Lush and leafy, the Portuguese paradise of Madeira offers a slice of island life that’ll have you coming back for seconds. It’s rich in forested walkways, epic hillside vistas and characterful towns.

When it boils down to deciding where to stay on your Madeira holiday, there’s a vast choice available. Whether you fancy a warm winter abroad or want nothing but sizzling summer sunshine, you’re sure to find a great getaway to one of these Madeiran resorts.

Funchal

Fabulous Funchal is Madeira’s cool and collected capital. It’s the ultimate springboard for exploring more of the island, but it has a cosmopolitan vibe that positions it as a holiday-come-city break too. Historical squares, blossoming botanical gardens and surrounding mountains give the place its appeal. Dig beneath the surface and you’ll soon see that chic shops, fascinating museums and superb seafood restaurants are also part of the furniture. This is certainly the resort for you if you’re into a bit of everything, with an old-meets-new twist.

Calheta

If beaches are top of your Madeira holiday list, Calheta is a stellar choice. Right on the south-west coast, its golden grains, smooth pebbles and gently shelving waves are nothing but inviting. Spend morning, afternoon and evening here if you fancy, though you could combine lazy days with days of discovery. After all, national parks and sugar cane mills are tucked just behind, waiting to be uncovered.

Canico

Bit of a thrill seeker? Adventurous types will be in their element in Canico. It’s an enchanting east coast resort that’s made for walking and water sports. There’s a volcanic-rock lido there too, which is well worth checking out. Set off on foot to roam around the laurissilva forests and levadas, then pitch up at a dinky seafood restaurant and sample the catch of the day. Why not wash it down with a glass of sweet Madeiran wine? You’ll have earned it.

Machico

Madeira holidays don’t have to be all go, go, go. If you’re looking to base yourself somewhere laid-back, the slow pace of Machico could be right up your street. The history books have this town down as the site of the first settlement on the island, which harks back to the 1400s! Potter around the seafront, resort centre or up in the rich greenery – whatever floats your boat. And speaking of, the gleaming Atlantic will be just ahead. Machico is also known for its cultural must-visits and local dancing!

Ribeira Brava

Follow the tiered carpets of greenery down the hillside and there’s Ribeira Brava. Its list of things to see and do might be modest compared to the capital, but it means you can tick everything off at a leisurely rate. We’re talking valley walks, seafront chill-outs and town hall visits. And with a cluster of pavement cafés and traditional eateries, mealtimes are a joy here as well. The pièce de résistance? Whale and dolphin-watching trips that run from here!

Got your eye on somewhere to stay on a Madeira holiday? Go on – put the wheels in motion today and start planning a trip to remember!