by the famous cable car ( madeiracablecar.
com/en/ ) that follows an old steam railway route to the elevated suburb of Mon.