A lush, green oasis in the Atlantic, Madeira dazzles with plenty to see and do. And as it’s a warm, year-round destination with its own microclimate, you can have your pick of which season you holiday there. Talk about a winner!

It’s a rugged place known for its leafy levada hiking trails, whale watching opportunities and vineyards, while golfers, museum-goers and flower fans will all be in their element too. Keen to uncover a different side and go off the beaten track? We’ve panned for hidden gems to give you the lowdown, so get comfy and read on.

Mother Nature’s canvas

Madeira’s all verdant vistas, so there are masses of viewpoints you can enjoy the scenery from. And believe us, it never fails to leave your jaw on the floor. So don’t forget your camera, but you’ll also want to don some ultra-comfy shoes – these spots are high up and require an uphill walk to reach! Whether you head north, south, east or west, you’ll have plenty of choice of far-as-the-eye-can-see lookouts. Santinha, Pico, Cabo Girão, Ponta da Rosto, Espigão and Pico do Arieiro are just a few of your gaze-worthy options. Plus, you could even opt for a sunrise experience at Ribeira da Janela.

Do go chasing waterfalls here – there are so many of them and they're among the long list of spellbinding nature. These cascading wonders are located all around the island, so you’re bound to come across one near where you’re staying. There’s a waterfall at the more famous Levada Nova, but lots of these trekking trails have them. Or for something a little different, how about a banana walking route in Madalena do Mar?

This tiny archipelago is also a famous grape-growing area that annually – usually at the end of summer – and dedicates a whole festival to its world-class wine. Madeira Wine Festival is hosted across wineries, streets and restaurants, showcasing the wide variety of its top-notch tipples. Planning a winter visit? Be sure to check out the New Year’s Eve fireworks show. It’s a sense-stirring spectacle featuring dazzling pyrotechnics and cutting-edge designs.

Resorts for all sorts

Nature might be a term synonymous with this island, but Madeira’s middle name has got to be ‘culture’ – and there’s stacks of it! You don't have to roam too far around many of the resorts to come across sprinklings of prized cultural marvels that aren’t the typical, touristy musts.

Santa Cruz is a nestled-away resort. Despite its coastal location, as it centres on a sheltered bay, you can go there for pebbly patches and a laidback vibe. Bliss. You might like the sound of leisurely exploring and boat-spotting in Camara de Lobos, trying out water sports or lounging on the volcanic-rock lido in Canico or making a quick visit to the little chapel in Calheta too. It’s all to play for.

We recommend: Praia de São Tiago or Foz da Ribeira do Faial if you fancy going swimming. They’re great, lesser-known spots for a dip.

Did you know? About two-thirds of Madeira is a protected area! Although it’s vast, there are plenty of little tucked-away treasures that you’ll stumble across.

Capitalise on Funchal

Named after the local word for ‘fennel’, Funchal has enjoyed official city status since way back in 1508! It’s a buzzy hub of colour-clad architecture, fascinating galleries and museums, and international restaurants that often come highly rated. You can catch almost any mode of transport there too, from unique wicker sledges to cable cars.

When it comes to the city’s parts that go under the radar, the painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria are an enchanting start. If picturesque is the name of your sightseeing game, there’s Casa de Santana snuggled within the botanical gardens, the old walls pirates were watched from and a hat factory, all at your fingertips. How’s that for a medley?

Don’t miss: Town Hall Square at sunset, where you can snap those all-important pics in the glowing amber and apricot hues. It doesn’t get much more Instagram-worthy than that.

Wining and dining

Upmarket cuisine, farm-to-fork dishes, seafood specialities... there really is everything on the menu here, and it’s all fresh as a daisy! Traditional recipes have been honed over centuries, while various restaurants in Funchal come with bragging rights to well-deserved Michelin stars. But when you’re spoilt for choice, where do you start?

Black scabbardfish, often served with grilled banana, may not be the most photogenic fare, but it’s a Madeiran mainstay and one worth sampling. Limpets and oysters are fab for fish fiends too, but the meat eaters should make a beeline for espetada, skewered beef. Passionfruit, tangerines, lemons and more can be found among the fruit in local markets. Sweet tooth? Lots of puddings are made with honey!

Different varieties of wine are produced here, but it’s the rich dessert wine that’s top of the drops. But that’s not all – thanks to its sugar cane plantations, Madeira is also renowned for its spirits. Rum is big business and you’ll be able to try it neat, or even mixed into cocktail-style drinks such as the citrusy poncha. And there are a few specialist bars dotted around for these drinks. Prefer a pint? Hit the Beerhouse in Funchal for drinks in a cruise-ship dock setting.

Top tips: How about sitting down to decadence? An afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace promises dainty cakes and sandwiches, fizz if you’d like, and 24 different types of tea. Fancy! Or if you’re particularly up for trying Madeira’s must-sips, a vineyard tour is a cracking way to do it.

If days of discovery are calling, it’s time to experience Madeira...