Offering contrasting landscapes, an abundance of flora and fauna, a temperate climate, an absorbing history and just a short flight from the UK, Madeira is a unique sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Distinctly Portuguese yet with a traditional English influence, the island is perfect for a relaxing break and exploration.
Stay in Funchal, where architecture and nature are charmingly combined, surrounded by cliffs to the east and west, and steep green mountains to the north. The city's streets are paved with black and white mosaics and lined by blue-flowered jacaranda trees, making it an ideal city for a delightful stroll.
May 4 and part of May 18 coincides with the Madeira Flower Festival, celebrating the arrival of spring and the Atlantic Festival takes place on June 8.
Includes a short tour of Funchal followed by a visit to a Madeira wine cellar with a complimentary tasting and a visit to the Fabrica de San Antonio with a tasting of the local produce which could include cakes, biscuits and the well known Madeira honey cake – bolo del mel (molasses cake).
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Funchal and transfer to your chosen hotel for four nights.
A 4-star hotel located a short walk from Funchal's promenade and 2 kilometres from the centre. Restaurant, bars, gym, sauna, garden with pools and WiFi (free). 134 spacious rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony or terrace. Standard rooms and sea view rooms both have a ceiling fan.
A 4-star hotel, overlooking the old town of Funchal, this manor house was originally built in 1834. Conservatory, dining room, bar, pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gardens, WiFi (free) and 64 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, mini-bar and TV.
A 4-star hotel located in a quiet, historical area, a short walk from the centre. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 81 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. Includes one free Spa entrance.
Situated in semi-tropical gardens on a dramatic cliff-top setting, this world famous hotel, previously known as the 5-star Orient-Express hotel was built at the end of the 19th century. Restaurants, bar, spa, outdoor pools, tennis, gym, library, shop, WiFi (free) and 158 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar (complimentary water and soft drinks), satellite TV and balcony. A credit towards a Spa treatment is included for VJV clients. Larger superior rooms with balcony/patio are available.
Extend your stay further for an extra three nights on this beautiful island.
The biosphere reserve of Santana includes the protected Laurisilva forest and Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.
A 4-star hotel set amongst natural surroundings along the coast with a backdrop of the highest mountains in Madeira. Restaurant, bar, sauna, gym, outdoor pool and 45 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 4 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.