For centuries, the island of Madeira has been renowned as an excellent tourist destination. This Portuguese autonomous region has been synonymous with fun, relaxation, and brilliant vacations since the tail end of the 18th century. From natural beauty to top gastronomy, this subtropical island has it all. If you're planning to visit, be sure to check out our itinerary: there are tips for hiking lovers, for the more adventurous gastronomes, and for those who simply want to make the most of the sun and the sea.
Day 1: For Nature Lovers
Morning
The day begins surrounded by greenery. At Quinta da Casa Branca in Funchal, you only have to open the window to smell the aroma of the gardens surrounding this boutique hotel, which grew out of a farm founded in the mid-19th century by the Leacock family, the ancestors of the current owners, whose lineage is named after John Leacock, one of the pioneers of the Madeira wine trade to the United Kingdom. Within the estate's six hectares, you'll find: a more modern building, where most of the rooms are located; a mansion with five new suites; and another villa built in the 19th century, the old family home. Regardless of where you stay, you'll always have the estate's lush gardens just a few meters away, as well as a two-hectare banana plantation which makes an ideal place for a morning stroll.If you don't mind waking up a little earlier to go on an adventure, heading to Pico do Areeiro in the early hours of the morning could be the ideal option: this is one of the highest points on the island and the ideal place to see an impressive sunrise. When you get here (there are several companies with organized tours, but if you have a car and GPS you can get there easily yourself), soak up the beauty as you cross the trail that winds around this geological formation.
Quinta da Casa Branca and the nature that surrounds it
Lunch
On your way back to Funchal, you can stop by at Horta, a relaxed restaurant where vegetables take center stage. Serving light meals where plant produce is the star (although some meat and fish dishes are also on the menu), it could be the ideal option to recharge your batteries. Try the hummus of roasted peppers with carrots or the fillet of swordfish with mussel nage. If you're craving something more traditional, Casal da Penha (which holds a Bib Gourmand) is an elegant classic where there's no shortage of traditional snacks, such as grilled squid with olive oil and garlic or the iconic grilled limpets, and main courses, like Madeiran-style tuna steak or regional kebab.If you're looking for a digestif, skip the whiskies, liqueurs, or cognac; in Madeira people drink poncha before, after, or outside of meals, a traditional mixture of sugar cane spirit, lemon, and honey. It's very easy to find this cocktail all over the island, but if you're in the downtown area of Funchal, Rei da Poncha might be a good option.
At Horta, vegetables are the stars of the show (© Henrique Seruca)
Afternoon
One of Madeira's greatest assets is its subtropical climate. The chances of enjoying spectacular days of sunshine and warmth when you visit are therefore very high. So it makes sense to capitalize on this and enjoy it to the full. If you don't want to stray too far from the Funchal area, you can have a good bathing experience either at the Lido Bathing Complex, which is right on the coast and has a supervised saltwater pool and direct access to the sea, or at the Barreirinha Bathing Complex, which is very similar, although smaller.However, if you're willing to drive a few kilometers to the other end of the island, the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz are not to be missed. Madeira's volcanic origin has endowed this coastal area to the north of Funchal with a series of small saltwater coves, which are constantly being renewed thanks to the natural movement of the tides, and are sheltered enough from the waves to offer peaceful bathing.
The blue of these natural pools is one of their hallmarks (© GettyImages)
Dinner
The best way to end a long day is, of course, by eating well, and there's no shortage of options for that. Make sure you have a drink first, though, on a spacious terrace overlooking the sea where you can watch the sunset. Such a terrace is located in the Villa Cipriani restaurant, a must-visit on the island of Madeira, where you'll find authentic Italian dishes made with the best local ingredients. On the menu are delicious suggestions such as: cod with tomato confit, parsley oil, and polenta crunch; fresh pasta tagliolini with lobster and seafood bisque; or steak with creamy potatoes, mushrooms, and black truffle.Another option is the iconic Il Gallo d'Oro, which not only has Two MICHELIN Stars, but also a Green Star. Led by Chef Benoît Sinthon, this elegant and creative place offers pure fine dining. There's no resisting the tasting menu, where the essence of the island is presented in edible form. Ingredients such as bananas, passion fruit, espada, and many, many more are brought together in a harmonious and, of course, delicious way.
Creativity and a respect for local produce make the food at Il Gallo d'Oro shine
With a full belly and a full soul, you'll find the comfort and sophistication of the Reid's Palace hotel one of the ideal places to rest, and you'll be able to boast of sleeping in the same place where Winston Churchill spent his vacations. This authentic Madeiran icon has more than a century of history and is capable of offering a real journey through time, thanks to the various spaces that still retain many elements of their original decoration, although several rooms and other common areas have already been updated to suit contemporary tastes.
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Day 2: A Foodie's Paradise
Morning
If you've spent the night at the charming Reid's Palace, you can start the day with a dreamy breakfast by the pool, with the sea on the horizon, before setting off in search of Madeira's delicacies. One of these can be found at the Fábrica de Santo António, the island's first cookie factory, which was founded in 1893. Today, its treats are still unmissable, but Madeira's famous honey cake is also well worth a try.Contrary to popular belief, Madeira isn't just known for its wine or even for its bananas; sugar, once known as 'white gold', is also one of the island's biggest exports. In Calheta, you'll find the Museu e Engenho da Cana-de-Açúcar, located in an old sugar cane factory. Here, you can learn all about how sugar cane is transformed into honey or sugar cane brandy, two regional products with huge national and international recognition.
The rooms at Reid's Palace have a timeless charm
Lunch
Now that you've got your sugar levels up, take a trip to Câmara de Lobos and don't miss the opportunity to visit Vila do Peixe, a fabulous operation with a Bib Gourmand, which not only has an incredible view of the sea, but is also one of the best places around here to eat fresh fish. As if you were at the market, go to the fish stall, choose the pieces you want and then sit back and wait for them to be served.An alternative, now closer to the center of Funchal, is Avista, which also has a Bib Gourmand. This 'little brother' of Il Gallo d'Oro, also led by Chef Benoît Sinthon, provides a culinary offering focused on the richness of the Mediterranean tradition, but in an informal setting, with dishes designed for sharing. You'll find options such as celery ball and green apple mille-feuille, beef tartare, or black scabbard fillets.
Avista is an interesting and relaxed restaurant in the center of Funchal (© Henrique Seruca)
Afternoon
Still in Câmara de Lobos, you'll find the Barbeito winery, one of the most iconic producers of Madeira wine. Founded in 1946 by Mário Barbeito de Vasconcelos, this business is still run by the same family and it is right here at its headquarters that you will be able not only to learn about the detailed history of the brand, but that of Madeira wine in general. There are various types of tastings you can do, some of which even include visits to the more technical part of the winery. If you're looking for something more central, in the Funchal area, head to Blandy's Wine Lodge, an authentic wine oasis created by one of Madeira's oldest brands. Here, you'll be able to do all kinds of tastings and take a trip back in time to understand the history of the drink. If you still have room in your stomach for a little snack before dinner, stop by Armazém do Sal, an elegant place with a strong connection to the traditional flavors of the region, where you can try a simple veal tartare.
The outdoor tables at Armazém do Sal (© Ricardo Meira)
Dinner
A day dedicated to the pleasures of the table could only end on a high note, and that's why we have to highlight a pair of MICHELIN-Starred options that are a must-visit. On the one hand, there's Desarma, one of Portugal's most recent MICHELIN Stars, located in Funchal and headed by Chef Octávio Freitas. With a strong focus on local flavors, be they fish, meat, seafood, or even cheeses and flours, this is one of the most popular places in the city and well worth a visit. Another option is William, which is a little more classical, but with an equal focus on the region's gastronomic traditions, presented here with a solid blend of elegance and creativity.
Chef Octávio Freitas' dishes always look spectacular (© Desarma/Tiago Maya)
Whatever you decide to do for dinner, the rest of the evening should be spent at the imposing Saccharum Resort. This hotel development stands out for its sophisticated image, thanks in no small part to the distinctive style of Nini Andrade Silva, the interior designer and decorator who helped create this space. With a full belly and another poncha to help you end the day, rest in the sophisticated and comfortable rooms with a clear conscience: you've experienced (and eaten) the best of Madeira.
The Saccharum Resort was decorated by Nini Andrade Silva
Hero Image: Views of the coastline of the island of Madeira (© Gettyimages)
