Flying directly to Madeira by private jet
From the Netherlands, a direct private flight to Madeira takes approximately four hours. You avoid a connection on the Portuguese mainland and select your departure airport and timing. Funchal is a short drive from the airport; hotels on the south coast, hillside villas and accommodation elsewhere on the island are also comfortable to reach with a pre-arranged chauffeur.
A Super Light Jet combines speed and cabin comfort for a small party. A Midsize Jet offers more room and baggage capacity for a longer stay, golf bags or a larger family. For Madeira, we consider not only aircraft type but also the operator’s experience and approval for the airport. Its position between ocean and rising terrain requires additional assessment in certain winds. You do not need a technical briefing, but you should have confidence that the proposed flight is realistic.
Funchal and the sunny south coast
Funchal brings together historic streets, gardens, excellent hotels and a lively restaurant culture. The old town, Mercado dos Lavradores and waterfront offer an accessible introduction. A cable car climbs to Monte and its tropical gardens; hotels and traditional quintas on the hillside overlook the bay. The city is compact enough for a weekend and equally suitable as a comfortable base for a longer island itinerary.
Westward lie Câmara de Lobos, cliffs and coastal resorts. A chauffeur can combine lunch, a wine tasting and viewpoints without requiring you to drive the winding mountain roads. Private villas, historic quinta hotels and sea-view resorts provide more seclusion. Corporate visitors to Funchal can easily add one or two leisure days.
Nature, levadas and views above the clouds
Madeira is defined by dramatic elevation. The levadas, historic irrigation channels accompanied by footpaths, cross green valleys, waterfalls and Laurissilva forest. Routes range from relaxed walks to demanding mountain hikes. A private guide can tailor transport, route and pace to your party while accounting for local variations in weather.
Pico do Areeiro and the central mountains offer views above the clouds in clear conditions. The north and west coasts feature natural swimming pools, rugged cliffs and quieter villages. With several microclimates across the island, a chauffeur can adapt the day around sun, cloud and wind. Flexibility on the ground can be as valuable as a fixed itinerary.
Gastronomy, Madeira wine and the Atlantic
Madeiran cooking uses fish, tuna, local fruit and vegetables, bolo do caco and grilled meat. Traditional flavours appear at simple addresses and in contemporary fine dining. Madeira wine is embedded in the island’s history and landscape. You can visit a cellar in Funchal, stay at a vineyard hotel or travel with a guide to producers outside the city.
Private boats depart from Funchal and other harbours for coastal cruising, swimming and whale or dolphin watching. A private vessel provides space and avoids the busiest excursion times. For diving, big-game fishing or a longer yacht charter, we include equipment and harbour transfers in the travel plan.
Golf and combining Madeira with Porto Santo
Madeira’s golf courses feature pronounced elevation changes and ocean views. If you bring your own clubs, we select an aircraft with the right hold space and arrange a vehicle that accepts the bags without difficulty. Golf combines naturally with spas, food and nature, leaving plenty of choice for non-playing companions.
Porto Santo, part of the same archipelago, contrasts with Madeira through its long golden beach and drier landscape. The island has its own airport and golf course. Depending on your itinerary, it can be added by short flight or boat, or assessed as a destination in its own right. We compare the most comfortable route for the complete party.
Madeira in every season
The mild climate makes Madeira appealing almost all year. Spring brings flowers across gardens and hillsides; summer is ideal for the sea and long evenings. Autumn suits wine, gastronomy and a calmer pace. At Christmas and New Year, Funchal is illuminated and its fireworks over the bay are particularly popular. Booking early is worthwhile for major events and holiday periods.
For a multi-day stay, we compare keeping the aircraft with drop-and-go and a separate return. Parking availability and weather may influence the structure, but we translate that into clear options for timing, flexibility and price. Share your dates, party, luggage and hotel or villa. JetServiceNL will create a personal proposal for the complete journey.