Madeira in January

January 2026 took me and my husband back to one of those places that just works for us: Madeira. Warm (even in winter), ridiculously beautiful, and perfect for travelling at your own pace without feeling like you’re missing out.

This trip wasn’t about packing everything in. It was about good food, great views, local experiences, and listening to what our bodies needed and Madeira delivered, as always.

Getting There (and Why Assistance Matters)

The trip started at Manchester with special assistance, and the same brilliant support met us on arrival in Funchal. I haven’t needed full wheelchair assistance in a long time, but with a bad pain day, I was incredibly grateful for it. Everything ran smoothly, no stress, no rushing, just calm, efficient help that made the whole journey easier.

If you ever need assistance when travelling, please ask for it. It’s there to make your holiday better, not limit it.

We flew with Jet2, who were fantastic throughout, even with turbulence and headwinds, we were well looked after and delivered straight through arrivals to our waiting coach.

First Impressions: Hotel Alto Lido

After a short drive, we arrived at Hotel Alto Lido, and honestly, it impressed us straight away. Big, bright entrance, genuinely friendly staff, and a calm, modern feel that instantly makes you relax.

Our room was light and spacious, with views over Lido Rock and a balcony so big it felt slightly ridiculous (in the best way). The hotel has everything you need after a day out - a heated indoor pool, a great terrace, free Wi-Fi, a shuttle into Funchal, and it’s a Certified Sustainable Hotel too, which we love.

Dinner that first night was at The Tale, and wow an absolute highlight. The setting is stylish but not stuffy, with a lovely terrace overlooking the sea and promenade. The service was warm and attentive, and the food felt thoughtful and creative without being overcomplicated. One of those meals you keep thinking about afterwards.

We finished the night with Piña Coladas in the bar and chilled music, exactly the right vibe after a travel day.

Mountains, Valleys & Poncha

Day two started slowly (as holidays should) before our planned afternoon tour.

In the afternoon, we headed out with Lido Tours, who we chose because they’re locally run and keep things small and personal, minibuses instead of huge coaches, which suits us perfectly.

The destination was Curral das Freiras, also known as the Valley of the Nuns right in the centre of the island. The drive alone was worth it, with dramatic mountains and clouds rolling through the valleys. We stopped first at Eira do Serrado, where the views honestly stop you in your tracks.

Down in the valley, the village feels tiny and tucked away, surrounded by steep mountain walls. Chestnuts are a big deal here, and you can see why, the whole place feels rooted in tradition.

On the way back, we stopped at Câmara de Lobos, a colourful harbour village where Winston Churchill once painted. It also gave us the perfect excuse to try Poncha… which absolutely lives up to its reputation.

A Slower Day in Funchal

Day three was a mix of work, wandering, and proper downtime. The morning kicked off with my finalist interview with the TTG judges for Responsible Luxury Travel Designer of the Year, taken from our hotel room while my husband headed out to get some photos.

Later, we wandered around Funchal’s old town and settled into one of our favourite spots, Banana’s, for banana beer (still as good as ever). We took in the views from the fort, then slowed things right down in Parque de Santa Catarina, a beautiful green space with lakes, swans, ducks, and some of the best coffee-with-a-view moments of the trip.

Dinner was simple and local near the hotel, followed by an early night ready for the next day.

Best of the East: A Final Big Day

Our last full day was the Best of the East tour and it ended up being one of our favourites. We started at Terreiro da Luta, then climbed higher to Pico do Arieiro. At 1,818 metres, it’s the highest peak you can reach by road, and the views were unreal, clouds below us, dramatic ridgelines, and that “wow” feeling that photos never quite capture.

On the north side of the island, we stopped at Ribeiro Frio, surrounded by lush greenery and trout pools in the ancient Laurissilva forest. Lunch followed in Santana, famous for its straw-roofed houses, where a simple Prego sandwich and a beer at a local café hit the spot perfectly.

The afternoon took us to Machico, overlooking the bay and sandy beach, before finishing at Miradouro do Caniçal, where the landscape turns rugged, wild, and completely different again.

Heading Home (Already Planning the Next Trip)

That evening was all about one last dinner near the hotel, packing up, and getting ready to fly home. It felt far too soon, which is always a good sign.

Madeira continues to be one of those places that just gets it right: incredible scenery, lovely people, great food, and space to slow down and actually enjoy being there. It proved once again why we keep coming back and why we already know this won’t be our last visit.