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Madeira Activity Holiday
An action-packed week on the Atlantic adventure island
Highlights
Whale and dolphin watching in a rigid inflatable boat.
Mountain biking the best Enduro and XC trails on Madeira with our local MTB guides.
Rock climbing the best routes at Pico do Arieiro.
Repelling down the secluded canyons of the Lombo das Faias.
Exploring the beautiful Laurisilva forest trails on horseback.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, our Madeira Activity Holiday is an action-packed trip you’ll love.
We’ve combined five of our favourite activities into one amazing week: whale watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding and canyoning.
It’s a great holiday if you’re an active couple or are holidaying with friends. We’ll normally base in one of our favourite hotels in central Funchal, the island’s capital, and you’ll spend your evenings in some of the best restaurants and café bars on the islands. If you’re a family or you’d prefer to self-cater, you can opt for one of our modern apartments on the eastern outskirts of the city.
Wherever you stay, each day will take you to a different part of this thrilling island – north, south, east and west: you’ll visit them all.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Madeira.
Accommodation on this day: Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca
Day 2
Your week begins with a Whale and Dolphin watching from the local marina in Funchal. We normally recommend heading out to sea on a small Rigid Inflatable Boat – we find it’s the best way to experience whale watching, as you’re close to the water and the wildlife.
Day 3
You’ll spend your third day on two wheels with our mountain guide. Your route will normally be decided on the day, but a typical ride takes in the dusty singletrack routes from the high Paul de Serra plateau, through the laurel forest and down to Madeira’s south-west coast.
Day 4
You’ll head inland today for a rock-climbing session. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced climber, our resident guide has the local knowledge to pick your ideal route.
Day 5
Day five is a day off – time to relax and enjoy Funchal. You could take a tour of the Blandy’s wine lodge at Adegas de Sao Francisco, and for lunch: the famous Café Ritz – one of Funchal’s oldest and most popular restaurants and Gelaterias. In the evening, it’s a short walk down to the Zona Velha (Old Town); our favourite district for food and live music
Day 6
You’ll explore the eastern mountains of Madeira on a guided horse ride from Quinta do Riacho. Again, your route will be decided on the day, depending on the conditions and time of year – a popular ride follows the Lamaceiros Forest Trail which is good for all abilities and riding experience.
Day 7
For your final full day on the island, you’ll head to the Lomba das Faias for a canyoning session. If you’re new to canyoning, here’s how it works: you’ll follow a steep mountain stream through the forest, negotiating your way down the steep gullies as the water winds its way down to the valley floor – abseiling down a series of waterfalls (normally around ten or twelve sets of falls). Safety is paramount of course; you’ll be thoroughly briefed in advance of your first descent, and our guide will be with you every step of the way.
Day 8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira’s position in the North Atlantic makes it the ideal destination for Whale and Dolphin watching. Add in the island’s temperate Winter weather, and you’ve arguably got the best year-round destination for Cetaceans (and for humans to spot them).
Canyoning
Madeira is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for canyoning. Our guides will lead you down a mountain stream as it winds its way to the valley floor - abseiling down a series of increasingly spectacular waterfalls.
Guided tours
Madeira looks like a small island on paper. Once you’re here, you’ll see that the steep terrain and sinuous, winding roads make it tricky to explore the entire island in just one week. Our private tours take you to those lesser visited parts of Madeira you might otherwise miss.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps more than any other pursuit, it’s mountain biking that's at the heart of the changing face of tourism on the Madeira. The island’s seemingly endless network of trails are attracting more and more riders each year - whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s a trail for you on Madeira.
Levada Trails
Whether self-guided or as part of a small group, the hiking trails on Madeira are outstanding. The way-marked paths along the famous levada water channels are the most popular way to explore he island on foot, and we can recommend the walks we'll think you'll enjoy the most.
Birdwatching
Our Bird Watching trips are more like in-depth sightseeing tours of Madeira with extras. Accompanied by a passionate naturalist, you’ll get closer to the birds, plants and butterflies you'd otherwise have missed - including the Trocaz pigeon the rare Zino’s Petrel.
Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca
The Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franҫa is a charming hotel of two halves. The original manor house (the Quinta da Penha) has a lovely traditional Portuguese feel, surrounded by beautiful gardens – of the 76 rooms, our favourites are the balcony rooms overlooking the gardens.
The more modern half of the hotel is the Penha Franca Mar with 33 sea view rooms which also overlook the outdoor pool. There are two excellent restaurants, one for each wing of the hotel, and a nice selection of local restaurants in this western district of Funchal.
The seafront Avenida Sa Carneiro is just a two-minute walk away – it’s a pleasant way to stroll in and out of the centre of the city,(or it’s just five minutes by taxi).
“Excellent service, expert knowledge, nothing too much trouble + always go the extra mile”
Greg
Where is Madeira?
Madeira is 880km south west of mainland Portugal and 460km north of Tenerife.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira’s seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hot from around May through to November. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the high teens. Christmas and New Year are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to Madeira?
From the UK you can fly direct from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Glasgow.
What languages do they speak on Madeira?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Madeira?
Very; the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the island.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Madeira?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Madeira?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi on Madeira?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone on Madeira?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the island.
What is the food like on Madeira?
As you’d expect on a small Atlantic island, Madeiran restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Funchal have a good mix of Portuguese more European-style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Madeira?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Madeira?
You will need a type F plug adaptor in Madeira.
Is tap water safe to drink in Madeira?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on Madeira.
Do I need to tip in Madeira?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Madeira with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Madeira?
Our advice is to start planning around nine months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Madeira?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Highlights
Whale and dolphin watching in a rigid inflatable boat.
Mountain biking the best Enduro and XC trails on Madeira with our local MTB guides.
Rock climbing the best routes at Pico do Arieiro.
Repelling down the secluded canyons of the Lombo das Faias.
Exploring the beautiful Laurisilva forest trails on horseback.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, our Madeira Activity Holiday is an action-packed trip you’ll love.
We’ve combined five of our favourite activities into one amazing week: whale watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding and canyoning.
It’s a great holiday if you’re an active couple or are holidaying with friends. We’ll normally base in one of our favourite hotels in central Funchal, the island’s capital, and you’ll spend your evenings in some of the best restaurants and café bars on the islands. If you’re a family or you’d prefer to self-cater, you can opt for one of our modern apartments on the eastern outskirts of the city.
Wherever you stay, each day will take you to a different part of this thrilling island – north, south, east and west: you’ll visit them all.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Madeira.
Accommodation on this day: Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca
Day 2
Your week begins with a Whale and Dolphin watching from the local marina in Funchal. We normally recommend heading out to sea on a small Rigid Inflatable Boat – we find it’s the best way to experience whale watching, as you’re close to the water and the wildlife.
Day 3
You’ll spend your third day on two wheels with our mountain guide. Your route will normally be decided on the day, but a typical ride takes in the dusty singletrack routes from the high Paul de Serra plateau, through the laurel forest and down to Madeira’s south-west coast.
Day 4
You’ll head inland today for a rock-climbing session. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced climber, our resident guide has the local knowledge to pick your ideal route.
Day 5
Day five is a day off – time to relax and enjoy Funchal. You could take a tour of the Blandy’s wine lodge at Adegas de Sao Francisco, and for lunch: the famous Café Ritz – one of Funchal’s oldest and most popular restaurants and Gelaterias. In the evening, it’s a short walk down to the Zona Velha (Old Town); our favourite district for food and live music
Day 6
You’ll explore the eastern mountains of Madeira on a guided horse ride from Quinta do Riacho. Again, your route will be decided on the day, depending on the conditions and time of year – a popular ride follows the Lamaceiros Forest Trail which is good for all abilities and riding experience.
Day 7
For your final full day on the island, you’ll head to the Lomba das Faias for a canyoning session. If you’re new to canyoning, here’s how it works: you’ll follow a steep mountain stream through the forest, negotiating your way down the steep gullies as the water winds its way down to the valley floor – abseiling down a series of waterfalls (normally around ten or twelve sets of falls). Safety is paramount of course; you’ll be thoroughly briefed in advance of your first descent, and our guide will be with you every step of the way.
Day 8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira’s position in the North Atlantic makes it the ideal destination for Whale and Dolphin watching. Add in the island’s temperate Winter weather, and you’ve arguably got the best year-round destination for Cetaceans (and for humans to spot them).
Canyoning
Madeira is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for canyoning. Our guides will lead you down a mountain stream as it winds its way to the valley floor - abseiling down a series of increasingly spectacular waterfalls.
Guided tours
Madeira looks like a small island on paper. Once you’re here, you’ll see that the steep terrain and sinuous, winding roads make it tricky to explore the entire island in just one week. Our private tours take you to those lesser visited parts of Madeira you might otherwise miss.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps more than any other pursuit, it’s mountain biking that's at the heart of the changing face of tourism on the Madeira. The island’s seemingly endless network of trails are attracting more and more riders each year - whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s a trail for you on Madeira.
Levada Trails
Whether self-guided or as part of a small group, the hiking trails on Madeira are outstanding. The way-marked paths along the famous levada water channels are the most popular way to explore he island on foot, and we can recommend the walks we'll think you'll enjoy the most.
Birdwatching
Our Bird Watching trips are more like in-depth sightseeing tours of Madeira with extras. Accompanied by a passionate naturalist, you’ll get closer to the birds, plants and butterflies you'd otherwise have missed - including the Trocaz pigeon the rare Zino’s Petrel.
Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca
The Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franҫa is a charming hotel of two halves. The original manor house (the Quinta da Penha) has a lovely traditional Portuguese feel, surrounded by beautiful gardens – of the 76 rooms, our favourites are the balcony rooms overlooking the gardens.
The more modern half of the hotel is the Penha Franca Mar with 33 sea view rooms which also overlook the outdoor pool. There are two excellent restaurants, one for each wing of the hotel, and a nice selection of local restaurants in this western district of Funchal.
The seafront Avenida Sa Carneiro is just a two-minute walk away – it’s a pleasant way to stroll in and out of the centre of the city,(or it’s just five minutes by taxi).
“Excellent service, expert knowledge, nothing too much trouble + always go the extra mile”
- Greg
Where is Madeira?
Madeira is 880km south west of mainland Portugal and 460km north of Tenerife.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira’s seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hot from around May through to November. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the high teens. Christmas and New Year are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to Madeira?
From the UK you can fly direct from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Glasgow.
What languages do they speak on Madeira?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Madeira?
Very; the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the island.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Madeira?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Madeira?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi on Madeira?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone on Madeira?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the island.
What is the food like on Madeira?
As you’d expect on a small Atlantic island, Madeiran restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Funchal have a good mix of Portuguese more European-style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Madeira?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Madeira?
You will need a type F plug adaptor in Madeira.
Is tap water safe to drink in Madeira?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on Madeira.
Do I need to tip in Madeira?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Madeira with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Madeira?
Our advice is to start planning around nine months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Madeira?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Talk to someone who loves Madeira!
If you’re interested in our holidays and want to know more, then send us a few details using this quick fill form.
