Holidays to Madeira
Lush tropical gardens, volcanic lava pools and hair-raising rides on wicker toboggans, you can pack plenty into a sunny Madeira holiday .
It’s totally tropical
Want to indulge your inner Titchmarsh? With purple-bloomed jacaranda trees, rare blue orchids and spiky orange birds of paradise, Madeira's tropical gardens are like a horticultural rainbow. It isn’t called the Floating Garden of the Atlantic for nothing after all!
You can see its blooms au naturel in the Madeira Botanical Gardens, the Palace Tropical Garden and in the Palheiro Gardens. If you’re there in June, visit the annual Madeira Flower Festival, which culminates in a scent-sational flower parade through Funchal.
Whale meet again
Humpback, sperm and pilot whales rule the Atlantic waters off Madeira’s coast, attracted by the island’s mild climate. And you’re also invited to this party.
One of the world’s few Whale Heritage Areas, Machico Bay on the east coast offers successful whale-watching cruises all year round. Just don’t be surprised if dolphins and turtles photobomb your pics.
Livin’ la vida levadas
With banana plantations, laurel forests and acres of vineyards, Madeira is a fertile little island. And to keep it nice and lush, early settlers built a network of levadas here (basically 16th-century aqueducts), connecting the mountains to the fields. Today they’re a local attraction.
In fact, there are around 200 levadas and they’re perfect for scenic walks and more challenging hikes. If that sounds too energetic, ride the cable car up a mountain and whizz back down in one of the island's famous wicker toboggans.
Black sand beaches and lava pools
A volcanic island not traditionally known for its beaches, but Madeira's pebbly shores, black sands and lava pools do make for a unique Madeira holiday.
Head to Funchal's Praia Formosa to frolic in black sand and pebbles or splash around in Porto Moniz’s natural pools, which are sometimes referred to as lava pools. They’re not as insane as they sound – filled with seawater twice a day, they’re as warm and inviting as a sun-soaked bath.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Green-fingered walkers with a penchant for wine and cake🍷
Go... Swim in the volcanic lava pools of Porto Moniz 🌋
You have to... Ride down a mountain in a wicker toboggan 🛷
Madeira holiday deals
Pestana Casino Studios
4.4
Excellent
- 6 Sept 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Vidamar Resorts Madeira
4.4
Excellent
- 6 Sept 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Enotel Lido
4.6
Excellent
- 16 Feb 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Enotel Magnólia
4.5
Excellent
- 6 Sept 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Top places to stay in Madeira
Funchal
Prices from
£404 pp
Santa Cruz
Prices from
£436 pp
Machico
Prices from
£239 ppDetails
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Time difference
GMT +0
Cost of a beer
€ 2
3-course meal
Around €15
Flight time
2.5 hrs
Tiny but mighty
It may well be a tiny island, but the culture and history of Madeira runs very deep, with everyone from Portuguese explorers to businessmen leaving their mark. Today there are ample reminders of its fascinating past.
Take Funchal. With its ancient palaces, tropical gardens, varied museums and Manueline architecture, the island’s capital is like a living museum. Take a peek into the 16th-century Sé Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a wooden ceiling.
Putting the fun in Funchal
With waterparks, theme parks and endless gardens to explore, a Madeira holiday is a joy for families. Learn about Madeiran culture in Parque Temático da Madeira, stroll along a levada or ride on a traditional wicker toboggan down the mountain.
Feeling like a splash around? Hit up the Lido Bathing Complex in Funchal or head to the Aquaparque in Santa Cruz for heart-thumping water slides. And when the little nippers want some beach action, go for Calheta. It’s perfect sandcastle territory thanks to the imported sand from Morocco.
Let them eat cake!
There's more to a Madeira holiday than great cake (bolo de mel) – there’s great wine too, aptly called Madeira! But that’s not all. Grilled limpets, scabbardfish and custard apples — Madeira's eclectic bounty is a delight.
Feeling brave? Order the espada com banana, a traditional Madeiran dish of fish and banana. And check out Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal's bustling Art Deco market. Decorated with azulejos and colourful flowers, it’s also exceedingly pretty.
When to go to Madeira
Thanks to its steamy summers and mild-yet-sunny winters, a Madeira holiday has year-round appeal. Indeed, the coldest it gets is (a rather balmy) 15C in February. But if you like your holidays sizzling hot, visit in July or August to enjoy highs of around 27C.
For a cheap Madeira holiday, consider booking in March and April but pack a brolly as there is a greater chance of rain.
One of the best times to visit is in May, when the Madeira Flower Festival is held in Funchal. The hotel prices might be slightly higher but the sun always shines and the air is scented with blooms. Sweet!
