Madeira holidays

Scenic walks along the levadas, or ancient irrigation channels, are a popular activity, as are surfing, dolphin and whale-watching, scuba diving and golf. The island’s botanical offerings are plentiful, with several beautifully maintained gardens and parks – including the famous Madeira Botanical Gardens – exhibiting a wide range of flowers, plants and trees. 

To the capital and beyond

The 500-year-old capital, Funchal, is a colourful, vibrant place to be, with verdant scenery, a collection of intriguing museums, bustling markets (including the memorable Mercado dos Lavradores, or farmers’ market), art galleries and a fascinating historic city centre. An array of luxury all-inclusive holiday resorts sits near the Lido promenade, in the part of the city called São Martinho. Nearby, Câmara de Lobos is a charming fishing village which is said to have been Winston Churchill’s favourite painting spot.

About 35km (22 miles) west of Funchal is Calheta, a lovely town with a man-made beach which is a popular spot to catch a glorious Atlantic sunset. Choose a resort which has an infinity pool, so you can keep yourself cool while sipping Nikita, a popular local drink made of beer, vanilla ice cream and pineapple juice!

For budget-conscious travellers, the best time to go is spring, between March and May, when hotel and flight prices can drop by as much as 30 percent, making it much easier to get a good holiday deal. 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.

In July, visitors travel to the island for the Funchal Jazz Festival. Expect performances, jam sessions, masterclasses and workshops from global and local jazz musicians.

The Madeira Wine Festival is held between late August and mid-September, during which old wine growing traditions are relived. There are stands serving Madeiran food and drink, and visitors can join locals in activities such as picking and treading of the grapes.