Madeira - the Pearl of the Atlantic

This seven-night solo and small-group tour by Just You centres on Madeira, often called the Pearl of the Atlantic. After flying into Funchal, there’s a chance to browse the city’s market stalls bright with flowers and fish, then visit Botanical Gardens with over 2,000 plant species before sampling Madeira wine alongside a distinctive local cake.

Midweek takes you into the hills, beginning with a view from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, followed by trout farms and thatched triangular houses in Santana. The return route along the north coast passes places like Machico, the island’s first capital. Another day visits viewpoints at Pico dos Barcelos and the remote Nuns Valley, with time in Monte to see its church and park.

The schedule leaves three days free in Funchal itself, where optional excursions run from levada walks to whale spotting or a visit to Cabo Girão’s skywalk. This is a holiday with space to appreciate the island’s quieter corners at a gentle pace, finished with farewell drinks in the city.

New to Portugal? Our Portugal guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.