Formed by volcanic eruption, Madeira is actually the summit of an undersea volcanic mountain rising four miles from the seabed. A tiny idyllic haven, only 35 miles long and 12 miles wide Madeira is an incredibly beautiful year round sub-tropical island. Take a trip on the cable-car system from Funchal to the town on Monte to get a birds eye view of this awe-inspiring island. Affectionately known as the Floating Garden Madeira has incredibly colourful flora to offer from orchids and hydrangeas to Calendula to hibiscus.