Created by a volcanic hotspot on the ocean floor, Madeira is often referred to as the Island of Flowers or the Garden Island thanks to the richness of its flora. Winston Churchill once said “Madeira is my floating garden”. Madeira Island is a sub-tropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal.
Weather Averages for Madeira in April
All-year-long Madeira enjoys plenty of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures – this is especially true in April, which falls within the spring season on the island. During April, Madeira enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine every day – a figure which is significantly higher than many other countries and islands in northern and central Europe.
Suggestions for Things to Do & See while Visiting Madeira in April during the Spring season:
Take in the scenery on a Levada Walk
Best time of the year to make Levada Walks & Hiking Trails in Madeira Island so that you can see the flowers blooming. In Madeira you will find a lot of walking trails that guide you through the most beautiful and hidden landscapes of the island! Many lead into the Laurisilva forest, a remnant of the semi-tropical vegetation that once covered the island before Portuguese explorers arrived in 1419. You can book guided levada walks here.
Strolling through Funchal city
Funchal is the capital of Madeira Island and the most populous out of the Portuguese mainland. Funchal is magnificent, with its crooked streets that go down the mountain side, and in front of the blue sea.
Visit the Farmers Market just two steps from the historic area. The main door opens onto a patio, animated daily by the sale of fruits and vegetables. Walking through the old town streets you will find the ArT of opEN doors, a public art program that aims to transform Funchal´s Old town into a permanent outdoor art gallery by displaying over 200 works of art, by guest artists.
Ascend up to Monte via Cable car ride, it costs 10€ per person but it's surely worth it!
Visit the Funchal’s Cathedral, which contains undeniable historical, architectural and artistic value, one of the interior highlights of the Cathedral is the chancel’s altarpiece ordered by King D. Manuel I in 1510-1515. For Art lovers, feast your eyes upon masterpieces of Flemish painting at the Museu de Arte Sacra. A trip to Funchal wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the seafront, plus, soccer fans can head for the CR7 Museum, in homage to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born on the island.
Downhill Toboggan Ride
The quintessential Funchal experience since the 1850s. A downhill toboggan ride in a wicker sled. Historically, these basket-like carts were designed as an innovative way of getting around on the island. The runners cling to the sled to guide the way towards Funchal at speeds that can nudge up towards 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour).
Swimming With Dolphins Experience
Swimming with Dolphins in Madeira is a chance of a lifetime, having direct contact with a dolphin is not something you will come across numerous times in your lifetime. We assure you that it is an unforgettable experience! You can book this Experience here.
Enjoying the flowers at Madeira Botanical Garden
Madeira’s mother of all public gardens is the Jardim Botanico da Madeira, which overflows with over 3,000 plant types. Collections of exotic plants, indigenous species, diversity of plants from various geographical origins worldwide and, a wonderful view over Funchal.
Swimming into Porto Moniz Lava Pools
Way up on the west coast, the meeting of Atlantic waves and some prehistoric volcanic eruption formed spiky rings of black lava rock along the waterfront. In Porto Moniz they’ve been turned into one of the world’s most beautiful swimming pools. More than 4,500 square yards of clear, calm saltwater pools, separated from raging ocean surf by the lava walls.
Discover Madeira Nature on a 4×4 vehicle
A unique experience that will be both exciting and memorable, passing through the lushious vegetation, the Laurissilva forest, waterfalls, landscapes, and its natural heritage. There are several companies that provide guided jeep tours in Madeira Island, you can book it here.
Cabo Girao skywalk Europe’s highest sea cliff
It is the highest cape in Europe, at an elevation of 580 m, a skywalk with a glass floor has been installed for a truly breathtaking experience. Offers magnificent panoramic views over the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
Visit the famous Nun’s Valley
Curral das Freiras is a village surrounded by an amphitheater of majestic mountains.The name comes from nuns (freiras) who hid there to escape pillaging pirates. Aside from the dramatic scenery, the little town is renowned for chestnuts gathered from the forested lower slopes. The village also has plenty of traditional specialties to sample, such as a cherry liqueur and chestnut cakes, bread, soup and various sweet treats.
The Porto Santo Sandy Beach
Porto Santo is a small island that belongs to the archipelago of Madeira, famous for its beautiful and enormous golden sandy beach with it’s 14km-long stretch. The island can be reached by ferry then visited in a few hours by scooter, car or bike. The Porto Santo Line operates a daily ferry service to the island.
Explore the Sea of ??Madeira
The horizons of Madeira do not end in themselves. They offer the opportunity to be alone with nature and see all the beauty, calm and strength of the Atlantic ocean. A wonderful shade of blue that almost merges with the sky, offering each guest a breathtaking experience with lots to discover. You can book sea actvities in Madeira here
Explore the Majestic Mountains Peaks
The mountains of Madeira rise up to 1,800 meters above sea level. Pico do Arieiro at sunrise is a must for visitors to the island. Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the Madeira Islands. It can be reached only by foot, usually either from Pico do Arieiro (3rd highest) after a strenuous hike, or from Achada do Teixeira with a shorter, easier trail.
Madeira Flower Festival
In Madeira, springtime is honoured like a queen, being crowned with the Flower Festival, held every year after Easter. The Flower Festival is a tribute to spring, and the celebration of metamorphosis and rebirth, fertility and the abundance of the flowers that colour, perfume and inebriate the surrounding environment and that give value and take the good name of this tourist destination across borders.
Book Activities & Tours
From the mountains to farmland, health forests, subtropical fauna and indigenous species, the island is truly a garden that invites you to practice numerous activities. You can Book your Activities & Tours during your stay in Madeira Island with WWW.MADEIRA.BEST