In general, and especially outside of the relatively wet period between November and February, rain is only an occasional concern on Madeira.

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Pocket Madeira, an easy-to-use guide filled with top experiences - neighbourhood by neighbourhood - that literally fits in your pocket. Originally used to shift goods and crops, today Madeira’s cable cars also transport tourists and day-trippers. Madeira’s coast is home to fajãs, areas backed by cliffs that were previously only accessible to boats.

The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, on the island’s northwest corner, is 600m long, lasts five minutes and is one of the steepest cable cars in Europe. Fresh fish, tender beef skewers and the thought of homemade melting garlic butter on a warm piece of bolo do caco (a local flatbread made with sweet potatoes) should give foodies enough motivation to book that direct flight. Dating from the 1930s, these see-and-be-seen public baths were renovated in 2016 and now offer two saltwater swimming pools (with direct sea access, so you can choose to hit the ocean as well) and all the infrastructure needed to while away a day. Read more about the condition New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages.

miles) round-trip that tackles the island’s dry, rocky easternmost point and includes an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the ocean. Two well-protected artificial beaches (created with sand from western Sahara) face each other off on Calheta's seafront, one of the sunniest places on the island.

Rest assured, Madeirans don’t always put their wine in a blender and are the custodians of a fortified wine that has found itself in some important glasses throughout history. Experience Guides For travelers that want to design a trip that feels unique, these guides uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations. Madeira's most ubiquitous dish is black scabbardfish with banana and passion fruit sauce, but more memorable specialities include bolo do mel (honey cake) from Fábrica Santo António, gaiado (dry pickled skipjack tuna), black scabbardfish sandwiches and Madeira's own beloved passion fruit soda, Brisa. Highlights of the outdoor life include the glass-bottom lookout at Cabo Girão, which sits atop one of the highest sea cliffs in the world and the mountain-strewn landscape at Pico do Arieiro (1818m).