Madeira had been on our travel wish list for a while—a lush Portuguese island set in the Atlantic, known for its dramatic cliffs, botanical gardens, and year-round spring-like weather. Arriving in June, we were greeted by endless blue skies and the scent of blooming jasmine drifting through the air. From the moment our taxi pulled up to the Savoy Palace in Funchal, we knew we were in for something special.
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Arriving in the Pearl of the Atlantic
Flying into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is an adventure in itself. Consistently ranked among the world’s most thrilling airports, the landing requires pilots to navigate strong crosswinds, dramatic cliffs, and a short runway that extends out over the ocean on massive pillars. It’s equal parts heart-pounding and breathtaking, with flashes of turquoise water and terracotta rooftops greeting you on descent.
Getting There & Around
Once you’ve caught your breath, the real fun begins on Madeira’s famously winding roads. The island’s topography means you’ll drive through cliff-hugging hairpin turns, steep inclines, and an impressive network of tunnels carved right through the mountains.
While it can be intense for first-timers, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden viewpoints, coastal villages, and levada trails at your own pace. If you’d rather skip the stress, plenty of local guides and day tours can get you to the island’s highlights—leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the views.
First Impressions of Savoy Palace
Savoy Palace rises elegantly above the coastline, a gleaming glass-and-stone structure that manages to feel both grand and welcoming. The lobby sets the tone—soaring ceilings, shimmering chandeliers, and subtle nods to Madeira’s natural beauty in its design. A refreshing welcome drink in hand, we sank into plush lounge chairs and took a moment to simply admire the panoramic view of the ocean.
Our room? A serene haven with a private balcony looking out over the Bay of Funchal. Mornings started with pastel sunrises painting the horizon and evenings ended with the twinkling lights of the city below.
Highlights of Our Stay at Savoy Palace, Madeira
Rooftop Bliss
One of the Savoy Palace’s crown jewels is its rooftop pool and lounge. Infinity edges merge with the horizon, and the cocktails are as artful as the views. Afternoons were spent drifting between the pool, the bar, and shaded loungers with a book in hand.
Spa Serenity
The Laurea Spa, inspired by Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, was an absolute treat. Soft forest scents, warm stone massages, and tranquil thermal pools made it hard to leave. It felt like the island’s lush greenery had followed us indoors.
Atlantic Festival Nights
June in Madeira comes with a special treat—the Atlantic Festival. Every Saturday night, the skies above Funchal light up with spectacular fireworks, synchronized to music and reflecting off the bay. From our balcony at Savoy Palace, we had front-row seats to the show, watching bursts of color dance over the Atlantic with a glass of Madeira wine in hand. It was one of those moments that captures the island’s spirit—celebratory, warm, and unforgettable.
Dining at Savoy Palace – A Culinary Journey
Pau de Lume
With its airy, casual setting, Pau de Lume became our favorite for leisurely lunches. Freshly grilled fish, crisp salads, and the island’s famous garlic bread made every meal feel light yet satisfying.
Orchidaceae Atelier
Breakfast started with freshly squeezed juices, tropical fruits, flaky pastries, and cooked-to-order eggs. We lingered each morning, coffee in hand (they could work on this, was not that great!), watching the day begin over the ocean.
Galáxia Skyfood & Skybar
Perched high above Funchal, Galáxia is as much about the view as it is about the food. We enjoyed creative dishes that fused local flavors with international flair, all while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The Skybar next door is the Funchal’s go-to for a nightcap under the stars.
Alameda Restaurant
For a more relaxed evening, Alameda Restaurant offered Mediterranean-inspired dishes with plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables, perfect after a day of exploring.
The hotel’s range of restaurants meant we could have a different dining experience each day without ever leaving the property—though Madeira’s culinary scene is tempting enough to lure you out.
Exploring Madeira from Funchal
Into the Mist at Fanal Forest
One morning, we set off toward the northwest to explore Fanal Forest, a magical landscape of ancient laurel trees often shrouded in mist. The gnarled branches and soft moss underfoot made it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
Coastal Beauty at Porto Moniz
Another place we enjoyed was Porto Moniz, famous for its volcanic natural pools filled with crystal-clear seawater. We watched waves crash dramatically against the lava rocks, and lingered over a seaside spot for lunch with the freshest smoothies and sandwiches made with the local bread, Bolo do Caco.
Stroll Through the Old Town
We wandered through Zona Velha, the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, colorful doors, and tiny cafés. The Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) was a feast for the senses—vivid flowers, exotic fruits, and friendly banter with local vendors.
Gardens in Bloom
A cable car ride whisked us up to Monte for sweeping views over Funchal, and once there, we walked over to the Monte Palace Garden. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Madeira Botanical Garden were in full bloom in June: endless hydrangeas, orchids, and serene paths through the Japanese garden made for a lovely afternoon.
Epic Views
Cliffside Cabo Girão Skywalk is another must-visit attraction when in Madeira. It offers heart-racing glass-floored views straight down to the crashing waves. Unfortunately, it was covered in clouds when we were there
Savoring Island Flavors
We made sure to try Madeira wine at a local cellar and enjoyed an evening watching the sunset with a glass in hand—a perfect pairing with the island’s laid-back pace.
Want to see the best of Madeira beyond your hotel? Check out our guide to 15 unforgettable things to do in Madeira.
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit – Madeira enjoys mild weather year-round, but June offers warm sunny days, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds before the high summer season—plus the Atlantic Festival fireworks.
Getting There – Direct flights are available from several European hubs. You can find direct flights from New York as well. If you’re arriving from other U.S. cities, Lisbon or Porto make perfect stopovers before hopping on a short flight to Funchal.
Getting Around – Funchal is walkable, but to explore the island’s viewpoints, levada trails, and coastal villages, consider renting a car or booking day tours. Be prepared for winding roads and plenty of tunnels.
Day Trips Worth Taking – Don’t miss Porto Moniz’s volcanic natural pools, Pico do Arieiro for sunrise (it was quite an adventurous walk, but it was so worth it), or a levada walk like the famous Levada dos 25 Fontes for lush scenery.
Travel Tip – Pack layers. Even in summer, evenings can be breezy, especially at higher elevations. And leave room in your suitcase for a bottle (or two) of Madeira wine.
Why We’ll Return to Madeira
Savoy Palace offered more than just luxury—it gave us a home base that matched Madeira’s effortless blend of natural beauty and refined charm. End of June proved the perfect time to visit: warm days, blooming gardens, and just enough sea breeze to keep things comfortable.
When we think back to Madeira, we’ll remember the thrill of looking out over endless ocean from the rooftop pool, our driving adventures, the kaleidoscope of colors from the Atlantic Festival fireworks, and the kindness of everyone we met. And of course, we’ll remember Savoy Palace—the place where it all came together.
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