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.