Madeira
About Madeira
If you’re after outdoor adventure with a touch of culture, Madeira is the perfect choice. This lush, year-round island charms with its subtropical climate, stunning botanical gardens, and scenic levadas (irrigation channels). Its dramatic mountains are ideal for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits, while relaxed lidos provide the perfect spots to unwind.
Food and drink are a highlight—think garlic-basted espetada kebabs, honey cake, fiery poncha, and sweet malmsey wine. Funchal, the colourful capital, offers boutique shopping, chic bars, afternoon tea, and quirky British heritage. Over in Canico, hikers can explore coastal trails, while the marine reserve at Garajau brings fascinating wildlife to your doorstep. Prefer beaches? Calheta boasts soft, golden sands and calm waters, plus plenty of water sports. Madeira truly has something for everyone.
Funchal
Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is a charming city famed for its beautiful gardens and cobbled streets. The city buzzes with stylish restaurants, lush tropical greenery, and stunning mountain views. When evening falls, Funchal comes alive with a tempting mix of eateries and chic rooftop bars perfect for cocktails under the stars.
Canico
This charming east coast town is a paradise for walkers and water-sports enthusiasts, making it perfect for adventurous holidays. Relax on the small pebbly beach, enjoy the lido set against dramatic black volcanic rocks, or dive into the clear waters. Evenings are wonderfully laid-back, with fresh, locally caught fish rounding off the day.
Calheta
With its soft, sandy beaches, this laid-back resort is pure bliss. Nestled on Madeira’s south-west coast, it showcases the island at its best, with rolling hills and sweeping sea views framing the shore. Nearby, UNESCO-listed national parks and historic sugar cane mills add a touch of culture and history to the serene surroundings.