Madeira by land and sea: the ultimate Europe cruise vacation
The Portuguese island of Madeira is a mecca for nature and adventure junkies, best explored by land and sea. Exploring this tiny archipelago of four islands during a Madeira holiday with a cruise you can dive deep into the blue waters to swim with seals, fish and other rare underwater marine life.
Cruise ships typically depart from Tampa Florida and New York on an unforgettable transatlantic voyage touching the Bahamas, Azores and Portugal.
At sea, there is nothing like starting your day with a dose of sunshine and fresh ocean breeze from the deck of your ship.
On your arrival at Port Funchal, the first thing you see from your cruise ship will be its crooked streets which wind down the mountainside. Ships berth here very close to the city center and you can be well on your way ashore in ten minutes.
Madeira is an incredible place to visit and for more reasons than one. Known as the island of eternal spring, Madeira has year-round pleasant weather and fresh air.
Apart from an escape from gloomy weather, Madeira is fantastic honeymoon destination, an adventure lover’s haven and some of the most delicious cuisine in Portugal.
There is much to do on a Madeira island tour, from guided trips that will take you across the levendas, the island’s open canal system, to the vast Fanal forest area that will quietly invite you to its hiking trails and natural surprises that await around every nook and corner.
April and May are the best months for hiking in Fanal, as any later may get a bit hot and winters can be wet and a bit cold in the morning and evenings.
These months also happen to be the best for enjoying the beautiful flowers, and one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world is at Funchal.
If you want to swim with whales and dolphins, visit Madeira between April and October when these magnificent mammals can be found in abundance in the waters of Madeira.
Madeira from the sea: boat trip ideas
Exploring Madeira by sea is another fun way to see these islands. If you want to experience the trip at your own pace, consider a boat charter with a skipper having knowledge of the best spots.
Consider sailing further along the Southern coast across Camara de Lobos, a quaint fishing village nestled among the hillside or towards Ponto de Sol, a sheltered bay from where you can catch some amazing sunsets.
For a longer adventure, you can sail all the way around the archipelago to the other three islands in the Madeira group.
The uninhibited IIhas Desertas are just south of Madeira and perfect for those looking for a quieter escape. If you want to snorkel here, take prior permission from the Natural Parks Department as these islands are a protected site.
From here, you can sail up to the renowned beaches of Porto Santo and gain access to some world-class diving sites along the Quinta di Lorde marina.
