Wander around the island of flowers: These are the highlights of Madeira

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Perhaps Madeira’s most famous road stretches from the Monte region to the valley of the main town of Funchal. The road is so steep that you can glide down into the valley with one of the traditional basket sleds; and without any snow, because there is never any snow in this temperate climate. The wooden sleigh is guided by two drivers who traditionally wear white clothes and hats. In ancient times, they had to carry not only sleds, but also rich travelers up the mountain. And doing this in hammocks is unimaginable today.

Fly: This area, once accessible only to the rich, has now become a tourist attraction. The cost of the sleigh ride is approximately 30 francs for two people. The cable car takes you to the city.

Near the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos on the south coast of Madeira is Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe. The second highest cape in the world is almost 600 meters above sea level. You can look down through the glass floor on the viewing platform called Skywalk. But be careful: You must be willing to climb higher to enjoy the view.

Fly: If you want to enjoy the view even more intensely, you can sail from the cliff to the horizon with a paragliding umbrella.

Madeira is known for a special feature of the landscape: water channels called levadas that distribute fresh spring water throughout the island. They are used not only to irrigate the arid southern region, but also to generate electricity. The water network covers 1,600 kilometers and these waterways are ideal for hiking. Because the maintenance roads were arranged directly along the levadas.

Fly: A particularly beautiful area is the Caldeirao Verde valley. Every outdoor enthusiast’s heart beats faster when hiking and canyoning.

The narrow stretch of land at Faja dos Padres, where priests once lived, can only be reached by sea or by modern cable car. Where Madeira wine was once grown by Jesuit priests, today mainly bananas, avocados and mangoes grow. You can spend your holiday in true peace and seclusion in one of the apartments. The small pebble beach with its pier invites you to relax and unwind.

Fly: Faja dos Padres restaurant takes care of your physical health. If you want, you can also rent one of the rooms here.

Madeira is a paradise for hikers. For this reason, some German-speaking guides open shops here and organize tours. For example, there is the option of combining several routes into one hiking trail across the entire island: it goes from Ponta do Pargo, its westernmost point, to the easternmost point of Madeira in eight days. The roads pass along the levadas and through the highest peaks. You get to know the landscape of the flower island closely and encounter local fennel at many points.

Madeira also offers many opportunities for sporty cyclists. Since there are many mountains in the landscape, you should drive fit and safe. Numerous paths lead through fishing villages, through fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests, through laurel bushes and fennel. If you want to explore the levadas by bike, you can do that too, but you should be prepared for a root or two. The best way to cycle around the island is with a local guide.

Fly: A guided mountain bike tour offers beautiful views of forests and all the way to the sea. Many organizers offer tours in German.

The northwestern seaside resort of Port Moniz offers a welcome change from hiking and other activities in the backcountry. In Porto Moniz, you can cool off in the naturally occurring lava pools in the Atlantic. Since Madeira has no beaches, this is a welcome opportunity for many travelers. The pools in the port town provide protection against Atlantic waves. Afterwards, you can relax with Madeira wine and grilled fish in one of the cafes.

Fly: The journey along the north coast towards Porto Moniz is an experience in itself. Because it leads directly to the most spectacular road on the island, towards the cliffs.

• Flight duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.
• Mild temperatures and sufficient sunlight give us a feeling of spring even during the cold months.
• The island’s most famous son: Cristiano Ronaldo.
• The world football player opened his first hotel in the capital. Pestana CR7 Funchal (Av. Sá Carneiro / Praça CR7)
• The magnificent relief of the volcanic island guarantees interesting walks.

Source : Blick