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Madeira holidays

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About Madeira
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Think outdoorsy experiences with a few cultural twists and you’ll be right on the money with holidays to Madeira. Visit this lush little year-round island and you’ll fall in love with its sub-tropical climate, botanical gardens and beautiful levadas (water channels). Its mighty mountain landscape is made for all sorts of sports both on and off dry land, although there are a fair few laidback lidos when it’s time for taking it easy. But let’s talk food and drink. Dishes like garlic-basted espetada kebabs, honey cake, fiery poncha and sweet malmsey wine are local legends, so be sure to tuck in. Fancy afternoon tea, chic bars and boutique shopping? The colourful capital, Funchal, delivers on that front. Look out for quirky British heritage, in a nod to the island’s past. Over in the resort of Canico, a real haven for hikers unfolds through the dramatic coastline and hillside trails. You’ve also got Madeira’s marine reserve, Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau, right on your doorstep, so look out for the fascinating wildlife. More of a beach bum? You might be best suited to Calheta, where shimmering waters sit alongside two manmade beaches, with soft sands imported from Morocco. It won’t be hard to find a spot to lay down your towel on there! Once you’re all chilled out, how about making the most of the great water sports options? We reckon you’re ready to experience Madeira's magic...
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Popular Madeira Holiday Resorts
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Featured accommodation
Hotel ID
70146
Hotel ID
70150
Hotel ID
68623
Destination Page
https://main--jet2holidays-portugal--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/portugal/madeira

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+0hr

Local beer

£2.10

Meal for two

£42.70

Average flight time

4hrs

Pools and sea

Madeira is famous for its lidos, or outdoor pools, and you’ll find them at Funchal and Caniço. Calheta, meanwhile, offers two man-made golden-sand beaches with stunning mountain views to rival them all. And Machico is home to a lovely beach made from glorious grains imported all the way from the western Sahara.

Get active

The sapphire waters around the island are great for surfing, scuba diving and big-game fishing. If you’re searching for something breathtaking, take a boat out to watch the whales and dolphins – there are about 20 species swimming in these waters! On dry land, it’s all about leafy levada walks that’ll make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.

Festivals and festive spirit

Embrace buzzy atmospheres and the party spirit with Madeira’s calendar of events. All year round, there are events and fiestas going on. During May, one of the world’s biggest and best flower festivals brightens the island with parades, markets and exhibitions. And during the festive season, Funchal’s twinkling with extravagant lights and New Year’s Eve marks a night of spectacular fireworks.

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Madeira resorts

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https://main--jet2holidays-portugal--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/portugal/madeira#tabs|main:resorts
Destination Page
https://main--jet2holidays-portugal--jet2-plc.aem.page/destinations/portugal/madeira
Resorts

Beaches

Madeira is dotted with small, secluded beaches made from natural volcanic sand, so they’re all pretty unique. There’s a peaceful spot 25 minutes’ drive from Funchal and, over in Machico, the island’s second-biggest town, you’ll discover a golden-sand stretch that’s great for kids. Just pick a place!
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Sights

The island’s famous for its flowers. You’ll find out why at the Botanical Gardens in Funchal. These sit right on a hillside, so you’ll also get some unbeatable views of the city. But if you want pure and simple culture, there are many museums, galleries and monasteries to explore.
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Activities

The natural lava pools in Porto Moniz are a natural phenomenon you won’t find elsewhere. Take a swim and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Madeira’s levada walks are the real hillside heroes of this archipelago, while whale and dolphin watching is every bit as jaw-dropping as you’d imagine.
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Eating and drinking (beaches)

You’ll find bolo do caco – a type of bread served warm with garlic butter and parsley – on pretty much every menu. And you can’t go home without trying some of the world-famous Madeira wine, with its smooth, sweet notes. Tuck into catch of the day as you drink in stunning coastal views.
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Shopping (beaches)

Funchal has plenty of charming boutiques selling local handicrafts, but there are major malls across the resorts of Madeira. Browse your favourite high street stores, or even opt for a more hands-on shopping experience. The local markets are great for picking up a few bargains and souvenirs.
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Discover Madeira
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