Luxury Holidays
in Madeira

The floating garden of the Atlantic

Madeira

About Madeira

Discover the enchanting island of Madeira, a paradise renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located approximately 500 miles off the West African coast, this lush island offers a perfect blend of majestic mountains, traditional villages, and verdant plantations. Whether you‘re exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Funchal, hiking along scenic levadas, or relaxing on the golden beaches of Porto Santo, Madeira promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

More About Madeira

Discover the Enchantment of Madeira with Designer Travel

Welcome to Madeira, a breathtaking island paradise located approximately 500 miles off the West African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Discovered in 1419, this gem is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its lush plantations, traditional villages, and majestic mountains, Madeira offers an unparalleled escape for the discerning traveller.

Explore Funchal: The island‘s cosmopolitan capital, Funchal, is a treasure trove of experiences. Wander through narrow streets lined with fascinating architecture, visit the 15th-century cathedral, and explore the bustling covered market. Enjoy exquisite dining at top-notch eateries offering fresh seafood and international cuisine, all accompanied by fine wine. Don't miss the marina, where you can relax and watch the boats go by, or take a cable car ride to the cliffs for breathtaking views over the island and the ocean beyond.

Natural Beauty and Adventure: Known as the "Floating Garden of the Atlantic," Madeira's coastal towns are popular, but the island's true charm lies in its verdant inland resorts. Here, you'll find frangipani, orchids, and bougainvillaea in full bloom. Nature lovers and hikers will adore the Choupana Hills Resort, which also features a luxurious spa for post-adventure pampering. For beach enthusiasts, Porto Santo, located 40 km north of Madeira, offers golden sandy beaches and a tranquil, undeveloped setting perfect for a relaxing holiday.

Tailored Luxury: At Designer Travel, we specialise in creating bespoke travel experiences. Whether you're seeking a five-star hotel, a private villa, a boutique retreat, or an activity-filled adventure, our experts, who have personally visited Madeira, will tailor-make the perfect itinerary for you. As an ABTA bonded and independent travel agency, we ensure you get the best flights and accommodations available, making your luxury holiday to Madeira seamless and unforgettable.

Let Designer Travel handle all the details of your Madeiran escape.

Simply fill in our enquiry form or give us a call, and we'll be delighted to assist you in planning your dream getaway.

Climate

Summers (from May to the end of September) are hot and dry especially in the inland areas. Temperatures may be slightly lower in coastal areas. Autumn months can often be mild with snow a possibility in some areas in winter.

Destination Information

Capital

Funchal

Population

Approximately 259,000

Currency

EUR

Key Highlights

Here are some key highlights of things to see and do in Madeira:


  • Explore Funchal: Wander through the charming streets of Funchal, visit the 15th-century cathedral, and explore the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers‘ Market) for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a cable car ride to Monte for stunning views and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Levada Walks: Enjoy scenic hikes along the levadas (irrigation channels), such as the Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Hike between two of Madeira's highest peaks for breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Natural Pools and Beaches: Porto Moniz Natural Pools: Swim in these volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater. Seixal Black Sand Beach: Relax on this unique beach with its striking black sand and natural sea pool.
  • Cabo Girão Skywalk: Experience the thrill of walking on a glass-floored platform at one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, offering spectacular views of the coastline.
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching: Embark on a boat tour to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, a popular activity in Madeira.
  • Botanical Gardens: Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal, home to a diverse collection of plants and offering beautiful views over the city.
  • Traditional Villages: Explore the picturesque village of Santana, known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Visit Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill's paintings.
  • Wine Tasting: Sample the famous Madeira wine at local wineries and learn about its unique production process.
  • Adventure Activities: Try canyoning in the island's rugged terrain, or go paragliding for a bird's-eye view of Madeira's stunning landscapes.
  • Cultural Experiences: Attend a traditional folklore show to experience Madeira's vibrant music and dance.


These highlights showcase the diverse and captivating experiences Madeira has to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Madeira promises an unforgettable journey.

Map Location

Leisure Activities

Funchal

The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is not a large city and you can probably see most of its highlights within a day, but it’s still well worth a visit. This picturesque city has some interesting architecture and a fantastic market. There’s also a brilliant (and cheap) cable car which can take you up to Monte Village where you will experience stunning views over Funchal.

Diving in Madeira Aquarium

This is definitely a unique opportunity! First of all, you are given instruction from an experienced diver on how to use the dive equipment. Next you will have the chance to plunge into the massive aquarium which is home to sharks, rays and hundreds of fish. Friends and family will be able to watch you and take photographs while you are inside the tank.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

The waters around Madeira are some of the best in the world to view whales and dolphins. There’s a 90 per cent chance you will see at least 1 or 2 species of dolphin. There are many companies on the island who can offer these fantastic boat trips.

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Angela Sutcliffe

Designer Travel Expert

0151 648 6244
07736 301524
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