Madeira & Porto Santo

Madeira is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, a subtropical island oasis blessed with mild weather all year-round.  Early settlers exploited the rich and fertile volcanic soil to grow sugar cane and built the levadas; an 1,875-mile-long network of irrigation channels which run alongside the steep terraced fields of the rainy northwest to the drier southeast.  These levadas are now used to mark numerous walking trails through the dense lush forests alongside waterfalls, lagoons and at times on the edge of vertiginous hills.

Hikes up to Madeira’s highest mountain, Pico Ruivo which can only be accessed by foot, will reward you with the unique experience of literally being above the clouds.  However, if walking really isn’t your thing or you’re travelling with small children a drive up to Pico do Areeiro or Paul da Serra will give you the same heady experience. The roads are well maintained and the landscape along the way is inspiring.

Madeira’s natural beauty lends itself in part to its abundance of exotic flowers and emerald green vegetation encircled by jagged coastal cliffs which are lapped up by the deep blue Atlantic.  Two thirds of Madeira’s land is protected and home to the largest Laurisilva forest which stands still in time.  You can view its botanical wonders in any of the immaculately maintained parks most notably the Madeira Botanical Gardens which features over 2000 plants originating from all continents.

The main places to visit of course are the capital Funchal a small but vibrant city with it’s painted doors, restaurants, shops and cafes flanked by tree topped mountains in the far-off distance.  From here you can hop on one of the cable cars up to Monte and visit its tropical garden and then make your way back down to Funchal on the man powered wooden toboggans.

On the South coast of the Island, you will find the typical fishing village of Camara de Lobos where you can visit Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe with a glass viewing platform standing 580 meters above sea level.  Nearby and best viewed from above at Eira do Serrado is the curious village of Curral das Freiras located in a deep valley.  Further west are the coastal towns of Ponta do Sol and Calheta perfect for bathing and basking in the sun.  Or if you prefer something more rugged drive down to Porto Moniz and have a swim in the natural pools formed in the lava that once flowed down to the Ocean.

The village of Sao Vicente in the North of the Island is set in one of the most beautiful valleys of Madeira.  Here you can visit the caves and the volcano centre and then travel westwards to the typical village of Santana with its A-framed thatched roof houses which Madeira is famous for.  Continue Westwards through the pretty village of Faial and then down to Machico, with its wonderful sandy beach and excellent restaurants.

Porto Santo is Madeira’s sandy little sister, a small island with a six-mile beach that can be accessed by either plane or ferry.  Known for its therapeutic fine white sand and warm waters rich in minerals, it is the ideal location to recharge and de stress.  There are also an array of activities on offer from golf, diving, sailing and boat rides, water sports, horse riding, bike riding, paragliding and walking tours.  A great way to visit the island and its points of interest is to rent some off-road buggies or alternatively a car if you are travelling with children.

Madeira can be reached from a number of UK airports by both scheduled and no frills airlines.  Here is information on the ones which we tend to book most often but this does not mean we exclude any airlines which may not appear below.  It's really a case of finding an airline that suits your needs best wherever you may be.

British Airways

London Heathrow - Funchal - 6 x per week

RyanAir

London Stansted - Funchal - 6 x per week

Easyjet

London Gatwick - Funchal - 1/2 flights per day

Bristol - Funchal - 3 x per week

Manchester - Funchal - 2 x per week

Flight frequency may change at any time and timetables are seasonal. Please contact us for the most up to date information and flight prices.

Car Hire:

We have a longstanding relationship with both Avis & Europcar and are able to offer quotes with 0 excess and no additional charges for one way drop offs, to suit your travel plans.

Madeira offers a large variety of events which take place throughout the year.  Festival highlights include the 'Arraiais' held throughout the summer in each of the Island's parishes as well as the coveted New Years firework display.

January

Cantar dos Reis - Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Porto Santo, Machico & Porto Moniz

On the evening of 5th January the Three Wise Kings are celebrated as families and friends gather together in the streets and go from door to door singing traditional songs, sharing homemade liqueurs and other Christmas delicacies such as Bolo de Rei.

Santo Amaro - Santa Cruz & Porto Santo

If you are visiting Madeira during this time you cannot miss the ethnographic show that revitalizes and preserves Madeira's most ancient traditions.  You will find music, entertainment and typical food of this festive season.

Santo Antão - Seixal, Porto Moniz

The Festas de Santo Antão take place two days after Santo Amaro.  Here you will find music, entertainment, floral arrangements, religious celebrations, marching bands, food and drink stalls serving the traditional espetadas.

February

Festa dos Compadres - Santana

This traditional festival sets the scene for the opening of the Carnival season, one of Madeira's biggest attractions and most popular festivities.  The event takes place in Santana one week before carnival with the highlight being the humorous parade depicting gigantic figures, typical costumes and the rural way of life in Madeira.

Carnival - Several Locations

Carnival is one of Madeira's most celebrated events.  In all counties there are small parades and themed parties where everyone dresses in carnival costumes.  The event starts on Shrove Tuesday and lasts until the weekend.  The main parade which takes place in Funchal is on the Saturday evening.  Samba groups fill the streets in exuberant costumes and parade along the streets to the sound of music in view of thousands of spectators.

April

Festa da Flor - Several Locations

For several weeks Madeira puts on a magnificent floral tribute to the arrival of Spring.  Beautiful floral carpets decorate the streets and the main events of the Wall of Hope and the Flower Festival Float Parade draw in the biggest crowds.

May

Madeira Classica Car Revival - Funchal

Classical cars line the bay of Funchal to be admired by spectators, followed by a parade from Santa Catarina Park to the centre of the old town.

June

Atlantic Festival - Funchal

This is the official event that marks the start of Summer.  Every Saturday in June an international competition takes place in Funchal's bay, where each participating country chooses a theme and shows off it's pyrotechnic abilities accompanied by music.

Popular Saints Festivities - Various Locations

In June the popular saints St John, St Peter & St Anthony are celebrated throughout the Island.  Hundreds of people join the parades in honor of their saints wearing bright typical costumes.

July

Nos Madeira Summer Opening - Funchal

A two day long summer music festival showcasing a variety of music styles.

Funchal Jazz Festival - Funchal

One of the most popular cultural events in Madeira with performances from local and international Jazz bands.

August

Arraiais da Madeira - several locations

During the month of August, Madeira is bursting with life and festivities.  Celebrations are organised by each parish with processions, music, dancing & food.

Madeira Wine Rally - Several Locations

The Madeira Wine Rally attracts thousands of rally enthusiasts to the Island, bringing in renowned drivers from all over the world.

Madeira Wine Festival - Funchal

A live harvest in a traditional estate is one of the highlights as well as the ethnographic parade that takes place in Funchal. During this week there are also wine tastings, harvest and traditional treading of the grapes as well as demonstrations of artisans making barrels amongst other artefacts.

September

Winery Festival - Camara de Lobos

This festival is in honor of Madeira Wine.  In Camara de Lobos, tourists and local residents are encouraged to participate in the grape harvest by picking and treading on grapes.  A procession in honor of the grape follows these folkloric rituals.

December

Noites do Mercado - Several Locations

Christmas traditions are shown in different locations throughout the island on different dates.  The most well-known takes place in Funchal's Farmers' Market.

Christmas and New Year's Eve Festivities - Several Locations

On the 1st December the Christmas lights are switched on and Madeira comes alive with Christmas spirit.  A month of continuous animation and gastronomical events culminating in the world renowned firework display which brings in the new year.

Check out our offers page for holidays we may be featuring associated to these events.

Weather:

Madeira has a sub tropical climate with hot summers and very mild winters making it an all year round travel destination.  The months of August & September tend to see the highest temperatures with an average daily maximum of 26°C whilst the coldest, February sees a sees an average of around 16°C.  Due to its mountainous topography the island has a number of diverse microclimates meaning it is not unusual for it to be cloudy and overcast on one part of the island and sunny on another.

Currency:

Euro

Language:

Portuguese

Electricity Plug System

Electrical supply: 230V

Dialling Code:

+351

Health & Vaccinations:

Travellers do not require certificates of vaccination or immunisations to enter Portugal. If you are from an EU member state you should bring your European Health Insurance card to be entitled to free medical & hospital care. Visitors from other countries are advised to take out a medical insurance policy.

Religion:

The majority of Portuguese are Roman Catholic.

Tipping:

Tipping is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the visitor.