Use this guide to help plan your trip to the island of Madeira in style. Unique stays, gourmet restaurants, and what to do for the perfect excursion to the Hawaii of Europe. This isn’t your average guide, I took the time to research some off the beaten path activities, hotels/villas and restaurants. The ultimate guide to the island!

Details:
-12 special and unique hotels/villas
- 12 nature recommendations & hidden gems
- 20 Restaurants and culinary experiences 

Guide to Madeira - Hotels, Restaurants, To Do

📍Terrabona Nature & Vineyards - Wine Country & Wellness Retreat

Located just above Funchal, this old hunting lodge was built in 1804 and was renovated into a hotel in 1997. The hotel features a beautiful pool, spa, gardens, golf course access, and afternoon tea service. It’s a Relais & Châteaux property, so the service is unmatched. 

📍Castanheiro Boutique Hotel - located in a prime location of historical Funchal, and a quiet area. The outdoor rooftop pool offers great views of the city and ocean. 

Famous for its white wine, and located in the  Laurissilva Forest which is a UNESCO world heritage site, the villas are absolutely incredible. Each one is unique and intentional, and opened in June 2023. The property was an abandoned vineyard, which was recovered and produced its first wine in 2017. 

📍The Reserve - Leading Hotels of the World

located on top of a cliff in Santana - a stunning 5 hectare property with organic grown vegetables, vines and herbs. They produce their own wine, and grow plants indigenous to the island. The suite boasts a beautiful bathtub with views of the sea, mountain and gardens. The restaurant here is incredible and can’t be missed with views of the sea and mountains. 

A Belmond Hotel located in Funchal and the most iconic hotel on the island. It’s doors first opened in 1821, and hosted some of the most prestigious guests. It was the dream of William Reid, where it gets it’s name, for being an escape from the cold winters in Northern Europe. It has 4 restaurants and afternoon tea service, ocean access and outdoor pools, a spa, and tennis courts. The rooms are opulent and the hotel is pet friendly. 

If you love architecture and design, you’ll love this hotel. Located in Calheta about 45 minutes from the airport, this hotel has 3 restaurants and a stunning infinity pool. They have a full wet spa and gym. ✅ breakfast included

Located in uptown Funchal, this hotel has personalized service and gorgeous views of the sea. They offer pool suites, and deluxe suites with a deep soaking tub. It has two restaurants, the Jacarandà club and Nikkei, a unique Asian experience. They offer afternoon tea service, an array of experiences to choose from, and the Laurea spa. 

This sustainable 4 star hotel is one of the most unique stays on the island, each house is different and possesses a unique feature. Casa da Cascata is right next to a waterfall, Casa da Gruta being inside a cave, Casa da Palha being a former straw warehouse and they offer more accommodations that are harmonious with nature. This stay is affordable and quaint, but one of a kind. Socalco is dedicated to their sustainability project, and the Razão Restaurante produces exclusive dishes created with ingredients from the region. Fish from their coast, herbs and vegetables from their garden and there is no fixed menu, but they offer a surprise experience. This once of a kind restaurant and stay is a must in Calheta. 

📍Fanal Forest - UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is at the top of my list and an absolute must visit while you’re on the island. It feels like you just stepped into the Lord of the Rings. The mysterious fog engulfs the surroundings creating an eery feeling that is otherworldly. There are cows that naturally roam the forest, and it’s truly a Photographers playground. If you want more mist, go in the early morning. It’s hard to predict since it’s so high up but the wind moves fast, clearing out one minute then being completely foggy the next. Sunset is another great time to visit, as well as night. This ethereal forest was one of my all time favorite places I’ve ever been to, it is truly special. 

📍Ponta de Sao Lourenço Hike in Caniçal

Natural swimming pool with a bar and food, with gorgeous views of the cliffs and the ocean. You can cliff jump here. I would go here over the Porto moniz swimming pools which were more crowded and commercial. 

A small village located in the crater of an extinct volcano, and a 16th century Santa Clara Convent where the nuns would hide from pirates attacking the island. 

11km round trip (about 4 hours of walking)

Beautiful sunset hike on the east side of the island. Make sure you take the appropriate shoes for this hike, you’ll need your hiking boots. 🥾 There is a little restaurant called Casa do Sardinha at the end of the trail. 

Hike up to the highest point in Madeira, this hike is above the clouds and perfect for sunrise or sunset. 🌅 Bring your hiking boots! 🥾 

Fisherman’s cave houses built into the cliffs, the clearest water in Madeira and a hidden gem

Saccharum Resort & Spa

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Hotel Quinta do Furão

Casa Velha Do Palheiro - Relais & Châteaux

Castanheiro Boutique Hotel

Terrabona Nature & Vineyards - Wine Country & Wellness Retreat

The Reserve

Socalco Nature Hotel

Fanal Forestry Station

Piscinas Naturais do Seixal

PR6 25 Fontes hike & Levada do Risco

PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Pico do Arieiro

Cascata dos Anjos

Guide to Madeira - Hotels, Restaurants, To Do

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