Visiting the Pearl of the Atlantic: An Expert Travel Guide to Madeira

On a map, Madeira may be a speck in the ocean, but you’ll be surprised to find that it packs a huge number of things to do, from outdoor adventures like hiking and scuba diving to relaxing on volcanic beaches and amongst tropical plants. Our travel experts at Plum Guide know the island inside and out – they have all the best recommendations for a dreamy escape. If you’re thinking of booking that holiday, take a look at our comprehensive travel guide to Madeira.

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The island of Madeira was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the early 15th century when the island was still uninhabited. They began to settle here, and it quickly became an important stop for ships travelling from Europe to Africa and the Americas. Over time, the island became a major centre for sugar cane production as well as grapes and wine. Occupied by the British during the Napoleonic Wars, Madeira eventually became an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976.

Known for its eternal spring climate, there’s no wrong time to visit Madeira, as temperatures are always pleasantly mild. Spring is when the annual Carnival and the Flower Festival take place, and summer is warm and a great time to go whale-watching. Autumn is a lot quieter, while winter offers cooler temperatures but still with plenty of winter sun.

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There are two main entry points for travellers looking to get to Madeira. If you’re arriving by air, the Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport in Santa Cruz is the main gateway to and from the region. If arriving by cruise ship, the Port of Funchal will be your point of arrival.

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Madeira has a wealth of stunning beaches to relax on, from family-friendly sands to secluded bays. One of the most beautiful beaches is Praia do Seixal, a black sand beach surrounded by jaw-dropping cliffs and waterfalls. Keen to try watersports? Praia Formosa in Funchal is a great spot for surfing, whereas Praia do Garajau is perfect for snorkelling and diving.

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Those keen to explore underwater will be pleased to hear that Madeira is an excellent place to scuba dive. The clear waters surrounding the island are teeming with marine life, like schools of colourful fish and octopuses. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins and whales. There are a range of dive sites, from deep shipwrecks to cave diving for advanced divers.

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With its diverse plant life and warm climate, Madeira is the perfect destination for botanical gardens. Many of the best ones are found in Funchal, such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Madeira Botanical Garden, and Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro. Elsewhere on the island is Quinta da Boa Vista in the village of São Vicente, and the Quinta do Arco Rose Garden in the village of Arco de São Jorge.

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Madeira is a hiker’s paradise with its rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty. There are trails for all abilities, taking you through lush forests, verdant valleys and picturesque waterfalls. One of the most famous hikes on the island is the ‘Pico to Pico’, going from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Taking you along a dramatic ridge, you’re spoiled with dramatic views of the island’s peaks and coastline.

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Wine enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to try the island’s famous sweet wine. Made from grapes growing in vineyards spread out across the slopes of Madeira’s volcanic mountains, the wine undergoes a unique production process which involves heating and oxidising the wine to give it a distinctive nutty, caramelised flavour, and allowing it to age for decades. Some of our favourite wineries include Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal and Vinhos Barbeito in Camara de Lobos.

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What would a travel guide to Madeira be without a few hidden gems? You’ll be pleased to know that it’s easy to get off the beaten path here, with plenty of ‘secret’ places waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a fun walk, the Banana Route in Madalena do Mar is a trail through banana plantations where you can learn about the local farming industry. Madeira isn’t short of viewpoints, but oftentimes you have to beat the tourist crowds for the best panoramas. For spectacular vistas all to yourself, take a scenic drive towards Miradouro Garganta Funda waterfall. You’ll need to get out of your car and walk the last couple hundred metres until you set eyes on this majestic waterfall, dropping 140 metres from the surrounding green clifftops.

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Naturally, the island’s capital city is one of the best places to stay. Located on the south coast, Funchal is the ideal base as there’s something for every kind of traveller. In its Old Town, visit historical monuments like the 16th-century cathedral or admire the art on the famous Rua da Santa Maria. Discover how Madeira wine is made at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, or sample a slice of traditional honey cake at Mercado dos Lavradores before taking a cable car ride to Monte to visit the botanical gardens.

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There are plenty of places to relax in Madeira, and Sao Vicente is one of the best. Located in the north of the island, this coastal area boasts black-sand beaches and intriguing lava caves. Heading inland, you’ll find lush vineyards and banana and sugarcane farms. There are many walks in the area, and we recommend checking out the Indigenous Garden and the Laurel Forest. After a long day on your feet, unwind in the Bathing Complex of Ponta Delgada with its beachside saltwater pools, solariums and spa.

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Translating to ‘sun point’, Ponta do Sol on the southwestern coast of Madeira is the best place for sun worshippers to stay. Work on your tan on one of the four main beaches at Anjos, Lugar de Baixo, Madalena do Mar and Ponta do Sol, or take a hike up Paul da Serra, the largest and most extensive plateau in Madeira. Not only is it home to plant species found nowhere else on the island, but at 1,500 metres tall, the views from up here are second to none.

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Those after a beach vacation should head straight to Calheta on the island’s southwest coast. Spend your days on the golden sands of Calheta Beach, taking refreshing dips in the azure waters. Perched on the surrounding cliffs is the Casa das Artes, a contemporary art museum offering breathtaking views out to sea, especially at sunset.

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Escape Madeira’s tourist crowds with a stay in Ribeira Brava. Nestled on the south coast, you’ll find this village in the verdant valley of the Ribeira River. Experience a slower pace of life here, where you can lounge around at the beach, swim in crystal-clear waters and stroll along the promenade. The village has a handful of attractions, including the 16th-century Igreja de São Bento Church, the Fort of São Bento, and the lighthouse offering jaw-dropping views.

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With Santa Cruz’s location right by the airport, you can be off the plane and on Praia das Palmeiras beach in no time. There are postcard-perfect views around every corner with its whitewashed houses and terracotta-tiled roofs. Packed with medieval churches and chapels, as well as laid-back tavernas to enjoy a local meal, Santa Cruz has plenty of things to keep you occupied.

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We couldn’t resist including a bit about the food in this travel guide to Madeira. Surrounded by the sea, Madeira’s cuisine primarily consists of seafood and fresh produce grown in the island’s fertile volcanic soil. As part of Portugal, the food shares some similarities with the mainland, but is also influenced by African and Latin American cuisines.

Local delicacies to make note of include espetada (marinated chunks of beef grilled on a skewer over wood or charcoal), bolo do caco (a type of bread made with sweet potato and served with garlic butter or olive oil) and lapas (lightly grilled limpets served with fresh lemon, garlic and butter – bolo do caco is a great accompaniment to this snack). Wash everything down with a glass of famous Madeira wine or a glass of poncha if it’s a hot day. This refreshing drink made with honey, sugar, aguardente (a distilled spirit), lemon juice and orange juice is just what you need to cool down.

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One of the best places to find local food in Madeira is at its excellent markets, where you can find fresh produce, local specialities and regional products. As well as Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, other towns also have their own farmers markets, such as Mercado do Porto Santo in Porto Santo, and the Mercado Municipal de Santa Cruz in the town of Santa Cruz (particularly known for its bakery section). Madeira also has plenty of cosy, family-run restaurants as well as fine dining establishments and a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants.

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