Cheap Flights to Madeira with PLAY from CAD 299*

Madeira: Discover the Enchanting “Pearl of the Atlantic”

Immerse yourself in year-round sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, world-class wines, and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality on this subtropical island paradise.

Known officially as the Autonomous Region of Madeira, it is one of Portugal’s autonomous regions, the other one being Azores. The Madeira Islands is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean in a region referred to as Macronesia, which is just to the north of the Canary Islands and west of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Madeira’s capital is Funchal which is located on the main island’s south coast. Meanwhile, the archipelago’s other well known islands include Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas. Around half of region’s population resides in Funchal.

Initially uninhabited, sailors from Portugal claimed Madeira in 1419 and eventually settled there in 1420. The Madeira Islands is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period during the Age of Discovery.

Popular all year round as a resort destination for foreign and local tourists, Madeira is the most populous as well as densely populated out of all the Portuguese islands. This region has been widely favored for the Madeira wine as well as its flora and fauna, wherein its pre-historic laurel forest has been bestowed the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile Funchals’ main harbor continues to be a leading port in Portugal wherein many cruise ships docks. It is a very important stopover for Atlantic passenger cruises traveling between Europe, the Caribbean, as well as North Africa.

The Madeira Islands has two airports, the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (located in Madeira) and the Porto Santo Airport (located in Porto Santo). The Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport has most frequent flights to Lisbon as well as direct flight to over 30 airports all over Europe and other nearby islands. Going around Madeira involves various types of transportation from plane to ferries. Funchal has an extensive public transportation system. There are bus companies like the Horarios do Funchal, which interestingly, has been in operation for over a hundred years, that offer scheduled routes to all points of interest on the island.

An island of endless delights

Madeira or Madeira Islands is a captivating Portuguese archipelago nestled in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who are seeking an escape from the ordinary. Experience the island’s year-round spring-like climate where lush vegetation and colorful blooms paints a vibrant picture against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic cliffs and the deep blue ocean. Explore Funchal, Madeira’s charming capital where cobblestone streets, lively markets, and a picturesque harbor set the stage for an unforgettable island adventure.

Adventures above and below the waves

Hike along the scenic levadas, historic irrigation channels that wind through laurel forests and offer breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls. Embark on thrilling canyoning expeditions, rappelling down waterfalls, and exploring hidden gorges. Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Madeira, a haven for marine life, including dolphins, whales, and various colorful fish. Take a boat to the Desertas Islands, a nature reserves offering a glimpse of untouched landscapes and rare wildlife. For a touch of adrenaline, try paragliding over Madeira’s lush landscapes or ride a traditional wicker toboggan down the streets of Monte.

Culinary delights and cultural treasures

Savor the flavors of Madeira, where fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and the island’s famous fortified wine take center stage. Due to Madeira’s geographical location, the island has an abundance of various fish. Most commonly consumed types of fish in the island include, the espada, blue fin tuna, swordfish, white marlin, blue marlin, bigeye tuna, skipjack tuna and many more. These are then enjoyed through simple dishes like espada is usually battered and fried and enjoyed with a fried banana and some passionfruit sauce. Bacalhau is also a very popular local dish. If you do not like fish and seafood, Madeira also offers a lot of meat dishes, which includes the highly popular espetada. This local dish is traditionally made of large chunks of beef rubbed in garlic, salt, and bay leaf, then marinated in four to six hours in Madeira wine, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It is then skewered into bay laurel sticks and grilled over wood chips. Another traditional dish that you can enjoy in Madeira during the holidays is Carne de Vinho e Alhos, which is made of pork that has been marinated for three days in white wine, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and is then cooked with carrots, potatoes, and turnip. Picado is another meat dish that is cubed beef cooked in mushroom sauce and served with fries. Make sure to try other Madeira specialties like acorda, feijoada, carne de vinha d’alhos, malasadas, paestis de nata, milho frito and bolo de mel.

Explore traditional villages like Santana, known for its charming thatched-roof houses, and discover the rich history and heritage of Madeira. Visit the Madeira Wine Institute to learn about the island’s unique winemaking tradition and sample the distinctive flavors of Madeira wine. Indulge in the festive spirit of Madeira’s vibrant festivals, from the dazzling carnival celebrations to the enchanting Flower Festival during the spring season.

Natural wonders all around

Stand atop the Cabo Girao skywalk, a glass-floored platform offering heart-stopping views of the plunging cliffs and ocean below. Journey to the volcanic caves of Sao Vincente, a fascinating glimpse into Madeira’s geological past. Wander through the Laurissilva Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to ancient laurel trees and a unique ecosystem. Then relax on the black volcanic sands of Seixal beach or the stunning golden shores of Porto Santo Island, which is Madeira’s idyllic neighbor.

Your Madeira adventure awaits

Here’s what you know before you book your trip to Madeira:

Best time to visit: Madeira’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination, with spring and autumn offering optimal weather for outdoor adventures. It is important to note that Madeira has a very mild and moderate subtropical climate with Mediterranean summer droughts as well as winter rain. Various microclimates can be found at different elevations.

Getting around: Rent a car for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes or you may opt for public transportation like buses and taxis, which are also quite convenient.

Where to stay: Choose from luxurious resorts with stunning ocean views, charming quintas (traditional manor houses) nestled amid vineyards, or cozy guesthouses in picturesque villages.