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Madeira Beach Holiday
Bring your sunscreen and shades on our two-week Madeira Beach Holiday
Highlights
Stay in our favourite seafront accommodation on Madeira and Porto Santo.
Relax on one of Portugal’s most peaceful and beautiful beaches.
Explore the magnificent landscapes of Madeira’s main island.
Head to sea on a whale and dolphin trip.
Abseil down the secluded canyons of the Lombo das Faias.
Our Madeira Beach Holiday is the perfect two-week summer break.
You’ll spend your first week on Madeira’s bustling main island: exploring the rugged mountain terrain and abseiling through secluded forest canyons.
Next, we’ll fly you to Madeira’s smaller neighbour Porto Santo for a lazy week on the beach. Porto Santo’s 9km long beach is one of Portugal’s best kept secrets – you don’t need to claim your spot on the sand at the crack of dawn because it never gets busy; there just aren’t enough people on the island to ever fill the beach.
We know accommodation is key to a great holiday and we’ll included some great places to stay. Not the big all-inclusive hotels – we prefer smaller, friendly hotels in beautiful locations, with spacious rooms and excellent local restaurants right on your doorstep. If you’d prefer to self-cater, we can personalise your holiday with stays at some of the islands’ best cottages and apartments.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or with friends, our Madeira Beach Holiday is one of the most memorable ways to experience these unique Atlantic islands.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Madeira.
Accommodation on this day: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Day 2
We’ll leave your first day free, so you can relax by the pool and explore Ponta do Sol.
Day 3
You’ll spend today exploring eastern Madeira with our resident guide, including visits to the miradouro at Pico do Ariero, the forest park at Ribeiro Frio, the Engenho do Norte rum distillery, and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula.
Day 4
Your hire car will be delivered, and you’ll head into Funchal; the capital city of Madeira. In the morning, you could take the Teleferico cable car up to the beautiful Monte Palace Gardens, before returning to the city riding the famous Carro de Cesto wicker taboggans. In the afternoon, you’ll head down to the local marina for a whale and dolphin watching trip.
Day 5
It’s a short drive along the coast to busy harbour town of Camara de Lobos – home to the island’s largest vineyards and banana plantations. The Cabo Girao miradouro close-by – where the famous glass skywalk extends out above one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs (580m).
Day 6
You’ll head north-east today, to the Lomba das Faias with our resident canyoning guide. You’ll follow a mountain stream through a narrow forest gulley as it winds its way down to the valley floor, abseiling down a series of waterfalls. Safety is paramount of course, and our guide will be with you every step of the way.
Day 7
One of our favourite drives takes you through the central mountains at Encumeada, over to the spectacular cliffs that dominate the landscape above the village of Seixal. It’s a short drive to Complexo Balnear de Porto Moniz: one of the best swimming spots on the island.
Day 8
You’ll return your hire car to the airport before flying to the island of Porto Santo.
Accommodation on this day: Torre Praia Hotel
Day 9
Porto Santo is all about the beach – your hotel’s pool and terrace lead you directly onto the sand, and you can spend the day swimming and soaking up some rays. The friendly beach-front pizzeria and the laid-back O Corsario bar will keep you fed and watered.
Day 10
Take a stroll into nearby Vila Baleiro – the largest town on the island. There’s a nice selection of shops and restaurants around Vila’s main square, and live music at the outdoor teatro and beach club.
Day 11
You might like to hire bikes or scooters: to ride to the Miradouro das Flores. From this southern-most tip of the island, you’ll see Porto Santo’s tiny neighbour the Ilheu da Cal, a protected nature reserve, and the moutains of north-east Maderia across the channel. There’s also a lovely view north along the whole length of Porto Santo.
Day 12
You could include a guided walk along the Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã trail, through the abandoned farmlands and terraces on the north coast of the island. At the preserved traditional house at Casa da Serra, you can learn more about on Porto Santo’s agricultural past and the farming communities that once sustained the island.
Day 13
Back on the beach, you could spend the day learning to windsurf or standup paddleboard.
Day 14
You’ll fly back to Madeira today, for a final afternoon and evening in Funchal. Many of our favourite restuarants are in the Zona Velha – the old town district which is a short, five-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
Day 15
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.
Torre Praia Hotel
With a lovely golden sandy beach on its doorstep, the Torre Praia Hotel on the island of Porto Santo is the ideal hotel for anyone looking for relaxation and sunshine.
The 66 rooms rooms all have a balconies, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, a safe and cable TV, and there’s free WiFi throughout the hotel. There are two restaurants – the Salinas has a traditional Portuguese menu and there’s a more relaxed beach-front pizzeria which is open throughout the day.
There’s an outdoor pool and sun terrace, which lead to the the real highlight of your stay: the 9km long beach which stretches from Ponta de Calheta to the hotel (and beyond). This isn’t your typical European beach: it doesn’t get busy as there just aren’t that many people on the island.
The centre of Porto Santo’s little capital Vila Baleira is a two-minute walk away – there’s a nice selection of shops, restaurants, cafébars with a lovely sociable atmosphere in the evenings.
Quintinha São João
Quintinha São João is a charming, family run hotel providing a relaxing escape from the bustle of downtown Funchal.
The hotel’s forty rooms are spacious and bright, and the décor is towards the more traditional Portuguese style: there are some lovely pieces of antique furniture and artwork dotted around the hotel. The hotel is a member of the “Quintas da Madeira” – an association working to preserve Madeira’s valuable heritage: specifically the beautiful 150-year-old manor house which sits within the grounds of the Quintinha São João, and is home to the Barreto Family (owners and builders of the hotel).
We particularly love their deluxe rooms, with balconies overlooking the gardens and the Vasco da Gama bar and terrace. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, extensive spa facilities for those days when you just want a bit of pampering, and their Morgadinha restaurant is excellent.
The hotel is owned and managed by Senhor André Barreto and his ‘right-hand’ Rosie Borges. Their staff are all hand-picked and it really shows – their friendly service and attention to detail make Quintinha São João one of the most welcoming hotels on Madeira.
“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
Stay in our favourite seafront accommodation on Madeira and Porto Santo.
Relax on one of Portugal’s most peaceful and beautiful beaches.
Explore the magnificent landscapes of Madeira’s main island.
Head to sea on a whale and dolphin trip.
Abseil down the secluded canyons of the Lombo das Faias.
Our Madeira Beach Holiday is the perfect two-week summer break.
You’ll spend your first week on Madeira’s bustling main island: exploring the rugged mountain terrain and abseiling through secluded forest canyons.
Next, we’ll fly you to Madeira’s smaller neighbour Porto Santo for a lazy week on the beach. Porto Santo’s 9km long beach is one of Portugal’s best kept secrets – you don’t need to claim your spot on the sand at the crack of dawn because it never gets busy; there just aren’t enough people on the island to ever fill the beach.
We know accommodation is key to a great holiday and we’ll included some great places to stay. Not the big all-inclusive hotels – we prefer smaller, friendly hotels in beautiful locations, with spacious rooms and excellent local restaurants right on your doorstep. If you’d prefer to self-cater, we can personalise your holiday with stays at some of the islands’ best cottages and apartments.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or with friends, our Madeira Beach Holiday is one of the most memorable ways to experience these unique Atlantic islands.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Madeira.
Accommodation on this day: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Day 2
We’ll leave your first day free, so you can relax by the pool and explore Ponta do Sol.
Day 3
You’ll spend today exploring eastern Madeira with our resident guide, including visits to the miradouro at Pico do Ariero, the forest park at Ribeiro Frio, the Engenho do Norte rum distillery, and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula.
Day 4
Your hire car will be delivered, and you’ll head into Funchal; the capital city of Madeira. In the morning, you could take the Teleferico cable car up to the beautiful Monte Palace Gardens, before returning to the city riding the famous Carro de Cesto wicker taboggans. In the afternoon, you’ll head down to the local marina for a whale and dolphin watching trip.
Day 5
It’s a short drive along the coast to busy harbour town of Camara de Lobos – home to the island’s largest vineyards and banana plantations. The Cabo Girao miradouro close-by – where the famous glass skywalk extends out above one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs (580m).
Day 6
You’ll head north-east today, to the Lomba das Faias with our resident canyoning guide. You’ll follow a mountain stream through a narrow forest gulley as it winds its way down to the valley floor, abseiling down a series of waterfalls. Safety is paramount of course, and our guide will be with you every step of the way.
Day 7
One of our favourite drives takes you through the central mountains at Encumeada, over to the spectacular cliffs that dominate the landscape above the village of Seixal. It’s a short drive to Complexo Balnear de Porto Moniz: one of the best swimming spots on the island.
Day 8
You’ll return your hire car to the airport before flying to the island of Porto Santo.
Accommodation on this day: Torre Praia Hotel
Day 9
Porto Santo is all about the beach – your hotel’s pool and terrace lead you directly onto the sand, and you can spend the day swimming and soaking up some rays. The friendly beach-front pizzeria and the laid-back O Corsario bar will keep you fed and watered.
Day 10
Take a stroll into nearby Vila Baleiro – the largest town on the island. There’s a nice selection of shops and restaurants around Vila’s main square, and live music at the outdoor teatro and beach club.
Day 11
You might like to hire bikes or scooters: to ride to the Miradouro das Flores. From this southern-most tip of the island, you’ll see Porto Santo’s tiny neighbour the Ilheu da Cal, a protected nature reserve, and the moutains of north-east Maderia across the channel. There’s also a lovely view north along the whole length of Porto Santo.
Day 12
You could include a guided walk along the Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã trail, through the abandoned farmlands and terraces on the north coast of the island. At the preserved traditional house at Casa da Serra, you can learn more about on Porto Santo’s agricultural past and the farming communities that once sustained the island.
Day 13
Back on the beach, you could spend the day learning to windsurf or standup paddleboard.
Day 14
You’ll fly back to Madeira today, for a final afternoon and evening in Funchal. Many of our favourite restuarants are in the Zona Velha – the old town district which is a short, five-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
Day 15
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.
Torre Praia Hotel
With a lovely golden sandy beach on its doorstep, the Torre Praia Hotel on the island of Porto Santo is the ideal hotel for anyone looking for relaxation and sunshine.
The 66 rooms rooms all have a balconies, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, a safe and cable TV, and there’s free WiFi throughout the hotel. There are two restaurants – the Salinas has a traditional Portuguese menu and there’s a more relaxed beach-front pizzeria which is open throughout the day.
There’s an outdoor pool and sun terrace, which lead to the the real highlight of your stay: the 9km long beach which stretches from Ponta de Calheta to the hotel (and beyond). This isn’t your typical European beach: it doesn’t get busy as there just aren’t that many people on the island.
The centre of Porto Santo’s little capital Vila Baleira is a two-minute walk away – there’s a nice selection of shops, restaurants, cafébars with a lovely sociable atmosphere in the evenings.
Quintinha São João
Quintinha São João is a charming, family run hotel providing a relaxing escape from the bustle of downtown Funchal.
The hotel’s forty rooms are spacious and bright, and the décor is towards the more traditional Portuguese style: there are some lovely pieces of antique furniture and artwork dotted around the hotel. The hotel is a member of the “Quintas da Madeira” – an association working to preserve Madeira’s valuable heritage: specifically the beautiful 150-year-old manor house which sits within the grounds of the Quintinha São João, and is home to the Barreto Family (owners and builders of the hotel).
We particularly love their deluxe rooms, with balconies overlooking the gardens and the Vasco da Gama bar and terrace. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, extensive spa facilities for those days when you just want a bit of pampering, and their Morgadinha restaurant is excellent.
The hotel is owned and managed by Senhor André Barreto and his ‘right-hand’ Rosie Borges. Their staff are all hand-picked and it really shows – their friendly service and attention to detail make Quintinha São João one of the most welcoming hotels on Madeira.
“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.
