Madeira

This volcanic archipelago lies far out in the Atlantic, south-west of mainland Portugal, and is one of the country’s autonomous regions. The main island is steep and mountainous: above Funchal, the capital, which climbs from its bay like an amphitheatre, peaks rise to more than 1,800 m, among them Pico do Arieiro. Its interior is covered by UNESCO-listed laurel forest, and hundreds of kilometres of walking paths follow the levadas, the island’s old irrigation channels. Neighbouring Porto Santo is known for its long golden beach.

The ocean and the trade winds keep the weather mild all year — Madeira is often called the island of eternal spring, with summers free of punishing heat, warm winters and gardens in flower almost without a break. It suits walkers and nature lovers, gourmets drawn by Madeira wine, couples, and anyone after an unhurried stay above the Atlantic.