_edited.png)
Madeira Travel Guide
Island of The Eternal Spring in the Atlantic
Experience the beauty of Madeira Island, a destination known for its year-round mild weather and breathtaking landscapes. From UNESCO-protected laurel forests to majestic cliffs and waterfalls, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore.Looking for the best things to do in Madeira? Go hiking along scenic trails, dive into crystal-clear waters, or try thrilling water sports. Wander through Funchal’s charming streets, discover local markets, and taste delicious island specialties like bolo do caco and poncha. Don’t miss the famous wicker toboggan ride for a truly unique experience!
Summary
1. Overview
6. Find Flights
8. Thing to do and to See
9. Essential travel tips
10. Must try Dishes in Madeira
11. Madeira Travel Blog Post
Discover the Madeira Islands,
Verdant mountains, botanical gardens, and dramatic coastal trails define this Portuguese paradise. Enjoy wine tasting, whale watching, and hiking through cloud‑kissed laurel forests.
From its paradisiacal beach to its historical heritage, including its geological exuberance, discover this secret kept in the ocean.
Useful Facts about Madeira
Airport
Funchal International Airport ( FNC)
Time Difference
GMT +1
Visa Requiered
No
Population
250,769
Currency
Euro
Capital
Funchal
Int.Dial Code
+351
Languages
Portuguese
Voltage
220V, 50 Hz
Credit Card
Credit Cards,ATM, Travellers Cheques
Best Time to visit Madeira:
Generally depends on your specific interests, but the months between May and September offer the most reliable weather for a variety of activities. The island enjoys a mild subtropical climate year-round, so there isn't a bad time to visit, just variations in weather and events.
By Season
-
Spring (March - May): This is arguably the most beautiful time for nature lovers, as the island is in full bloom. The weather is mild (average high 20–22°C) and ideal for hiking the famous levada trails. A major highlight is the Madeira Flower Festival, usually held in May, featuring vibrant parades and floral displays in Funchal.
-
Summer (June - September): This is the peak season for sun-seekers, offering the warmest air and sea temperatures (average high 25°C, sea temp up to 24°C). The chance of rain is minimal, and there are long hours of sunshine, perfect for swimming and water sports. Summer is also the best time for whale and dolphin watching, which runs from April to October.
-
Autumn (October - November): Autumn brings a balance of good weather and fewer crowds than summer. The sea remains warm for swimming, and the weather is great for hiking, with temperatures averaging around 20–24°C. The island's Wine Festival also takes place in late August and September.
-
Winter (December - February): While it is the wettest season, winter in Madeira remains mild compared to mainland Europe, with average highs around 16–20°C. It's a good time for cultural exploration and enjoying Funchal's spectacular Christmas lights and one of the world's best New Year's Eve firework displays.
-
Microclimates: Madeira has diverse microclimates. The south (including Funchal) is generally sunnier and drier, while the north and higher elevations are cooler and receive more rain. It's often possible to find good weather somewhere on the island even on a cloudy day by taking a short drive.
-
In summary, for a mix of great weather, blooming landscapes, and festivals, late spring (May) is highly recommended. For a traditional beach holiday, the summer months are your best bet.
Discover the Best Ways to Get to Madeira
To get to Madeira, you'll primarily fly into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) from mainland Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) or other European cities (UK, Germany, France, etc.), with connections often needed from North America via Lisbon. The second option is arriving by cruise ship to the Port of Funchal, as regular passenger ferries from mainland Portugal aren't common, though a ferry connects to the nearby island of Porto Santo. Flying is fastest, while cruises offer a scenic arrival.
By Air (Most Common)
-
From Mainland Portugal: TAP Air Portugal offers frequent, short flights (around 90 mins) from Lisbon and Porto.
-
From Europe: Direct flights are available from major hubs like London (BA, Jet2, easyJet), Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam, taking 3-4 hours.
-
From North America: You'll usually connect through Lisbon or the Azores, with Azores Airlines offering some direct flights from JFK/Boston.
-
Airport Info: Madeira Airport (FNC) is near Funchal (Santa Cruz) and known for its spectacular, challenging landing.
By Sea
-
Cruises: Funchal's port is a stop for many international cruise liners.
-
Ferries: No regular passenger ferries from mainland Portugal; the main ferry service (Porto Santo Line) connects Madeira to the nearby island of Porto Santo (about 2.5 hours).
Tips
-
Book Flights Together: If connecting from an international flight in Lisbon, book all legs on the same ticket with TAP for better prices.
-
Passport/Visa: EU citizens don't need a visa; others should check requirements for Portugal.
-
Local Transport: From the airport, buses (Rodoeste) and taxis connect to Funchal and the rest of the island.
Find Flights To Madeira
how to get around in madeira
To get around Madeira, you can rent a car (small/electric recommended for hills/parking), rely on an extensive bus system (Horários do Funchal for Funchal, for island-wide), use taxis/tuk-tuks, ride scenic cable cars (Funchal-Monte), or explore popular spots by walking/hiking. Buses offer budget travel but can be slow; tours offer convenience; cars give freedom but roads are steep.
-
Best For: Exploring remote areas, flexibility.
-
Tips: Small cars are ideal due to narrow roads; powerful engines (diesel/electric) help with hills.
-
Consider: Steep terrain, narrow streets, parking challenges.
Buses (Public Transport)
-
Best For: Budget travel, getting between towns.
-
Providers: Horários do Funchal (Funchal/suburbs), SIGA/Rodoeste (island-wide, west/north).
-
Tips: Use a Giro card for city travel; Google Maps helps with routes/times; buses can be crowded.
-
Best For: Short trips, convenience.
-
Cost: Taxis are reasonably priced for short distances (around €10).
-
Best For: Iconic views, reaching specific spots like Monte.
-
Key Route: Funchal Old Town to Monte.
-
Best For: Exploring Levadas (water channels) and stunning landscapes.
-
Tips: A rewarding way to see the island's nature.
-
Best For: Guided, convenient experience without logistics.
-
Consider: More expensive, less flexible than self-driving/busing.
Overall: For a balanced trip, combine buses for major routes, cable cars for views, and perhaps a rental car or tours for remote hiking spots.
Things to do and to See in Madeira
Madeira offers a wealth of activities, from exploring the charming capital of Funchal to hiking dramatic mountain peaks and swimming in volcanic pools.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
-
Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
: Hike between Madeira's third and highest peaks for breathtaking "above the clouds" views, especially at sunrise. Be sure to bring warm clothing as it can be chilly at the summit.
-
Levada Walks: Explore the island's unique irrigation channels that offer scenic hiking routes through lush laurel forests and past waterfalls. Popular routes include the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and the 25 Fontes walk
-
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
: Take a dip in these stunning, natural volcanic pools on the island's north coast, a truly unique swimming experience. Nearby Seixal also has a beautiful black sand beach.
-
: Visit the highest sea cliff in Europe and walk on the suspended glass platform for a thrilling, jaw-dropping view of the ocean and coastline below.
-
: Hike the trail on the easternmost peninsula for a different, arid landscape with wild, rugged coastal views and unique rock formations.
-
: Explore this mystical, ancient forest with its twisted Til trees, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is particularly atmospheric when foggy
-
Culture & City Exploration (Funchal)
-
ExploreFunchal Old Town
-
: Wander through the historic center (Zona Velha) with its charming, cobbled streets and the famous "Painted Doors" art project on Rua de Santa Maria.
Visit Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, known for its exotic plants, oriental gardens, and Portuguese tiles, or the Madeira Botanical Garden with its wide variety of native and exotic flora. -
Ride the Funchal Cable Car: Take a scenic cable car ride from Funchal up to the suburb of Monte for panoramic views of the city and bay.
-
Experience the Toboggan Ride: From Monte, take a thrilling ride down the steep streets in a traditional wicker basket sled, steered by two "carreiros".
-
Sample Local Flavors: Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market) for tropical fruits and local produce, and be sure to try the traditional potent rum cocktail, poncha, at a local bar.
Museums & History: Visit the CR7 Museum dedicated to local football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, or the historic Blandy's Wine Lodge for a tour and tasting of the famous Madeira wine.
Essential travel tips for Madeira
For Madeira, pack layers for unpredictable weather, rent a small car for steep, narrow roads (automatic recommended), prioritize hiking shoes for stunning but challenging trails (check closures!), explore Funchal's charm (Cable Car/Toboggan!), try local Poncha & Espada fish, use webcams to check real-time weather, carry some cash, and note tap water is safe.
Getting Around
-
Car Rental: Essential for exploring, but rent a small automatic car for steep, winding roads and narrow streets; avoid big cars.
-
Driving: Uphill drivers have priority on narrow roads, but be courteous.
-
Tunnels: Lots of them, with English signage.
Weather & Packing
-
Microclimates: Expect varied weather; sunny in one spot, rainy in another.
-
Check Webcams: Use online webcams (like Madeira Webcams) to see current conditions before you go.
-
Pack Layers: Rain jacket, hoodie, comfortable walking shoes/sneakers are must-haves; shorts and sun protection for sunnier spots.
-
Water Shoes: Great for natural pools like Porto Moniz.
Activities & Sights
-
Hiking: Famous levadas (irrigation channels) and peaks (Pico Ruivo), but check for closures and entry fees on popular trails.
-
Funchal: Explore Old Town, Botanical Gardens, take the Cable Car to Monte, and ride the traditional wicker Toboggans down.
-
Natural Pools: Visit Porto Moniz and Seixal's lava pools.
-
Whale Watching: A popular sea activity.
Food & Drink
-
Poncha: Try the local honey-rum cocktail (Taberna da Poncha is a classic spot).
-
Local Eats: Don't miss Bolo do Caco (garlic bread) and Espada com Banana (black scabbard fish).
-
Dining: Eat away from the marina for better prices; ask locals for hidden gems.
Money & Essentials
Madeiran gastronomy emphasises fresh, local ingredients, with notable dishes including Espetada Regional (skewered beef), Bolo do Caco (flatbread), and the scabbard fish preparation Filete de espada. A visit to the island offers a rich culinary experience, from traditional fare to local drinks and desserts.
Must-Try Dishes & Drinks
Main Courses and Sides
-
Espetada Regional: Large skewers of marinated beef cubes, typically with salt and garlic, barbecued and often served hanging vertically at the table.
-
Filete de espada (Black Scabbard Fish Fillet): A popular local fish, often served with a banana and passion fruit sauce, which surprisingly works well.
-
Carne de Vinha d'alhos: Meat (usually pork) marinated in wine, garlic, and vinegar, a traditional dish often enjoyed around the holidays.
-
Picado: Small cubes of beef or octopus cooked in a sauce, meant to be shared from a single large dish, often with French fries.
-
Grilled Limpets (Lapas): A common seafood appetiser, often served sizzling in a pan with garlic and lemon.
-
Milho frito: Fried cornmeal cubes, a typical side dish accompanying many main courses.
Breads and Desserts
-
Bolo do Caco: A round flatbread cooked on a caco (basalt stone slab), usually served warm with garlic butter as an appetiser or a sandwich base.
-
Bolo de Mel: A dark, dense honey cake made with sugarcane honey, spices, and nuts, traditionally made in large batches and lasting a long time.
-
Seasonal Fruits: The island boasts an array of exotic fruits like custard apples, guava, and various types of passion fruit, often available for sampling at the
(Farmer's Market).
Beverages
-
Madeira Wine: The island's most famous export, a fortified wine with a unique flavour profile ranging from dry to sweet, is celebrated annually at the Madeira Wine Festival.
-
Poncha: A potent, traditional alcoholic drink made from sugarcane rum (aguardente), honey, and lemon juice, with many modern variations including passion fruit or tangerine flavours.
-
Nikita: A refreshing local drink made with vanilla ice cream, pineapple juice, and beer or white wine.
Gastronomy in Madeira
Top Places to Explore in Madeira
Madeira Locations
For must-visit spots in Madeira, start with the capital, Funchal, for its historic Old Town, markets, and cable car to Monte; then head to coastal gems like the colorful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the sunny Ponta do Sol, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and the traditional houses of Santana, all offering unique flavors of the island's culture, views, and nature. Don't miss viewpoints like Cabo Girão, dramatic peaks like Pico do Arieiro, or the natural beauty of Seixal.
1. Funchal
An ideal blend of nature, culture, and lifestyle
Funchal is the picturesque capital of Madeira; it is by far one of the most characteristic cities of Portugal as well as the entry point to the island.
Located on a large slope facing the Atlantic and shaped like a natural amphitheatre, Funchal is Madeira’s largest tourist, commercial and cultural centre. The name of the city comes from the abundance of fennel plantations (funcho in Portuguese), on the island. Funchal played an important role as port and commercial base between the 15th and the 17th century. The city is located along the southern coast and has a natural amphitheater-shape along the bay. The center is characterized by a series of narrow streets filled with coffe bars, shops, museums, and beautiful palaces. Funchal is a lively destination filled with tourist attractions, and it definitely deserves a visit during your holidays to Madeira. - Key attractions include the Sé Cathedral, with its striking mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles, and the bustling Farmers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) where you can immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine. Don't miss the stunning botanical gardens, offering panoramic views of the city. Additionally, the island's coastline beckons with its crystal-clear waters, providing opportunities for water sports, boat tours, and whale watching, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both the cultural treasures and the natural wonders of Madeira Island.
Highlights: Rua Santa Maria, Mercado dos Lavradores, cable car and basket sledges
2. Câmara de Lobos
From the beautiful fishing bay to the deep valley
Câmara de Lobos, situated on the south coast of Madeira, was the first settlement João Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator who discovered this 'pearl of the Atlantic.'
The municipality's name originates from the numerous sea lions that inhabited the cove upon the island's discovery, a still present today. Historical landmarks in the area include the 15th-century Nossa Senhora da Conceição chapel, the 1425 convent of São Bernardino, and the 16th-century São Sebastião church.
Today, de Lobos comprises four parishes: Curral das Freiras, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Jardim da Serra, and Quinta Grande.
The city is distinguished by its iconic fishing boats known as 'Xavelhas.' Come and explore Câmara Lobos, a place rich in historical significance, stunning Atlantic views and a long-standing fishing tradition
Highlights: harbor, Pico da Torre viewpoint, waterfront promenade
3.Porto Moniz
Stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, and natural volcanic pools.
Nestled in the far north of Madeira Island, Porto Moniz is a municipality showcases some of the region's most stunning views. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the ocean, Porto Moniz captivates visitors with its charming parishes rich in tradition.
This area is significantly shaped by the botanical diversity of the Laurissilva Forest, which meets the northern sea through its ridges, cliffs, and coves.
The iconic natural pools formed in volcanic rocks, with their crystal-clear waters, are a hallmark of Porto Moniz, making it an essential destination for those seeking natural beauty, scenic trails, and a glimpse into its historical and cultural heritage.
4.Ponto Da Sol
Between stunning beaches and the warmest sun
Situated on the southwest coast of the island of Madeira, the municipality of Ponta do Sol is known for generally enjoying the most hours of sunshine per year. It is, therefore, a place much appreciated by those seeking to enjoy sunny days on the beach or in contact with some idyllic spots in Nature, for example.
Besides the importance that tourism represents in this region, it is also important to highlight the relevance of agriculture for the municipality. Some of the archipelago's most famous products, such as bananas and sugar cane, are grown there. Floriculture and horticulture also play prominent roles.
Highlights: beach, pier and the levada hike on the Levada Nova.
5.Sao Vicente
Land of valleys, vineyards and Laurissilva
The municipality of São Vicente is home to a vast area of Laurissilva, the archipelago's most precious natural treasure.
The diversity of the flora and fauna of this forest, as well as its state of conservation, make the municipality of São Vicente one of the most privileged places to get in touch with Madeira's nature through its many hiking trails - often with the ocean as a backdrop.
The green sceneries of this region are also marked by the imprint of volcanic forces and the erosion of its slopes. Here, you can visit the famous volcanic caves, formed 890 thousand years ago. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to come and discover the municipality of São Vicente.
Another of the most representative points of interest in the municipality of São Vicente is a small and peculiar chapel built inside a basalt rock, by the sea. The São Vicente, or Calhau, Chapel is a symbolic reflection of this region's deep connection to faith, but also of the constant presence of volcanic rock.
Highlights: Cascata Água d’Alto, promenade by the sea, town center
6.Machico
From cultural heritage to natural and geological landscapes
We have to go through the pages of Machico's History to get to the origins of Madeira's human occupation. This is because it was here that, in July 1419, Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira set ashore when they discovered the island. Therefore, this municipality is specially symbolic for all Madeirans.
However, legend has it that a century before this seminal event, Anne of Arfet, an English lady, and Robert Machim, a legendary knight of the court of King Edward III of England, had found refuge here. In fact, it was after the name Machim that Machico was named.
If you're looking for things to see in Machico, there's no shortage of options. The city's elegant bay invites you to take a pleasant stroll along the crystal-clear sea that bathes the entire municipality. In addition, this municipality, marked by unique cultural traditions, has several viewpoints, historical monuments, beaches and green areas.
Highlights: sandy beach, old town, Miradouro de Machico
4.Porto Da Cruz
Between stunning beaches and the warmest sun
Porto da Cruz is a small village in Madeira that is particularly popular with surfers. The Praia de Alagoa is one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira. Porto da Cruz is also home to the Engenhos do Norte rum factory, where you can try traditional poncha.
Highlights: Engenhos do Norte, Praia de Alagoa, Miradouro da Portela
4.Santana
Between Nature and tradition
The municipality of Santana, located on the north coast of the island of Madeira, presents a set of unique natural, landscape, environmental, human and cultural values of great interest
.The 'casinhas de Santana' became icons widely known nationally (and beyond) for the peculiar beauty of their architectural style. With a triangular shape and covered in thatch, they are the greater symbol of this municipality on the north coast of the island of Madeira.
Santana was awarded the distinction of 'Biosphere Reserve' by UNESCO in 2011. It is, therefore, the ideal place to contemplate a rich and meticulously preserved natural heritage. To do this, nothing better than getting to know the Biosphere's hiking trails, over 120 km long.
Highlights in Santana: Typical houses, Miradouro Rocha do Navio
4.Island of Porto Santo
A paradise island that we are sure will surprise you.
A paradise island that we are sure will surprise you.
Indeed, there's something for everyone here, from a serious and challenging Golf course to the house where Christopher Columbus once lived and where some say he planned his first trip across the ocean, there are sports opportunities and historical sites in abundance.
However, the first thing that comes to mind about Porto Santo is its wonderful, untouched sandy beach. The relaxing atmosphere and quietness of the island is also reflected in its beach where it never gets too crowded, you can even find your own private area, a true luxury nowadays.
Nature has been generous with this small island also gracing it with hills that hide Mediterranean style little forests and an intriguing shapes created by the wind in the soft sandstone cliffs of the North side of the island.
Yes, plenty to see and to enjoy in this little corner of Europe.