Villas in Madeira 2025/2026

Things to do in Madeira

Take a stroll through the terraced gardens and orchards of Funchal, the island's charming capital, and savour the sweet aroma of the famous Madeira wine. Indulge in the local cuisine, which combines fresh seafood with exotic spices and herbs grown on the island.

For the adventure-seekers, Madeira offers a wealth of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to paragliding and canyoning. Explore the island's rugged interior and discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking views.

For those who prefer a slower pace of life, try one of the top-class golf courses, or take a boat trip to the Desertas and Selvagens islands and encounter an abundance of rare and exotic wildlife - Madeira is famous for its whale and dolphins, best spotted between April and October.

And when the day is done, retire to your luxurious private villa where you can relax and rejuvenate in style, with your own private pool. Or head out to the local restaurants and bars and soak up the warm and friendly atmosphere, and let yourself be carried away by the island's gentle rhythm.

Check out our top 10 things to do in Madeira!

Beaches in Madeira

Home to a range of small beaches with black volcanic or imported golden sand, renting a villa in Madeira gives visitors the chance to enjoy some downtime at the beach as well as incredible coastal adventures. The island’s beaches are popular for their high standards of cleanliness, crystal-clear water and pleasant temperatures, and provide the perfect spot to unwind, reconnect with family and friends and soak up the warm Mediterranean climes.

Calheta Beach

This is the only sandy beach on the island, and it is known for its clear blue waters and the stunning scenery. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and watersports.

Porto Moniz

This is a picturesque village on the north coast of Madeira, known for its natural rock pools, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Praia Formosa

This beautiful beach located in the south of the island is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Jardim do Mar

This is a small village on the west coast of Madeira, known for its black sand beach, it's a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding.

Machico

This is a charming coastal village on the east coast of Madeira, known for its long sandy beach, which is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Nightlife in Madeira

If you wish to venture away from your villa with private pool in Madeira, Funchal is your go-to place when it comes to nightlife. As the sun sets on the capital, the locals come out to play and the streets of the old town take on a more bustling ambience. There are plenty of atmospheric bars, clubs and hip music venues scattered all over Funchal for post-sunshine fun, and the casino is the epicentre of entertainment in the region.

For those who prefer their Madeira nightlife a little more laid-back, there are rustic restaurants situated in picture-perfect surroundings, serving local delights and sweet Madeira wine. The festivals held all year round also bring a real party atmosphere to the island.

Food and Drink in Madeira

Madeira wine

Madeira wine is a huge part of the island's culture, with a long winemaking history. No Madeira holiday would be complete without a tour of one of the beautiful sun-dappled vineyards for a spot of wine tasting.

A true treasure of the island, Madeira wine is renowned for its unique flavour, complexity and longevity, Aged in oak barrels, this incredible wine has a complex, layered flavour profile with notes of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit.

Dating back to the 15th century, Madeira wine has been enjoyed by royalty and dignitaries throughout the centuries. And yet, despite its storied past, Madeira wine is also a sustainable choice, produced in an eco-friendly way in the island's volcanic soil, terraced vineyards and unique climatic conditions.

Available in a variety of styles from dry to sweet, Madeira wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a wide range of dishes.

Madeira's cuisine

Madeira is also blessed with incredible cuisine, so make sure your villa holiday in Madeira includes plenty of gourmet experiences. If you want to sample a Portuguese speciality, try the tasty black scabbard fish and beef espetada, skewered on to a bay leaf and cooked over hot coals. And don't miss the Bolo do caco - a traditional bread made from sweet potato flour, often served with garlic butter.

History and Culture in Madeira

Our villas to rent in Madeira can be found across many regions bursting with unique history and culture. There are plenty of Madeiran marvels in the captivating capital of Funchal. In the old town the Story Centre is one of the many marvellous museums on offer, offering a virtual journey of the archipelago's great historic events.

There are numerous churches which date back to the 15th century and a 17th century harbour fortress, along with a popular market brimming with tradition. Here you can marvel at ladies in traditional dress wondering amongst masses of tropical flowers and colourful ceramics. 

Enjoy a luxury Madeira villa holiday

Welcome to the enchanting isle of Madeira, where nature's splendour and man's ingenuity come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco, this Portuguese paradise is a feast for the senses.

From the moment you step foot on its shores you will be mesmerised by the lush green landscapes, the vibrant flowers that bloom year-round, and the crystal-clear waters that sparkle in the sunlight.

Family friendly Madeira

Madeira is a magical island that offers endless adventures for families with small children. From exploring picturesque levadas to discovering the island's diverse flora and fauna, there's something for everyone to enjoy:

Levada walks

Madeira is famous for its levadas, which are irrigation channels that were built to bring water to the island's terraced fields. Many of these levadas have walking paths alongside them, offering beautiful views of the island's landscapes and are suitable for families.

Take a leisurely stroll along the island's levadas and let your little ones explore the lush landscapes. The walking paths are perfect for families, and the views are simply breathtaking.

Botanical gardens

Discover the island's lush botanical gardens. The Jardim Botânico da Madeira is an incredible place where you can learn about the island's unique flora and fauna.

Cable car and funicular rides

Ride the cable car and funicular from Funchal to the top of the island, and let your children experience the thrill of being high above the city. The views are out of this world, and your little ones will be amazed at the sights below.

Madeira theme park

Parque Temático da Madeira is a theme park that offers a variety of rides and attractions for children and adults. Your kids will have a blast on the rides and attractions, and you'll have a great time watching them have fun.

Luxury holiday villas in Madeira with private pool

Madeira has long been a popular holiday destination for those looking for a slightly out of the ordinary villa holiday. From the stunning beaches on Madeira's beautiful south coast, to the stunning scenery, and delicious food and wine, when you choose a Madeira holiday, expect an extraordinary experience.

Our villas in Madeira are scattered across the island, so whether you're after a picturesque coastal resort with easy access to the beaches, or you prefer to be in the island's capital city of Funchal, you'll find the perfect holiday rentals through Solmar Villas.

Our villas can accommodate small groups, couples, and up to large families, all offer plenty of space to relax and are equipped with the latest amenities to ensure your villa holiday is totally stress free. Even better, your villa comes with its own private pool, helping you cool off and chill out at the end of a busy day sightseeing, or sunbathing on the beach.

Book your holiday villa in Madeira today

When you're after a holiday that combines adventure off the beaten track with complete relaxation, our holiday villas in Madeira are the perfect choice.

Your villa will make the best base for you to enjoy outdoor adventures, escape to the man made beaches, or simply relax in your own private swimming pool. To find out more about our Madeira holidays, get in touch with our friendly team today.