On the hunt for an island getaway that offers more than just a nice beach? Call off the search, Madeira is the place for you! This exquisite gem of the North Atlantic Ocean is rich in wildlife, flora, local culture and Instagram-worthy spots. There’s so much to see and do in this tropical paradise, you won’t know what to do first.
 

An ideal destination for sun worshippers, there’s a mild climate all year around, with even the ‘winter’ boasting averages higher than some of our summer months! Better yet, this means that sea temperatures rarely dip below a balmy 17 degrees so water babies can swim to their heart’s content.
 

The warm currents aren’t just good for swimmers though. If you fancy yourself to be as good as The Duke on a board, then you are going to want to wetsuit-up for Madeira. An increasingly popular spot to catch some great waves, the western coast of the island is home to pro spots like Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Pargo as well as beginner swells in Ponta Pequena and Paul do Mar.
 

If you want to do some cultural exploration then you should head to the south of the island where the majority of shops, hotels and eateries can be found. The capital, Funchal, is a vibrant little city built from an old pirate settlement that’s warm and welcoming, providing activities from dawn ‘til dusk and beyond. While you’re here, you have to make a stop at the two Michelin-starred Il Gallo d'Oro where you’ll be treated to some of the best Portuguese cuisine around.
 

Hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for an active adventure will also find Madeira an incredibly enticing location for all their outdoor pursuits as the northern parts of the island offer breath-taking stretches of wild coastline as well as volcanic peaks and jungle-like stretches of forest.

WINGED BOOTS WISDOM
 

As an island with a tropical climate, we highly recommend downloading a regional weather app to stay one step ahead of the sudden changes in conditions and plan your activities accordingly.