With spectacular scenery, a subtropical climate, hiking trails and vineyards, Madeira, 250 miles north of the Canaries, provides year-round entertainment.The super friendly and super funny locals are hugely proud of their island and many told us they see themselves as Madeirans first, Portuguese second: we were made to feel welcome everywhere we went.The island has just 250,000 inhabitants but welcomes about two million tourists a year. And while tourism is a vital part of national income, it’s not aggressively shoved at you. In the past Madeira’s been seen as an older person’s holiday destination, but this is changing with activities like canyoning [also known as gorge walking], a growing art scene and very trendy restaurants.
