Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic for solo travellers

Madeira may be tiny, but this subtropical paradise offers world-renowned gardens, spectacular coastlines and jagged peaks, while picturesque Funchal boasts an architectural charm and rich maritime heritage to match the island’s natural splendour.

One of the wonders of visiting Madeira is that so much is packed in – you get a perfect combination of culture and natural beauty, from flourishing gardens to thundering waterfalls, and from soaring peaks to the hidden Valley of the Nuns. 

The largest island in an archipelago 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, Madeira has a huge range of landscapes within its tiny surface area, just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, from sunny beaches in the south to jagged peaks and cliffs in the north. 

With fertile volcanic soil, Madeira is a plant-lover’s dream with an enormous diversity species, from imported purple-blossomed jacaranda trees, orchids and bird of paradise plants to its native Laurisilva forest. So much flourishes here in its mild climate all year round, making it a superb destination through autumn and winter.

The foodie delights are abound here; expect fresh fish, rich beef dishes, indulgent Portuguese pastries and cakes and – of course – exceptional Madeiran wines.