Madeira Holidays

A volcanic outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles southwest of its parent country Portugal, Madeira is an outstandingly beautiful island with a wonderful sub-tropical climate. The year-round warmth provided by Madeira's special micro-climate makes it an ideal luxury holiday destination, with a wide array of activities on offer, from windsurfing to mountain-biking, paragliding and big-game fishing. Madeira is also a renowned destination for walking or hiking. All in all, what was once known as 'God's waiting room' (thanks to the number of visitors of an elderly persuasion) has become somewhere that waits for no man. Madeira's mountain slopes are irrigated by a network of small canals known as 'levadas', which criss-cross the island. There are over 1,000 miles of these in total, and they double as superb walkways, taking you through dramatic landscapes and past small villages with their vineyards and terraced fields. Funchal is the small, largely pedestrianised, capital city. Its unspoiled cobbled streets host hundreds of bars, cafés, and restaurants, plus excellent shopping and plenty of cultural attractions. Its hotel scene has improved dramatically in recent years too; with unashamed luxury on hand, as well as more fashion-conscious design options and peaceful rural quintas (country mansions) available in the countryside around the city too. So cast those misconceptions aside: Madeira holidays may surprise.
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Portugal testimonials

4 reviews
4.9 / 5
"This was literally the perfect trip! The service Original Travel provides is so good. The fact that whoever I deal with knows exactly what kind of hotel we like truly makes such a difference."
V - UK
Published on 3rd November 2025
"The Concierge was always helpful and available. Our city guide was outstanding. Casa Balthazar was perfect for location, comfort, service and tranquillity."
P - UK
Published on 12th May 2025
"Emily was consistently available for advice, recommendations, changes and explanations. Great client service. Overall, a 5/5. The Concierge responded quickly and was very helpful with reservations."
James - South Carolina
Published on 5th June 2024
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Romantically nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Atlantic’, Madeira is a true hidden gem with its kaleidoscope of striking volcanic geology, lush emerald landscapes and vibrant plant life. The archipelago is designated as an autonomous region of Portugal but is located closer to the northwest coast of Africa, and was (deservedly) voted one of Europe’s most beautiful islands as a result of its intriguing topography. Madeira means wood in Portuguese, so-called for the dense wooded areas which engulfed the island when the first settlers graced its rocky shores in the 15th century.


The region’s sub-tropical climate lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, including windsurfing, hiking, mountain-biking and paragliding, any of which can be woven into your tailor-made itinerary. When it comes to relaxation, Madeira also delivers on this front; from leisurely dolphin-spotting boat trips and peaceful vineyard tours (for sampling its namesake wine), to afternoon spa treatments and afternoon picnic on the cliffs overlooking the island’s rich cosmos of rocky outcrops and black sand beaches below.

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