Welcome to Madeira, one of Portugal’s paradise-like islands that floats in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Africa. From the moment you step onto the shore, you’ll be welcomed by exotic colours, dramatic landscapes and all the outdoor activities you could ever dream of. And with a subtropical climate, year-round sunshine and gorgeous green spaces thrown in for good measure, what’s not to love?

Choose this sunny spot as your next holiday destination and you won’t be disappointed, whether you’re a Madeira maestro or it’s your first time on the island! Let’s take a look around…

The beaches

Small, secluded beaches and coves make up Madeira’s relatively untouched coastline with an ashy black volcanic sand, so they all have a unique feel to them. Canical Beach, AKA Prainha, is a little beach hideaway over on the east coast while Praia Formosa Beach’s promenade is the perfect place for a stroll.

Prefer a classic golden beach with a livelier atmosphere? Hop over to Praia de Machico where the powdery grains have been imported from Morocco to give it that traditional seaside feel. There’s a variety of water sports on offer here, as well as a handful of beach-backed bars and restaurants where you can grab snacks and drinks. Calheta Beach and Porto Santo Beach are also firm favourites for families.

Lidos are a big part of the sunbathing scene here too, so grab your towel, a good book and a pair of sunnies and settle down for a day in the rays. Funchal’s lido is ideal is you’re near the capital and fancy some laid-back lazing!

The cuisine

Hands up, who’s for a garlic-drizzled kebab and a glass of delicious Madeiran wine? Sounds good to us! Skewered kebabs, or espetadas, as they’re known over here, are cooked traditionally over hot coals to give them that rich, chargrilled flavour. Not to mention the freshly-netted fish and seafood and juicy, sun-ripened fruits.

Now, time for a tipple. Wine has been made on the island for thousands of years and thanks to its balmy climate, the grapes get all the sunshine they need to ripen perfectly to create a glass of something tasty. And if you’ve got any room let for pud, then a slice of local honey cake will go down a treat.

Madeiran honey cake, AKA bolo de mel, was originally just a cake to celebrate Christmas, but it’s now available in shops and on café menus all year round. It’s made with honey from local sugar cane alongside raisins, cinnamon or nutmeg, and a handful of other ingredients. It’s then topped with whole walnuts to add a little bit of crunch!

Top things to do

Where do we start? Whether you’re an all-out action-and-adventure type or you prefer to take things easy and explore at your own pace, Madeira has all sorts of top sights and attractions. Let’s begin in Funchal city, the island’s capital…

If you love wandering winding streets and uncovering every nook and cranny, then you’ll not want to miss the Old Town. Colourful street art covers doorways and crumbling walls while up above, you’ll see pretty balconies blanketed with blooming blossoms. Café-bars and restaurants are hidden around every corner and they make great pit-stops while you explore.

You can’t visit Madeira and not embark on a toboggan ride – it’s almost a rite of passage! Dating back to 1850, this unique mode of transport was created for the people of Monte to travel down to Funchal. Today, you can hop into one of the two or three-seater wicker sledges and the carreiros, two men directing the sledge, will whizz you to Livramento, halfway to the city centre, in only ten minutes! The journey takes you downhill and through winding streets for around 2km. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

If travelling in style is your thing, then you’ll also want to give the Monte cable car a whirl. As you glide high above the terracotta rooftops, be sure to snap photos of the lush green mountains as well as Funchal’s buzzy harbour .

Prefer to keep two feet firmly on the ground? Then why not head out on a levada walk? These water channels are dotted across the island and create pathways to explore Madeira’s countryside. The Pico Ruivo trail is a popular one, offering stunning views along the route towards the Pico Ruivo viewpoint, the highest point on the island, at a staggering 1,861 metres above sea level.

Shopping

There are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy here, from street markets selling cool souvenirs to high-end boutiques where you can splash out on designer items. Traditional Madeiran markets typically take place on weekends and, if you love the hustle and bustle of buyers and sellers among rows upon rows of market stalls, then these are not to be missed. Most towns and villages host these low-key markets, but you’ll find the more established ones in Funchal and Santa Cruz.

La Vie is the place to be if you want to splurge on high-street names and get out of the sun for a few hours. This supersized shopping mall is right at the heart of Funchal and has cafés and restaurants dotted between your fave branded shops.

Where to stay

Girassol Suite Hotel, Funchal

This four-star, central Funchal hotel is the ideal place to kick back, relax and soak up the rays. Make the most of luxurious Bali beds by the pool, before heading to the al fresco terrace for a spot of lunch.

Porto Santa Maria, Funchal

This award-winning, adults-only resort is in a prime plot, overlooking the glistening Atlantic. Spend days by the serene pool then hit Funchal Old Town for amazing food and live music.

Next at Savoy Signature, Funchal

Sitting pretty on the seafront, this sleek hotel has some fantastic features. Topping the list is the unique pool, which comes with an underwater sound system. Days by the pool never looked – or sounded – so good!

Pestana Grand Premium Ocean Resort, Funchal

Treat yourself to five stars of fabulousness at this grand complex in the cliffs of Ponta da Cruz. Think stunning sea views, excellent dining options at the four on-site restaurants and a free-form pool dotted with swaying palms.

Thinking of Madeira for your next getaway?