Madeira is an island normally associated with a slightly more sedate pace of life. But beyond the deck chairs there’s a thriving, action-packed adrenaline-fuelled side to the island.
Just four hours from the UK and off the coast of Africa this small, warm volcanic island has a number of high adrenaline activities from canyoning, where you abseil down waterfalls and jump into deep pools, to ‘Enduro’ and downhill mountain biking. In addition to cycling and canyoning you can walk the lavadas, the old system of interlinking irrigation channels, some quite gentle and others precariously dug into steep cliffs which are best negotiated with an experienced guide.
If you’re looking for last-minute winter action, join Johan Smits on the slopes in Kazakhstan.
Off the coast you can swim with dolphins in deep blue oceans filled with marine life, surf the Atlantic rollers, paraglide and hand glide above the cliffs, try stand up paddle boarding and go coasteering.
Add a full range of large resort hotels and the more traditional Quintas or farmhouses, with excellent and well-priced food and drink (most of it based on the sugar cane and bananas grown on the island) and you have all the necessary ingredients for a fantastic adventure.
Over Easter Summit & Blue (01243 929121) offers seven-nights in a standard double/twin at Hotel Porto Mare on a BB basis, return flights with BA from LGW to Funchal, private transfers, one day guided ‘Enduro’ mountain biking, plus a half day canyoning and half day whale watching from £1,175 per person.
