Safe, easy to reach winter sun destination with excellent activities and accommodation options
- Outdoor activities and access to stunning scenery for all levels and ages
- Plethora of great accommodation options, many currently offering irresistible deals
- *Currently on the UK travel corridor* – Hailed as one of the safest places in Europe to travel during Covid-19 – an island in the Atlantic with relatively low transit and visitor numbers and an outstanding response to Covid-19
- Sub-tropical with all year-round warmth – an excellent winter sun option
- Short-haul, 3.5 hour direct flight from London but with scenery akin to far flung, tropical destinations
- Winner of Best Island Destination in Europe (World Travel Awards) six times
When it comes to family travel options for those who love the outdoors, Madeira over delivers. It is safe, easy to reach and get around, has year-round warmth, excellent accommodation and offers great value for money.
Furthermore, this volcanic Portuguese outpost has some of the most breath-taking natural beauty and lush landscapes in Europe. Unlike many other places, this dramatic and rugged terrain that can be easily enjoyed and accessed by little ones too thanks to the outstanding infrastructure there.
Outdoor adventures for all ages:
Highlights include:
- Mountain views – it is possible to drive up to Madeira’s second highest peak, Pico de Arieiro (1818m), in just 30 minutes from the capital city Funchal (at sea level).
- Natural lava pools – a unique experience that can be enjoyed all year round, giving the feeling of swimming in the Atlantic, but a more gentle and safe alternative.
- Dolphin and Whale watching – due to the mid-Atlantic position and deep waters surrounding this volcanic archipelago, Madeira is one of the best places in Europe to spot cetaceans.
- Levada walks – following the well-marked ancient irrigation channels dotted across the island, it is possible to walk on flat terrain amidst rugged peaks with little ones in tow.
- Hidden beaches by cable car – there are seven cable cars around the island, some taking visitors to beautiful beaches set against dramatic clifftops, otherwise not possible to reach, such as Faja dos Padres (with a restaurant featured in Conde Nast Traveller) and Garajau Beach, near Funchal.
- Jeep Safaris – offering the chance to explore otherwise inaccessible parts of the island, this is a must-do activity.
- 9km of unspoilt sandy beach – the island of Porto Santo, referred to as Little Paradise, is two hours by ferry or a short plane ride from the main island.
Family friendly accommodation, offering excellent value for money:
For an island of its size, the choice of accommodation is second-to-none.
There are ample offerings in Funchal, from boutique hotels, such as Castanheiro, currently offering rooms from £72 per night, to beautiful sea-side resorts, such as Savoy Palace, offering a winter sale for bookings until the end of October with up to 29% off.
On the striking north coast near Santana sits Quinta do Furao, right on the cliffs amidst vines producing delicious Madeira wine. They are currently offering 25% off rooms, starting at 83 Euros a night.
On the south-west coast around Calheta, Quinta das Vinhas, a stunning restored country house is offering 7 nights for the price of 6, with rooms starting from 83 Euros a night, and Design Hotels member Hotel Ponta do Sol is offering discounted rates on rooms from £106 a night.
Response to Covid-19:
Madeira and Porto Santo fully re-opened to international travellers on 1st July. To ensure security for both tourists and residents, all people travelling to the islands have to either present a negative test done within 72 hours prior to departure or be tested upon arrival, without any costs – Covid-19 tests on arrival will be paid for by the Madeira Government.
Madeira Islands are focused on positioning as a Covid-safe destination and are working with SGS, the world leader in certification, to ensure good practice across the destination to minimise risk in the wake of Covid-19. The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Madeira was a pioneer in the whole of Portugal in developing a good practices document to deal with Covid-19. These measures will provide comfort to those who travel and it is ultimately for the wellbeing of all.
At present Madeira has very few registered cases of Covid-19 and no deaths.