Madeira holidays

Popular holidays

Madeira holidays tee up some of Europe’s best scenery – from tropical gardens and flora-filled hills to wind-swept beaches.

Pretty as a picture

Madeira’s a real head-turner – so much so that it’s been dubbed the Floating Garden for its flora-filled landscape. Fuchsia bougainvillea, scarlet poinsettias and lilac jacaranda trees are all commonplace here, and they’re out in abundance on the island’s many walking trails, known as levadas. This criss-cross network of paths delivers some of the best panoramas of the landscape. And if it’s just pretty views from above that you’re after, make a beeline for the lookout point at Cabo Girao – it's Europe's highest cliff and comes complete with a glass-bottomed sky walk.

Picturesque coastline

Madeira’s good looks stretch out to the coast, too. Small rocky coves and pebbly bays are dotted all around the island’s edge, and while sandy beaches are in short supply, there are a couple of notable exceptions. Ribeira Brava’s home to a volcanic swathe, and there’s a man-made stretch of biscuit-coloured sand in Calheta – a town known as the ‘European Hawaii’ for its surfer-friendly waves.

Fun-filled Funchal

The island’s capital packs a punch on several fronts. There’s a whole host of museums near the seafront, including the Natural History Museum and the CR7 Museum – the latter’s dedicated to one of Madeira’s most famous sons, legendary footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. Nightlife’s on the up-and-up here, too, thanks to a casino and a sprinkling of nightclubs near the waterfront, and if you’re after birds-eye views of the city, take the Monte Cable Car into the hills. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can then whizz back down in a wicker basket toboggan that’s steered by two guys with just boots for brakes.

Two-for-one Canico

Just 10 minutes’ drive along the coast from Funchal is the old-meets-new town of Canico. Its hilltop old quarter centres around an 18th-century church and a quiet-as-you-like square. But head just a couple of kilometres down the hill and it’s a different story – boutique hotels and clifftop villas are the norm here in one of the island’s up-and-coming luxury hotspots.

How long does it take to fly to Madeira?

The flight time from Ireland to Madeira is around three hours 50 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Madeira?

The weather in Madeira is at it's best from April to September, when it's more stable and less rainy.

Popular hotels in Madeira

Top things to see and do in Madeira

Beaches

Craggy coastline

Madeira’s not famous for its beaches, but its postcard-worthy coastline’s still a highlight. Pebbled coves and volcanic swathes with sheer cliffs and rugged rock formations are the norm here, but there’s a handful of golden sand stretches to go with them, too.

The big beach

Praia de Calheta’s the go-to spot for beach buffs – it’s one of the few sandy spots on the island. It’s made up of two narrow stretches of imported golden grains, separated by a blue lagoon. There’s a breakwater here, too, so the waters are calm and primed for paddling.

The secret beach

Just 10 minutes’ west of Funchal is the secluded spot of Calhau da Lapa. This cosy pebbled cove’s at the foot of a steep cliff, so sensible shoes are a must for the slow stroll down. And once you’re down there, the clear waters and lack of crowds make it well worth the trek.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Funchal’s Farmers Market’s the place to go if you’re looking to bag a bargain. Alongside the fresh flowers and fruit and veg stalls, there are plenty of handcrafted handbags and wicker baskets from local artisans.

Mid-range buys

‘Madeira Shopping’ in Santa Quiteria is the biggest indoor mall on the island, with around 100 stores and restaurants. There are loads of familiar faces here, like JD Sports and Pandora, as well as plenty of Portuguese brands.

Designer buys

Designer shops aren’t Madeira’s forte, but there’s a sprinkling of big-name brands in Funchal’s city centre. The line-up includes the likes of Lacoste and Mango, which sit side-by-side with lesser-known local designers.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Funchal’s old town was made for exploring. Delve into its maze of cobbled streets, and you’ll stumble upon authentic little tavernas half-hidden by blooms. Down by the waterfront, al fresco tables freckle the promenade, and live bands come out to entertain diners. In Canico de Baixo, the night-time entertainment tends to be limited to the hotels, but there are a few quiet bars in the old quarter’s main square.

Lively evenings

Funchal’s the marker for Madeira’s nightlife scene. Most of the action’s centred around Av. Do Mar, the coastal road that runs from the city’s main port. The bars that snake off the main road are well worth a look in for nights out, too – here, you’ve got late-night casinos, nightclubs and bars hosting happy hours.

Food & drink

Madeira Wine

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, this is arguably the island’s most famous export. There are lots of varieties, but the most popular is the sweet dessert wine, which pairs perfectly with puddings.

Black scabbard

This tender fish is only found in a few places around the world, and Madeira’s the most prominent. It’s popularly served in a light batter with chunky chips or fried bananas, and some of the island’s fancier restaurants will even poach it in Champagne.

Cataplana stew

Similar in style to Spanish paella, this Portuguese version of the dish is a firm favourite on the island. Pork and clams are the key ingredients, which are cooked up with rice in a clam-shaped cataplana pot, which acts as a pressure cooker.

Sopa de tomate e cebola

Tomato and onion soup may not sound particularly unique, but when it’s served up with a floating poached egg on top, it’s a different story. Add in the slice of ‘bolo do caco’ that’s typically served with it – a chewy chunk of hot bread smothered in garlic butter – and it’s very much Madeiran.

Carne de vinho el alhos

This local staple’s made up of small pieces of juicy pork, which are slowly marinated in a mix of garlic, wine, vinegar and bay leaves. The whole thing’s then cooked together, and usually served with roasted vegetables.