Madeira Luxury Holidays

With a kaleidoscope of magical landscapes, Madeira is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Its dramatic vistas and year-round warmth make visitors want to keep coming back again and again.

Geological wonders

Soaking up Madeira’s scenery through the country’s unique activities and viewpoints is almost as special as the landscapes themselves. On the coast, Baía d’Abra offers spectacular views over the island’s most easterly peninsula, bathed in glittering orange hues at sunrise. Cabo Girão, a 580m cliff with more breathtaking views of the Atlantic, offers a truly nail-biting experience - visitors can walk out onto a glass platform to reveal the vast expanse below.

Exploring the mountains, valleys and gorges of inland Madeira presents plenty more exotic surroundings to discover. Walking trails alongside narrow traditional canals called ‘levada’ will take you through lush Laurisilva forest, past gushing waterfalls and close to unusual plants and animals. With over 2,000 kilometres of well-marked trails, the opportunities for adventure are boundless. More excellent hiking trails can be found around Pico das Torres and Pico do Arieiro, the island’s second and third highest peaks, which boast astonishing views, an abundance of yellow and purple blooms during spring and snow-capped summits in winter. Whilst in the mountains, a visit to the village of Curral das Freiras allows visitors an insight into its culture, including tasting ‘ginja’, the local cherry liqueur.

Take a dip

Despite being an exotic island destination Madeira is not renowned for its beaches, but instead features plenty of inviting, ocean-fed pools for you to get your fill of saltwater fun. Sites such as Complexo Balnear do Lido in Funchal and the pools in Porto Moniz offer exquisite bathing experiences with plenty of amenities for a relaxing and comfortable day of sunbathing and swimming. If quieter locations more far removed from the influence of tourism are more appealing, try the pools at Seixal, which boast an idyllic setting with a backdrop of lush mountains, and Doca do Cavacas, an intricate series of pools naturally carved into the rock, from which bathers can marvel at dramatic views of looming cliffs and the vast ocean.

The few beaches Madeira does have are special and well worth a visit. The black sand beaches of Seixal are exceptional, while a trip to the smaller, neighboring island of Porto Santo presents a long stretch of dreamy beach with turquoise water, a wild feel and sand that is made from microscopic pieces of coral.

Culinary delights

Sampling some of Madeira’s unusual and delicious cuisine is a highlight of any trip to this spectacular island. ‘Bolo do mel’, traditional honey cake, and black scabbardfish with banana and passionfruit are among the most famous and ubiquitous offerings. Tipples to test include ‘poncha’, a tasty local punch made in various strengths with sugar cane rum and fruit juices, fortified wine and Madeiran firewater. If you prefer to take it a bit slower, decadent wine-tasting tours are an enjoyable way to sample Madeira’s local produce.

A stunning adventure

At Azure, we are on hand to help you book your luxury, nature-filled experience in magnificent Madeira. Simply contact our friendly team by phone or live chat to find out more.