Beautiful Pearl of the Atlantic
Madeira is a unique sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean
Picturesque capital
Funchal, the capital where architecture and nature are charmingly combined!
Spectacular scenery
Considered to be the Atlantic's most beautiful island
Lovely 4★ hotel
Our hotel is ideally located in the resort of Funchal
Come and join us on the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira. Nicknamed ‘Pearl or Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, this sub-tropical destination is ideal for a relaxing winter break. With a heritage rich in culture and natural beauty, this charming island has something for all to enjoy.
Find out more about Madeira’s entry requirements here.
Extras
Madeira, located to the north of the Canary Islands, is only 65km long but for an island so small there is plenty to discover. Considered to be the Atlantic’s most beautiful island, it boasts spectacular scenery and is often teeming with plants and flowers. We stay in the capital, Funchal, an ideal base on the south of the island.
Surrounded by peaceful gardens, the 4* Hotel Girassol is well located in the resort of Funchal. Being close to the local shops, bars, restaurants and sea front promenade mean that getting out and about to explore is within easy reach. Funchal city centre is also only 2km away and offers you the opportunity to visit two of the main attractions, the cathedral and botanic gardens. When not out and about you can relax in the contemporary surroundings of our hotel.
Our hotel is ideally located in the resort of Funchal, close to the sea front, shops, bars and restaurants and a 30 minute walk to the bustling city centre of Funchal.
Set among delightful gardens, facilities at our newly refurbished hotel include a choice of outdoor swimming pools, health centre with sauna and gym, choice of bars and a restaurant.
All rooms in our hotel are suites. There is a lounge, TV, phone, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, air-conditioning, a balcony and Wi-Fi.
On arrival, you will be subject to health screening. If you have not completed a test prior to departure to present at the airport, you can take a test at the airport at no charge, however you will have to self-isolate at your accommodation until you receive your test results – up to 12 hours. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
You will also need to fill in a Madeira Travel Regulation form 12 to 48 hours prior to departure https://madeirasafe.com/#/login
Transfer time from Madeira Airport to Girassol Hotel is approximately 25 minutes.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Portugal Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €15.00 per week. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Euro
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting, including all prices. All tours can be paid for in Euros – cash only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening, with the emphasis throughout being informal but with no shorts or vests in the restaurants in the evenings. Evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Portugal
Click here for Madeira’s entry requirements.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - March | 12 °C | 6 °C |
| April | 13 °C | 7 °C |
| May | 14 °C | 8 °C |
| June | 16 °C | 10 °C |
| July | 17 °C | 12 °C |
| August | 19 °C | 13 °C |
| September | 18 °C | 12 °C |
| October | 17 °C | 11 °C |
| November | 14 °C | 9 °C |
| December | 13 °C | 7 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
