Madeira’s levadas are irrigation channels, some dating back to the 16^th century, designed to take water to remote fields in the island’s interior. They provide sometimes unlikely and often quite airy sections of some of Madeira’s most famous hiking routes. However, there’s far more to this sun-kissed Portuguese island than its levadas. Here are 7 things that we think make any visit to Madeira special.

1) Springtime

Madeira is known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’. Though March and April are best for blooms, the fertile volcanic soil and year round warm climate ensure that there are flowers to admire all year around. This is an island to make gardeners weep: fields and hillsides are covered with nasturtiums; the forests are draped with passion flowers, while geraniums and hydrangeas grow at the roadside like weeds. Whether or not you know your Aloe from your Agapanthus, it is impossible not to be bewitched by Madeira’s bountiful floral offerings.

2) Whale and dolphin watching

If fauna is more your thing than flora, then you should head to the water. Madeira is a superb place to spot whales and dolphins. The temperate waters around the island are visited by more than 20 different species of cetacean at various points throughout the year and you don’t have to venture far from land to spot sperm whales, pilot whales bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins, amongst others.

3) The view from Pico Ruivo

Head up to the top of Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1862m) and take the ‘Balcony Walk’ to Pico do Arieiro (1810m). This partly engineered trail involves negotiating tunnels and following a path carved directly into the side of a cliff. The views out across the volcanic, green and rugged interior are unsurpassed.

4) Real Madeira cake

Contrary to its name the well-known English tea-time favourite did not originate from the island of Madeira. If you want to sample some real Madeira cake you need to search out some Bolo del Mel or honey cake. This deliciously dark and dense slab of treacle-filled goodness is Madeira’s oldest and most moreish dessert. It’s the perfect packed-lunch pick me up.

5) Say ‘bom dia’ to Christiano

The people of Madeira are extremely proud of their famous footballing son. Though you’re unlikely to meet the man himself, you will be sure to encounter his name and image at every turn. Even the airport has been renamed in his honour. No visit to Madeira would be complete without hunting out the now infamous, and amusingly unflattering, bronze bust of the soccer star, which became an overnight internet sensation when it was unveiled at the airport earlier this year.

6) Dawn and dusk in Funchal

Funchal, the capital, was named for the abundant wild fennel found here by the early settlers. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores at dawn with the locals and buy Madeiran mangoes or choose from a bewildering variety of passion fruit, watch the restaurant owners bartering with the fish vendors, or just take in the aromatic mix of herbs, spice and all things nice hidden behind its stunning Art Nouveau facade. In the evening, the locals come out to play again and the streets of the old town take on a party atmosphere. Forget Madeira (the fortified wine) and opt for a late night glass (or two) of poncha, a traditional drink made with sugar cane alcohol, honey, lemon rind and fruit juices.

7) The other islands

Did you know that Madeira is not one island but an archipelago? If you have longer than a week to spare then why not take the time to explore further than the main island. Just a 2 hour ferry ride from Funchal will find you on Porto Santo - the ‘Golden Island’. The jewel in the crown of this sleepy little island is its 6-mile long golden beach, which stretches further than the eye can see. The perfect place to relax after an active holiday.

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