Madeira pampers its visitors with lush nature and impressive landscapes. One of the main attractions of the island is Laurissilva. This laurel forest with dense moss and large, old trees is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight are the popular hikes along the so-called Levadas. These irrigation canals were built hundreds of years ago to transport large amounts of water from the rainy north of Madeira to the south. Stroll along the canals and discover the breathtaking nature along the way.

The Festival of Nature in Madeira is a real experience for young and old adventure seekers. This festival is about discovering the dreamlike nature and getting involved in sporting challenges. Guests can take part in the free activities throughout the island, on land, in the mountains and in the water. From mountain bike tours to surfing or canyoning, the sporty offer is wide-ranging, so there is something for everyone. All you have to do is make your choice and share a very special experience with other nature enthusiasts.

If you want to experience the original nature in Madeira and still do not want to give up the adrenaline rush, take a canyoning tour. Groups can choose between stream or river. Here you learn to master the partly deep-water points or waterfalls by climbing, jumping, special types of paddles or even swimming and enjoy spectacular views.

Have you always wanted to see the impressive mountain massif, the rough coastline, and the incredible plant splendor of the island from above? Due to Madeira's morphological properties, you will find ideal conditions for paragliding. Venture to lofty heights with the paraglider and enjoy the unique view. Even beginners do not have to shy away but can enjoy this unique experience on a tandem flight.

The mountainous nature of Madeira's landscape makes the island a popular spot for trail runners. Three different competitions of this type of long-distance running take place here every year and lead the athletes across the unique nature to the highest paths, through rivers and forests. Among the participants are also well-known names from the national and international trial sport.

Madeira is a true biking paradise, but you can also explore the flora and fauna of the Atlantic island on two wheels. With the mountain bike you ride on unpaved tracks in the middle of the mountain massif, enjoy unique views of the rocks and valleys and feel full of energy. Breathe in the clear air of the Flower Island and experience unforgettable excursions that you will remember for a long time to come.

The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz and Seixal are a special highlight. These saltwater swimming pools, framed by lava rock, are naturally fed by the sea. They are located on the north coast of Madeira and offer first-class views over the Atlantic Ocean and the lush green landscapes of the Flower Island. Relax with a dip in these unique swimming pools and feel at home with nature.

A temperate climate and a water temperature of 17 - 24°C invite you to numerous activities in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Madeira all year round. In the north, surfers will find ideal conditions and possibly the perfect wave. On the quieter south coast, on the other hand, windsurfers and stand-up paddlers get their goal. Canoeing is also a popular sport – on your own or on guided tours. Snorkeling or diving off the coast will discover an impressive underwater world and even a coral-covered shipwreck.

Thanks to a sea depth of more than 3,000 meters, the coastal waters off Madeira are home to a diverse range of fauna. Numerous fish species, turtles and 28 different whale and dolphin species romp in the waters off the island. All year round, you can go on an observation tour to find some of these elegant marine mammals. Madeira is home to spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, sperm whales and pilot whales.

In the local cuisine of Madeira you will taste the warm soul and hospitality of the archipelago inhabitants. Close to the sea, the islands offer first-class fish dishes and seafood, such as grilled snails, tuna steaks and Madeiressed fillets. Try the traditional "Espatada", a beef skewer made of laurel wood with fried corn and the typical "Bolodo-Caco", a bread with garlic butter. Indispensable is also the sinfully delicious, homemade honey cake.

Follow in the footsteps of traditional craftsmanship in Madeira. Madeira embroidery is a centuries-old form of craftsmanship characterized by its high quality and impressive details. Fabrics such as linen or silk are embroidered with modern and traditional patterns. The tradition of Madeira wine goes back more than 500 years. The liqueur wine is grown on the mountain slopes of the island and is characterized by its special aroma and unique character, for which it is popular all over the world.

Funchal, the capital of the archipelago, is located in a bay on the south coast of the island of Madeira. The town owes its name to the fennel, which at the beginning of the settlement was found as a wild plant all over the island. Funchal is the largest tourist, commercial and cultural center of the entire archipelago. It offers a wide range of leisure activities, from museums and monuments to excursions to the fantastic gardens, and a walk along the marina. Funchal also has a colorful nightlife in the many restaurants, bars and clubs.

The Mercado dos Lavradores farmers' market is one of the hallmarks of Funchal and is located in the heart of the historic center. The market building was designed in a stylistic blend of Art Deco and modernism and is worth a visit. Let yourself be enchanted by the aromas of the islands, taste the exotic fruits and marvel at the rich offer of beautiful flowers, meat, fish, vegetables, and regional spices.

If you want to have a very special experience when visiting Madeira's capital, then take a ride on a basket sled. The 'Carros de Cesto' are made of wood and willow rods by hand and controlled by the so-called 'Carreiros', two men dressed in costumes. In the district of Monte, climb the traditional vehicle and take a wild ride down a slope. You must not miss such a unique experience.

You can enjoy the carnival at the beginning of the year with brightly colored costumes and world-famous parades. The  Flower Festival celebrates spring and the lush flowering season. The streets are decorated with flowers and concerts take place everywhere. The Festival do Atlantico kicks off the summer in Madeira with pyromusic shows. For the wine harvest in late autumn, the wine festival takes place with all sorts of festivities and actions. Even during Christmas and New Year's Eve, the Residents give their island a special shine and the fireworks are among the largest in the world.

Surrounded by the turquoise blue, crystal clear sea, Porto Santo is a small paradise for sun worshippers. The approximately 9 km long golden sandy beach occupies almost the entire south coast of the small island and has already been voted the best dune beach in Portugal. Here you can enjoy the beautiful weather, the sun as well as the sound of the sea all year round and simply let your soul unwind.

Porto Santos waters are popular with divers because of their cleanliness, pleasant temperature and clear water. Here you can experience an excellent view of up to 40 m depth. Among the most popular spots are the sunken ships Madeirense and Corveta General Pereira d'Ea, which have been lowered to create artificial reefs. Here is a species-rich marine fauna with dark groupers, salemas, kingfish or amberjacks.

Since the 1990s Porto Santo Line has offered popular crossings between the Portuguese islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. The 60 km journey between the islands takes about 2.5 hours and runs daily in the morning and evening with additional departures in high season. The ferry offers a safe and comfortable service. On board you will find bars, restaurants, shops, a cinema, children's areas, and a sun deck for the relaxed crossing.