Quintas, Cliffs & Cataplanas

Your Madeiran escape begins in the island’s capital, Funchal. Long a crossroads for cultures from Africa and the Mediterranean, Funchal has a unique atmosphere which feels at once familiar and exotic. Your first three nights will be spent at Quinta da Casa Branca, a modern design hotel set in the beautiful surrounds of a colourful exotic garden.

Madeira is famous for gardens such as these, and one of the most famous – the Madeira Botanic Garden – is a must-visit during your time in Funchal. The garden sits on a hill overlooking the city, and is alive with vibrant parrots and parakeets flitting between exotic trees. Natural attractions aside, the city is also home to some stunning medieval architecture. The Se – the city’s cathedral – dates back to the 13th century, while the Santa Clara Convent is famous for the blue and white azulejo tiles which cover its walls. To get a feel for everyday life in Funchal, check out the Mercado dos Lavradores, where stalls spill over with tropical fruit and seafood fresh from the harbour.

The second leg of your journey sees you head to Santana on the northeast coast of Madeira. You’ll spend the second half of your trip here at the Quinta do Furao, a wine estate on a hilltop overlooking the town. Here you can savour the best of Madeira’s wine scene, which punches above its weight for an island of its size. Madeira produces four different varieties of wine, all of which you can sample at tastings in the estate’s cellar – similarly authentic Madeiran fare is on offer at the cosy restaurant, with bounty from land and sea cropping up in dishes such as oxtail ravioli and scabbardfish.

This corner of Madeira is perfect for exploring the island’s natural beauty. Boat trips are on offer to help you explore the inviting coves and inlets of the beautifully rugged coastline, with many species of dolphin and whale to be spotted. Inland, hikes through the countryside can be arranged, spotting native wildlife as you follow the ancient network of levada waterways, a type of aqueduct introduced by the Moors. The Rocha do Navio Natural Park, which the hotel overlooks, is an unspoilt region perfect for hiking – to get a different perspective, you can also soar above the park in a cable car.

After three nights of eating, drinking and exploration in Santana, your Madeiran adventure reaches its end, and you’ll transfer back to Funchal for your flight home.