Compare Madeira holidays

Adventure may be guaranteed in Madeira, but sandy beaches are not. Instead, enjoy seaside vibes at Canical, where brightly coloured fishing boats line the waterfront; in pretty Camara de Lobos, with its fishermen's cottages and old harbour; and at Calheta, where you’ll find a sandy manmade beach that’s one of only a handful on the island.

Looking for the full beachside resort experience? Hop over to Porto Santo, Madeira's smaller neighbour. It's only a 25-minute flight away, but has a hotter microclimate, with temperatures that average around 25C in summer and can peak at above 30C.

Madeira’s best weather arrives between June and October, when you can expect sunny days and temperatures between 21C and 23C. Expect pricier flights and hotels, although there are normally still plenty of cheap all-inclusive package deals available for those who take advantage of early booking or last-minute offers.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Temperatures hover around 16C between November and January, the coolest and wettest season, so a good time to shop for cheap last-minute deals. Look out for carnival season in Funchal during the last fortnight in February – it can drive up prices.

When to go for the best of both

For budget-conscious travellers, the best time to go is spring, between March and May. During this time, you’ll also be treated to the island’s incredible plants, flowers and trees blossoming beautifully into wonderful floral displays, while missing the wetter season.

Early Portuguese settlers carved a web of narrow stone channels out of Madeira's lush hinterland to carry water from springs 2000m (6000ft) above sea level to terraced fields and fertile plantations on lower slopes.

Today, trails follow almost 1400km (1000 miles) of this levada network through virgin laurel forests and wooded canyons, making Madeira a paradise for walkers. Choose between a range of easy-going strolls and stiffer hikes through breath-taking mountain scenery with amazing views.

Toboggan rides in Monte

Since the 19th century, the thrilling toboggan ride from Monte, high above Funchal, has been one the island's must-do experiences.

You'll ride in a two-seater wicker sled that slides on wooden runners, covering the pell-mell 4km (2-mile) descent in around 20 minutes, guided by white-costumed drivers who speed up and slow your toboggan using their feet. Even macho author Ernest Hemingway, who visited Madeira in 1954, was impressed by the experience.

Beaches and pools

Madeira is short of sandy beaches, but you'll find spectacular seaside swimming pools in the Lido complex and at Barreirinha on Funchal's waterfront, a long stretch of sand and pebbles at Praia Formosa, and warm natural sea pools at Porto Moniz.

If sand between your toes is a must, head to Porto Santo, a short hop by local flight from Santa Cruz airport or ferry from Funchal. Here, you’ll discover a 9km-long (5.5 mile) stretch of golden sand with an array of watersports.

Golf

Madeira may be less well-known as a golf destination than the Algarve, but its clement climate makes it a perfect place for a last-minute golf break.

Two outstanding designer courses beckon golfers. Laid out by Robert Trent Jones, the 27-hole Santo da Serra Golf Club hosts the annual Madeira Open, while the Porto Santo Golf – designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros – offers two nine-hole circuits.

Whale watching

Almost 30 kinds of whale and dolphin, from giant sperm whales and fin whales to orcas and small Atlantic spotted dolphins, visit the warm seas around Madeira. The best time to look for these amazing sea creatures is between April and October, but sperm whales linger in Madeira's waters all year round.

Half-day whale-spotting trips by catamaran or inflatable leave from Funchal and can be booked through most Madeira hotels.

You'll also find family-friendly hotels near Funchal, where kids can enjoy the seawater pools and play areas at the Lido waterfront complex.

For travellers on a budget

Madeira isn't a cheap destination overall, but savvy travellers looking for cheap deals should look at all-inclusive properties in and around Funchal and on Porto Santo that make it easy to stay within budget.

You'll also find deals on self-catering apartment holidays in and around Funchal and Porto Moniz, close to the famous natural sea pools.

For food and drink

Rua Santa Maria in the old town is the heart of Funchal's eating and drinking scene. You'll find restaurants serving up typical Madeiran seafood dishes such as deep-fried espada (scabbardfish) with roast banana, polvo (octopus), lapas (limpets) and cozido à Madeirense (Madeiran stew), a hearty mixture of salt pork, sausage and sweet potatoes.

Make a foodie pilgrimage to Canical to try the local specialty, castanheta – tiny freshly caught fish that are fried and served with a squeeze of lemon.

For nightlife

Stay in Funchal to be where Madeira's nightlife action is. Don't expect giant Ibiza-style venues with VIP rooms and foam parties – but you can mingle with lively locals at weekends in clubs, discos and music bars in the old town and in the Lido area, on the Funchal waterfront.

You'll also find dinner and cabaret shows in top hotels in and around Funchal and at all-inclusive resorts around Madeira and on Porto Santo.

For culture

Funchal is Madeira's cultural hub, hosting key events such as the annual Carnival and festivals dedicated to jazz, cinema and literature. The Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias is the island’s main venue for performances of classical music and dance.

Funchal is also home to historic buildings such as the Sé cathedral, the Quinta das Cruzes and the Museu de Arte Sacra, a treasury of lavish religious art housed in a 17th-century bishop's palace.