Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, Madeira is often called 'The Floating Garden in the Atlantic'. This lovely Portuguese island is a plant-lover's paradise, with many vibrantly coloured flowers blooming throughout the year. But there's no better time to visit than in late spring, when the island's famous Flower Festival takes place.
During this enchanting festival the pretty streets of the island's capital Funchal are filled with colours and scents from floral floats. Parades and performances take place daily as locals celebrate the beauty of the island in bloom.
Our eight-day trip is timed to coincide with this delightful festival in 2023, so you can make the most of the unmissable floral spectacle. You'll have a grandstand seat for The Allegoric Flower Parade, one of the festival's highlights, and see floats passing along the streets of downtown Funchal as live music plays and fragrant scents fill the air.
You'll also be visiting several of Madeira's renowned gardens including the Botanical Gardens, Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Palheiro Gardens.
Your base for seven nights will be the four-star Four View Monumental Hotel, where you can chill out in the spa or one of the three freshwater swimming pools in your spare time, or simply sip sundowner cocktails in the poolside bar.
Looking for alternative dates? Find our May 2023 trip to Madeira with gardening expert Christine Walkden here.
Today you'll arrive in Funchal and transfer to the Four View Monumental Hotel, where you'll spend the next seven nights. In the late afternoon you will have a welcome talk and the opportunity to try some local Madeira wine before dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast you'll depart the hotel for a full day Island Tour - a wonderful opportunity to see the surprising contrast between East and West Madeira in one day. Your tour will include Ribeiro Frio, a natural park with endemic flowers, the village of Santana famous for its traditional thatched Madeiran houses, the magnificent north coast for breathtaking views and Porto Moniz near the natural volcanic rock swimming pools. Then you'll pay a visit to the only volcanic plateau on the island, Paul da Serra, before driving back to Funchal passing through lovely fishing villages, banana plantations and vineyards.
Today you'll have free time to explore Madeira independently, or you may prefer to simply relax in the excellent facilities at your hotel - perhaps take a dip in one of the freshwater pools or spend a few relaxing hours at the spa (additional cost may apply).
Enjoy a full day Flavours of Funchal excursion today, taking you to the Botanical Gardens with fantastic views over Funchal. This will be a wonderful introduction to the flower species of Madeira before a walking tour of Funchal.
Your walking tour includes a visit to a wine lodge and local market where you will be able to appreciate exotic flowers, tropical fruits and local craftwork. You'll then take the cable car up to Monte village where you'll visit the impressive Monte Palace Gardens. These glorious gardens surround the chateau-like palace where you will be able to see a massive range of flowers from every corner of the globe. There will also be time to explore the beautiful village of Monte and the opportunity to take a traditional Toboggan Ride (additional cost locally).
This morning you will visit Palheiro Gardens. This garden, located 500 meters above sea level, has been established over several generations and is most famous for camellias, although there is something for everyone with green fingers, including a wonderful spread of plants, some of which are more than 200 years old. Your tour will also include a visit to the Statue of Christ the King with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Today you'll have a full day to explore Funchal at your own pace. You might choose to go to the Wall of Hope Ceremony, a tradition which has taken place in Madeira for over 30 years. During this ceremony, children walk with flowers in their hands towards Praça do Municipio where they construct a wall of flowers known as the 'Wall of Hope' to represent the call for world peace.
Today is your chance to see The Allegoric Flower Parade, one of the highlights of the Madeira Flower Festival. The streets of Funchal will once again be filled with music, colour and floral perfumes, with the amazing parade of floats covered in a sea of flowers, foliage and decorations accompanied by dancers and musicians dressed in creative and colourful costumes. A grandstand seat is included, meaning you'll be able watch this magnificent parade from the comfort of your own seat with great views.
Today you will have free time to explore Funchal or relax at the hotel until the transfer to Funchal Airport for your return flight to London.
Comfort and style in the heart of Funchal
Just 800 metres from the centre of Funchal, the Enotel Magnólia hotel is close to the lush Quinta Magnólia Park and within walking distance of luxury shopping malls, restaurants and the bustling nightlife on Lido Promenade. It offers magnificent panoramic views, tranquil gardens and leisure facilities, including a solarium, games room, sauna, fitness centre, spa, indoor heated pool and outdoor pool.
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