Cheap flights to Macau from £502

Macau is a wonderful place to explore and has a remarkable history of centuries of Portuguese rule and recent Chinese rule. Many know Macau for its casinos, but there is much more to see.

Macau is a tiny place, home to half-a-million Macanese. The Macau Peninsula is the most northern part of the region, linked to the Chinese mainland. It’s here that most of the must-sees are concentrated – the ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, Na Tcha Temple and the Moorish Barracks to name just a few.

Taipa is the island south of the peninsula. Three bridges link it to the peninsula and the airport is situated here. It’s also a major residential centre and a visit here is a great opportunity to experience the everyday hustle and bustle of Macau.

Cotai is the Las Vegas-like strip between Taipa and Coloane and is the site of gargantuan new casinos including The Venetian.

Coloane, the most southerly island, is mountainous and consequently less developed although it is where you’ll find Macau’s first golf course. Coloane Village is charming with narrow lanes lined by brightly painted Portuguese-style buildings. There are two beaches – Cheoc Van and Hac Sa – and hiking trails in the hilly interior.

Macau climate

Macau has a humid subtropical climate. The average yearly temperature is 22 C (72 F). Summers (May to September) are hot and humid, with temperatures between 29 and 35 C (84 and 95 F). Winters (December to March) are mild; temperatures rarely fall below 5 C (40 F). The breeze blowing in off the sea keeps conditions cooler than on mainland China. Typhoon season runs from July to September.

Getting around Macau

If you fly into Macau International Airport, there are several ways downtown. Depending on which hotel you are staying at there may be a pick-up service. Taxis are readily available and there are also bus services that serve the city and stop at all the major hotels. 

If you’re flying to Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport there are plenty of ways to get over to Macau. Taxis and buses travel to the ferry terminal.

There’s no need to think about driving in Macau. The territory is small, just 28 square kilometres (11 square miles), and there are plenty of ways to get around. For sight-seeing in the different districts of Macau (Peninsula, Taipa or Coloane), walking is best. 

The major casinos and hotels operate complimentary shuttle buses for guests. The Terminal Maritimo is a stop for many shuttles and the really big casinos travel to the Barrier Gate, Taipa Ferry Terminal and airport. 

The bus service is efficient, reliable and air-conditioned. Taxis are readily available and there are two types – black with cream roofs and yellow. Most taxis will have a destination guide that includes the names of the most requested destinations in English, Chinese and Portuguese.

What is good to know if travelling to Macau?

• The Macau Tower SkyJump is a thrilling 20-second flight above Macau. Jumpers take off from the outer rim of the Macau Tower.
• The best Portuguese egg tarts are sold at Lord Stow’s on Coloane. Try to get them when they’re piping hot. Other treats to be enjoyed are almond cookies, peanut candies and cured pork products. Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, also known as San Ma Lo, is the place to pick them up. 
• If you’re in Taipa Village pick up pork chop buns, egg rolls and roasted meat slices for lunch. 
• The Lou Kau Mansion is close to Senado Square. The xinguan-style mansion dates from 1889 and was once the residence of the Lou Kau family. It’s open to the public from 9am to 7pm (Saturdays, Sundays and on Public Holidays). 
• Macau has several museums. The Museum of Macau is a wonderful place to start. It tells the story of Macau from prehistoric times through the middle of the 17th century – Macau’s Golden Age – to today. There’s also Grand Prix and Wine Museums, Maritime Museum and the Handover Gifts Museum, which is full of the wonderful gifts presented by the State Council of The People’s Republic of China, its provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Each gift is exquisite.