Overview

Madeira’s south coast is legendary for both the warmth of its weather and the warm welcome from its locals – and the jewel in the south coast’s crown is the village of Ponta do Sol.

Sitting in a naturally-secluded harbour with a bright, sunny microclimate, it’s no surprise Ponta do Sol lends itself to long lazy days and balmy, romantic evenings.

Your home for the week is the cliff-top Estalagem Ponta do Sol, with its spellbinding panoramic ocean view. Chic, contemporary architecture combined with the Estalagem’s friendly and attentive team make this the ideal island getaway. Where better to unwind after the stresses and strains of the past year, with the best seasonal Madeiran cuisine and outstanding Portuguese wines on hand.

When you’re not relaxing by the pool, you’ll visit the vineyards at Quinta do Barbusano with our island guide, followed by a trip to sea with Madeira’s bottle-nosed dolphins and sperm whales. We’ll also provide a hire car – head into the capital Funchal to ride the Carro de Cesto toboggans, explore the cobbled lanes and restaurants of Paul do Mar, and take a drive to the must-see Curral das Freiras: the isolated ‘Nun’s Valley’ mountain hideaway where the Sisters of Santa Clara famously took refuge from pirates in the 16th Century.

Itinerary

You’ll begin your holiday flying direct from the UK to Madeira. You’ll be collected on arrival in Funchal by our driver for your transfer to Ponta do Sol.
You’ll spend your first full-day on the island with our resident guide, exploring the rugged Ribeira Brava valley, the breath-taking mountain viewpoint at Encumeada and the Quinta do Barbusano vineyards.
We’ll deliver a car to your hotel and you can head into the island’s capital Funchal - Portugal’s largest city outside of the mainland. Take the Teleferico cable car up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, returning via the famous Carro de Cesto wicker toboggans which run down the steep streets back into Funchal.
You’ll explore Central Madeira - the bustling town of Camara de Lobos, the famous viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos, and the secluded Curral das Freiras Nun’s Valley.
You’ll return to Funchal today for a three-hour whale and dolphin watching trip. The waters around Madeira are one of the best places to observe bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and loggerhead turtles.
Take a drive to the lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo and the cascata da Garganta Funda waterfall; one of the highest waterfalls on the island. The nearby village of Porto Moniz is home to the best natural swimming spots on the island, and the Casacata Veu da Noiva, the beautiful Bridal Veil waterfall, is close by.
You’ll explore eastern Madeira: Pico do Arieiro (one of the highest points on the island), the forest park at Ribeiro Frio and the Engenho do Norte rum distillery at Porto da Cruz.
Before heading home, you’ll have time to visit the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula, and the south coast town of Machico – location of the first settlement on the island. It's a short drive from Machico to the airport, where you’ll return your hire car before flying home.

From £1800 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

Includes direct return flights from UK, accommodation in a twin/double en-suite room on a B&B basis, an airport transfer, a private guided wine tour, a whale and dolphin watching trip and car hire.

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