Madeira Islands in the North Atlantic are a great yachting destination for those who love warm winter seasons or cool and free summer seasons sailing on the blue ocean waves.
The main features of Madeira's climate are the prevailing subtropics with their inherent low humidity. Due to the presence of the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the penetration of cold from the northern latitudes does not occur and even in winter the air temperature is kept at +17 degrees Celsius, reaching an average level of 26 degrees in the summer. However, even despite the proximity of the Sahara with the desert winds blowing from it, the heat in Madeira is extremely rare.
The two largest islands: Madeira and Porto Santo, are the most famous in the archipelago, but two groups of small uninhabited islands - Dessertas and Selvagens, are visited only due to their unique nature. On Dessertash you can find rare species of birds, as well as the most rare species of seals in the world - white-bellied seals. The uninhabited islands are deserted and covered with rocky soil with sparse vegetation, they are almost always deserted and have rugged landscapes for tourists.
Yachting on the islands of the Madeira archipelago is particularly attractive due to the enchanting beauty of nature, a sufficient number of ports for mooring, developed infrastructure for recreation and an indescribable sense of privacy. If you want to rent a yacht in one of the most attractive regions of the world for yachting, you can contact the specialists of the company for information and other help 2yachts - they will always have up-to-date offers from the yacht market from direct sellers for you.
On the islands of the archipelago, travelers can indulge in a relaxing holiday surrounded by beautiful landscapes, unique nature, silence and almost crystal clear air. And although there are few beaches on the islands, there are balneological centers on the coast and equipped descents into the water in the form of stairs. Here, like nowhere else, there are extensive opportunities for fishing and hunting, there are also conditions for golfing and professional windsurfing and diving. And in local restaurants you will be able to taste the world famous fortified Madeira wine and excellent dishes of national cuisine. Note that, in addition to the well-known Madeira, other wines are also good and inexpensive on the islands: red, white and green (Vino Verde).
Main marinas in Madeira:
The most popular resort in Madeira is Funchal, the capital of the archipelago, an ancient (dating back to the 15th century) and beautiful city with many attractions. You should definitely visit the Old Town with its Cathedral, many churches and museums, as well as delightful botanical gardens and parks (for example, "Jardim Botanica", Paleiro Park with a manor in the style of British colonialism, or "Orchid Garden"). Be sure to walk along the main street of the city, teeming with bars and restaurants, take the funicular to Mount Monte, from where you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the endless water surface and the city. Due to the hilly terrain of the city, many observation decks were equipped here, with access to them exclusively by funicular. At the top of Mount Monte is the 18th century Monte Palace, featuring a picturesque park with unique plants, birds and many species of fish, as well as statues and working fountains.
The largest beach in Funchal, Praia Formosa, has a Blue Flag award for its high water quality and is equipped with everything you need for a leisurely beach holiday. On the territory of the city there are two pebble beaches - Praia de Sao Tiago and Praia do Gargollo, equipped to a minimum and usually deserted. A local attraction is also the Mercado dos Lavradores market, where you will be offered to buy fresh vegetables and fruits brought from the rainforest, fresh fish caught near the islands, as well as products from Funchal artisans.
Santa Catarina Park is one of the most beautiful sights of Funchal, giving a atmosphere of solitude and harmony with nature. There are ponds with swans and ducks around which everything blooms and exudes aromas. The 15th century Church of St. Catherine is worth visiting, which is the oldest building in Funchal.
The local winery Blandy’s, which has been operating on the island for more than 2 centuries and is known for its wines far beyond the borders of Portugal, cannot be ignored either. You can sign up for an excursion, during which you will be allowed to go down to the cellars and taste the wines - the Blandy’s collection contains drinks from the middle of the last century.
Porto Santo is an island that has a popular 9-kilometer golden beach, famous for its healing properties, and the town of Vila Baleira, where Christopher Columbus once lived (his house now serves as a museum for visitors to the island). The center of the town is a cobbled square with many restaurants and cafes and overlooking the 15th century town hall, where it is pleasant to stroll with ease and tranquility. If you are looking for peace and privacy, Porto Santo is the quietest place in the area, adjacent to the nearby tourist resorts.
It is best to visit this island on a personal or yacht chartered in Portugal. The deep, rich blue waters of the Atlantic await you here, giving you unprecedented freedom of sailing. In addition, the climate in Madeira is surprisingly stable, with prevailing northeasterly winds, comfortable temperatures throughout the year and heavy rains with trade winds, which greatly enliven the greenery of the northern part of the island, which becomes truly spectacular. And by visiting the southern part of the island, where precipitation is much less throughout the year, you will remember for a long time your best impressions of visiting the historical architecture, old streets and the magnificent promenade of Funchal. We wish you a pleasant stay in a beautiful land lost in the waters of the Atlantic, to recharge the energy of the amazing islands of Madeira!