One of the things I love most about Madeira is the fact it stays warm all-year round, making it perfect for a long weekend jaunt. Boasting a moderate subtropical climate, temperatures can range between 20 °C to 24 °C during the spring months. The volcanic island also has a variety of microclimates, depending on where you happen to be staying – i.e., the higher up you go, the cooler it will feel.

If you’re looking for some beach time, the Calheta Sand Beach, located on the island’s sunny west coast, is ideal for pitching up with a picnic. With golden sand imported from Morocco, this beach is great for swimming and is a must for those active types who enjoy a spot of canoeing or windsurfing.

Calheta is also a great base from which to take a whale or dolphin watching tour. We chose Lobosonda for their ethical approach to sighting the animals in the wild, and they are highly intuitive when it comes to observing and monitoring their behaviours. While we didn’t see any whales, we saw plenty of spotted and bottlenose dolphins, an experience made all the more special because the boat crew gave them plenty of space to jump and play around us undisturbed.

One of my favourite experiences of my weekend in Madeira was taking in the sun at Seixal Beach, a black-sand beauty situated on the island’s north coast, overlooked by lush green mountains and crisp blue skies. While the waves can be a little choppy, the dark sand and stunning vistas make for a unique Insta-worthy backdrop. A thirst-quenching cold beer at the nearby pier bar is an absolutely essential accompaniment to soaking up the beach’s rugged splendour after a brisk sea swim.

The warm weather also means that Madeira stays green and lush for most of the year, so if beaches aren’t really your thing, hiking or simply cruising about in a hire car is also a great option. Madeira celebrates its biodiverse environment, and there are plenty of viewpoints dotted around the island from which travellers can take in these epic landscapes.

Looking out across the dense forest canopies and rocky enclaves – cue the Jurassic Park music (trust me, it will happen at some point while you’re there) – you’re met with the smell of eucalyptus, sea salt and wildflowers, a myriad of untamed blooms that seem to burst from every crag and roadside nook. It really is quite breathtaking, and – if you’re like me, a little on the whimsical side – much like the fairytale forests you envisioned as a child.

In terms of clothing, I would definitely recommend packing light layers, comfy sports gear (if you’re planning on walking about) (I lived in my trusty Lululemon cycling shorts), trainers for those hills (there are many), and a cap to keep the midday sun off your face.

Weather-wise, showers can be frequent but are short-lived, so a waterproof is another essential piece of kit. The breeze is deceptive, so make sure you’re applying SPF on the reg, especially on your face. The evenings can feel cool too, so make sure you have a decent overshirt or denim to throw on if you’re eating outside.

3 reasons why Madeira is perfect for a spring weekend getaway