Madeira is an island not well-known to Americans and it’s an extraordinary destination. Often compared to some of the Hawaiian islands, the topography is mountainous with dramatic scenery on the coast. It’s rugged, lush and the temperate climate and beautiful blooms lend themselves to an escape any time of year. Often called the Island of Eternal Spring, it’s great for either a short visit or a longer stay where you can cater the duration to suit your interests.
Madeira is an archipelago made up of four islands. It’s an autonomous region of Portugal, although it’s actually closer to Africa (off the cost of Morocco). It delivers incredible natural beauty, including amazing floral diversity.
If you’re seeking rest, relaxation, and maybe a little rejuvenation, look no further; but there’s also an active component which makes for a nice balance. Two thirds of the island is designated a nature reserve, which means there are plenty of places to walk, bike, hike and climb. It’s also surrounded by water, so diving, boating, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible. The island has the highest cliff skywalk in Europe and one of the highest sea cliffs. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll savor the delicious food, taste the fruits of the vineyards, experience the local culture, appreciate the region’s intricate handicrafts, check out its charming towns, and enjoy some time by the water. You may also want to research the island’s abundant history, too, which is part of the allure.
Funchal – The Center
Most people arrive in Madeira through the capital of Funchal, where there is both an airport and a harbor. The town is quite familiar with tourists and welcomes international visitors of all kinds. It’s worth a visit on its’ own, but it’s also a terrific base to explore the island. On one side there’s the mountains and the other the sea. Even if you decide just to wander downtown, it’s full of things to see that will charm you with their simplicity and tradition.
Explore the port while here (where you’ll find the statue of soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo). Check out Town Hall in the square and observe the beautiful black-and-white scalloped tiles beneath your feet. Walk through town and admire the colorful buildings, then visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, a market that’s a sea of colors, smells and tastes. Be sure to scope out the fish market where seafood of all kinds is sold.
Funchal is rich with shops, so you can indulge your retail itch. Handicrafts like Madeira lace and embroidery are terrific takeaways. Stop at one of the town’s many cafes or restaurants for a snack or have a picnic lunch at Santa Catarina Park while admiring the sea views.
Further Afield
A must on a visit to Madeira is riding the famous cable car up the hill. Hop on in Funchal and ride it to the top where you’ll find two of the most beautiful gardens – Monte Palace and the Botanical Gardens. Both are worth visiting but prioritize Monte Palace if you only have a limited amount of time. Should you want to venture further from Funchal, try a visit to Porto de Cruz to watch the surfers, then stop into the Sugar Cane Rum Museum or tour Blandy’s Wine Lodge to try the island’s namesake variety of wine. Alternatively, rent a car and head to Santana to see the traditional Madeiran houses,and ride a toboggan down the steep streets (a traditional, blood-pumping activity).
Should you be more interested in active adventures, try a guided walk along the traditional levadas – the scenery will stun you, so don’t forget a camera. For a charming fishing village experience, head to Camara de Lobos for beautiful coastal scenery with a lighthouse. It’s where Winston Churchill spent time and where he loved to paint. Wander the streets and grab a bite nearby. Cabo Girao Skywalk (a glass observation deck, the highest in Europe) is also worth checking out. You can hike to Pico de Arierio (the third highest mountain on the island).
Plan to get up early one day to enjoy a sunrise-above-the-clouds breakfast you won’t forget. If you choose to stay at the Savoy Palace in Funchal, the hotel makes it easy to enjoy this incredibly scenic, chef-led activity.
Food & Drink
Thinking about diving into the food and drink scene in Madeira? A selection might be black scabbard fish (it looks frightening raw, but is delicious cooked), lapas (limpets), small, cone-shaped mollusks typically seasoned with butter and garlic and grilled; Bolo de caco and bolo de mel, seasoned bread and honey cakes, espetada (a traditional beef dish), picadinho (marinated steak tips on a bed of french fries with a creamy sauce), and prego (a sandwich resembling a burger with toppings of your choice). Poncha and Madeiran wine (of course) are beverages traditional to the island that you’ll want to toss back with your meal.
A Stay Worth Remembering
When I visited, I found that centering myself in the capital of Funchal was a good way to explore the island. The Savoy Signature Group has seven hotels on the island, one for just about every kind of travel. A luxury option would be the Savoy Palace, part of the Signature portfolio. This 269-room, 5-star hotel offers the benefits of a large resort but feels like a boutique property. It’s within walking distance of the center as well as the sea. The Reserve, is an exclusive experiential experience onsite within-the-hotel for a more elevated, personalized stay. Two additional Savoy Signature properties, Next Hotel and Royal Savoy are within walking distance and also great. And you have the option to use the facilities at the neighboring properties.
Madeira can be visited any time of the year. It’s known for incredible New Years Eve fireworks, and the island almost always offers pleasant weather. With stunning scenery, a variety of interesting and engaging activities, plenty of shopping, spas, delicious food and drink – and views of both the mountains and the water – it could be something you’ll want to discover.
Where to Stay
Savoy Palace – This upscale, 5-star luxury hotel in the capital delivers luxurious resort amenities with a boutique feel. Their newest offering, The Reserve, is an exclusive “hotel within the hotel” elevated experience.
Avenida do Infante No 25
9004-542 Funchal, Portugal
Savoy Signature Collection – Includes Next Hotel and Royal Savoy (both walkable to central Funchal), as well as Saccharum and Calheta Beach. Savoy Signature’s Madeira properties offer something for every type of traveler.
Where To Eat
- Galaxia Skyfood, Pau de Lume, Terreiro – all within Savoy Palace
- Alambique – located at Saccharum Resort
- Mercado dos Lavradores (Funchal Market)
What to See & Do
Funchal: Wander the port, see the Cristiano Ronaldo statue, explore the Mercado dos Lavradores market and the colorful streets, shop for Madeira lace and embroidery, stroll Santa Catarina Park. Check out Blandy’s Wine Lodge & Vineyards for an alternative activity.
Adventures: Hike levada trails, climb Pico do Arieiro (or enjoy a sunrise breakfast above the clouds). For a thrill, take the traditional wicker toboggan ride down steep hills.
Sugar Cane Rum Museum
Avenida D. Manuel I, n.° 29 | 9370-135
Calheta
M – F: 8:00 – 19:00 | Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 – 19:00
Day Trips & Villages:
- Porto da Cruz – surfing and the Sugar Cane Rum Museum.
- Santana – see traditional thatched houses.
Câmara de Lobos – fishing village loved by Winston Churchill, great for coastal walks and seafood.