Unlock Madeira

The delights of nature draw many to Madeira. For the best views, take the winding road up to Pico de Arieiro. The mountain air is incredibly clean, so breathe deeply and soak up the surroundings. If the conditions are right, you’ll be standing above the clouds and feeling on top of the world.

If you crave nostalgia, climb aboard our replica of Columbus’ Santa Maria. With the sails hoisted high and crew rushing about the rigging, you’ll feel like you’ve journeyed back in time. Make sure to keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales swimming beside the ship.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden wows with exotic flora and serene Japanese gardens. Take the cable car up and marvel at the colourful peacocks and Koi fish. On your ride back into town, take a wooden toboggan – a Madeira tradition since the 1850s.

No visit to Madeira would be complete without sampling the island’s most eminent export. The 200-year-old Blandy’s Wine Lodge offers excellent tours and tastings. You can even have cases of fine Madeira wine shipped home.

Out of all the things to do in Madeira, a visit to the island’s capital, Funchal, is a must. Cobblestone streets lead to Portuguese style plazas. Don’t miss Mercado do Lavradores, an Art Deco farmers’ market dazzles with colour. Purchase handicrafts and dazzling flowers, or head to the fish section to see the island’s freshest catch.

This jagged peninsula affords stunning views of the ocean. Hikers will love this spot, considered one of Madeira’s wildest wonders. Begin in Caniçal where the landscape is unlike anywhere else on the island. Soon you’ll reach the peak of Pico do Furado—from here, the views are breathtaking. Follow the path back down to the beach and enjoy a cooling dip in the crystal waters.

On a corner of Madeira’s north coast lies a coastline shaped by fire and softened by the sea. The natural saltwater pools of Porto Moniz are ringed with volcanic rocks that allow ocean waves to spill in, forming crystal clear basins. Here, swimmers can drift between warm sunlit shallows and refreshing surges from the Atlantic, creating a haven where nature has carved out its own spa and every dip feels like discovery.

Part of the Madeiran archipelago, the Desertas are three rocky slivers located about 26km southeast of Madeira and the biggest is Deserta Grande – 12km long. Together with the flat Ilhéu Chão and hump-backed Bugio, the volcanic trio is sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Europe. Embark on a thrilling speed boat ride to the neighbouring Desertas Islands and look out for dolphins and whales as you make your way to this beautifully untouched archipelago. Explore enchanting caverns and grottos, and perhaps even spot a family of rare Mediterranean monk seals.

Seixal in Madeira is a stunning coastal village known for its black sand beach, dramatic cliffs and lush green scenery. Visitors can swim in natural lava pools, hike through misty forests and enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. The pace of life feels calm and welcoming, making it perfect for relaxing after exploring busier parts of the island. Its sunsets over the Atlantic create unforgettable moments for photographers and nature lovers alike.

From the shores of Funchal, Reid’s Palace offers a serene escape immersed in tropical gardens and the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.The best hotel in Madeira, over the years the luxury hideaway has earned a reputation as one of the best hotels on the island, hosting the likes of Winston Churchill who came to write his memoirs and paint, and Irish writer George Bernard Shaw, who learned to tango here. All found what they were seeking throughout their stay at Reid’s – a slice of paradise amidst lush gardens with majestic views over the ocean.