A Madeira Photo Diary

"The Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place for taking photos, not only of the exotic plants there, but also perfect vistas of Funchal and the coastline."

- Risto, Holiday Director

Pride of Madeira (Echium fastuosum) is a native plant prized for its beautiful flowers. It thrives in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos (you can visit here on Day 6 as part of an optional excursion).

The Kingfisher Daisy (Felicia amelloides) is a South African evergreen perennial, part of the Asteraceae family. It's one of the earliest horticultural species, introduced in the mid-18th century.

A photo stop for bush lillies (clivia miniata), named after the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Charlotte Clive, who first cultivated the plant in England. It's also commonly used as a herbal medicine in South Africa.

With a deep-rooted history, Madeiran Embroidery is synonymous with  tradition, detail, art and identity. The group enjoyed a visit to an embroidery shop to explore the craft which has been in existence since the 15th century.

Enjoy time taking in the exquisite details of the needlework - an art which has been passed down through the generations. Each piece is certified with a guaranteed seal of the Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicrafts Institute.

Pausing for a group photo at D’Oliveiras, a wine lodge in the heart of old Funchal. The lodge was established in 1820 and today is run by the fifth generation of the d'Oliveira family.

On Day Two, after a tour of Funchal and an embroidery shop, the group finished the afternoon with a visit to a Madeira wine lodge. Cheers to a great adventure!

The lodge host teaching the group all about how the fortified wine is cultivated. Did you know that the lodge has the world's largest collection of old Madeiras, totalling 1.6 million litres!

Bit of a connoisseur? Check out vintages including the rare and highly sought-after1880 Terrantez Madeira Family Reserve - which will set you back £1,500 a bottle!

During your visit, you'll have the chance to sample three varieties of wine, including a three-year sweet and medium sweet varieties, plus a five years sweet Madeira - which we're led to believe all went down really well with the group!

The group kickstarted their adventures in Funchal with a visit to a bustling local market, with fruit and vegetables on sale. Look out for local delicacy cinnamon fruit while you're here.

Some of the group browsing the stalls of Funchal market. As well as fruit and vegetable stands, you'll discover wicker and leather goods too.

No time like the present to purchase some souvenirs from Funchal market. Just be sure to keep room in your luggage for all those buys!

As well as being in the safe hands of Holiday Director, Risto, the group enjoyed the Funchal city tour in the company of a Local Guide.

Explore the local fish market and look out for the local delicacy black scabbardfish (espada) - it may look a little off-putting, but trust us, it's worth trying it out one evening. Looks can be deceiving after all!

As part of our East Island Tour on Day Four, the group passed Machico - the island's first capital. It was here that the island was first discovered in July 1469 by Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixe

Some of the group booked onto our West Island tour which includes a visit to Porto Moniz, home to the natural pools where its clear waters are renewed cyclically. You'll be transfixed.

Porto Moniz is also a favourite for Holiday Director, Chris: "Porto Moniz as part of the west coast optional tour is simply phenomenal. When the waves break on the rocks, the colours and energy make it completely mesmeric."

A visit to the Valley of the Nuns on Day Five was impressive to say the least! The town was named after some nuns who discovered it in 1566 as the ideal refuge when pirates attacked.  It's one of the few places that is not visible from the sea.

Cameras at the ready for the group. You don't have to venture far in Madeira to capture some of the incredible coastal views. We recommend booking our optional excursions to make the most of the coastal views, valleys and more.

Considered one of most iconic viewpoints in Madeira, Véu da Noiva translates as Bride's Veil which is quite apt. Here, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views of the waterfall - just one of the island's many natural attractions.

The group making the most of being in the great outdoors and soaking up all the beautiful views of Madeira. Here's to wonderful memories, and friends made on tour!

Come for flowers, but stay for the views. More than a few surprises 'spring up' at Madeira Botanical Gardens - and it's not just the flowers - just look at that view!