From 18m below sea level to 1,863m above, Madeira is one of the few places in Europe with adventurous pursuits everywhere, making it the perfect destination for hybrid athletes who wish to try their hand at a range of outdoor activities. And with manta rays, sperm whales and giant groupers swimming the waters mere kilometres from cloud-parting serrated peaks, it’s also a nature lover’s dream.
In the gentle summer climate, the extreme landscapes of this exposed and remote Atlantic island are pleasantly accessible, with some of the highest summits reachable from short, often flat, paved paths with railings. Combined with preened gardens, hill-conquering cable cars and seafront restaurants around Funchal, it’s clear why Madeira is popular among older tourists during the peak summer months.
