Madeira unveils new attractions to UK visitors

Admin

February 7, 2025
4 min read

Madeira unveils new attractions to UK visitors

Madeira has long been a destination for explorers, poets, and European royalty, drawn by its breathtaking landscapes and world-famous wine. Now, the Portuguese island is making it easier than ever for UK travellers to visit, with new flight routes, a museum celebrating its 19th century heritage, and a new luxury hotel offering a five-star experience by the sea.

British Airways and Jet2 have relaunched key routes to Madeira, bringing British holidaymakers back to an island full of history and culture. British Airways has resumed flights from Gatwick to Funchal, replacing its previous Heathrow service, while Jet2 has expanded its services, adding weekly flights from Liverpool and Belfast. With warmer winter temperatures and dramatic Atlantic scenery, Madeira is more accessible than ever.

Step Into Madeira’s Golden Age at the Romanticism Museum

Madeira’s newest cultural attraction, the Romanticism Museum, transports visitors back to the 19th century, a time when the island became a retreat for European aristocracy and creatives. Located in the historic Quinta dos Jardins do Imperador in Monte, the museum is built on the very estate where Emperor Charles I of Austria spent his final years in exile, making it a place steeped in history and intrigue.

Throughout the 19th century, Madeira became a magnet for artists, poets, and royalty. Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, arrived in 1860 seeking recovery from ill health, while Prince Albert I of Monaco used Madeira’s waters for his oceanographic studies, fascinated by its marine life. Even Queen Adelaide of the United Kingdom visited the island, adding to its reputation as a health retreat. Though William Shakespeare never set foot on Madeira, he famously referenced its celebrated wine in Richard III, linking it forever to British literary history.

The museum showcases how these visitors shaped Madeira’s identity as an exclusive retreat, bringing with them influences from across Europe. A standout feature of the exhibition is a reconstructed 19th century home, designed to reflect the English aesthetic that flourished on the island. Madeira’s wine trade created strong links with Britain, and this is reflected in the grand furnishings, artwork, and objects on display. Visitors can also explore how the Romantic movement influenced the island’s art and culture, shaping its identity as a place of escape and inspiration.

A New Chapter in Luxury: The Editory by the Sea Funchal

While the island is deeply connected to its history, Madeira is also embracing the future of luxury travel with the opening of The Editory by the Sea Funchal, a five-star hotel set to redefine comfort and exclusivity.

The hotel stands on the site of an old naval base, once a vital hub for maritime activity. Now, after years of planning, it has been transformed into a 98-room haven that blends contemporary elegance with Madeira’s seafaring past. The developers wanted to preserve the connection to the ocean, designing a space where guests can experience Madeira’s maritime history while enjoying modern luxury. Every detail, from the nautical-inspired architecture to the floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Atlantic, echoes the island’s long-standing relationship with the sea.

Guests will be able to wake up to uninterrupted ocean views, dine on world-class cuisine infused with local flavours, and unwind in a setting that embodies the island’s natural beauty. Positioned in the heart of Funchal, the hotel offers easy access to historic sites, coastal walks, and the city’s best cafes and restaurants, making it perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

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