Lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the island of Madeira is a year-round holiday destination with warm summers and mild winters. Holidays in Madeira combine a rugged coastline, dramatic volcanic caves, picturesque villages and beautiful beaches. The island is renowned for its natural beauty and boasts a spectacular array of gardens and parks bursting with flowers. The majority of beaches in Madeira are pebbled, such as Madalena do Mar, which is backed by lush green hills. But there are a few sandy beaches, such as Praia da Jamaica - a stretch of black sand on the north coast of the island.

Holidays in Madeira are not complete without a visit to the capital, Funchal, which is bursting with picturesque squares, charming old streets and historical monuments. Visitors can take a stroll along Funchal's palm-lined promenade, 'the Lido' bordered by botanical gardens. The city features three historical areas, Sao Pedro, Santa Maria and Se. Sao Pedro was a popular residence of noble families in the 15th century, while Santa Maria was one of the first areas to be inhabited and has a church dating back to 1430, and Se features the Bishop's Palace, Fortress and Jesuit College.

Holidays in Madeira offer a wealth of attractions. Tourists can visit the Madeira Story Centre, with its exhibitions documenting the island's history as far back as its volcanic origin, take sightseeing tours of the Caves of Sao Vicente, which are comprised of a series of volcanic lava tunnels stretching approximately one kilometre in length. A popular daytrip is to take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which offers a five-mile stretch of soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters.