Discover Madeira: Scenic Beauty, Heritage Charms and Adventures in Nature with Portugal by TravelTailors
Often dubbed the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, the Madeira Islands are a tropical paradise for those seeking luxury travel intertwined with authentic culture and adventures in nature - and a destination close to the hearts of our friends at Portugal by TravelTailors. This tiny archipelago, an outpost of Portuguese culture that lies closer to Morocco than its motherland, is an Eden of dramatic cliffs and turquoise seas, lush levadas and ancient forests, fine wineris and fabulous festivities.
The two islands of Madeira and Porto Santo both boast a year-round mild climate, spectacular scenery and unforgettable experiences. And forget Madeira’s traditional sleepy image, because this is a destination reinvigorated with a new focus on health and wellness. A haven for hikers and climbers, bikers and divers, paddleboarders, surfers and lovers of marine life, Portugal by TravelTailors can personalise an itinerary sure to delight guests of any age, with plenty of interchangeable experiences on offer to suit both couples and families.
A Short History of Madeira
But, before we reveal the wide range of unique experiences on offer, let’s begin at the beginning. Why exactly are these tiny islands so steeped in the history and culture of Portugal? It’s because the country’s story of empire and discovery began right here.
In the early 1400s, two sailors, intent on charting new waters and discovering new lands, were driven by a storm to a small island they named Porto Santo, meaning “safe harbour” - a fortuitous accident that marked the beginning of Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Not long after, Madeira itself was discovered and claimed for the crown - its name, which means “wood” in Portuguese, chosen because of the dense forests which covered the whole island. Quickly settled, Madeira’s early inhabitants cleared the forests to grow sugar cane (by the end of the 15th century, this tiny place was the world’s greatest producer of sugar!), which later gave way to the island's famed fortified Madeira wine.
Unique Experiences in Madeira with Portugal by TravelTailors
Experiences… in Nature
Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers. The island's lush botanical gardens, bountiful coastline and mountainous walkways offer endless opportunities for exploration. But no visit here is complete without exploring the spectacular "Levada das 25 Fontes", man-made waterways dating back to the 16th century which weave through the beautiful Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity site.
Guests take a 3-hour guided route in this hiker’s paradise, winding through the pure air of verdant landscapes and serene valleys peppered with waterfalls - there’s even an enchanted spot where several small waterfalls combine to form a lagoon that’s perfect for a dip!
Another exceptional experience is a sunrise breakfast at Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira's highest peaks. At 1,818 metres, guests can watch the dawn break over a sea of clouds as they dine - with a beautiful setup that’s luxurious, exclusive and very VIP-feeling and the glow of soft dawn light illuminating the island’s rugged landscape.
After, a driver can whisk travellers back to the Laurissilva forest and Ribeiro Frio Forest Park for a fun and interesting experience in the beautiful gardens, where rainbow trout nurseries are helping to replenish the island’s population of these fabulous fish. In Funchal, don’t miss the incredible “Jardim Botânico” (Botanical Gardens), home to over 2,000 plant species. Best reached by cable cars offering scenic views across Funchal bay (always a bit hit with kids!), the Gardens are home to a stunning array of endemic flora, as well as plants from around the globe.
And for those with the time to explore Porto Santo, a 2-hour ferry will bring you to this fabulous tiny place of warm, pristine, golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. In contrast to the lush greenery of Madeira, Porto Santo has a more arid, mountainous landscape and is an idyllic spot for anyone seeking laid-back quiet and languid days by the ocean - although, unlike Madeira, Porto Santo is colder through the winter months and most of the properties here close down between November to April.
Experiences… for the Adventurers
For those seeking adventure, a basket ride down the steep hills of Funchal is a must. These traditional wicker sledges, known as “Carros de Cesto” or “Tobogãs”, offer a thrilling ride through the city's narrow streets, sliding down the old road between the Mount of Funchal to the centre as two men (called "carreiros”) use their own boots as brakes - the course is a full 2km, and it’s great fun!
On the northern side of the island, the caves of São Vicente take visitors deep inside the Earth, walking a mysterious path that reveals the fascinating history of the island’s volcanic past. Formed 890,000 years ago, these lava tubes are a unique subterranean landscape of stalactites and rock formations - a natural wonder that offers a glimpse below the lush surface into an ethereal, otherworldly landscape beneath.
A 30-minute guided tour finishes in style at the "Mirror of Water" or "Miradouro do Veu da Noiva”, a serene pond above the Centre of Volcanic Rock formations that reflects the lush landscape and sky to create a spectacular visual effect. Nearby, Porto Moniz is a beautiful spot for a unique and energising wild swim. Here, the sea flows naturally into pools of volcanic rock, the green-blue of the water perfectly framed by the darkness of the stone.
On the northeastern coast, Santana is an idyllic setting for horse riding. Known for its traditional thatched houses and verdant landscapes, the region is one of scenic trails that wind through lush forests, rolling hills and coastal paths - a tranquil environment that combines with breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views and Madeira's rugged terrain for a special ride that any equestrian will treasure.
Scuba divers will love to explore the crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life of the Garajau Natural Reserve, a place of vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater cliffs and caves teeming with species like grouper, moray eels, and manta rays. And for those who love a touch of class, how about a vintage car tour? Chauffeured by a private driver, this is a really fun way to explore the island, navigating its narrow mountain roads and taking in all the scenery en route.
Experiences… on the Ocean
In Funchal, those drawn to the sea should head to the west of the city to find the Lido Promenade, a picturesque walkway connecting the Lido area to Praia Formosa. This seafront path provides magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as easy access to a number of local bathing complexes, including Lido, Ponta Gorda, Clube Naval and Poças do Governador.
A sunset boat trip is a fabulous way to cap a day in Madeira. As the sun dips below the horizon, the colours of Funchal shift, casting a warm glow over the city framed by its majestic mountains - a view for travellers to remember forever. And, for anyone looking for a truly memorable experience, do make time for a private whale and dolphin watching cruise. The calm, clear waters around Madeira ensure excellent visibility and frequent sightings, and these exclusive excursions offer intimate encounters with diverse marine life - including pilot whales, sperm whales and playful dolphins - as expert guides offer insights into the behaviours and habitats of these magnificent creatures.
Experiences… Immersed in Culture
Madeira's cultural offerings are as rich as its natural beauty. The historic centre of the capital, Funchal, is a place of picturesque streets, artisan shops, local restaurants and historic monuments - and best explored under the expert direction of Portugal by TravelTailors’ guides!
From the lively trade of the Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas to the vibrant street art, your guests can explore every corner accompanied by the best local stories. And they will of course visit the best of Funchal’s markets, the “Mercado dos Lavradores” (Farmers Market), where they’ll find the best examples of the local products amongst the vivid colours and amazing aromas of the stalls where guests should make sure to explore the many exotic fruits that are completely unique to Madeira - from a pineapple-banana hybrid to custard apples (you’ll have to visit to find out more!). Night owls fear not, because Funchal has plenty to do after dark.
Where do Portugal by TravelTailors recommend?
For those who prefer an air of sophistication, head to the Casino, with its mix of gaming, dining and live performances - or next door, to the Café do Teatro, a bustling hotspot for Funchal nightlife whose DJ sets, live music and themed parties spill out onto the chic outdoor terrace. And jazz lovers are bound to fall for the Scat Funchal Jazz Club, a stylish place and local cultural gem, whose regular live jazz performances feature both local talents and international artists.
Before leaving Funchal to discover the culture of the rest of the island, football fans should head to the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum to learn more about Madeira’s most famous player export, whose philanthropy includes donations to local hospitals and support for various social initiatives. Outside of Funchal, Madeira is packed with endless little towns, each as stunning as the next and many with fascinating histories to explore.
In the mountains, “Curral das Freiras” (Shelter of the Nuns) is a tiny, tranquil village which lay isolated until the middle of last century, providing refuge to the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara who fled here to escape from pirate attackers. Surrounded by towering volcanic mountains, the nuns and villagers subsisted here for many long years on the fruits of their agricultural labours - today, this is a fascinating step back in time into the traditions of Madeiran life, all amongst the most picturesque of settings.
A little further, the small village of Santana (where guests can enjoy the horse riding experience, above) is full of typical Madeiran homes, with their triangular form and with thatched roofs and is part of a . In 2011, the local region received the distinction of "Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO, recognising the richness of its ecosystem both on land and in the surrounding marine area as well as local efforts to reconcile biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
Here, a Poncha workshop is a fabulous way to become immersed in the regional culture. Poncha is a traditional alcoholic drink of Madeira, with a varied - and delightful! - range of flavours that range from tangerine to passion fruit to the island’s own unique fruits! And we can’t end a section on Madeiran culture without mentioning Madeira wine, with its amber and golden hues and notes of vanilla, caramel, figs and cinnamon.
Similar to port, this fortified wine is absolutely integral to the island's identity and can be enjoyed in numerous tasting rooms and bars, as well as being the perfect pairing for traditional Madeiran dishes like espada com banana (swordfish with banana) and bolo do caco (a local flatbread with garlic and butter).
How to discover the best of Madeira wine?
A private tour of the Caves do Vinho da Madeira Wine Lodge will introduce guests to the tale of this fabulous regional wine, from the cooperage to the fermentation and fortification and, of course, ending with a tasting of this irresistible tipple!
Experiences… with Food
With abundant riches of sea and soil at its disposal, the food of Madeira is a delicious blend of unique ingredients, Portuguese influences and traditional recipes - some today with a modern twist. The clear Atlantic waters provide fabulous seafood for the Madeirans, with dishes like espada com banana (swordfish with banana - and sometimes passionfruit) and lapas (limpets) on the must-try list.
On land, the fertile soil produces fruits like passionfruit, mangoes and bananas, as well as singular delicacies; the anona (custard apple), pitanga (surinam cherry) and tamarillo (tree tomato) among them - and many are used in both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as the famous poncha cocktails.
Favourite dishes that Portugal by TravelTailors encourage guests to try?
The bolo do caco, a garlic butter flatbread, is one - do try them as part of the steak sandwiches the Portuguese do so well. And for a truly unique experience, guests can participate in a traditional espetada barbecue, where succulent skewers of beef are grilled over an open flame, accompanied by the lively strains of local folk music - full of fabulous local flavour, try this dish with some Madeiran cornmeal squares for a truly authentic culinary experience.
How long should you allow to explore Madeira?
Portugal by TravelTailors recommend at least 5 days to discover the best of Madeira - 8 days if your guests are planning to visit Porto Santo too.
How do you get there?
With frequent flights from Lisbon, Porto and other major European cities, it’s easy to reach Madeira. The flight from Lisbon to Funchal, Madeira's capital, takes about an hour and a half. For those adding on Porto Santo, the most popular way is by the scenic ferry, which takes 2 hours from Funchal - you can also fly, taking a 20-minute flight from Madeira airport. Madeira is also well-connected to the Azores, making it possible to explore multiple island destinations in one trip (stay tuned for an upcoming blog where we explore the Azores in more detail!).
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Madeira’s gentle climate has always been a significant part of the island’s appeal, and it stays balmy all year long - never getting too hot or too cold. The summer months are ideal for beach activities, while the mild winter allows for comfortable exploration - December in Madeira can be warm enough for t-shirts and shorts, making it a great winter escape.
And of course, Madeira’s New Year’s celebrations are rightly popular.
Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks show between 2006 and 2010, the island’s incredible fireworks light up Funchal harbour with dazzling colours that reflect and shimmer beautifully off the Atlantic Ocean. Festivities include lively street parties, traditional music and exquisite dining experiences, as locals and visitors welcome in the New Year outdoors, making the most of the fabulous climate!
And where to stay?
Last up but oh-so certainly not least comes Portugal by TravelTailors’ selection of beautiful accommodations, each one handpicked to deliver the utmost luxury, but each one offering a different type of experience - from opulent luxury to effortlessly boutique, there’s something for every preference!
This boutique property has just 23 suites, with stunning ocean views and exclusive access to the facilities of the adjacent Cliff Bay Hotel, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The largest hotel on the island features elegant rooms, a vast outdoor pool and an adults-only rooftop infinity pool. The service here is impeccable, making it a great choice for discerning travellers.
Located in the heart of Funchal, this charming hotel combines traditional decor with modern amenities. Its rooftop pool offers panoramic views across the city - perfect for an intimate stay.
A historic estate turned boutique hotel, the Quinta da Casa Branca sits in beautifully maintained botanical gardens for a tranquil and elegant stay. The architect-designed rooms blend classic and contemporary styles, catering to a variety of tastes.
Think your clients would love to discover the new Madeira? We do too!
As a DMC with many years of expertise and huge passion for Portugal, Portugal by TravelTailors really are the best in the business for custom-crafted itineraries that deliver everything even the most discerning traveller could wish for, no matter their preferences, interests or travel goals.
Get in touch to learn more or to begin creating the perfect tailored trip for your clients from Portugal by TravelTailors.
