Portugal (Madeira): Route through the Pearl of the Atlantic, tailor-made by car

Do you want to enjoy a dream holiday in a subtropical paradise almost on your doorstep? If the answer is yes, Madeira is the perfect destination for you. On our "Tour of the Pearl of the Atlantic" you will spend 7 unforgettable days discovering the best this Portuguese island has to offer. With its year-round mild climate, Madeira is an ideal destination to explore by car. Enjoy its volcanic beaches and beautiful natural pools by the sea! Its waters let you practice all kinds of water sports and even watch whales, dolphins and seals. The terrain is surprising and covering it at your own pace, without hurrying and enjoying every single kilometre of the way, turns into an unforgettable experience. Its rugged mountains conceal an interior of age-old valleys with villages like Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), with viewpoints worthy of the best films such as that of Boca da Encumeada, and an incredible laurel forest formed 20 million years ago and deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And back at the coast, the mountains dive into the water forming picture-postcard cliffs like those of Cabo Girão or the unmistakable Ponta de Säo Lourenço. Madeira is also home to history and traditions, such as its ancient sugar production or its whaling and volcanic past. In fact, in Säo Vicente you will find impressive caves carved out by lava and a centre specialised in volcanism. This trip will meet all your expectations, and fun is also guaranteed. Did you know that you can descend from Monte in one of its popular basket sleds, made of wood and wicker, right down to Funchal? You have to try it to believe it. As you see, discovering Madeira is a pleasure for all the senses. Take home a wicker object from Camacha, a good bottle of wine and savour its popular "espetada" (skewers), cod or freshly caught tuna. And then there are the Islanders who are so hospitable and welcoming that you will feel at home wherever you go.