When possible, I also enjoy a few hours in the sun and swimming in the very salty Atlantic Ocean at about 20 C. Combined with some “tests” of the famous Madeira wine this develops into an almost perfect vacation. This is specially so for us “ice bears” migrating in from the cold and dark north. We just need a few weeks with sun, warmth and nature during November and December.
We stay in a hotel directly along the ocean and have the choice to swim directly in the ocean or in the pools if it is too windy.
Some people miss the beaches which we do not have (volcanic island), but this does not disturb us.
All the flowers are for me the most spectacular difference to our homeland during wintertime. With some 1200 different plants and flowers, of which about 100 are endemic. Endemic means they do not grow normally any other place in the world.
The flora of Madeira is of high scientific value thanks to many circumstances – like the mild climate (Gulf Stream, geographical situation in the Atlantic), great difference in heights (from sea level up to 1871 meters) and even temperature all year around. The following pictures show some of the flowers you can find on your way in November and December.
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