Madeira holidays will take you to a land of breathtaking landscapes and botanical beauty. This sun-drenched island is known as ‘the Floating Garden’, so you can expect lots of colour, from the turquoise coastline to the scarlet poinsettias that cover the landscape. Walkers will love trekking through the lush scenery. Or you can head for a beautiful beach at Porto Santo for an afternoon in the sunshine with the kids. Explore Madeira’s traditional villages and enjoy fresh seafood in a local taverna. Or head for the bustling capital for Funchal for a cosmopolitan affair. It’s up to you to make holidays in Madeira your own.
Things to do
It’s no wonder Madeira is called the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’: you can experience the true beauty of the island’s rich landscape from the tiny village of Curral das Freiras. Or soak up the unspoilt views from the dramatic cliff face at Cabo Girão. Looking for history? Explore Funchal’s Gothic Sé Cathedral, or travel by cable car up to the charming little village of Monte. Water spots enthusiasts will love the crystal-clear waters. Head to Garajau National Marine Park for spectacular scuba-diving. If you have the kids with you then there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to try out in Madeira, and top of the list has to be the Aquaparque waterpark. This popular attraction is the perfect place for family fun.
Where to stay
Madeira’s largest city, Funchal, is located on the south coast of the island. For a taste of Madeiran life, take a wander through its narrow streets. Sample authentic Madeiran dishes like sopa de tomate e cebola, a tomato and onion soup topped with a poached egg, in one of its many traditional restaurants. Quaint little art galleries, museums and markets can be found throughout the city. Just six kilometres east of Funchal is the quiet seaside village of Caniço de Baixo. An oasis of calm, the idyllic resort is perched upon a hill overlooking the sea. Take a stroll along the cliffs and admire the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
