Madeira holidays

Seafood is popular all over the island and local eateries cook up the daily catch with delicious sauces and side dishes. You’ll find a variety of meat dishes, often skewered or added to soups. And of course, there’s the famous Madeira wine found on every menu, perfect with a slice of cake on the terrace at sundown. Espetada should be the first stop on your culinary Madeiran adventure. Generous pieces of beef are marinated in garlic and salt, skewered on a laurel stick, then barbequed to perfection. These moreish bites are best enjoyed with a glass of poncha, a sugar-cane cocktail made with honey and lemon juice.

Chicharros fritos are another must-try on your holiday in Madeira. These small fish are marinated in garlic, herbs and olive oil, and fried whole. They’re perfect for a pub snack, or as a meal in their own right. Try them with a bottle of the local beer, Coral. Bolo de Mel, a local honey cake is an indulgent dessert. Buy it from one of the many bakeries dotted around the island (not the supermarket!) and enjoy it with a glass of verdelho, a slightly sweet wine with notes of caramel, honey and orange.

Made up of grey pebbles and volcanic sands, the beaches in Madeira are naturally beautiful. If you prefer things sandy, there are a number of artificial beaches where you can lay down your towel on soft ground. The clear azure waters make swimming a treat and most beaches are well equipped with changing rooms and cafes. A small crescent shaped cove of grey pebbles and black sand, Prai do Vigario is a fine example of Madeira’s natural beaches. It also happens to be next to Cabo, the highest sea cliff in Europe, so you’ll get a dramatic backdrop to your afternoon swim.

Praia de Machico is made up of Moroccan sand and the water is emerald-green. The swimming is excellent and there are a number of activities on offer including windsurfing and kayaking. At the back of the beach, you’ll find a beach club serving up cocktails and snacks. The beautiful black sand of Porto do Seixal is a reminder of Madeira’s volcanic past and the water here is calm and shallow. Towering green mountains overlook the bay, and there’s even a small waterfall at one end of the beach. While you’re here, check out Seixal’s natural pools, where you can swim through rock arches and giant caves.

With towering cliffs, craggy hilltops and waterfalls, Madeira boasts outstanding natural scenery. There’s forests of laurel, captivating caves, and national parks to explore. Not to mention endless hours of mountaintop walks with far-reaching views over the island.

Pico de Arieiro: Pico de Arieiro mountain stands 6000ft above sea level, and offers visitors amazing views across the bays and mountains. Arrive at dawn to witness the sun bursting through a thick layer of white clouds – a magical holiday experience.

Cabo Girao: If you have a head for heights, you’ll love Gabo Girao. It’s the tallest sea cliff in Europe and rises almost vertically out of the sea to a height of 580 metres. The brave can venture onto a glass viewing platform that takes them right over the edge.

Miradouro do Veu da Noiva: For coastal scenery and a stunning natural waterfall, head to Madeira’s northern shore. Here, between Seixal and Porto Moniz, a huge waterfall hurtles out of the side of the cliff and into the ocean. It’s an impressive sight and there are plenty of viewpoints for photos.

It’s a good problem to have, but there’s so much to do in Madeira, you’ll wonder how you can fit it all in. To help you along, we’ve put together a few of our top days out for lasting memories of an amazing holiday.

Jeep safari: Open rooftop 4×4 anyone? Whether you choose a full day of scenic delights or half, a jeep safari won’t disappoint. Delve deep into the subtropical forest, 1,400 feet up into the majestic peaks of Ponta do Sol and through old villages for a glass of the local Poncha. Your guide will entice you with local history and fun facts, along with stops at exclusive spots such as Nuns Valley.

Funchal Cable Car: This 15 minute cable car lives up to the hype. This thrilling ride takes you 600 meters above the city of Funchal for incredible far-reaching views. Soak up views of Funchal and its never-ending stream of colourful rooftops, lush greenery and shimmering sapphire coastline. Once you’ve reached the top, there’s only one way down and that’s by toboggan. This wooden sledge holds two people and is pushed and guided down the windy roads of Monte by locals traditionally dressed in white cotton and straw hats, drawing on its 1850 heritage.

Monte Palace Botanical Gardens: Boasting 70,000 square metres of exotic plants, waterfalls and sculptures, it comes as no surprise that this is one of Madeira’s most sought-after excursions. Sectioned off into themes such as ‘African Passion’ or ‘Mother Nature’s Secrets’, find rocks, flowers and diamonds from all over the world. We would recommend a guided tour to ensure you get the low-down on all the fascinating artifacts.

Whale watching: From the harbour in Funchal hop aboard for the trip of a lifetime. See whales and dolphins live and play in their natural habitat and be awed by their grace and beauty. This is a day to treasure – just don’t forget the camera.

Your tour itinerary includes 2 full-day excursions and 1 half-day excursion. To book your excursions, please contact us to add on to your holiday. Full details of the tours and the available days the below:

Pico dos Barcelos /Eira do Serrado / Cristo Rei (Mondays & Thursdays afternoon (half day))
This excursion calls first at Pico dos Barcelos, which enjoys superb views of Funchal; before winding its way up the mountain to the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. With superb views over Curral das Freiras, you’ll then make your way to the centre of this enchanting village. From here, you will travel through the East side of the Island, the delightful, picturesque viewpoint of Cristo Rei.

Porto Moniz (Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays (full day) – Every day from April to September)
On this, probably the most popular excursion of the island, you will visit the Fishing Villages of Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava, travel along the southwest coast as far as Calheta and climb the mountains to Paul da Serra (the famous mountain plateau). From the plateau, you will descend to the north coast and the Village of Porto Moniz, famed for its volcanic rock swimming pools before experiencing the breathtaking drive along the infamous cliff-hugging north coast road to São Vicente. From this pretty village, you will turn inland and travel up through a lush valley region to the mountain pass of Encumeada and on finally to Cabo Girão (the 2nd. highest sea cliff in the world).

Santana (Tuesdays & Saturdays (full day) – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from April to September)
What a glorious day out this is, with so many delights to see. Pico do Arieiro, which is at 1810 meters. Is breathtaking, Ribeiro Frio, and the noted trout hatchery, Santana home to the “A” framed cottages. Later follow the stunning north coast, visiting Porto da Cruz, Portela and its dramatic mountain views, Machico where the discoverers first landed and finally Camacha home to the famous wickerwork warehouse. A truly delightful day out.

Typical Night (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (evenings))
Your tour organisers will choose the restaurant so that you may be free to indulge in the simple delights of Madeiran cuisine. Experience the culinary delights of Espetada, marinated beef cooked over the open fire on a Laurel skewer, Milho Frito, delicious golden fried maize or even the mouth-watering homemade garlic bread. Put these together with wine and energetic entertainment by a local folklore group and you can be assured of a very enjoyable evening out.

Your tour itinerary includes 2 full-day excursions and 1 half-day excursion. To book your excursions, please contact us to add on to your holiday. Full details of the tours and the available days the below:

Levada Walks

Walk No. 1 – Queimadas / Caldeirão Verde (Mondays)
Walking Time: 05:00 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Easy /Moderate – Distance: 13km
Very special walk through one of Madeira’s oldest Levadas where you can feel nature surrounded by the Laurissilva vegetation can admire beautiful landscapes of valleys, small craters, waterfalls, sea and mountains. Includes a visit to the Natural Park of Queimadas.

Walk No. 2 – Maroços (Tuesdays morning)
Walking Time: 02:30 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Easy / Moderate – Distance: 7km
Relaxing Levada Walk between mountains and valleys in the area of Machico, the contrast of the natural vegetation and the terraces producing different vegetables and fruits, and the thousands of different flowers are going to enchant you, this walk starts in ” Maroços and ends in Ribeira Seca.

Walk No. 3 – Rabaçal / 25 Fontes (Wednesdays & Sundays)
Walking Time: 04:00 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Easy / Moderate – Distance: 11km
Levada walks with fascinating landscapes incorporating tremendous valleys, spectacular waterfalls, infinite laurel and header forests and beautiful springs. This and much more is what the “Rabaçal” area offers.

Walk No. 4 – Levada da Serra do Faial (Thursdays morning)
Walking Time: 03:00 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Easy – Distance: 7km
Another relaxing walk along one of the beautiful levadas in the neighbourhoods of Funchal, a mixture of sea and mountain views is going to delight you. This walk starts in ”Caminho do Pico do Infante” and ends in ”Rochão”.

Walk No. 5 – Levada & Poncha (Thursdays afternoon)
During Time: 02:00 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Easy – Distance: 5km
A beautiful path through the eastern part of the island along a levada. During the tour, you will enjoy panoramic views that highlight the island’s volcanic origins and the village of Caniçal. At the end of the path, your guide will prepare you the maderian typical drink: poncha, a drink made with rum, honey, orange and lemon juice.

Walk No. 6 – Ribeiro Frio / Portela (Fridays)
During Time: 04:00 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Easy / Moderate – Distance: 11km
Levada walks through the natural vegetation with fantastic views over the gorges and valleys, with the ‘‘Penha D’Aguia in the background.

Walk No. 7 – Levada do Norte (Fridays morning)
During Time: 02:30 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Easy – Distance: 7km
All year round, this is a superb walk, with a sun-blessed aspect, through a landscape rich in cultivation. This walk starts just after Cabo Girão, passing through the valley of Quinta Grande and Campanário. The houses are festooned with dahlias and the aroma of wood fires in the air. Along this Levada, you will see beautiful landscapes like cultivation terraces, lovely houses, and charming gardens.

Walk No. 8 – Prazeres / Ponta do Pargo (Saturdays)
During Time: 04:30 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Easy – Distance: 12km
In Prazeres, we start this magnificent walk between the sea and the mountain landscapes. In an almost neverending winding path through valleys and mountains with magnificent views overlooking the fishing village of the Paúl do Mar. Passing by Raposeira, Fajã da Ovelha until the far west cape Ponta do Pargo. It is a very pleasant walk, always flat, all the way along a “Levada” (water channel).

Walk No. 9 – Levada e Mercado (Sundays morning)
During Time: 02:30 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Easy – Distance: 5km
On this day we invite you to take a walk along a levada in Porto da Cruz that offers panoramic views of the north coast and allows you to learn about the dominant cultures and a large variety of exotic fruits. After the walking tour, we go up to Santo da Serra where you will visit the most popular weekend market on the island.

Veredas / Footpaths

Walk No. 1 – Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo (Tuesdays)
During Time: 04:30 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Moderate/Experient – Distance: 10kms
Difference in height: ↑ 550 m/↓ 700 m
To the Pico Ruivo, the highest summit Madeira’s this day brings certainly a high point in our walking week. By bus, we drive to the Pico do Arieiro, which is already at an altitude of 1.800 m. The walk to Pico Ruivo (1,860 m) is terrific and one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in Europe. Countless stairs carved into the rock, tunnels and climbing with magnificent distant views of the route, take us to the second highest mountain on the island “Pico das Torres” and then to the highest peak “Pico Ruivo” in Santana. Here we enjoy a fascinating panoramic view of the mountains of Madeira.

Walk N0. 2 – Vereda and Madeira Wine (Tuesdays afternoon)
During Time: 02:30 (half day)
Difficulty degree: Moderate – Distance: 5km
Difference in height: ↑ 15 m/↓ 390 m
This walk goes through one of the most important wine areas on the island. Stunning landscapes over agricultural land and rural areas of the west. The final part of the route offers endless views over the Atlantic. At the end of the path, you will taste the famous Madeira wine prepared by your guide. A remarkable experience.

Walk No. 3 – Fanal & Seixal (Wednesday)
During the Time of the walk: 2:30 (half day) + free time in Seixal to explore the village and the beach
Difficulty degree: Moderate – Distance: 6km
Difference in height: ↑ 120 m/↓ 120 m
This day offers a mix of sea and mountains. This attractive trail starts in Fanal and offers you a unique landscape dominated by the Indigenous forces of the island – Laurissilva. This place has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999. The route is accessible and runs between areas without vegetation and the native forest of Madeira. Fanal is known for the constant fog that brings a special magic to this place: it’s like being in a fairytale. After discovering the Final descent to Seixal beach (natural black sand – one of the best in the world) where we invited you to swim (free time 1h30 to 2h before the return to the hotel). *Warm waterproof clothing is recommended due to the humidity in this region, as a bathing suit and towel for Seixal beach.

Walk No. 4 Ponta de São Lourenço (Fridays)
During Time: 03:30 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Moderate – Distance: 7km
Difference in height: ↑ 200 m/↓ 200 m
This walk leads you to a contrast of the evergreen flower island. The wide open spaces of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula can be green, hard and wet or dry and bare depending on the season. This eastern tip of the island is unprotected and exposed to strong winds, so the ordinary fauna and flora of Madeira have no way to unfold. In good weather, you have the possibility of swimming in the sea.

Walk No. 5 – Boca do Risco (Saturdays)
During Time: 04:30 (full day)
Difficulty degree: Moderate – Distance: 13km
Difference in height: ↑ 200 m/↓ 300 m
The high-contrast panoramic hike takes us up through one of the most fertile areas of the island to Boca do Risco, where we expect a huge sight of the raging sea. The trail leads us along a footpath that looks like a pencil stretch on a painting of this magnificent view of the whitecaps of the sea among us, which remains our companion. We walk past the Larano until we achieve peculiarly shaped rocks of volcanic origin in Porto da Cruz.