The island will enchant you with its breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine.

If you enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature, then Madeira Island has much to offer.

Two unique attractions are the Levada canals along which the Levada walks are done, and the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO heritage site.  Today Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest is the largest surviving area of laurel vegetation and is believed to be 90% primary forest.

Laurel vegetation is belieived to have covered much of Southern Europe as far back as 15 to 40 million years ago.

Did you know that Madeira has more than 2000 km of man-made water canals (“levadas”) which is used for irrigation?

It is without a doubt a remarkable feature. These canals crisscross the island from north to south, east to west along cliffs and meandering deep into the enchanting forests.

Today these Levadas continue to channel water across the island, as well as provide walking paths for visitors and locals alike to explore Madeira. Currently, there are 30 recommended walking and hiking trails.

Other epic natural wonders you can enjoy are the Porto Moniz lava rock tidal pools and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe. Here you will find a skywalk for the adventurous at heart. Other fun and memorable activities you can do whilst on holiday is the toboggan sled ride, dolphin watching, “off-the-track” jeep tour or watch a spectacular sunrise at an altitude of 1800m above sea level. For the adrenalin junkie, there is paragliding off a sea cliff or downhill mountain biking.

Besides the island’s natural wonder, you will be enchanted by the warm hospitality of the local inhabitants. Both young and old, welcome visitors with their contagious smiles and humble welcomes. The majority of the old folk dedicate their time to farming and fishing. Although some of the younger generations give continuation to tradition, the majority work in tourism-related industries.

Now, if you want to experience the true Madeiran spirit and hospitality, then I suggest you join them at one of the “festas”. These are cultural events which are held all year-round. A tradition carried down through the centuries and enjoyed both locals and visitors alike. These feasts are religious celebrations honouring patron saints.

It is said, that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well, prepare yourself for a moment of food passion.

As we all know, Portuguese cuisine is world renown. This said Madeira Island has some unique dishes which will leave you licking your fingers. The traditional “espetada”, “picado”, “espada preta”, “milho frito” and “bolo do caco” are favourites. Vegan and vegetarians will be please to know that some restaurants now offer plant-based dishes on their menu.

Getting around on the island is no difficult task, although caution is always called upon. You can either hire a car or opt for an affordable Xperience Package. The car hire option allows you to sightsee at your own pace. The Xperience Package is a private service, offering visitors an affordable and stress-free family holiday experience.  It is a flexible program  tailored to suit your needs. Services offered are airport transfers, in-house babysitting, food tours, cultural and historical visits, private island tours and much more.

As far as accommodation in Madeira goes, the island has a variety of options to suit all pockets. Ideally for a family holiday self-catering is the way to go. Opting for a holiday villa a is a great choice as it offers comfort and space. Some holiday villas on the island offer discount deals for large groups.

Madeira Island has much to offer.  So, if you seeking a relaxing family holiday or an action-packed adventure trip, Madeira Island welcomes you.

Experience warm hospitality, tasty cuisine and breathtaking landscapes – Xperience Madeira.