Discover the wild beauty of Madeira from a peaceful perch above the Atlantic at Ocean Gardens 4*, just minutes from Funchal. Enjoy breakfast with sea views, before setting off on hikes through lush valleys, along flower-lined levadas, and up to windswept peaks.

Swim in natural volcanic pools, explore quiet mountain villages, and watch the sun dip below the horizon from the comfort of your terrace. This is Madeira at its most vivid - untamed, peaceful, and unforgettable.

This programme lets you explore the best of the island while keeping plenty of time to experience Madeira at your own pace.

Your included excursions:

• Begin at Pico da Torre, with panoramic views over the colourful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, nestled between cliffs and the ocean.
• Continue to Cabo Girão (entrance included), one of the world’s highest sea cliffs, offering spectacular views over Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
• Stop in Ribeira Brava for free time to stroll through its peaceful seaside streets before heading north to São Vicente, known for its basalt cliffs and whitewashed houses.
• Admire the dramatic Véu da Noiva waterfall, cascading directly into the Atlantic from high above the cliffs.
• Reach Porto Moniz for an included lunch and time to view the island’s famous natural lava pools formed by volcanic rock.
• Return via the plateau of Paúl da Serra (1,400 m) and make a final stop in Calheta, known for its yellow-sand beach.

Duration: approx. 8 hours

Includes: Cabo Girão entrance, lunch, transfers

Minimum group size: 8 guests

• Begin your journey at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,810 m, often rising above the clouds with spectacular mountain views.
• Stop in Ribeiro Frio to see the traditional trout farm surrounded by rare trees and endemic plants.
• Continue to Santana to discover the island’s iconic triangular thatched houses and enjoy free time for an included lunch featuring local specialities.
• Follow the dramatic coastline through Porto da Cruz, where mountains plunge into the Atlantic, before reaching Ponta de São Lourenço, a striking peninsula of rugged cliffs and volcanic landscapes.
• Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Duration: approx. 8 hours

Includes: lunch and transfers

Minimum group size: 8 guests

Enjoy a gentle, scenic levada walk through Paradise Valley, a peaceful emerald-green landscape dotted with terrace farms, flower-lined paths and traditional villages.

• Follow the levada beneath eucalyptus and oak canopies, taking in beautiful views over Camacha and the rolling hills of Madeira’s southeast.
• The route runs from Vale Paraíso to Rochão, offering an easy and relaxing nature experience ideal for all levels.

Difficulty: easy, flat walk

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours — 5.5 km

Includes: transfers

Minimum group size: 8 guests

Note: if this levada cannot operate due to scheduling or weather, a similar half-day walk will be offered.

• Enjoy a gentle, scenic levada walk through Paradise Valley, a peaceful emerald-green landscape dotted with terrace farms, flower-lined paths and traditional villages.
• Follow the levada beneath eucalyptus and oak canopies, taking in beautiful views over Camacha and the rolling hills of Madeira’s southeast.
• The route runs from Vale Paraíso to Rochão, offering an easy and relaxing nature experience ideal for all levels.

Difficulty: easy, flat walk

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours — 5.5 km

Includes: transfers

Minimum group size: 8 guests

Note: if this levada cannot operate due to scheduling or weather, a similar half-day walk will be offered.

During your trip, enjoy a stay in a Standard Sea View Room with balcony, a Standard Bay View Room with balcony or a Superior Bay View Room with balcony at Ocean Gardens 4*. 

The hotel features 85 rooms and enjoys a privileged location on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel sits around 15 minutes from Madeira Airport and 10 minutes from Funchal’s city centre, offering a peaceful escape with easy access to the island’s capital.

Note: Located in São Gonçalo, approximately 11 minutes by car or 14 minutes by bus from Funchal city centre.

If the hotel listed above is unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in a similar hotel. Local standards apply. 

Discover the best of Madeira with three unforgettable excursions included in your stay: a full-day West Island tour to Porto Moniz and a full-day East Island tour to Santana, both with lunch included (excluding drinks), plus a scenic half-day trip to Paradise Valley.

 Discover the east of the island with an excursion that takes you from Pico do Arieiro to Santana, passing through lush gardens at Ribeiro Frio and offering spectacular views over the Ponta de São Lourenço.

Embark on an unforgettable day in Porto Santo, starting with a boat trip aboard the "Lobo Marinho" in the morning.

On arrival on the island, enjoy a complete tour of Porto Santo, where you can discover its secrets and history. The afternoon is then free to spend how you like

Discover the wonders of Madeira's west coast on this captivating excursion. Start with a visit to the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, followed by a stop at Ribeira Brava. Passing through the picturesque municipalities of Ponta do Sol and Calheta, you will reach the majestic Paul da Serra plateau, which boasts views of the valleys covered by the Laurissilva forest.

In the afternoon, you'll ride along the magnificent Costa Norte to São Vicente, stopping at the top of Encumeada to admire the sea on both sides. The last stop will be at the Cabo Girão lookout, for spectacular views of the sea, Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

Discover the unique landscape of the age-old Fanal Forest, part of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through open areas and Madeira's native forest, where the constant fog creates a fairytale atmosphere.

After, head down to Seixal Beach, which is famous for some of the best natural black sand in the world, and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Discover one of Madeira's most beautiful hikes, which links two of the island's highest peaks above the clouds via a network of tunnels and ledges.

This impressive route offers breathtaking scenery with spectacular rock formations and 360-degree panoramic views of sites such as Curral das Freiras, Porto Santo, Desertas and Ponta de São Lourenço. The highlight of the day will be arriving at Pico Ruivo, 1861 metres above sea level. After admiring the unique view, continue on to Achada do Teixeira.

Discover a hike like no other at Punta de São Lourenço, located at the easternmost tip of Madeira Island, where the well-known peninsulas reveal a unique and wild beauty. 

Following this trail, enjoy breathtaking scenery with the Desertas Islands to the south and the Porto Santo Islands to the north. Admire the rugged coastline and black sand beach, which is testimony to the volcanic activity of this region.

Discover a superb sunny walk all year round on the Levada do Norte. This picturesque route starts just past Cabo Girão and runs through the Quinta Grande valley to Campanário.

Along the way, admire charming houses adorned with dahlias and be enchanted by the soothing scent of the island's exotic flora. Along the Levada, cultivated terraces stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with pretty houses and delightful gardens.

Embark on an unforgettable evening with a typical Madeira dinner in a picturesque restaurant on the outskirts of Funchal. Savour exquisite local dishes while enjoying lively performances by a Madeira folklore group.

After your meal, marvel at the panoramic view of Funchal lit up at night from a privileged vantage point. 

Explore the island's most important wine region on a hike to Verada, offering breathtaking views of the farmland and countryside west of Funchal. End your adventure in style with spectacular views over the Atlantic and a tasting of Madeira's famous wine.

Unforgettably celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special evening cruise departing from Funchal. Sail along Madeira’s coastline and enjoy a spectacular view of the city’s world-famous fireworks from the sea. As midnight approaches, watch the sky burst into colour from a truly unique vantage point while enjoying the festive atmosphere on board.

Perched between rugged mountains and the endless Atlantic, Funchal is Madeira’s beating heart. Think old-world charm and modern flair, this island capital boasts natural beauty, rich history, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Must-sees:

• The Funchal Cable Car: Offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.
• Monte Palace Tropical Garden: A spectacular retreat featuring exotic flora, serene Japanese pagodas, and beautiful water features.
• Mercado dos Lavradores: A bustling farmers' market where you can sample tropical fruits and local delicacies.

Culinary culture:

Funchal is a paradise for food lovers, boasting a fusion of Portuguese flavours and island specialities. Savour the traditional espetada, a delicious beef skewer seasoned with garlic and bay leaves, or try black scabbardfish with banana, a uniquely Madeiran dish. Don’t miss a taste of bolo do caco, a traditional garlic bread, or a glass of Madeira wine, renowned worldwide for its rich, complex flavours.

Dive deeper:

For a more raw experience of Funchal, explore the historic old town, where cobbled streets lead to charming cafés and art-adorned walls. Visit the Madeira Story Centre to learn about the island’s fascinating history or embark on a Levada walk, following ancient irrigation channels through lush, mountainous terrain.

Good to know:

The local currency is the Euro (EUR). The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Funchal is well-connected, with a reliable public transport system and plenty of taxis. While the city offers plenty of attractions, Madeira’s rugged coastline and mountainous interior make for excellent day trips beyond the capital.