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Madeira, Portugal

Madeira

An Atlantic jewel

Madeira tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Flung some 500 miles southwest of the Portuguese mainland, Madeira is a quintessential island escape, complete with year-round sun, world-class wines and truly spectacular natural beauty. Our Portugal specialists have travelled extensively in Madeira and are on hand to help you create your ideal tailor-made itinerary.

Portugal's Garden Island

‘The Garden Island’, ‘The Pearl of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’, however you term it, Madeira’s good looks are undisputed. Essentially the peak of a giant volcano that rises nearly four miles from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, its cragged cliffs guard a mountainous interior almost entirely carpeted in old growth forests.

And, when you factor in its Mediterranean climate, it’s no surprise that its rich soils sustain idyllic vineyards that terrace pretty green hills. It’s all best taken in on walks that trace the island’s 1,350-mile network of levada aqueducts. First built in the 1500s, they trace sweeping contours, carve into mountainsides and take hikers to hidden waterfalls. They also link pretty towns and villages where the roofs are made from thatch or terracotta, the hotels are cloaked in botanic gardens and delicious, just-caught seafood is served up from homely kitchens.


Madeira's spectacular coast

Historic Funchal

Madeira is well known for the beauty and drama of its countryside and coast. But, if you’re missing civilisation, Madeira’s capital – Funchal – is a delightful proposition. As the first territorial seize of the Portuguese Age of Discovery, 600 years of colonial history live on in harbour-front merchant houses, 15th-century convents and Gothic cathedrals whose wooden ceilings are gilded into spectacular frescoes.


Funchal, Madeira

Madeira's coast

However, if you’re after beaches, make like a local and jump on a ferry to neighbouring Porto Santo’s golden curves. Or, on Madeira itself, there’s no shortage of bathing platforms that jut right onto the Atlantic. From here, you can snorkel in subtropical waters, kayak the rugged coastline or simply relax with a sunset cruise. There’s even the chance to spot migrating dolphins and whales. And, let's not forget the island's superb accommodation - there's everything from charming boutique gems to indulgent coastal icons.


Belmond Reid's Palace

 

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Special offers in Madeira

Atlantic archipelagos on Silver Moon

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,000 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £200 pp plus US$250 per suite shipboard credit
Book by: 16 April 2024

Discover the Atlantic's hidden island gems on this opulent Silversea cruise. With butler service in every suite, you'll sail in trademark luxury from Lisbon, exploring the remarkable Macaronesia region in the North Atlantic.

Top itineraries in Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

Highlights of Madeira

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,260 pp incl. flights

Famed for its natural beauty, mild climate and fabulous fortified wine, Madeira is the perfect year-round destination. Explore the island's myriad highlights on this tailor-made road trip.

Old Town, Porto, Portugal

Historic Porto and Madeira

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,090 pp incl. flights

Famous for its friendly people, wonderful local flora, and year-round mild climate, Madeira must be one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It makes a perfect pairing with Portugal's second city, Porto. Overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, UNESCO-listed Porto has a rich and varied history.

Pena National Palace, Sintra

Lisbon, Porto & Madeira

11-day tailor-made holiday from £2,925 pp incl. flights

Let private tours, first class rail travel and stays in three luxury hotels show you the best of Portugal. Alongside Porto and Lisbon’s heritage, you’ll also take in the Douro Valley’s wines, Sintra’s regal-rural beauty and Madeira’s endless sun.

Madeira, Portugal

No-fly Canaries & Portugal on Celebrity Apex

12-day luxury ocean cruise

Please enquire for the latest prices

Departing from Southampton, this no-fly voyage aboard Celebrity Apex hops between idyllic Atlantic islands and the city sights of Portugal and northwest Spain.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Madeira

 Reid's Palace, Madeira

Reid's Palace, Madeira

7-night luxury holiday from £2,045 pp incl. flights & transfers

Unquestionably Madeira’s most famous hotel, the five-star Belmond Reid’s Palace is one of the world’s great names. Experience the best in elegant luxury, coupled with fine dining, an indulgent spa and sweeping Atlantic Ocean views.

Quinta Jardins do Lago

Quinta Jardins do Lago, Madeira

Guide price from £1,160 pp

Featuring some of Madeira’s most sought-after rooms, this heritage property and its stunning gardens date back to the 1700s while its dining and impressive pools exhibit more contemporary influences.

Quinta da Casa Branca Hotel

Quinta da Casa Branca, Madeira

Historic hotel

This Small Luxury Hotel of the World is split between a 19th-century manor and an ultra-fashionable new wing. In between there’s everything from fine dining to an indulgent spa, cloaked in spectacular botanic gardens.

Quintinha de Sao Joao

Quintinha de São João, Madeira

Historic hotel

Quintinha de São João, set in tropical gardens, is a whitewashed manor house with a contemporary-meets-colonial feel.

Where to go in Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Funchal

Funchal's popularity springs primarily from its universal appeal. Whether you are looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira, relax in the sunshine, or party till dawn, this city will not disappoint.

Porto Santo

Although Porto Santo is part of the popular Madeira archipelago, the beauty of this island is little spoken of among tourists, helping it remain one of Portugal's most unspoilt beaches. This island is essentially a strip of land fronted by 9 km of uninterrupted golden sand and even better, this …

When to go to Madeira

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Madeira articles

Madeira, Portugal

10 driving holidays in Spain & Portugal

From wild coastlines and beach curves to mountain peaks and rolling countryside, the charms of the Iberian Peninsula are seemingly endless. To help point you in the right direction our destination experts have put together the following self-drive routes that showcase the best of it all.

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Top 10 places to visit this autumn

Whether it’s island relaxation in the sun or a Big-Five safari, this is a collection of our finest autumn escapes. There are also plenty of insiders’ tips, including America’s secret ‘fall foliage’.

Meet our Madeira experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7664 2268

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7664 2268 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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