Madeira holidays

Think outdoorsy experiences with a few cultural twists and you’ll be right on the money with holidays to Madeira. Visit this lush little year-round island and you’ll fall in love with its sub-tropical climate, botanical gardens and beautiful levadas (water channels). Its mighty mountain landscape is made for all sorts of sports both on and off dry land, although there are a fair few laidback lidos when it’s time for taking it easy. But let’s talk food and drink. Dishes like garlic-basted espetada kebabs, honey cake, fiery poncha and sweet malmsey wine are local legends, so be sure to tuck in. Fancy afternoon tea, chic bars and boutique shopping? The colourful capital, Funchal, delivers on that front. Look out for quirky British heritage, in a nod to the island’s past. Over in the resort of Canico, a real haven for hikers unfolds through the dramatic coastline and hillside trails. You’ve also got Madeira’s marine reserve, Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau, right on your doorstep, so look out for the fascinating wildlife. More of a beach bum? You might be best suited to Calheta, where shimmering waters sit alongside two manmade beaches, with soft sands imported from Morocco. It won’t be hard to find a spot to lay down your towel on there! Once you’re all chilled out, how about making the most of the great water sports options? We reckon you’re ready to experience Madeira's magic...

Popular Madeira Holiday Resorts

Girassol Suite Hotel

Funchal, Madeira

Our rating

Based on 1425 reviews

Spacious pool area with Bali beds
Restaurant with outdoor terrace
All Inclusive option available
Comfortable accommodation
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Enotel Lido Resort

Funchal, Madeira

plus

Our rating

Based on 4259 reviews

Direct access to the Lido promenade
Beautiful ocean views
Stylish accommodation
Wonderful drinking and dining options
Extensive spa facilities

Pestana Casino Park Ocean & Spa Hotel

Funchal, Madeira

Our rating

Based on 4812 reviews

Great ocean views
A la carte Half Board option*
Wonderful location
Rooftop pool
Certified Sustainable Hotel

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Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+0hr

Local beer

£2.10

Meal for two

£42.70

Average flight time

4hrs

Pools and sea

Madeira is famous for its lidos, or outdoor pools, and you’ll find them at Funchal and Caniço. Calheta, meanwhile, offers two man-made golden-sand beaches with stunning mountain views to rival them all. And Machico is home to a lovely beach made from glorious grains imported all the way from the western Sahara.

Get active

The sapphire waters around the island are great for surfing, scuba diving and big-game fishing. If you’re searching for something breathtaking, take a boat out to watch the whales and dolphins – there are about 20 species swimming in these waters! On dry land, it’s all about leafy levada walks that’ll make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.

Festivals and festive spirit

Embrace buzzy atmospheres and the party spirit with Madeira’s calendar of events. All year round, there are events and fiestas going on. During May, one of the world’s biggest and best flower festivals brightens the island with parades, markets and exhibitions. And during the festive season, Funchal’s twinkling with extravagant lights and New Year’s Eve marks a night of spectacular fireworks.

Funchal

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a historic town best known for its gorgeous gardens and pretty cobbled streets.

Canico

This quaint east coast town is a haven for walking and water sports, so if you’re feeling adventurous, this is the resort for you.

Calheta

With tailor-made sandy beaches, this irresistibly low-key resort is blissful alright.

Machico

Get a taste of the real Madeira in this sleepy shorefront town – the very location where explorers first settled on the island in 1419.

Santa Cruz (Madeira)

Pebbly beaches don’t often look this dreamy. Stretched around the seafront, Santa Cruz is a sheltered little bay area with marine activities dominating the local scene.

Canical

An urban port combining choppy seas with majestic mountain scenery, Caniçal is a true postcard setting.

Ribeira Brava

Tiered green hillsides crown this scenic town. All decked out with authentic touches, Ribeira Brava has forts, town halls and pebbly beaches to admire all day long.

Santo Da Serra

Renowned for its manicured golfing greens, all immaculately preserved, Madeira is a top pick for getting the clubs out.

Camara de Lobos

Sprinkle a bit of magic on your getaway in Camara de Lobos. Sitting pretty on Madeira’s southern shoreline, this traditional terracotta-topped town is bursting with history and tales from a time gone by.

Madalena do Mar

Between Calheta and Ribeira Brava on the sun-kissed south coast sits the picturesque seaside village of Madalena do Mar.

Ponta Do Sol

A colourful old town meets dreamy seascapes, a palm-lined beach and banana plantations in this coastal hideaway with a totally tropical twist.

Porto Moniz

Beaches

Madeira is dotted with small, secluded beaches made from natural volcanic sand, so they’re all pretty unique. There’s a peaceful spot 25 minutes’ drive from Funchal and, over in Machico, the island’s second-biggest town, you’ll discover a golden-sand stretch that’s great for kids. Just pick a place! See all beaches (8)

Calheta Beach

Calheta, Madeira

The sweep of golden sand here has all the facilities a family needs, including showers and changing rooms. It's backed by a line-up of bars and restaurants, too, so you have drinks and snacks on hand. When...

Canical Beach

Madeira

Tucked away in a peaceful cove near the fishing village of Canical, this beach is quieter than other tourist spots and is one of the pretty pebble beaches on the island. There’s a café overlooking...

Sights

The island’s famous for its flowers. You’ll find out why at the Botanical Gardens in Funchal. These sit right on a hillside, so you’ll also get some unbeatable views of the city. But if you want pure and simple culture, there are many museums, galleries and monasteries to explore.

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Botanical Gardens Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Wander among fantastic flowers, trees and plants found only on the Atlantic islands at the Botanical Gardens Madeira in Funchal. Like tropical fruit? The mango and papaya trees will leave you feeling hungry -...

Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau

Madeira

On the island’s south coast, just east of Funchal, you’ll find this fascinating marine reserve. The protected area boasts crystal-clear waters and an impressive variety of large fish, including...

Activities

The natural lava pools in Porto Moniz are a natural phenomenon you won’t find elsewhere. Take a swim and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Madeira’s levada walks are the real hillside heroes of this archipelago, while whale and dolphin watching is every bit as jaw-dropping as you’d imagine.

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Christmas and New Year in Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

With its leafy landscape, balmy weather and charming culture, Madeira is a stand-out destination you can enjoy year-round. But one of the best times to visit is around Christmas and New Year when the locals go...

Levada Nova

Calheta, Madeira

Madeira is lined by miles of 'levada', which are mini-canals bringing water down from the lush mountains. This walk, which is around five or six miles, follows one through hills, forests, villages and fields....

Eating and drinking

You’ll find bolo do caco – a type of bread served warm with garlic butter and parsley – on pretty much every menu. And you can’t go home without trying some of the world-famous Madeira wine, with its smooth, sweet notes. Tuck into catch of the day as you drink in stunning coastal views. See all eating and drinking (2)

Shopping

Funchal has plenty of charming boutiques selling local handicrafts, but there are major malls across the resorts of Madeira. Browse your favourite high street stores, or even opt for a more hands-on shopping experience. The local markets are great for picking up a few bargains and souvenirs.

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Armazem do Mercado

Funchal, Madeira

In Funchal’s Old Town you'll find this warehouse, home to a variety of shops and a market where you can buy local produce. It doubles up as a space for artists, and hosts regular events and concerts. There's...

Farmer's Market

Funchal, Madeira

Foodies will love this colourful, lively market where you can pick up everything from exotic fruit and veg to sweet-smelling spices and the freshest fish. Sellers are more than happy to chat to you about their...