Flying into Funchal Airport in Madeira, the beauty and versatility of this island become immediately obvious. The plane hovers over its mossy mountains dotted with picturesque terracotta-roofed houses, stretches of land covered in banana plants and staggering bays with glittering, clear-blue sea. Already, this luscious location has so much to offer.
When we arrive at our city centre hotel in the buzzy capital city of Funchal, in the south of the island, the atmosphere is the perfect combination of bustling and relaxed. Madeira feels like Portugal’s hidden gem. I got to find this out during my four days of exploring, swimming, wining and dining in this beautiful region, courtesy of Which? Travel Brand of the Year 2024, Jet2holidays (where the ATOL-protected packages include your return flights, accommodation, 22kg baggage and return transfers***).
If you’re looking for an escape to a destination with breathtaking scenery, Madeira should be first on your list. When Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco discovered the island in 1419, he named it Madeira, which means ‘wood’ due to its abundance of trees and woodlands. It’s a very fitting name; the island is covered in an incredible stretch of gorgeous greenery.
In more recent years, Madeira has become known for its coveted hiking routes (the highest peak, Pico Ruivo, has an altitude of 1,862m), and has become famed as a year-round destination for walking holidays. Increasingly, though, holidaymakers of all ages a.