Few places on earth can rival Madeira’s wealth of natural gifts and beauty. The subtropical climate is welcoming and warm.

The blossoming orchids, bougainvillea, birds of paradise and jacaranda compete with flowering trees to add spectacular bursts of colour to a fragrant Madeiran landscape where windswept mountain peaks, soaring cliffs and emerald valleys are framed by stunning coastal views.

A Colourful Garden Paradise

Madeira in bloom is a colourful garden paradise and heaven for anyone who enjoys being outside. And once outside there’s so much to see and do. Whether your taste runs to gentle walks or more serious hiking, walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy some of the finest countryside in the world. Youthful and adventurous travellers might like to choose between climbing, diving and horse-riding. The sporting can play a round of golf, indulge a passion for surfing or tackle some deep-sea fishing. Those whose idea of a perfect holiday is to relax, unwind and enjoy the best of life might prefer a selection of spa treatments, an elegant afternoon tea, a black tie dinner and all the fine wining and dining that the island’s world-class hotels can offer.

Fresh, Locally Grown Food

With a ready supply of superb fish, locally grown vegetables and no end of tasty fresh fruit, it’s easy to eat healthily and heartily in Madeira. For main courses the most popular fish of many is the locally caught espada, scabbard fish. The white, soft and succulent flesh served with banana or lemon is an inescapable feature of island cuisine. For dessert it has to be the local bolo de mel, Madeira honeycake which is dark, delicious, squidgey and actually made from molasses.

Fine Wines

And, of course, one of the great treats of eating in Madeira is the chance to sample some fine wines. There are four types of Madeira, each named after the grape that gives each wine its distinctive flavour.

Madeira’s enduring appeal is an absence of man-made attractions and an abundance of natural ones. It is the perfect holiday destination for those seeking recreation or relaxation. The people are refreshingly hospitable, friendly and justifiably proud of their island’s scenic beauty.

Similarly, Classic Collection Holidays is proud to feature Madeira as its flagship destination.

Need to know

Where is it?

Madeira is the closest subtropical island to northern Europe. Lying 350 miles to the west of Morocco and 600 miles south west of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, it’s just under 4 hours flying time from UK airports.

When to go?

Madeira’s mild climate ensures good weather whenever you choose to go although with the lush green landscapes and mountainous terrain, you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round. Spring and early summer is a good time to see the island in bloom. Autumn is a good time to escape chilly northern Europe. During Christmas and New Year the climate is warm and Funchal is lit up quite spectacularly with Christmas lights and fireworks.  

Contact us to get your own unique taste of Madeira here