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Holidays to Madeira
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Holidays to Madeira
With a warm climate and year round sunshine, a varied and rich landscape, an impressive historical and cultural heritage and a host of activities for all tastes and ages, Madeira is the ideal destination for your family or couple's trip.
From wreck diving to whale watching and even golf, Madeira has it all
If you’re looking for a last minute getaway to a sunshine destination but don’t want to spend hours on a plane, Madeira is the place for you. Surrounded by the deep turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and bathed in a flow of warm air and sunshine from West Africa all year round, Madeira has the climate of a tropical island paradise with all the luxury and convenience of a Western European destination.
Due to its remote location and unique topography, Madeira holidays open up a diverse range of activities for all the family to enjoy. So no matter if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday taking in some winter sun or you’re after a more adrenaline boosting holiday abseiling 12-meter bluffs, this beautiful island paradise has it all.
The perfect place for relaxation
A warm temperate climate makes Madeira the perfect place for a relaxing winter break. The city of Funchal is a modern cosmopolitan city which is well known for its amazing seafood restaurants and collection of 4 and 5-star hotels. From the harbor you can take a leisurely boat trip out into the Atlantic to experience some of the best whale and dolphin watching anywhere in the world.
If you don’t fancy the sea, take a trip into the mountains surrounding the city and explore some of the exquisite botanical gardens that flourish in the volcanic soil here. If you’re up for a little more strenuous activity there are a number of gentle hiking trails available which explore the Palheiro and Funchal municipal botanic gardens. Wherever you choose to go, the sights, sounds, and smells of this idyllic island paradise will remain with you for a lifetime.
Looking for a little more action?
There can’t be many islands that offer the sheer range and diversity of activities as Madeira. The island is famous for its wreck diving and offers a number of sunken wrecks located offshore for divers to enjoy. There is also the world famous Madeira Aquarium which offers the chance to dive with sharks in the natural seawater pool while under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
Want a bigger adrenaline boost? How about canyoning in the Parque Ecologico do Funchal which offers rock pools, waterfalls and abseiling for canyoners to explore. When that’s done there is a choice of hardcore hiking trails into the mountains following the Levadas, which are irrigation channels carved into the mountain to bring fresh water to the city. Here hikers can meander up through lush mountain vegetation in the world's largest Laurisilva forest, which culminates at the top with stunning views across the island.
Top 5 must-see places in Madeira
1. Funchal
Funchal is the capital of Madeira. Situated on the waterfront, the city rises like an amphitheatre up to the peaks. On the steep slopes teeming gardens. Constantly bustling, the capital of the archipelago is both touristy and modern. Exotic fruit stalls, discreet palaces, baroque churches and parks line the city's lanes and recall its majestic past. Early colonial buildings such as the cathedral, the old church and the art museum of the former bishop's palace will immerse you in the history of the country. The old town offers a unique charm with its narrow cobbled streets and painted doorways creating a real open-air art gallery. A large fresh fruit and vegetable market is located to the east and is well worth a visit.
2. Porto Santo Island
With a crystal clear turquoise sea, a strip of golden sand that stretches for several kilometres, impressive sea beds and many other wonders, the island of Porto Santo has everything to please. All this richness gives rise to a multitude of activities that will appeal to young and old alike. If the seaside is ideal for lazing around, the clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. You will meet schools of multicoloured fish and discover a marine flora of unsuspected beauty. The more adventurous will prefer to climb the Pico do Facho, an eroded volcano. Perched at an altitude of over 500 metres, you will enjoy a unique panorama of the whole island. In the evening, enjoy the intimacy and comfort of the top-of-the-range hotels that we have selected for you at exclusive prices.
Porto Santo is also a perfect destination for a wellness getaway.The sand and sea water are known for their therapeutic properties. You will find many centres offering Psamotherapy (with hot sand) and Thalassotherapy (with sea water). You can even enjoy these treatments in your own hotel, in a spa area with a sauna, jacuzzi, massage sessions or even a swimming pool! Check out our current deals to see which hotel is the best for you!
Porto Santo is also known for its festival: for 3 days, travel back in time to the 16th century to honour the passage of Christopher Columbus to Porto Santo. The streets are transformed to bring back the traditions of that time and many live performances take place on the island.
3. Madeira's beaches, a little paradise on earth
In the whole archipelago there are five beautiful beaches and lidos. So all you have to do during your stay is choose from these dream destinations. Every beach in Madeira is a meeting place for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy whales and dolphins watching , windsurfing, stand-up-paddle or canoeing with your friends and family. Every year international surfing competitions are held in these parts of the archipelago. The area is known as a surfer's paradise. For a perfect stay in this Portuguese archipelago, we have selected for you top hotels at exclusive prices.
4. The Botanical Garden of Funchal
Located on the heights of Funchal, the Botanical Garden is one of the must-see stops on a Madeira tour. Although you may not be a true nature enthusiast, you're sure to enjoy a stroll through this huge 35,000 m² garden, which houses just over 2,500 plants from all continents. The terraced flowerbeds are particularly eye-catching.
5. Ponta de São Lourenço (Point of Saint Lawrence) : for the hiking enthusiasts
A must on a Madeira hiking tour, the Ponta de São Lourenço promises unforgettable moments. This outing leads to the discovery of a nature reserve with semi-arid landscapes and jagged reliefs. Along the way you will see impressive cliffs beaten by the swell, magnificent red earth, as well as ochre and black rocks sometimes forming small caves, all contrasting with the deep blue of the sea that stretches as far as the eye can see. At the bend in the path, you may be surprised by the many rare species of birds that have found refuge on this peninsula.
Where to stay in Madeira : the top 3 Hotels for your Holidays !
For your holiday in Madeira, we offer you a number of upscale establishments in a "modern setting" as some of our members say. Here's the best deals of the moment :
1. Quinta da Bela Vista 5* : the Best Deal of the Week
Surrounded by the sea, the mountains and lush gardens, the Quinta da Bela Vista 5*, located on the western slope, welcomes you for a pleasant stay with breathtaking views... This classic residence captivates with its subtle decoration, its warm and refined atmosphere. It offers serenity and comfort, discreet charm and tranquillity in the centre of gardens with exotic scents. Authenticity, tradition, calm, privacy and superb views are the main assets of this beautiful Quinta. The outdoor swimming pool, heated all year round, the spa area and the pool bar await you for an exceptional moment of relaxation.
2. Vidamar Resort Madeira 5*
Located on the south coast of the island, the Vidamar Resorts Madeira 5* hotel enjoys a privileged location by the sea. Its quality facilities and attentive staff will make your stay a relaxing one. The view of the ocean and the infinity pool will enchant you from the very first glance.
The hotel is located 2 miles from the historic centre of Funchal and within walking distance of the famous Lido area with its restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Enjoy the absolute calm of the Vidamar and at any time you can reach the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Quintinha de São João 5*
The Quintinha Sao Joao 5* hotel has the charm of the old Madeiran houses, warm and welcoming. This property with its own character enjoys an exceptional natural environment, while being only a few minutes away from the centre of Funchal, the marina and the Santa Catarina Park. The individual service, the cosy interior and the zen atmosphere of the place will ensure you a few days of absolute relaxation, from which you will return enchanted.
When is the best time of the year to visit Madeira?
With its mild climate and average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, Madeira is an ideal destination all year round! There are many festivals and celebrations in Madeira. To choose when to go, we recommend you to look at the events that interest you the most : The Carnival in February, the Flower Festival in May*, the Atlantic Festival in June, the music festivals season in July, the Wine Festival in August/ September or the Nature Festival in October!
*Note that this year the Flower Festival due to the covid-19 situation will be held in October.
Voyage Privé provides a collection of handpicked offers for travellers looking for Madeira holidays. There is a selection of luxury, boutique hotels for couples and families to enjoy, with both half board and full board accommodation provided.
To find out more about Madeira before your trip, check out our full Madeira travel guide !