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Madeira in Autumn
Tour Code: PRT16An 8-day natural history tour exploring Madeira in the balmy autumn climate, in search of birds, plants and cetaceans.
£2,495
£2,195
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Summary
This tour to Madeira, designed for the all-round naturalist, is timed to showcase the island's varied and unique wildlife and landscapes in the warm seasonal sunshine. Situated in the North Atlantic about 560 kilometres off the north-west coast of Africa, the Madeiran archipelago is very much the Galápagos of Europe, being of volcanic origin and isolated from colonisation from the continent by the predominantly westerly winds.
The Madeiran archipelago comprises five main islands. The largest, Madeira itself, is only about the size of the Isle of Wight but rises to over 1,830 metres. The landscape is rugged and spectacular, with deep ravines, gorges and swathes of lush and pristine Laurissilva forest, home to the rare and endemic Trocaz Pigeon (also known as Madeira Laurel Pigeon). The vast system of levadas – man-made watercourses – which run at a steady gradient along the sides of the mountains and hills throughout the island provides an ideal means of exploring its little-known corners at a gentle pace. An incredible 1,163 plant species have been recorded on the islands, of which 113 are endemic! The island boasts an all-year-round flowering season due to its subtropical climate, and although the spring and earlier summer have more flowering species, we can still expect to see plants in vibrant bloom, unlike other parts of Europe at this time of year. In particular, in and around Funchal, Kapok trees bloom in October, with their large pink and creamy-white flowers brightening up the city, as does the island’s 'national' plant, Bird of Paradise, so named because its brilliant orange sepals and deep blue petals resemble the head of a tropical bird.
The island's stable weather and calm seas offer very good opportunities for cetacean-watching, with a resident population of Short-finned Pilot Whales and, as well as Bottlenose, Striped, Risso's and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, there are still Bryde's and Sperm Whales in the waters.
Across the week, we have three days of walking the levadas at Ribeiro Frio, Encumeada and Pico Ruivo, the tallest peak, at a relaxed pace. These are interspersed with a couple of mornings searching for the island’s birds, in particular the endemic races of Blackbird, Blackcap, Chaffinch and Robin in addition to the true endemics of Trocaz Pigeon and Madeira Firecrest (Zino’s Petrel is only a possibility). We will also have three cetacean-watching excursions. To make the most of our time on the water, there is also an evening sailboat cruise where we can enjoy Madeira's sunset. The colours of Madeira, the stunning and varied scenery, and the opportunity to observe some of the extremely localised natural history surely make Madeira a perfect autumnal getaway.
- Volcanic Madeira has a unique and fascinating natural history – perfect for the all-round naturalist
- Search for 113 endemic plants amongst the island's 1,163 species
- Look for 3 endemic birds – Zino's Petrel, Trocaz Pigeon & Madeira Firecrest
- Three cetacean-watching boat trips
- Explore the evergreen Laurissilva forest – a type of forest found only in Macaronesia
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable, harbourside 4-star hotel in Funchal, with private facilities.
- Food:
All included in the price except for evening meals in Funchal. Allow £200.
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Philip Thompson
Philip was born in Nigeria and feels sure that at a subconscious level this has instilled in him his lifelong passion and interest in the natural world and the wildlife of Africa in particular. He was born of a generation who, as kids, would think nothing of disappearing of into the surrounding woods and countryside only to return at the end of the day hungry and tired. This enjoyment in the open country and experiencing at first hand the natural world has remained with him to this day and it is now his great pleasure to show and share with others the natural delights that drew him to tour leading. His main interest is in wild flowers but he remains a keen and able birder with an interest in all other forms of the natural environment. He is also interested in music, fashion and film, with European cinema a particular favourite.
2027
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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