Madeira — Introduction

It’s hard to believe that a rocky outpost in the mid-Atlantic could be one of the most lush and beautiful corners of the world. But Madeira is an island of many, many surprises.

The first things you notice about the island are the sky-high peaks that rise up dramatically from the ocean, covered in a dense, emerald carpet of vegetation.

Sub-tropical Madeira is rightly known as the Floating Garden of Europe for its verdant landscape and it’s not just trees and shrubs, but a bountiful array of exotic flowers.

This Portuguese island is beloved by walkers who take to their levadas, the ancient irrigation channels that feed the island’s cultivated terraces. These levadas provide wonderful walkways all over the island and are perfect for enjoying its breathtaking scenery.

The capital Funchal is a bustling cosmopolitan city with shops, restaurants and cafés surrounding a picturesque harbour.

RCI has a great selection of Gold Crown resorts, check out rci.com for more information.