The Island of Madeira - A Year Round Holiday Destination
Add car hire in Madeira to your holiday plans and explore this jewel of an island
If you are deciding on a holiday destination for 2024 then why not consider the gorgeous island of Madeira? Madeira makes the ideal short break for a last minute holiday too!
Madeira is part of a group of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the Canary Islands. Often overlooked in favour of other islands, Madeira can offer a quieter, more relaxed holiday than its neighbours to the south yet still has plenty on offer to make it a very desirable choice for a holiday destination. The island has a coastline that is 90 miles long and with a rental car from Funchal airport you will easily be able to explore its whole length.
Madeira has a very varied landscape and what you will find will very much depend on which part of the island you are in. About twenty per cent of the island is covered by the Laurissilva Forest. This subtropical forest mostly to the north is over 20 million years old.. It offers opportunities for a wealth of activities including walking and mountain biking along the ‘levadas’ which are irrigation channels that provide pathways and tracks through the forest. Thousands of species of animals and plants make Laurissilva forest their home turning it into a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts too.
The more adventurous travellers can climb the mountains which rise in the centre of the island and the effort of a hike to the top is well worth it for the amazing views. On your way up look out for the numerous waterfalls and, if you are very lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of some rare birds. These mountains are evidence of Madeira’s volcanic past as are the many caves dotted along the northern coastline.
Most people come to Madeira for the beaches and, as well as their black pebble beaches, they have stretches of sandy beaches too. With a rental car, you are never too far from the beach of your choice! With water temperatures staying between about 18-24°C throughout the year Madeira’s coast is a great place for swimming and watersports whatever the month.
Back on dry land there are many delightful towns and villages that welcome visitors to their shops and cafes. The capital Funchal is itself worth exploring. It is a very green city with numerous parks and there are plenty of historic sights too. Take a stroll around the shops, stop off for lunch at one of the many eateries and don’t pass up the opportunity to sample the famous Madeira wine!
May is a fabulous time to visit Madeira to experience all the colour and joy of the Flower Festival but, as it has such a warm climate, Madeira can be enjoyed all year long. Whenever you decide to visit, we are here to help you with your Madeira car hire.
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