Madeira
The island of eternal spring: trails suspended between sea and mountains, a UNESCO-listed forest, gardens in bloom all year round and Funchal, a warm and lively capital.
One island, a thousand moods
Just a few hours' flight from Belgium, Madeira rises out of the Atlantic like a hanging garden: dizzying cliffs, terraced valleys, peaks above the clouds and primary forest, all on an island less than 60 kilometres long.
It is a paradise for walkers, with its famous levadas, but also an ideal destination for those who would rather stroll: Funchal, its gardens, its markets, its terraces and its easy-going way of life. With family, friends or in a small group, everyone finds their own pace.
Madeira, at your own pace
These trips are starting points, to be adapted to your dates, your pace and your budget.
Madeira for families
Cable car, wicker toboggans, dolphins, natural pools and easy levada walks: a garden island to enjoy together.
Madeira, everyone at their own pace
Hikes along the levadas and ridges for walkers, gentle discoveries for the others, and a lively base in Funchal.
A destination for all seasons
The climate is mild in every season. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking; summer is ideal for the sea and for families; winter remains pleasant and full of flowers.
Six places not to be missed
Funchal
A warm capital, with its old town, colourful market, gardens and seafront.
The central peaks
Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, above a sea of clouds.
The laurel forest
A UNESCO-listed primary forest, crossed by the levadas.
The north coast
Waterfalls, cliffs and natural lava pools at Porto Moniz.
Ponta de São Lourenço
A wild peninsula with ochre cliffs, between two oceans of blue.
Câmara de Lobos
A fishing village with colourful boats, at the foot of Cabo Girão.
Planning your trip
Formalities
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal: a valid identity card is enough for European Union citizens.
Time difference
1 hour behind Belgium, all year round.
Flights
Direct flights from Belgium depending on the season, otherwise with a stopover in Lisbon or Porto.
Currency
The euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Climate
Mild all year round, around 20 °C in winter and 25 °C in summer. In the mountains it is cooler and the weather changes quickly.
Languages
Portuguese; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Your questions about Madeira
Do you need to be a keen walker to enjoy Madeira?
Not at all. Many levadas are easy and lots of viewpoints can be reached by car. Funchal, the gardens, the villages and the sea are more than enough for a wonderful stay.
Can a group travel with both walkers and non-walkers?
Yes, that is precisely the idea behind the “Madeira, everyone at their own pace” stay: two programmes every day and getting together in the evening, with a hotel right in the centre of Funchal.
Can you swim in Madeira?
Yes, especially from June to October: natural pools, lidos and a few beaches. The golden sandy beaches are mainly on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.
Do you need to hire a car?
It is not essential: excursions can be done with a driver-guide. For more freedom, a hire car can be added for a few days. The roads are winding and sometimes steep.
Who takes care of my trip?
I am your contact from our first conversation until you return home: I advise you, suggest an itinerary and remain available during the trip. Your trip is sold and booked by the Collectif My Way, a travel operator registered with Atout France (IM059190009): it therefore benefits from financial protection and professional insurance.
Your Madeira made to measure
Tell me about your project, I will suggest an itinerary and a detailed offer.
Request a proposal