Discover Madeira: Lush Landscapes & Coastal Wonders
Madeira: A Journey Through Nature, History & Beauty
This 8 day trip allows you to capture Madeira's natural beauty, cultural richness and adventure opportunities, making it a must-visit destination. From adventures on land and water to the wonderful wines and gastronomy you will return delighted by what Madeira has to offer and keen to return.
Your holiday includes
- International flights (if selected)
- Transfers
- Spice Escapes host
- 7 nights in 4 star accommodation (local rating)
- English speaking guide on tours
- Entrance fees and wine visit/taste
- Service charge on all restaurants
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
Your holiday extras
- Personal travel insurance
- Single supplement if selected
- Some meals & drinks
- Personal extras
The ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ has something for everyone, with a year round perfect climate it’s the ideal location at any time of year and its scenery is bound to make you catch your breath. Dramatic cliffs, soaring volcanic peaks, beautiful beaches and lush forests present contrast and delight at every turn.
Friendly, safe and welcoming, Madeira is home to many vibrant traditions, including traditional music and winemaking and charming villages with iconic houses like Santana. It offers adventure, relaxation and accessible luxury, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and is easy to get to. What’s not to like?!
Location & Itinerary
Provisional Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Madeira and transfer to hotel
Day 2 - Santana – East Tour – 0900-1700
The charming east corner of the island contrasts with the West. Head up inland to the highest accessible peak on the island, Pico do Arieiro (weather permitting), to admire the stunning scenery. We continue through the endemic Laurissilva forest, a Nature World Heritage Site, to Ribeiro Frio, with its ever fresh water and lush countryside, before arriving at Santana town, home to the remaining triangular shaped thatched roof houses.
Enjoy lunch at Quinta do Furão, surrounded by vineyards, delighting at the serenity of the East. In the afternoon, drive past Porto da Cruz with its bay tucked into the eastern flank of Penha d’Águia, the Eagle Rock, and Machico town.
Meals: B & L
Day 3 - Porto Moniz – West Tour 0900-1700
This is the most popular day out, taking in the whole of the western side of this island, the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery. Pass by the picturesque fishing town of Câmara de Lobos, visit the viewpoint (Skywalk) at Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world (580m). Travel inland across the mysterious plateau of Paúl da Serra to Porto Moniz with its natural volcanic rock pools, where we have lunch by the sea. Our journey continues to São Vicente, a pretty mountain village, along the northwestern coastal road where waterfalls cascade down the rockface into the deep blue ocean.
Meals: B
Day 4 - Funchal City Tour – 0900-1700
An excellent introduction to the island’s capital Funchal. We start with a stroll through the hustle and bustle of the Farmers Market. Discover the display of sub-tropical fruits (fruit tasting included), vegetables, flowers and fish. We ride up by cable car (15min) to Monte, a village in the suburbs of Funchal with lush vegetation and the two-spired church of Our Lady of Monte. Monte is home to the well known wicker toboggans. You may experience a 10 minute ride in this unique means of transport (optional extra € 17,50 pp), powered by two ‘carreiros’ or sledge drivers, should there not be any long queues (waiting time).
On our way back to Funchal, we will enjoy a taste of Madeira Wine at a Traditional Wine Lodge before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. Housed in a 16th-century palace, the former Bishop Palace, and founded in 1594 by Dom Luís Figueiredo de Lemos, the Sacred Art Museum is one of the oldest museums in Funchal. Two main groups emerge from this
universe of works: Portuguese Art and Flemish Art. In the latter, it is important to highlight the quality of the paintings, whose large dimensions are uncommon in European museums.
Meals: B & L
Day 5 - Free day to explore and enjoy at leisure
Meals: B
Day 6 - Catamaran Trip – Dolphin And Whale Watching + Lunch In Town 0930 - 1430
Madeira Island is one of the best locations in the world for dolphin and whale watching in their natural habitat. Let us take you there! If you enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and would like to see the Madeiran coast from a different angle , we invite you to go on a 3 hour boat trip. The Catamaran departs from the Marina of Funchal, and heads towards Cabo Girão, passing by the impressive south coastline and the bay of the fishing town, Câmara de obos.
Weather permitting, you may enjoy a stop for a quick swim. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant next to the Funchal Marina and stay at leisure in the centre of the town.
Traditional Fish Restaurant in Câmara de Lobos Fishing Village 1900 - 2200
This restaurant uses fresh (day's catch) fish. It is prepared in the simplest form (with rock salt and a little olive oil), and grilled over the open fire embers, with a finishing touch of infused olive oil (the house secret recipe). In addition, the Restaurant offers a restricted number of house specialities, such as shellfish rice, octopus rice, bouillabaisse, a selection of Cataplanas and other Madeiran dishes.
Meals: B, L & D
Day 7 - LEVADA WALK – LEVADA DO ALECRIM 0900 - 1300
Starting at Rabaçal, this trail follows the Levada do Alecrim, at an altitude of 1300 metres, until it reaches its spring at Ribeira do Lajeado. It is 3.5 km (one way) full of cinematographic sceneries in close proximity to Nature. With an estimated duration of 2:30 hours, and considered an easy trail, Levada do Alecrim offers wide views over theRabaçal valley and Ribeira da Janela. The characteristic density of the Laurissilva forest, aUNESCO World Heritage Site, shows its imposing shades of green. In addition, you will find here some heather tunnels which offer unique surroundings to the walking experience. The biggest surprise, however, is reserved for when you arrive at the spring of Levada do Alecrim, a 'levada' built to supply the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Calheta,where you can refresh yourself at the 'Dona Beja' lake, which feeds the Lagoa do Vento waterfall.
Traditional Madeiran Restaurant – O Lagar 1900-2230
An informal evening spent in one of the local restaurants. Enjoy the ‘Espetada’, a regional dish made in an open kitchen. The delicious grilled chunks of beef marinated in garlic, bay leaves and salt are served on a 3ft skewer. Side dishes include salad and ‘milho frito’ – another regional delicacy made of cooked cornmeal, left to cool down and firm up on a flat-bottomed dish, cut into small cubes and fried.
Meals: B & D
Day 8 - Transfer to airport and return home
Meals: B
Travel & Stay
Your Accommodation
The Turim Santa Maria Hotel, recently opened in Funchal, Madeira, offers 92 rooms with stunning views of the island's natural beauty. Guests can enjoy four distinct dining and bar spaces within the hotel, including two located on the rooftop, which also features an outdoor swimming pool. Situated in the modern, cosmopolitan city of Funchal, the hotel is nestled amidst banana plantations and vibrant gardens, providing a serene atmosphere. Funchal itself is known for its rejuvenated ambiance, offering a blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife.
Provisional Flight Information
11/07/2026 London Gatwick to Madeira Dep: 1610 Arr: 2000
18/05/2026 Madeira to London Gatwick Dep: 2050 Arr: 0035 (+1)
11/07/2026 Manchester to Madeira Dep: 1555 Arr: 1955
18/07/2026 Madeira to Manchester Dep: 2050 Arr: 0045 (+1)
Checked in luggage allowance 22kg
Availability & Pricing
Build Your Quote| Flights | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Own Flight without Transfers | £1935.00 | Available |
| London Gatwick | £2335.00 | Available |
| Manchester | £2385.00 | Available |
| Discover Madeira: Lush Landscapes & Coastal Wonders - Accommodation | Price | |
| Place in a double room (must be for 2) | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a twin share room | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a single room | £699.00 | Available |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a number of European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport (and other documents if required) and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk. For an instant online quotation please click here.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).
UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.
Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.
NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!.
The latest FCO travel guidance for Portugal
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
Host & Everything Else
Madeira Weather in July
July is one of the sunniest and warmest months in Madeira, making it an excellent time to visit. Average daytime temperatures sit around 24–26°C, while evenings remain pleasantly mild at 18–20°C. The island benefits from its subtropical climate, so although it’s summer, the heat is never extreme thanks to the cooling Atlantic breezes.
Rainfall is very low in July, with most days being dry and bright, and the island enjoys plenty of sunshine hours. The sea temperature hovers around 22–23°C, making it comfortable for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities.
In the higher mountains, temperatures can feel cooler, especially in the evenings, so packing a light layer is recommended if you plan on walking or exploring the peaks.
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