With its rugged volcanic scenery and lush forests the Portuguese island of Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers. The island's mountains are crisscrossed with hiking trails offering endless opportunities for exploration. The powerful Atlantic waves provide ideal conditions for surfing while the rugged coastline is perfect for coasteering which involves climbing up cliffs before jumping into the water and swimming to the next one. Thanks to its warm subtropical climate you can enjoy the great outdoors at any time of year. Alternatively you can relax and chat outside the bustling bars in downtown Funchal the island's capital.
Hostels in Madeira make the most of the island's dramatic scenery and rich history. You can stay on a 16th-century street in the city center a mountainside home with breathtaking views of the ocean or in a 19th-century manor house set among lush botanical gardens. There are Madeira hostels with swimming pools allowing you to take a dip without leaving your accommodation while others feature panoramic bars where you can watch the sun set over the mountains. In addition to standard rooms some of Madeira's hostels also offer self-contained studios and cottages providing a range of cheap accommodation options for travelers.
Funchal is where most of the action is. Bars serving the local drink poncha (punch) line the pedestrianized streets behind the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer's Market). From here you can take a cable car to the charming small town of Monte. Câmara de Lobos a fishing village with a picturesque harbor full of colorful boats is also well worth a visit.
For those seeking adventure test your nerves at Cabo Girão a sea cliff with a glass viewing platform 580 meters above the roaring ocean below. If that's not enough adrenaline try taking a toboggan ride in a wicker basket from Monte to Livramento. The natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz in the north of the island are perfect for cooling off in – they fill with water from the Atlantic and are calm and wave-free. While on the island adventurous eaters can sample the local specialty fried scabbardfish with banana.
Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo is the island's only airport. It boasts one of the most dramatic landings in the world as the runway is built out over the Atlantic. From the airport you can take a bus or shuttle
