The Madeira Islands are a stunning archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic — a place of lush greenery and rugged mountains 1,000km from the European mainland. where you can hike in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and finish your day in a fine restaurant where the breathtaking view is complemented by unforgettable Mediterranean or traditional Madeira cuisine.
Things to do in Madeira Islands
5 based on 2274 reviews
Set on cliff tops overlooking the Bay of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, this legendary hotel has, for over a century, been a standard-bearer for excellence. The hotel is located on 10 acres of subtropical gardens, boasts enviable access to the sea and is within walking distance of Funchal's shops, restaurants and night-life. With its reputation for excellence and discreet service, Belmond Reid's Palace is the ideal place at which to relax and be pampered.
Reid's is so friendly and relaxing, it's position over looking Funchal and the harbour is amazing especially at night with all the street and house lights lighting up the hillside, sitting on the terrace with late night drinks cannot be matched. The staff are so friendly and helpful no request was to much.
4 based on 1835 reviews
The Pestana Royal is an All Inclusive hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and domestic beverages) located in Funchal, Madeira. It sits 2 minutes on foot from Formosa beach, the city's largest beach, with panoramic views of the Cabo Girão hillside, 10 minutes from Funchal’s city centre (by car). During your stay, you can enjoy 2 outdoor swimming pools, an open-air solarium, a SPA with indoor swimming pool, gym and 3 treatment rooms where you can book you Magic SPA treatment/massage. The youngsters can have fun at the Kid's Club, while the adults play pool, mini golf or use the tennis court. The hotel offers 4 restaurants (1 open buffet for all meals and 3 themed restaurants), promenades and 2 bars. All of them have a very relaxed atmosphere, this being one of the main features of this resort. All rooms offer pleasant views, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Let's start with the good things: The room was nice (paid for a sea view), the bed was fine and we had no bother getting a sun bed, even when rocking up at 1030. I liked the clientel - mostly French, Portuguese, UK and German. A mix of age groups and not too many kids. Now for the rest..... Firstly, I agree - it is not 5 star standard. I'm always happy with all inclusive as I usually like local wine and beer - the alcohol at this hotel was not at all enjoyable. I did like how bottles of water were freely available however. I also agree that the staff are miserable, particularly at the front desk. There was one lady who was nice, others were rude and sarcastic. For anybody who suggests that the restaurant is suitable for vegeterian and vegan, I would ask how they figured this out? The food is not always labelled, and when it is it says something like "pasta" rather than the ingredients. There are no vegetarian or vegan signs and no idea what the ingredients are. For example "vegetable soup" - made with chicken stock perhaps? Once I went to have the "pasta with tomato" and found the main ingredient to be Tuna! The chickpea curry had shrimp in it too. Special meals can be reserved - we were allowed two. The "Aisan Night" was sold out upon our arrival so didn't get to try that. The pizza night we did book but it was so disappointing - a massive cheese fest which took an hour to arrive, with some weird black sawdust on the base. The dining hall is a nightmare. The tables are so close together and there is one small counter to get hot food, whilst salad and bread are separate. Masks are not required and the hand sanitiser was empty for 5 days of the 8 we stayed. People make their way in through a passage in the middle of the tables and are constantly gawping at what each other are eating whilst coughing. In the end we came only for breakfast (go early) and avoided all other meals. With that and the avoidance of the disgusting alcohol, there was not much point in being all inclusive. I won't be coming back to Madeira based on this one trip to this one hotel. I would advise anybody who's considering coming here to pack a mask for all communal areas, but mainly, if you have dietary requirements.... DON'T BOTHER.
4.5 based on 1198 reviews
Inspired by nature! Surrounded by palm trees, manicured lawns, and native flowers, the Four Views Oasis is perfectly positioned on the edge of the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, in Caniço de Baixo, near the Reis Magos beach. Enjoy a relaxing sea breeze as you relax on your room’s balcony and find a true inner sense of peace and tranquillity. Sustainable, clean, green, and bright, the Four Views Oasis was purposely designed with today’s health-conscious traveller in mind.
I am going to begin with just 2 tiny negatives - beds were quite hard (my opinion) and the breakfast coffee machine is dreadfully slow! Now the positives - the staff were all amazing, friendly and eager to assist. Joao in the restaurant was lovely. Talking of the restaurant, we never found ourselves short of something to eat. The breakfast selection was plentiful - cold meats, cheeses, breads, freshly cooked omelette, cereals, fruits and the good old bacon, sausage and eggs etc. Lunch and dinner were equally plentiful and was never repeated in our week there. The freshly carved legs of lamb on our last evening was to die for! Our room was spacious and clean, the bathroom was massive with the best and most powerful shower ever. Hand soap and shower gel were supplied. Mini fridge also in the room and bottles of still water supplied daily. We booked a side sea view room but we actually had a full sea view. The pool area was clean with plenty of sunbeds which people did not reserve which made finding somewhere to sit, at all times of the day, easy. The sunbed cushions were regularly sprayed with antibacterial spray. The gardens and grounds were beautifully kept and the spa and indoor pool were lovely. The courtesy bus made getting into and back from Funchal very easy and was prompt. This was our first visit to Madeira and staying here made our trip all the nicer. We would not hesitate to recommend a stay and we will most definitely be making a return visit. A huge thank-you to all - especially the entertainment staff who were so lovely and always stopped to have a chat without being pushy.
4.5 based on 2507 reviews
Renovated in 2022, the Hotel Riu Madeira, in Caniço de Baixo, offers an unforgettable 24-hour All-Inclusive experience. It is located between impressive cliffs and incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect place to live an unforgettable experience on the island of eternal spring. The hotel offers 327 bright and comfortable rooms with free WiFi. These are designed to guarantee your rest next to Praia dos Reis Magos. You can cool off in its 2 outdoor pools with ocean views and sun terraces, or bath all year round in the indoor pool. There is also a children's pool for the little ones. In the Ocean's Care wellness center you can recharge and relax. Besides, the hotel has a fun daytime and evening entertainment program for children and adults. Enjoy a delicious gastronomic proposal in the gourmet restaurant with à la carte dishes, and in the main restaurant with a terrace and buffet with live cooking stations. During the 24 hours you can enjoy snacks and drinks in the 2 hotel bars which are located in the lobby and near the pool. Discover this beautiful Portuguese island at the hands of RIU Hotels & Resorts.
We visited Riu Madeira as a couple in June 2022 and it had recently been renovated. The rooms are modern and spacious, and the lobby and bar areas are lovely. Staff were attentive and polite, and they were happy to help us with booking onto the shuttle bus to Funchal and booking us into the Kulinarium restaurant. There isn’t much going on in the hotel during the day, sometimes the animation team ran activities like aqua aerobics and bingo, so we enjoyed taking a couple of day trips out to Funchal on the shuttle. We were also lucky to book into the a la carte restaurant twice during our week-long stay, but we know others weren’t able to get a reservation, despite them looking a week or so in advance. The evening entertainment was ok, but we preferred having drinks in the main bar area and keeping to ourselves. There are plenty sunbeds and the pool area was never overly busy, even during half term week. The pool bar is perfect and handy to get snacks during the day. We also booked a massage and facial in the hotel spa with a therapist called Ana, who was very friendly and did an excellent job. The treatments were a great price and very relaxing. In summary, Riu Madeira is a quiet, peaceful hotel with lovely staff and great food and drinks. Would recommend you to make the most of the free shuttle busy to Funchal and look into day trips around Madeira, as we were a little bored after a few days.
4.5 based on 3818 reviews
The Pestana Porto Santo hotel is a 5-star all inclusive beach resort, on the island of Porto Santo, Madeira. It is located on Portugal's best beach, the Porto Santo beach, with 9 km of fine sand and warm water. Just 1 minute on foot from the beach, this hotel also offers 2 large swimming pools surrounded by 30,000 m² of gardens. Guests can enjoy its 3 restaurants and 3 bars, as well as a Spa area with a heated swimming pool, water jets, sauna, Turkish bath, Hamman and gym. And for the little ones, the hotel has sports fields and game rooms. The rooms are decorated with blue ocean hues and each has a flat-screen TV and balcony.
What a great holiday we had at the Pestana. We’d mentioned it was our honeymoon and we were given an upgraded room, it was fabulous! A massive king size bed, separate shower, balcony and separate sitting room. We did not expect that at all. The staff were all fantastic, always smiling and helpful. Our maid was a lovely lady who kept our room spotless. We met Francisco, a waiter in the Columbus hotel ( the sister hotel available for Pestana guests to use), he worked so hard and was very friendly and helpful, a lovely German waitress who did not stop smiling and went out of her way for us everyday. Octavius the bar manager in the Columbus hotel was fantastic, although he did ply us with drinks, filling our glasses non stop! He was so nice. The front of house lady with a short blond Bob was absolutely lovely as was the manager, both very helpful and friendly, always stopping and giving us the time of day. The pool area was always spotless and so beautiful! There were plenty of sun beds, we never had trouble finding one. The children that were staying at the resort had plenty to do and there was always evening entertainment. My husband loved all the food on offer ( I’m too fussy) he had a great time and put on half a stone!! We took a 2 mile walk along the beach, glorious golden sands, everyday, it was fantastic! We met some wonderful people, especially Gail and Phil who made our holiday. Everyone was so friendly, the atmosphere was great. A lot of people had returned again and again. On the whole we had a fantastic honeymoon, thank you to all the Pestana and Colombia hotel staff, you were great!!!
5 based on 980 reviews
Quinta do Furao is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Santana, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. The rooms offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease. Quinta do Furao features a 24 hour front desk, room service, and a concierge. In addition, as a valued Quinta do Furao guest, you can enjoy a pool and free breakfast that are available on-site. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. While you’re here, be sure to check out Cantinho da Serra, one of the restaurants in Santana with tapas on the menu, which is a short distance from Quinta do Furao. Should time allow, Santana Mother Church is a popular attraction that is within walking distance. Enjoy your stay in Santana!
This hotel was my favorite on Madeira island. The view of the shore in the landscape along the back vineyard is worth the price alone. It made me feel like a mountain lodge, similar to what I stayed at in Vail Colorado. The staff was very nice and everything was perfect except a hot tub wasn't working and I was really looking forward to one after our hike. Other than that the restaurant was excellent and breakfast was excellent. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
4.5 based on 1325 reviews
The Golden Residence welcomes you to a enchanting 4-star hotel in an excellent location on the south coast of Madeira. Overlooking the sea and some imposing cliffs, the opportunities for fantastic sunsets are offered every day during your holidays. Once inside, the hotel is built with many open spaces to make the most of the natural light and a modern and luxurious design with comfortable and functional public areas to rest, relax, read or socialize with your fellow guests. The atmosphere is complete with the panoramic sea views and some of the banana plantations still existing in Funchal. More than a hotel, at the Golden Residence you will find the perfect solution for a holiday where well-being and relaxation will take on a new meaning for you. The excellent service and careful attention for small detail is what makes the difference. ... and we encourage you to discover its many charms.
I stayed at the golden residence during Christmas time and had a wonderful experience! The room was spotless, the staff very friendly and the breakfast filled with options. The hotel is part of the island that is quieter and I love the garage (that way I didn´t need to think about parking). Also amazing view! I can´t wait to go back!
4.5 based on 78 reviews
NEXT – Connecting with Madeira Island without disconnecting from the world Savoy Signature presents the latest hotel in its collection., two steps away from Savoy Palace and with the same unique location – next to the cruise ship port of Funchal and a 5-minute walk from the city centre –, the NEXT hotel benefits from direct access to the sea. In addition to providing superb moments of leisure in the main outdoor swimming pools by the sea (1 for adults and 1 for children), the hotel features a special outdoor pool on the rooftop, equipped with an underwater sound system. Connected Sea Hotel In an inviting hotel – especially, although not exclusively – for the millennial generation, digital nomads, tech-savvy or tech-curious, free wi-fi is, of course, available throughout the hotel. In public areas, there are USB charging points for smartphones and other electronic devices. The app developed specifically for this hotel is intended to automate various daily tasks. Rooms, Studios and Suites NEXT has 126 accommodation spaces, including rooms, studios and suites (some with kitchenette), where elegance and comfort merge with the most modern technology. The vast majority of accommodations guarantee magnificent sea views and all rooms have a furnished balcony, walk-in shower, minibar, IP & Led cable TV, Video on Demand, telephone, safe (for rental), hairdryer and toiletries. Food & Beverages The main restaurant, which is also a bar, has earned the name “Recharge Bar & Restaurant” thanks to its idyllic location on the sea platform, next to the sea and main swimming pool. The bars of the hotel are located in the lobby (Network bar, with live music) and closer to the clouds, on the rooftop (Cloud Bar, with light meals and snacks’ service). The SPA, the auditorium and other services NEXT's SPA is equipped with an ice fountain, steam room, sauna and two treatment rooms. A gym with cutting edge equipment is also featured, as well as an auditorium with a capacity for 100 people. NEXT also includes 24-hour multilingual reception, Concierge and Guest Experience, regular entertainment programme, laundry service, 24-hour medical assistance on request, indoor parking (upon payment) and babysitting (upon request).
We stayed for 2 weeks in the hotel are liked staff and location. I would have given it a higher rating had my wife not had 2 items of clothing stolen from our room. I have written to the hotel but recriminations acknowledgment. We realised one was missing when we were there but my wife thought she might have not packed a brand new golf top. Upon arriving home we are certain it was stolen from our room. I suggest if you stay here you lock all your clothes in your case. As my wife said if one or two items are taken from each room people might not notice or comment.
4.5 based on 636 reviews
With a beautiful seafront location in the picturesque Ponta do Sol, Enotel Sunset Bay offers 69 rooms and a series of facilities for an unforgettable stay. Relax on the sands and soak your feet in the sea, practice your jogging or hiking amidst beautiful scenery or just enjoy an invigorating swim in our heated indoor pool. Just 40 minutes from the airport, nestled between two rocky mountains and lit by the sunny streets of Ponta do Sol, this is the ideal hotel for those seeking comfort in Madeira.
We loved our week's stay here, on a bed and breakfast basis. Everything was spotlessly clean, and everyone was required to wear masks, which meant it felt really safe. Large modern room, with a very comfy bed and nice seating area for relaxing. In the bathroom, there was a large walk-in shower, hairdryer and good quality toiletries. Daily maid service. The hotel is directly opposite the sea, and all rooms have a sea view (most with balconies), giving great views of the sunsets. It was also really quiet - we requested a top floor room. The selection at breakfast was amazing, with everything you could possibly imagine! It was such a treat to have buffet-style again, too (post Covid). From the cooked options, to all the different types of breads, cheeses, fresh fruits, yoghurts, juices, pancakes made to order... the list goes on! Several previous reviewers had commented on the poor coffee - there are now new machines and it was excellent. Also, although no there are no tea/coffee making facilities in the room - which is a little odd in a 4-star hotel - you can request a free kettle from reception, borrow a couple of cups from the dining room and then make your own coffee in your room. There is an indoor swimming pool (just by reception), and free pool towels are provided in the room. I'd say you'd definitely need/want a car if you stay here - we picked up one at the airport (booked it in advance, with Insular car rental - again, highly recommended, with friendly service). We chose the location of Ponta Do Sol over Funchal as we wanted somewhere quieter and right by the sea. It also gave us easy road access to all other parts of the island as we knew we wanted to explore, yet Funchal was still only 30 minutes away by car. The hotel offers free underground parking, but if that is full, you can park for free in a nearby disused tunnel. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance - the best one was definitely the one perched on top of the cliff... a perfect place to be at sunset. Half board at the hotel is also an option, and it's possible to opt for dinner on an ad-hoc basis - the menu changes daily and is displayed in the lift (17 euros per person). All in all, we had a wonderful week here - an excellent base from which to explore a beautiful island - and would highly recommend it.
3.5 based on 1094 reviews
Idyllically situated on the hillside in the heart of Madeira’s renowned Lido area and commanding spectacular views of the surroundings from its high vantage point, the 4-star Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel is the perfect destination for a comfortable and relaxing holiday in the magical island of Madeira. Lying a short distance away from the city centre, the hotel has easy access to the popular Lido swimming pools and sea and is surrounded by the selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars that abound in this lively area. The nearby coastal Lido promenade, lined with a colourful array of typical Madeira flowers, also provides plenty of opportunity for picturesque strolls along the sea front. Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel provides all the comfort and well-being of a newly refurbished hotel that has earned a solid reputation for welcoming visitors to the island.
I booked a package holiday quite last minute and knew nothing of Funchal or the Raga hotel. Luckily the chance paid off and we stayed here in this lovely hotel. Ok we didn’t have a full sea view (just partial) but had a lovely balcony facing the mountain. It was really clean, bright spacious and airy with plenty of storage and furniture…everything you need. The adjoining restaurant was really nice and we had breakfast each morning there. This was a buffet affair with plenty of choice to cater for all tastes. Even as a vegan (I know lol) it was fine, and after the first two days I didn’t need to ask for soya milk…it was brought to me. Special mention goes to the staff who were all lovely…really friendly and professional…particularly Maria in the restaurant and the bar man who’s name I didn’t catch…a more ‘mature’ guy but so professional and nothing was too much trouble-thank you! I would definitely recommend this hotel…the location in the lido district is perfect and you are within walking distance of lots of bars and restaurants and even into the centre was a pleasant stroll. Lovely pool too. The only very slight criticisms would be the coffee and sometimes the wait for the elevators but that really is nit picking! So thanks to everyone at the Raga for making our first holiday in Funchal and Madeira such a special time!
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