Highlights
Outdoor Adventure
The island of Madeira is an outdoor playground of fun, thrills and adventure; activities range from orienteering and paragliding, to go-karting and geocaching. There are amazing rock formations for climbers, off-road trails for mountain bikers, waterfalls and ravines for canyoning, and mile upon mile of waymarked ‘levadas’ for exploring the island’s landscapes on foot - breath-taking views are guaranteed! Lovers of the sea will be spoilt for choice, too, with the likes of big game fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, diving and sightseeing boat trips. Seasonal wildlife watching excursions offer the chance to spot Pilot, Humpback and Beaked whales, as well as Atlantic Spotted, Bottlenose and Striped dolphins.
Beaches
A striking volcanic island, Madeira swaps golden beaches for a unique series of bathing platforms and black pebble-stone coves. Though beautiful, if you really love the sand, there are a couple of man-made beaches you can visit, thanks to imported sands: Calheta and Machico beaches are approximately 30km and 25km, respectively, from Funchal. Alternatively, plan a daytrip to the nearby island of Porto Santo, easily reached by flight or ferry and famed for its nine-kilometre scoop of blonde-streaked sands. This idyllic and impressive beachfront location is a favourite for swimming, surfing and strolling, with stunning cliffs and natural rock pools.
Funchal
In the south of Madeira, the capital of Funchal is a modern, sophisticated city, filled with five-star hotels and top-class restaurants, some flaunting Michelin stars. The city also has an historic flavour, while the nightlife is bustling and lively. Setting-wise, the backdrop is spectacular – a magical blend of mountains, sea and botanical gardens filled with lush plant-life.
Golf
Madeira’s beautiful climate and staggering scenic backdrops make it a perfect setting for playing golf. Top-class courses include Santo da Serra, a cracking 27-hole course redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Senior, offering broad fairways, tight greens and a selection of tee positions. Similarly, Palheiro Golf is an 18-hole gem known for its fast greens and testing fairways, while Porto Santo Golf Course is also recommended, a welcome newcomer to the line-up. This par-72, 18-hole beauty sweeps across the island and was created by Spanish champion, Severiano Ballesteros. There is also a 9-hole ‘pitch and putt’ course here.
Families
Expect fantastic family entertainment on your luxury trip to Madeira. Highlights include Santa Cruz Aqua Park, boasting water slides, swimming pools and a lazy river, and Madeira Theme Park, featuring outdoor sports and attractions that mix entertainment with education and culture. Madeira also has a great mini-zoo called Quinta das Palmeiras, full of exotic birds. Meanwhile, museums include the colourful São Tiago Fort and Contemporary Art Museum of Funchal, the City Museum, and the Library Museum, showcasing an excellent Christopher Columbus collection. The Madeira Story Centre is also worth a visit, offering interactive features to retell the island’s history.
Monte Village
This small village is situated in the hills overlooking Funchal and is famous for its thrilling toboggan rides, on which you can slide down narrow, winding streets on two-seater wicker sledges. These rides are only for the brave, as speeds of up to 48km/ph can be reached! For a more serene experience, Monte Village provides glorious views of Funchal and the coast – simply head up by cable-car and get set to gape.