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Ready to end this year in style?- Book a sailing trip to Madeira!
This archipelago’s captivating coastline is the perfect spot to spend the December festivities. You will be mesmerized by breathtaking views, lovely weather, and a joyful atmosphere.
Spend unforgettable moments and create memories for a lifetime with your loved ones as you enjoy front-row views on your yacht with rugged cliffs and charming seaside towns as your backdrop.
From the best time to visit Madeira to top activites you shouldn’t miss out on, we’ve got you covered for your sailing exploration to this wonderful destination.
Why Visit Madeira on a Sailing Adventure?
Because it’s such an underrated gem!
This archipelago, known as the region of Madeira, is part of Portugal. It’s located in the North Atlantic Ocean and comprises four islands. Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited whereas the Desertas and the Selvagens are uninhabited.
Madeira is a worthwhile sailing destination because it offers everything sailors like, from unmatched scenery to reliable winds, sheltered harbors, and rich maritime culture. It’s enjoyed by new and experienced sailors who swear by the calmness you experience as you take a morning dip from your yacht in the calm blue waters.
It also boasts a mild climate throughout the year so you can have enjoyable sailing experiences even in December. Madeira doesn’t have only natural beauty to offer.
It has many vibrant festivals and a lively atmosphere, ensuring everyone who visits has a taste of their culture. Whether you’re joining their celebrations or exploring secluded coves, this sailing paradise guarantees a wonderful adventure!
What Is the Best Time to Visit Madeira?
The best time to visit Madeira is December as the weather is pleasant and some festivities and activities are unique to this month such as those happening for Christmas and New Year’s Eve and whale-watching.
If you head there for the holidays, expect the average temperature during the day to hover around 20 degrees C (68 degrees F), with the evenings being somewhat cooler. Stroll through the streets decorated with lights and indulge in tasty Madeiran treats at some of their traditional Christmas markets.
Best viewed from the water, Madeira’s fireworks for New Year are one of the largest in the world. Marine life is still active in December which combined with the favorable sailing conditions is ideal for whale- and dolphin-watching.
5 Must-Try Experiences on Your Madeira Sailing Adventure
Madeira is the land of sun-seekers and cruisers and there are plenty of reasons why it captivates their hearts. It’s the dream-come-true destination if you want to enjoy stunning lands rich in flora and fauna, amazing wildlife, and beautiful cultures.
As you sail in your luxury yacht along its impressive coastline, you will enter a world of unique opportunities that shape your adventure. To ensure the ultimate sailing in Madeira, here are the must-try activities:
- Attend a local event
These must-visit events happen in December and are the perfect way to experience Madeiran culture through music, wine, and food. Sounds & Flavors celebrates Madeira’s musical heritage and culinary delights.
They feature live performances from different genres, from traditional Madeiran folk music to modern acts, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the island. The Essence of Wine is a great event where you can try some of the most renowned wines in the world.
Reserve a day for a Madeira wine tour to sample the popular Madeira wine crafted on the island for centuries and listen to wine experts sharing insights about their winemaking legacy.
- Go for a hike
If you like hiking and exploring nature by foot, Madeira’s Levadas will “test” your physique. Madeira hiking trails pass through irrigation channels and promise a rewarding hiking experience for all hikers. You will be amazed by the interesting mother nature features you’ll witness throughout your hike such as hidden waterfalls or tunnels.
You can also hike in the high mountains, along the coastlines, or in the rocky and dry eastern extreme.
Madeira offers many hiking trails within a relatively small area, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts!
- Experience whale watching
Madeira is ideal for nature enthusiasts who love everything in and around the water such as whale- and dolphin-watching. As it’s located in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the perfect place to see thrilling marine life all year round, especially in December when the conditions are quite good.
Madeira waters are home to different species of dolphins and whales such as bottlenose dolphins and the majestic sperm whale. Sailing the Madeira coast gives you a unique chance to spot these amazing creatures in their natural habitat which is an inspiring, humbling, and life-changing experience.
You’ll feel a wonderful connection to nature and appreciate marine life’s diversity and beauty.
Madeirans embrace eco-tourism so many whale- or dolphin-watching tours are conducted responsibly to ensure protection and respect for these wild creatures.
- Celebrate the sunrise and sunset
Yes, the sunrise and sunset are celebrated in Madeira! And, you should thank the amazing weather for the opportunity to witness such spectacular sights.
Locals proudly celebrate it and you can do it too, almost every day. Spend a morning or an evening on your deck, sipping local Madeira wine surrounded by your loved ones witnessing the stunning landscape being “painted” in front of you with impressive orange, red, and pink hues.
The top spots to witness the breathtaking Madeiran sunrise or sunset are Pico Ruivo, Pico de Areeiro, Bica da Cana, and Guindaste do Faial viewpoint.
- Indulge in their local cuisine
Madeira is a haven for food enthusiasts. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste an array of yummy local dishes that combine traditional Portuguese flavors with locally grown and fresh ingredients.
Fish and seafood are big on the island and high-rated restaurants are the best place to try quality food. You can even try tasty fish specialties and spend less by heading to some of the many tascas which are budget-friendly eateries.
Try some of their specialties such as the espetada, grilled meat skewers, or the scabbardfish fillet served with fried bananas.
Combine them with some of their well-known drinks like poncha which is made with honey, sugar cane spirit, and honey or fortified wine produced locally for centuries.
To Conclude: Is Madeira a Worthy Sailing Destination?
Madeira is an underrated yacht charter destination that deserves much more praise than it gets. Offering the whole package from rugged beauty to majestic wildlife, Madeira’s unique charm can win over the hearts of even the pickiest of sailors.
It combines culture, nature, and adventure and introduces you to activities you never knew could be so awe-inspiring, from the unique Madeira hiking trails to whale watching, Madeira promises an unforgettable sailing adventure.
If you’re ready to end 2024 in style, explore this beautiful archipelago in a yacht charter. Book your luxury yacht through Book2Sail’s intuitive rental platform and sail away to this breathtaking destination where the sunrise and sunset are celebrated!
