Highlights of Madeira

Depart for Funchal, collect your hire car and drive across the island to Quinta do Furão, a charming hotel on the clifftop near Santana. All rooms come with sea views and the hotel boasts a number of traditional quirky elements, including two wine presses, while Jacuzzi, pool and sauna soaks offer more contemporary relaxation. You'll also have time to explore; colourful thatched houses form pretty villages and sweeping vineyards dot green hills. It's all marked by levada aqueducts. Dating back to the 16th century, they make for spectacular walks among the region's bright verdure.

Stay: Quinta do Furão (Superior)

Make your way to the sunny south of the island and Quinta das Vinhas, where you'll be situated right in the middle of an organic vineyard with delightful sea views. It all spills down onto the shimmering Atlantic – a view best taken in from the swimming pool or the sun terraces of the 17th-century manor house. Relax further with superlative dining at the restaurant and wine bar, where the terrace overlooks the vineyards to the sea. Despite its secluded, green-fringed position, you'll also be within touching distance of Funchal. Here, 300-year-old manors remember the life of Madeiran aristocracy, art collections beautify bishop's palaces and narrow streets weave through historic fishermen's cottages and merchants' houses. Closer to base, the village of Calheta is just a 5 minute drive away.

Stay: Quinta das Vinhas (Superior)

Head east towards Funchal and the beautiful Quintinha de São João. Perched high just outside Funchal's historical centre, this elegant hideaway enjoys enchanting views of the city below. The hotel is cloaked in the greenery of perfectly manicured gardens. After a busy day exploring the boulevards and pretty squares of the capital, the hotel's outdoor freshwater swimming pool invites you to take a dip, whilst the "Spa da Quintinha" offers the perfect disconnect with re-energising treatments.

Drop your car back at Funchal's airport to make your flight home.