Head to the “Hawaii of Europe” for an island adventure off the coast of Portugal in Madeira! Breeze past an abundance of banana trees on your hike to hidden waterfalls before luxuriating in lava rock pools formed by the island’s explosive origins. Then settle in to sample some local wine, before escaping back into this botanical wonderland for a relaxing stay at a luxurious oceanside resort.
Book your Madeira hotel or tour package now to discover a lush, volcanic island bursting with adventure, culture and natural beauty.
Experience our Madeira tour packages
Visit Madeira: get started
Start your day with a sunrise hiking tour to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak, where dawn illuminates dramatic mountain landscapes. For heart-racing views, step onto the Cabo Girão Skywalk, a glass platform perched 580 metres above the Atlantic.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Levada walks, like 25 Fontes and Risco Falls, which wind through emerald forests and past cascading waterfalls. In Funchal, take the cable car up to Monte, then ride a traditional toboggan sled down steep streets for a dose of island charm. Hop aboard a catamaran, where you might catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales or sea turtles in the wild.
Unwind in the Porto Moniz lava pools, natural volcanic formations filled with ocean water. Nearby, the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens offer koi ponds, exotic plants, and intricate tilework. Discover the quaint village of Câmara de Lobos and toast your visit with Poncha (alcohol made with citrus, sugarcane and honey) and local Madeira wine. Thrill-seekers can go canyoning or surfing, while culture lovers can stroll through Funchal’s Old Town and shop local flavours at Mercado dos Lavradores.
Madeira travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Portuguese
When to visit
April to September for warm weather, August to October for wine harvesting season, or October to December for cooler weather that is perfect for hiking.
What to bring back
A bottle of sweet Madeira wine, hand-embroidered table linens and piri-piri hot sauce.
What to eat
Freshly caught tuna or grilled beef skewers with a side of fried cornmeal cubes (milho frito) and sweet treats like honey cake (bolo de mel) and passionfruit-filled tarts and mousses.
Fun fact
Need somewhere new to spend New Year’s Eve? Funchal’s fireworks display is among the largest in the world.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
