Madeira Wine Travel Guide: Top 5 Hotels & Must-Try Restaurants

Madeira, the island where nature and elegance move as one. Cliffs rise from the Atlantic, wrapped in greenery and kissed by golden light. The scent of salt and flowers drifts through the air, carried by a warm breeze that whispers of adventure. The ocean isn’t just a view, it shapes the island’s rhythm and those who surrender to its beauty.

Time slows in Madeira. One moment, you’re hiking misty peaks, feeling the pulse of nature beneath your feet. The next, you’re sinking into an infinity pool, a glass of aged Madeira wine in hand, as city lights twinkle below. It’s a perfect balance—where wild landscapes meet refined luxury, and every moment lingers.

Madeira Island, Portugal

Funchal hums with a timeless energy. Cobblestone streets lead to hidden gardens, bustling markets, and sun-drenched terraces. The island’s rich culinary heritage shines in every bite—fresh seafood kissed by the Atlantic breeze, tropical fruits bursting with flavor, and the deep, complex notes of Madeira wine.

Madeira isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel. Let the ocean winds guide you, the landscapes embrace you, and the island’s magic leave its mark on your soul.

The 5 Best Hotels in Madeira

In Madeira, hotels are more than just a stay, they are part of the island’s charm. Perched on cliffs or hidden in gardens, each offers a blend of nature and elegance.

Mornings start with golden light over the Atlantic, while afternoons invite relaxation by infinity pools or quiet strolls through lush landscapes.

Here, luxury feels effortless, and time slows. Let’s find your perfect retreat.

Belmond Reid’s Palace

Belmond Reid’s Palace

A legendary retreat where history and luxury blend seamlessly. Perched on a cliffside, Belmond Reid’s Palace has hosted royalty, writers, and dreamers for over a century. Stroll through its lush subtropical gardens, take a dip in its cliffside infinity pool, and indulge in afternoon tea on the terrace as the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you. This is timeless elegance, wrapped in the tranquility of Madeira’s landscape.

The Reserve

The Reserve

A hidden oasis where privacy and indulgence take center stage. With only a handful of suites, The Reserve offers a personal escape, complete with private terraces, personalized service, and an ambiance of serenity. Here, the Atlantic is your backdrop, and every moment feels like a well-kept secret.

The Vine Hotel

The Vine Hotel

A bold fusion of modern design and Madeira’s winemaking heritage, The Vine Hotel is a sensory retreat in the heart of Funchal. Its sleek, minimalist rooms reflect the deep hues of Madeira’s vineyards, while the rooftop infinity pool offers panoramic views of the city and sea. The award-winning restaurant pairs innovative cuisine with local wines, ensuring every meal is an experience to savor.

Saccharum Wellness Design Resort

Saccharum Wellness Design Resort

Inspired by Madeira’s sugar cane history, Saccharum Wellness Design Resort is a sleek, design-forward retreat set against the rugged cliffs. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the ocean into every space, while its spa, infinity pools, and rooftop bar make relaxation an art form. This is a place where modern luxury meets the raw beauty of the Atlantic.

Savoy Palace Hotel

Savoy Palace Hotel

A statement of grandeur, the Savoy Palace is where opulence meets ocean views. Towering above Funchal, this five-star escape offers a rooftop infinity pool that seems to blend with the sky, a spa sanctuary inspired by ancient rituals, and world-class dining experiences. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of exclusivity and refined comfort.

Where You Stay Defines Your Journey

In Madeira, hotels are more than just places to rest—they are part of the experience. Whether waking up to Atlantic sunrises or indulging in cliffside luxury, each stay offers a unique perspective on the island’s magic.

The 5 Best Restaurants in Madeira

Madeira’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes—fresh seafood, bold flavors, and centuries-old traditions come together in every dish. Whether you crave Michelin-starred artistry or rustic island comfort, these restaurants serve up unforgettable flavors.

1811 Bistro & Wine Bar

1811 Bistro & Wine Bar

A cozy, intimate haven where Madeira’s best wines meet impeccable cuisine. Every dish is crafted with precision, highlighting local ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're savoring fresh seafood or indulging in a rich Madeira wine pairing, 1811 Bistro offers a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply connected to the island.

Il Gallo d'Oro

Il Gallo d’Oro

Two Michelin stars, one unforgettable experience. Il Gallo d’Oro is a culinary masterpiece where fresh, organic island ingredients are transformed into delicate works of art. The flavors are bold yet refined, the ambiance is elegant yet inviting, and every plate tells a story of Madeira’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Poncha da Imperatriz

Poncha da Imperatriz

Rustic charm and authentic flavors define Poncha da Imperatriz, where Madeira’s iconic poncha cocktail flows freely. The food is soulful and unpretentious, with traditional dishes cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of place where locals and travelers come together, toasting to life with every sip of sweet, citrusy poncha.

William Restaurant

William Restaurant

Named after the legendary William Reid, this Michelin-starred gem is perched high above the Atlantic, offering an unparalleled fine dining experience. Each dish is a creative interpretation of Madeira’s flavors, with an emphasis on seasonality and innovation. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, and every meal is a journey in itself.

Desarma 

Perched atop The Views Baía hotel in Funchal, Desarma Restaurant offers a culinary journey that challenges and delights the senses. Under the guidance of Chef Octávio Freitas, the restaurant presents a modern interpretation of traditional Madeiran cuisine, earning its first Michelin star in February 2024. 

Madeira’s food is an experience, not just a meal. Whether indulging in fine dining or sipping poncha by the sea, every bite carries the essence of the island—bold, fresh, unforgettable.

Extra Tip: The 3 Best Experiences in the Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is an island made to be explored. From the depths of the Atlantic to the peaks of its misty mountains, every corner holds something unexpected. Sail, hike, wander, let the island pull you into its rhythm.

Yacht Tours in Madeira

Sailing along Madeira’s coastline is an experience like no other. With Luxury Yacht Charter, glide through turquoise waters where dolphins dance in the waves and dramatic cliffs rise above hidden beaches. Drop anchor in secluded coves, dive into crystal-clear waters, or simply bask in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Luxury Yacht Charter

As the sun melts into the horizon, the sky catches fire in gold and crimson. A glass of Madeira wine in hand, the salty breeze on your skin, you feel the island’s rhythm slow to match the ocean’s gentle sway. Out here, time isn’t measured in hours but in moments.

Drop anchor in a secluded bay, dive into clear waters, or simply bask in the stillness of the sea. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, a yacht tour is the perfect way to experience Madeira from a different perspective, where the island meets the endless blue.

Hikes Through the Laurisilva Forest

Step into Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, where ancient trees whisper secrets of the past. Mist drapes over moss-covered trails, waterfalls cascade through hidden valleys, and the air hums with the sounds of nature. This is hiking at its most magical—where every step connects you to something timeless.

Laurisilva Forest

The air is fresh, scented with earth and wildflowers, cool even in the height of summer. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting shifting patterns on the moss-covered ground. Walk long enough, and you’ll stumble upon viewpoints that seem too perfect to be real, endless green rolling into the sea.

Cultural & Historical Discoveries

Madeira Garden's, Portugal

Madeira’s soul is woven into its streets, its traditions, its way of life. In Funchal, the old town is a maze of cobbled alleys, painted doors, and market stalls overflowing with color. The scent of roasted chestnuts drifts through the air, blending with the salty breeze from the harbor.

You’ve tasted its flavors, sailed its waters, and wandered its ancient trails. Now, Madeira belongs to you. Because here, time doesn’t just pass—it lingers. And with Wine Tourism in Portugal, the magic of the island stays with you forever.