Portugal

Madeira

Madeira rises sheer from the Atlantic in a stack of cliffs, laurel forest and flower-draped terraces, its subtropical climate keeping gardens in bloom the year round. Long a wintering island for European society, it now pairs grande-dame cliff hotels with design-led quintas, levada walks and a coastline made for whale watching.

Best areas to stay

Funchal

The amphitheatre-shaped capital holds the island's grand hotels along the Estrada Monumental, plus gardens, markets and the old town's painted doors.

Calheta & the west

Sunnier and calmer, the southwest coast mixes a man-made golden beach with banana terraces and cliffside retreats above the sea.

The north coast

Santana's thatched houses, the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz and waterfall-cut cliffs give the north its wilder register.

Monte & the hills above Funchal

Cooler quinta country reached by cable car, home to the Monte Palace gardens and the famous wicker toboggan run.

Dining & nightlife

Espetada beef skewers, scabbard fish with banana, limpets and poncha share menus with a rising fine-dining scene in and around Funchal. Evenings favour cliffside terraces and Madeira-wine tastings over late nights.

Travelling as a family

Natural swimming pools, cable cars, dolphin- and whale-watching trips and gentle levada strolls suit families well. The island's switchback roads reward child-friendly pacing rather than packed itineraries.

Travelling as a couple

Couples take sunrise at Pico do Arieiro above the cloud sea, walk the levadas to hidden waterfalls and settle into cliff-edge infinity pools by afternoon. Vintage Madeira tasted in a Funchal lodge makes a fitting nightcap.

Cultural highlights

The UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest and its levada channels
Monte's toboggan run and the Monte Palace tropical gardens
Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores and old-town street art
Historic Madeira wine lodges and tastings

When to visit

Madeira works in any month: spring brings the Flower Festival and hillsides in bloom, summer is warm without excess, and winter stays mild enough for pool terraces. New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay are the island's flagship event and book out far ahead.

Mild subtropical climate year-round; microclimates mean the south coast can be sunny while the peaks and north sit in cloud, so plans should follow the forecast.

Practical notes

Fly into Funchal (FNC); winds occasionally divert flights, so allow slack on tight connections
A car opens up the island, but roads are steep and tunnelled; confident drivers only
Levada walks range from flat strolls to exposed routes — check difficulty and take a guide for the serious ones
Book whale-watching and New Year stays well in advance

View Madeira on the map

Follow the journey

Daily discoveries from Madeira and beyond.

The Browntravels Edit

Exceptional hotels, delivered beautifully.

Exceptional hotels, new openings and destination inspiration, delivered beautifully. Once a week, never more.