10 reasons you need to visit the stunning island of Madeira

Madeira is a semi-tropical island floating in the Atlantic, part of Portugal though a distant 669 miles from mainland. Pristine black sand beaches, verdant mountains and a patchwork of hiking paths are a dream for nature lovers. Its remote location offers a sense of safety and seclusion that’s a balm for these times.

Visitors seeking outdoor adventures will find many, while those craving rest and relaxation on a beautiful beach or a stroll around a cosmopolitan capital will be equally satisfied. Travelers who live to eat will find luscious island-grown produce and fish so fresh it still tastes of briny seawater, accompanied by potent fortified wine.

A near-perfect climate and hospitable locals who speak English almost as well as their native Portuguese are perks. Nonstop flights from New York City can get you there in six hours.

Here’s our guide to 10 of the best things to do on Madeira.

Plunge into a natural rock pool