Desertas Islands (Ilhas Desertas)
Desertas Island, Madeira
The three rocky Desertas Islands are often the first glimpse travelers get of Madeira, before landing at Funchal’s airport. Protected from development, they are a haven for local bird species.
The basics
If you enjoy bird-watching you’ll be in your element exploring the Ilhas Desertas, where Cory's and Manx shearwaters, Madeiran storm-petrels, Fea's petrels, canaries, linnets, and several types of terns all thrive. Offshore, monk seals, whales, and dolphins can often be seen. Catamaran tours visit the islands regularly from Madeira, stopping over for a few hours, with plenty of time to see wildlife, head off for a hike, or enjoy a picnic lunch. You can also charter your own boat and head out to camp on the islands overnight for a more extended stay.
Things to know before you go
- Be aware that this is a nature reserve, with restrictions on fishing and other activities.
- With little development and uneven ground, the islands may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
- If you’re planning to explore, make sure you wear clothing and footwear that are good for hiking, and bring food, water, and sunscreen with you—there are no shops or cafés on the islands.
How to get there
The Desertas Islands are southeast of the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. They are not accessible by public transportation, so visitors must join a guided catamaran tour or organize a private boat rental in order to get there.
When to get there
Madeira has a pleasant climate year-round and is a popular winter destination for European travelers. If you’re hoping to see monk seals, head to the islands in September–October, when breeding season brings the animals closer to shore.
Visit Porto Moniz
On the northwest coast of Madeira, the fishing village of Porto Moniz was only accessible by boat or mountain path for centuries, until a road was built after World War II. The houses built into the hills with panoramic sea views are sure to charm you, but the main attraction here is the natural saltwater pools fed by the ocean waves and encircled by natural lava rock formations.
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