Explore magical Madeira! Discover top Madeira holidays, including flights and 4 and 5 star hotels, for the perfect island escape.

Madeira is having a moment, and after my recent trip I can see why! This stunning Portuguese island offers year-round mild temperatures, fewer crowds than many other European holiday destinations, great value, and an incredible choice of things to see and do. Madeira holidays are particularly appealing if you love the outdoors, but the island works equally well for a relaxing break, a city escape or a mix of both.

I was blown away by the scenery and the sheer variety of experiences available. Watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and hiking the Stairway to Heaven were up there with some of my best travel experiences. I also loved exploring the atmospheric Fanal Forest, and visiting in the natural pools at Porto Moniz and the famous black-sand beach at Seixal on Madeira’s stunning north coast.

You certainly do not need to be a keen hiker to enjoy Madeira. You can take the Funchal Cable Car to the tropical gardens at Monte Palace, try the island’s traditional wicker toboggan ride, go whale watching, or simply spend time discovering Funchal’s excellent food and wine scene. And with direct flights from Dublin and Shannon, Madeira holidays are easier than ever to enjoy.

Where to stay in Madeira

Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is the most popular place to stay on the island. I stayed in the city centre and loved its cobbled streets, shops, and lively choice of restaurants and bars. It is a great option if you want to be in the heart of the action, plan on taking lots of excursions, or are visiting Madeira for a city break.

However, many city-centre hotels do not have outdoor swimming pools or extensive facilities, so it may not suit everyone looking for a traditional sun holiday.

Most of Funchal’s larger hotels are located outside the city centre in Lido, often referred to as the tourist area. This part of Funchal has a completely different feel, with large resort-style hotels, swimming pools, sea views and a waterfront promenade.

The famous Lido bathing complex is here too, with saltwater pools and direct access to the Atlantic, so this is more suited to a sun holiday experience. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars here too and the city centre is easily reached by bus or taxi, or a leisurely 30-40 minute walk.

If you prefer a more relaxing Madeira holiday away from the crowds, consider one of the island’s quieter resorts, such as Ponta do Sol or Porto Moniz. I visited the modern Aqua Natura Madeira in Porto Moniz and loved its spectacular location overlooking the natural swimming pools. I think it would work particularly well as part of a twin-centre holiday, combining a few nights here with a stay in Funchal.

We have teamed up with Abbey Travel to showcase a sample of their great Madeira holidays. Abbey Travel have offices in Dublin, Swords, Naas and Killarney. They are part of Irish owned Club Travel Network, Ireland’s largest travel company, who have been operating in Ireland for over 50 years.

Whether you’re looking for 5 star luxury escapes, great value boutique hotels or an all inclusive family holiday, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. And, if you want to choose a twin-centre holiday, talk to the experts in Abbey Travel and they will arrange that for you.

I have selected a variety of 4 and 5 star Madeira hotels below, and have chosen random dates in Autumn, Winter and Spring. There are many more dates available, simply adjust the dates, durations and number of travellers via the links below to suit you, or search all holidays here:

5 Star Madeira Holiday Deals

1. Pestana Carlton Madeira Premium Ocean Resort, B&B, October, 3 Night Break from €438pp

The Pestana Carlton Madeira sits on a cliffside with breathtaking views over the Bay of Funchal, the harbour, and the surrounding mountains. It’s in a prime location in the resort zone, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants close by, and the centre of Funchal can be reached in a 5 minute taxi ride or a pleasant 20 minute walk. Despite being close to the action, the hotel feels like a getaway in itself, with panoramic sea views, direct access to the ocean, and even a cosy pub for relaxed evenings.

This luxury hotel offers four pools including an indoor one, plus a choice of restaurants. Alongside the main buffet, there’s an à la carte grill for something special, and your stay includes breakfast in the price. You can check out the great reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Price from €438pp includes flights and a 3 night weekend stay from Dublin, and €456 for a 3 night stay from Shannon on a bed and breakfast basis, based on 2 sharing in October. Many dates and durations are available please use the arrows to scroll between dates on the grid below.

2. Quinta da Bela Vista, B&B, 4 Nights, October from €749pp

Stay in a beautiful 19th-century mansion at this 5-star property in Madeira, where you’ll find a stunning pool surrounded by lush gardens, three bars, and two great restaurants.

Tucked away in the mountains and surrounded by greenery, it boasts one of the most scenic settings on the island. Plus, there’s a free shuttle service that takes you to the centre of Funchal, so exploring is easy too. As a five-time World Travel Award winner, this place really knows how to impress.

Price of €749pp includes flights from Dublin and a four-night stay a bed & breakfast basis, based on 2 sharing in October. Dates and durations can be changed when you click on the links below.

3. Melia Madeira Mare, B&B, 7 Nights, October / November, from €615pp

Boasting Atlantic Ocean views, with direct access to the seafront promenade and a small pebble beach, it is easy to see why the modern Meliá Madeira Mare is one of the most popular hotels in Funchal’s Lido zone. It offers the best of both worlds, with a seafront setting and shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, while Funchal city centre is just 10 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Facilities are excellent, with five restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, and a spa and wellness centre. All rooms have a balcony, with the majority offering sea views.

Price of €615pp from Dublin in November and €755 from Shannon in October includes flights and a 7 night stay with breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

4. Pestana Casino Park, B&B, January, 7 Nights from €515pp

The oceanfront Pestana Casino Park was designed by master architect Oscar Niemeyer and, surrounded by 15,000m² of private gardens, is one of the best hotels in Funchal. With six restaurants and bars, an outdoor infinity pool, a spa with indoor pool and fitness centre, as well as access to the casino and nightclub, it is a great choice regardless of the time of year you visit.

Its location is another big plus. The hotel is beside the cruise port, with shops, bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk, while both Funchal city centre and the Lido area can be reached in around 20 minutes on foot.

Price of €515pp includes flights from Dublin and a seven-night stay a bed & breakfast basis, based on 2 sharing in January. Dates and durations can be changed when you click on the links below.

5. All Inclusive 5* Hyatt Ziva Madeira (Formerly Dreams), 7 Nights, Easter Holidays, 2ad & 2ch €3525

The Hyatt Ziva Madeira, formerly Dreams Madeira, is a five-star resort in the peaceful resort of Caniçal, around a 30-minute drive from Funchal. It offers an impressive choice of seven restaurants and seven bars, along with two swimming pools and a dedicated splash zone, making it a great option for families travelling with younger children.

Set in a scenic marina location, the hotel also has direct access to a sandy beach, which is a rare find in Madeira and ideal for relaxed beach days. You can book the Hyatt Ziva Madeira on a B&B basis, and this will show when you click on the link below, but its all-inclusive offering is the most popular choice, particularly with families, and the price quoted includes the supplement for All Inclusive.

Prices of €3525 based on 2 adults and 2 children includes flights from Dublin and a 7 night stay over Easter holidays, with all meals and drinks. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

4 Star Madeira Holiday Deals

6. Se Boutique Hotel, B&B, September, 4 Nights from €515pp

The Sé Boutique Hotel enjoys a superb location right in the heart of Funchal, just steps from Funchal Cathedral and surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars. I stayed here last week and loved its central location, as well as its rooftop terrace. Mercado dos Lavradores, the Funchal Cable Car and Funchal Marina are all just a few minutes’ walk away.

Standard rooms are fairly basic, but offer great value for such a centrally located hotel. The rooftop terrace is a real highlight too, and a lovely spot for a sunset drink or nightcap after a day exploring Funchal.

Price of €515pp includes flights from Dublin and a 4 night weekend stay with breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing in late September. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

7. Madeira Panoramico, B&B, 26th Dec, 4 Nights, from €899pp

Set on a hillside with magnificent views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, the top-rated Madeira Panorâmico Hotel makes the most of its elevated setting, with every room featuring a private balcony.

Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa, and the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle bus into the centre of Funchal. The Lido bathing area and seafront promenade can also be reached on foot.

Price of €899pp includes flights from Dublin and a 4 night stay with breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing departing St Stephens Day. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

8. The Views Baia, B&B, 5 Nights, November from €596pp

The adult-only Views Baia is one of the best 4 star hotels in Funchal. As the name suggests, you can expect stunning views from its elevated position, 60 metres above sea level. It is also just a 15-minute walk from Funchal city centre, making it a great choice for couples or friends who want to be close to the city, while still enjoying the views, facilities and feel of a resort hotel.

There is an indoor and outdoor pool on site, as well as a spa, restaurant and choice of bars. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor if you still need convincing!

Price of €596pp includes flights from Dublin and a 5 night stay with breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing in November. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

9. Hotel Madeira Regency Cliff, B&B, December, 7 Nights from €559pp

Perched on a cliff above the Atlantic, this top-rated hotel makes the most of its panoramic views, with a sea view pool and a rooftop terrace for relaxed drinks or dinner.

Location-wise, the hotel has direct access to Funchal’s Lido area and is just minutes from the oceanfront promenade, where you will find shops, bars and cafés, with the walkway continuing towards the pebbled Praia Formosa. The hotel also operates a courtesy bus to Funchal city centre, which can be reached in around 10 minutes.

There are two bars and a restaurant on site, along with a health club and two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor, so you are covered whatever the weather.

Prices of €559pp includes flights from Dublin and a 7 night stay with breakfast, based on 2 adults sharing in December. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

10. Duas Torres Aparthotel, February Mid Term, 7 Nights, 2ad & 2ch from €2180

With Atlantic Ocean views and a location just 1km from Orca Praia Beach and the promenade, the 4-star Duas Torres aparthotel is a great option for a family stay in Funchal. There are plenty of places to relax during the day, including an outdoor swimming pool with a children’s area and tennis courts, as well as a quieter rooftop terrace, library and garden.

All apartments have kitchenettes and balconies, and there is a supermarket within a five-minute walk, along with a good choice of restaurants, bars and shops. There is also an on-site restaurant with sea views if you prefer to dine at the hotel. Funchal city centre is approximately 5km away and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.

Prices of €2180 based on 2 adults and 2 children includes flights from Dublin and a 7 night stay over February mid term break. Dates and durations can be changed – simply edit the links below to suit you.

I hope these Madeira holidays will have you jetting off to explore this magical island soon. Prices and descriptions are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change.

This post was sponsored by Abbey Travel.