Madeira Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Madeira holidays are the underdog of Portugal escapes, with a triple threat of exotic gardens, cute coastal villages and year-round warmth.

☀️ Holidays to Madeira 2026

☀️ Year-round sunshine with temps of 16-25°C – short sleeves even in winter
💶 Great value for your euros – pints from €3-4, meals around €12-18, and Madeira wine from €5
🌺 Home to over 1,200 plant species – the botanical gardens here are properly world-famous
🏔️ Volcanic landscapes with dramatic cliffs, lush valleys and mountain peaks reaching 1,862m
🍷 Home to the world-famous fortified Madeira wine – perfect for a cheeky tasting session

What are the best beaches in Madeira

Is Madeira good for beaches? Heck yeah, it is. And the best part is that there's a bit of everything - rugged, rocky bays, black-pebble coves and even imported golden stretches for all you die-hard sand-or-nothing peeps. Give these top beach spots a whirl for your holiday to Madeira:

Praia Formosa – the biggest public beach in Madeira, right at the edge of Funchal with a Blue Flag to its name, a mix of pebbles and black sand, and plenty of local bars and cafés
Praia de Machico – decked out with golden sands imported from Morocco, super-calm waters and a chilled atmosphere perfect for families with young kiddos
Calheta Beach – one of the few sandy beaches on the island with pillow-soft imported sands, clear warm waters just begging for a dunk, and a cute little waterfront café
Prainha de Caniçal – a small and sweet little bay with dark sand, rugged cliffs and a quiet vibe away from all the tourist buzz
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools – technically not a beach, but these natural lava pools filled with gin-clear seawater are perfect for a dip, and the views get a big fat 10/10
Ponta do Sol Beach – literally translating to 'point of sun', this small but mighty pebbled cove is just the spot for chilled sunbathing
Praia do Porto do Seixal – dark volcanic sands with gorgeous sea views straight ahead and lush green mountains behind. Pure bliss.

🏨 What are the top hotels in Madeira?

For Families

Calheta Beach Hotel – direct beach access to one of Madeira's only golden sand beaches, a whopper of a pool, kids' club and on-site spa for when the grown-ups need a pamper
Pestana Royal Premium Ocean & Spa Resort – 5-star family-friendly resort with direct lift access to the beach, two pools to dunk into and a playground for the kiddos
Dom Pedro Madeira – sweet and simple hotel near Machico's golden beach with a pool, poolside snack bar and playground
VIDAMAR Resort Madeira – a whopping 300 rooms, four pools (two heated in winter), kids' club, watersports and multiple restaurants to keep everyone happy

For Couples

Reid's Palace – legendary 5-star with over a century of history, set in 10 acres of gardens with Michelin-starred dining and the most famous afternoon tea in Madeira
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – romantic boutique stay in five restored historical buildings, with rooftop pool and spa in the heart of Funchal
PortoBay Santa Maria - Adults Only – kid-free paradise just outside Funchal's old town with outdoor pool, choice of bars and sunset views over the harbour
Pestana CR7 Funchal – Cristiano Ronaldo's sleek 4-star with rooftop infinity pool, outdoor gym and free entry to the CR7 Museum

For Groups

Melia Madeira Mare – modern 220-room hotel on the promenade with multiple bars, a ballroom and prime position for exploring Funchal's nightlife
Dorisol Mimosa – great value apartments with kitchenettes, indoor and outdoor pools, and a piano bar with live music
Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel – 170 rooms with direct access to the Lido pools and seafront, heated pool and free parking

Luxury Picks

Saccharum Resort & Spa – 5-star stunner tucked into the Calheta marina with three outdoor pools, spa, and indoor pool with ocean views
Porto Mare – part of the Vila Porto Mare resort with five pools, four restaurants and spa facilities in tropical gardens
Quinta Penha de Franca – charming historic property with two saltwater pools (one heated), botanical gardens and sea access

Budget-Friendly

Dom Pedro Garajau – conveniently located halfway between Funchal and Caniço, with comfy rooms, outdoor pool and cracking terrace views
Orquidea – great location in the heart of Funchal with easy walking distance to all the major sights, shops and restaurants
Baia Azul – 4-star value near the seafront with outdoor pool, Atlantic views and a courtesy bus to central Funchal

Travel guide for your 2026 Madeira Holidays

Some of the top things to do...

For Families

🌺 Madeira Botanical Gardens – over 35,000 square metres of exotic plants from around the world, with cracking views over Funchal
🐬 Dolphin & Whale Watching – catamaran tours run year-round, spotting bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and more
🛷 Monte Toboggan Ride – hurtle down the hills from Monte to Funchal in a traditional wicker basket – the kids will love it
🐠 Madeira Aquarium – located in Porto Moniz near those famous natural pools, perfect for a family day out

For Couples

🚡 Funchal Cable Car – glide up to Monte for panoramic views over the bay and the city below
🍷 Madeira Wine Tasting – visit historic cellars like Blandy's Wine Lodge in Funchal for a proper tasting session
🌅 Cabo Girão Skywalk – one of Europe's highest cliff skywalks at 580m above sea level, with a glass-floored platform
🚪 Painted Doors of Santa Maria – wander the Old Town to see dozens of doors painted by local artists

For Foodies

🍖 Espetada – beef marinated in garlic, salt and bay leaves, grilled on laurel skewers
🍞 Bolo do Caco – traditional garlic bread brushed with warm butter, perfect for mopping up sauce
🦪 Lapas – grilled limpets served hot with lemon and garlic
🍹 Poncha – the island's traditional drink made with distilled spirit, honey, sugar and fresh lemon

For Adventurers

🥾 Levada Walks – follow ancient irrigation channels through laurel forests, past waterfalls and through tunnels
🕳️ São Vicente Caves – explore underground lava tubes formed 890,000 years ago
🌿 Fanal Forest – hike through the mystical laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
🚴 Mountain Biking – tackle dramatic volcanic terrain with routes for all abilities

When to come on your holidays to Madeira

It's great at any time ('there's never a bad time for a holiday' is what all our staff have tattooed on them when they join), but when you come will still have a big impact, so here's the low down on the year round...

Spring (March - May)

☀️ Temps: 17-22°C

This is when all the botanical gardens really start to pop off. The famous Flower Festival transforms Funchal with floral carpets, parades and markets throughout late April and May. Perfect weather for hiking the levadas without overheating.

Summer (June - August)

☀️ Temps: 22-26°C

Peak season with the warmest temperatures and longest days. Beaches are at their best for swimming, and the Atlantic Festival lights up June with fireworks every Saturday. Book early for the best hotel deals.

Autumn (September - November)

☀️ Temps: 20-24°C

Harvest season brings the Wine Festival in late August/September, celebrating Madeira's famous fortified wine. The Nature Festival in October is brilliant for outdoor activities and exploring the island's trails.

Winter (December - February)

☀️ Temps: 16-19°C

Madeira's famous Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks (one of the biggest displays in the world) make winter a magical time to visit. Carnival festivities kick off in February with samba parades through Funchal.

🗺️ Explore Madeira

Funchal & Surrounds

Funchal – the vibrant capital with historic Old Town, botanical gardens, museums and the best nightlife on the island
Caniço – peaceful resort town 10km east of Funchal, close to the airport and the marine reserve at Garajau

East Coast

Machico – Madeira's first settlement with a golden sand beach, charming old town and easy airport access

🌍 Nearby Destinations

Fancy exploring more of Portugal? These spots are worth a look:

Algarve – Portugal's sunny southern coast with golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and vibrant resorts like Albufeira
Lisbon – the colourful capital with cobbled streets, stunning viewpoints and legendary pastel de nata
Cascais – chic coastal town near Lisbon, popular with locals for its beaches and marina

Popular Madeira hotels

More Madeira hotels

Stunning Madeira resorts

Weather in Madeira

JAN

14^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

22^°C

MAY

25^°C

JUN

27^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

23^°C

NOV

19^°C

DEC

16^°C

Madeira's always serving up top-tier weather, rocking a mild Meddy vibe that stays at a toasty 16-20°C even in winter. For context, that's an average spring at home (if we're lucky, and are we ever?)

Spring in Madeira is when all the botanical gardens really start to pop off, with temperatures hitting 19-23°C.

Soaring to about 26°C in summer, this is an obvious pull for anyone looking for a relaxing, sunny holiday to Madeira. Chuck your towels down on some volcanic sand and get paddling.

Long story short? It's got that year-round sun with the not-too-hot, not-too-cold vibes that'll have you whipping out your spring wardrobe without sweating buckets and spades. Winner winner, chicken dinner we reckon.

FAQs

The flight is just 3 hours and 45 minutes from the UK/Ireland, which is enough time to watch Oppenheimer and have time for a cheeky nap.

There is no time difference between Madeira and the UK/Ireland, so you can kiss buh-bye to pesky jet lag!

The local currency used in Madeira is the Euro.

The official language spoken in Madeira is Portuguese. Olá.

Absolutely! From family-friendly beaches in Machico and Calheta to the Botanical Gardens and whale watching trips, there's loads to keep the kiddos entertained.

Any time, really! The climate stays mild year-round. Spring (April-May) is gorgeous for the Flower Festival, summer (June-August) is warmest for beaches, and winter offers the famous Christmas lights and New Year fireworks.

Delish! Try espetada (beef skewers), bolo do caco (garlic bread), lapas (limpets) and wash it down with local poncha or Madeira wine.

Check out the painted doors of Funchal

We didn't have adding 'look at doors' as a thing to do on our Madeira holiday bingo card, but trust us when we say these doorways in the Old Town down Santa Maria Street are pure beaut. The whole street is one big, outdoor gallery with doors painted every colour of the rainbow by a group of local artists. It's quirky, it's cute, and it's the perfect excuse for a snap.

Hurtle down the hills in a wicker basket

Yeah, we said what we said. These traditional toboggan rides are an absolute staple activity in the Old Town, dating back to the 19th Century when they were used as a form of transport by the locals. Nowadays, it's just a really fun way to zoom from Monte to Funchal in a jiffy.

Try the local poncha

Poncha is the island's most traditional drink, and you'll find it in all the local tavernas. It's a very strong, distilled spirit (so not for the fainthearted!) mixed with honey, sugar and fresh lemon. Some tavernas will even let you have a go at mixing the poncha yourself, and some offer different flavour variations - like passion fruit or kiwi.

Have a whale of a time spotting dolphins

A Madeira holiday is the best excuse you'll ever have to go dolphin and whale-watching all year round, so book yourself on a catamaran tour if you fancy getting up close to these beauties. The average trip is about 2 hours, giving plenty of time to admire the views and wave hello to some of the local sea creatures. Some tours even offer the chance to whip your snorkel out and take a dip in the waters yourself!

Do go chasing waterfalls

We don't care what TLC say (or how much of a banger it is), the waterfalls in Madeira have to be seen. Levada walks are super popular in Madeira, levadas being a system of aqueducts that pave pathways through an open canal system. Follow these, and you'll be taken through a series of both wet and dry regions, passing dozens of waterfalls along the way.

Visit the local farmer's market

Mercado dos Lavradores is a lively local market located in central Funchal in a unique building built back in 1938. This two-storey market hall is decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles (just to make you really feel like you're on your jollies), and while the top floor is decked out with dried fruit, spices and veg stalls, the ground floor is where you'll find fruit stalls and flower-sellers. Why not take a minute to stop and smell the roses? Literally.

What events can I go to in Madeira?
We reckon a Madeira holiday might be slept on a little, but trust us when we say that its event calendar has plenty to tuck into. From fireworks and flowers to traditional festivals and wine-tasting, here are a few of the top events in Madeira to keep an eye out for:
- Carnival Festivities (Every February/March) – hit the streets of Madeira for dazzling costumes, colourful floats, music and dancing
- Flower Festival (Every April/May) – gorgeous floral displays, parades and the scent of blossoms in the air as the island celebrates spring
- Rum Festival (Every April) – local rum producers gather in Funchal so you can sample and buy some of the good stuff
- Atlantic Festival (Every June) – kickstart summer with fireworks and music shows every Saturday throughout the month
- Funchal Jazz Festival (Every July) – performances from jazz artists all over the globe, set in Santa Catarina Park
- Madeira Wine Festival (Every August/September) – a celebration of the island's rich vino heritage with traditional music and tastings
- Columbus Festival (Every September) – held on Porto Santo island with historical reenactments and a sweet little market
- Nature Festival (Every October) – outdoor activities galore including sea sports and mountain expeditions
- New Year's Eve Fireworks (Every December) – ring in the year with a whopper of a firework show, recognised as one of the world's best
Where is the best nightlife in Madeira?
Madeira holidays might be super chill, but they've still got their fair share of nightlife spots to add some late-night thrills to your trip. From cocktails under the stars to dancefloors that'll have you grooving 'til dawn, show these bars and clubs some love if you're looking for a good time:
- Barreirinha Bar Café - the ultimate chill-out lounge right by the sea, with cool tunes from the resident DJ and killer views at sunset (your Instagram's gonna be popping off, just sayin')
- Copacabana Garden - a quiet garden by day and a buzzing club by night, this central venue in Funchal is all about open-air dancing with DJs on the decks providing a right mix of bangers
- Trap Music Bar - a high-energy underground bar bringing hip-hop vibes with live music, a disco room and a terrace
- Venda Velha - famous for serving up poncha, this casual tavern is the place to be for old-school vibes and live music
- Marginal - bringing the island vibes to Funchal, this bar is well-stocked with beers, wines, spirits and hand-crafted cocktails, and with a good mix of pop, techno and 80s tunes from the DJs, there's quite literally something for everyone
- Mini Eco Bar - an small but mighty eco-friendly bar with weekend discos, loads of different gins on offer, and a dancefloor that's open until 4AM - holidays to Madeira done right!
- Prince Albert Pub - no we're not talking about the body piercing - this British-style pub is decked out with everything to give you a taste of home - pool tables, sports screens and pub grub with a dash of Madeiran flair
Things to eat in Madeira
From sizzlin' street eats to swish fine-dining, Madeira's food scene is bursting with flavour. Think fresh-as-it-comes seafood, pillowy flatbreads and big Med flavours. We recommend these local goodies for a taste of the best stuff:
- Espetada - beef marinated in garlic, salt and bay leaves, then grilled on skewers to smoky perfection
- Bolo do caco - traditional local garlic bread (already a win), brushed with warm butter and the perfect way to mop up sauce from any meal
- Lapas - grilled limpets served hot from the grill with a splash of lemon and a dash of garlic - you say lapas, we say heaven
- Milho frito - fried cornmeal squares that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served as a delish side dish, often with espetada
- Bacalhau - Madeira's twist on a Portuguese classic, made up of salted cod which can be either grilled or baked with cream
- Prego no bolo do caco - a good ol' steak sandwich, served on traditional Madeiran garlic bread, often with lettuce, tomato and cheese
Wondering where to try these plates of deliciousness on your Madeira holiday? Well there's plenty of restaurants to choose from, from cosy taverns to glitzy restaurants, but we recommend these for a good time:
- Restaurante do forte - exactly what the name suggests, this restaurant is located in an old fort in Funchal, serving up lush views and even better food
- O Tasco - eat like a local at this cosy tavern serving traditional Madeiran and Portuguese grub from an ever-changing menu that's based on whatever the chefs can get their hands on from the markets
- Maré Alta - one for the seafood-lovers, serving the freshest catches of the day and whopping seafood platters right by the ocean
- Quinta do Furão - a clifftop restaurant offering delish Madeiran food and breathtaking views of the north coast - the perfect date night spot
- The Vine - a sleek and modern venue located in the Vine Hotel, with a fusion of local and international dishes, a bangin' wine selection and a rooftop terrace serving up delish cocktails and panoramic views of Funchal
- O Lagar - a firm fave with the locals, this rustic spot in Câmara de Lobos is the perfect place to try staple dishes like espetada

Places to visit

Madeira Botanical Gardens
Even if flowers don't particularly excite you, trust us when we say these botanical gardens are one of the most beaut things you'll see on your Madeira holiday, and you won't want to miss them. Tucked way up in the hilltops of Funchal, they span over a whopping 35,000 square metres (which is really big, FYI), with winding pathways through exotic plants from around the world and aesthetic gardens that look like something from a storybook. Plus, thanks to its hilltop location, you're in for some cracking views over Funchal while you're at it. Basically, no matter where you look while you're here, your eyes are in for a right treat.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
If heights make you queasy, maybe give this one a miss. But if you're a photography whizz and fancy taking in some of the most dramatic views in Madeira, you're gonna want to bump this place to the top of your list. It's one of the highest cliff skywalks in Europe (bragging rights secured), with a platform perched 500 metres above sea level and a glass-floored ledge to really get your adrenaline pumping. Name a better way to take in the views of the Atlantic and coastal landscapes. We'll wait.
Sao Vicente Caves
If you feel old, don't worry - these caves were formed over 890,000 years ago, talk about fountain of youth, they'll have you feeling as young as the day you were born. A tour of these underground bad boys will have you stepping into a time machine, sci-fi-style, with lava tubes, lakes, tunnels and stalactites (the stony icicles hanging from the ceiling). A ticket here will also give you access to the above-ground gardens and the replica lift which takes you into a 3D simulation of the earth's core. It's all very Journey to the Centre of the Earth vibes, and we simply can't get enough.

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

There is currently no tourist tax to pay in Madeira.

Madeira Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

☀️ Holidays to Madeira 2026

What are the best beaches in Madeira

🏨 What are the top hotels in Madeira?

For Families

For Couples

For Groups

Luxury Picks

Budget-Friendly

Travel guide for your 2026 Madeira Holidays

For Families

For Couples

For Foodies

For Adventurers

When to come on your holidays to Madeira

Spring (March - May)

Summer (June - August)

Autumn (September - November)

Winter (December - February)

🗺️ Explore Madeira

Funchal & Surrounds

East Coast

🌍 Nearby Destinations

Popular Madeira hotels

Stunning Madeira resorts

Weather in Madeira

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Madeira?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Madeira?

What currency do they use in Madeira?

What language do they speak in Madeira?

Is Madeira good for families?

What's the best time to visit Madeira?

What's the food like in Madeira?

Check out the painted doors of Funchal

Hurtle down the hills in a wicker basket

Try the local poncha

Have a whale of a time spotting dolphins

Do go chasing waterfalls

Visit the local farmer's market

What events can I go to in Madeira?

Where is the best nightlife in Madeira?

Things to eat in Madeira

Places to visit

Madeira Botanical Gardens

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Sao Vicente Caves

Key facts about Madeira

Flight time

3 hrs 45 mins

Time Difference

No difference!

Currency

Euro

Language

Portuguese

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Madeira?

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Madeira?