Madeira offers stunning scenery, comfortable accommodation, tasty cuisine and superb dolphin and birdwatching only a short distance from home. Its mild climate also makes it a year-round destination.
Although no more than 47 bird species breed in the Madeiran archipelago, approximately half of them are either endemic species/subspecies to Madeira or to the group of islands that together are known as Macaronesia (Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands).
Madeira has three true endemics: the trocaz pigeon, which is associated with the island’s native laurel forest; the Madeira firecrest, which is usually seen in forested areas; and the rare Zino's petrel, a seabird that nests on the island’s highest mountains.
Resident and migrant cetaceans are present in the waters around Madeira, including short-finned pilot whale, common bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Bryde's whale and sperm whale are also recorded in Madeiran waters but you would need to be lucky to see these on a short break to the island.
This short break to Madeira combines the chance to see a number of endemic and sub-endemic bird species such as Zino’s petrel, Barolo's shearwater, Madeiran storm-petrel, and white-faced storm-petrel with whales and dolphins, giving you a fine taste of this gorgeous island in spring. Find out more about Z) Birds, Whales & Dolphins of Madeira
Hotel Amparo is a family-run guesthouse in the picturesque, historic beach town of Machico on the east coast of Madeira. Each comfortable room has its own design, in keeping with traditional Portuguese style. All rooms have an en suite bathroom and modern amenities. Find Out More about Hotel Amparo
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
