Guides
Everything you need to plan a trip to Madeira, written by people who live here and checked against official sources.
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The best time to visit Madeira
Madeira is mild all year, but each season is good for different things. When to go for walking, swimming, festivals and quiet, with the real averages for every month.
How many days in Madeira? Itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days
How long to stay in Madeira and how to split your days between Funchal, the levadas, the north coast and the west, with ready-made plans for short and longer trips.
Levada walks in Madeira: the complete guide
What levadas are, the best walks by difficulty, how booking and trail fees work since 2026, what to wear, and how to stay safe on Madeira’s famous water channel paths.
Where to stay in Madeira: the best areas, compared
Funchal, Caniço, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, the north coast or Porto Santo? How the areas differ in weather, transport and atmosphere, and which suits your trip.
Plan your trip
- The best time to visit MadeiraMadeira is mild all year, but each season is good for different things. When to go for walking, swimming, festivals and quiet, with the real averages for every month.
- How many days in Madeira? Itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 daysHow long to stay in Madeira and how to split your days between Funchal, the levadas, the north coast and the west, with ready-made plans for short and longer trips.
- Getting to Madeira: flights, airports and ferriesHow to fly to Madeira, how long the flights take, which airport you land at, what happens if the wind closes it, and how to get on to Porto Santo.
- Madeira airport wind: why flights divert and what to doWhy strong wind stops planes landing at Madeira, when it happens, what your airline must do if your flight is diverted, and how to plan so a windy day doesn’t ruin your trip.
- How much does a trip to Madeira cost?What things really cost in Madeira in 2026: food, coffee, transport, car hire, activities and fees, plus easy ways to spend less without missing anything.
- What to pack for Madeira, in every seasonA practical packing list for Madeira: layers for the mountains, shoes for the levadas, what to bring for the sea, and what changes between summer and winter.
- Madeira tourist tax: how much and who paysHow Madeira’s tourist tax works in 2026: the €2 nightly charge, the seven-night limit, who is exempt, which municipalities charge it and how you pay.
- Is Madeira safe? Crime, nature and the things that actually matterMadeira has very little crime. The real risks are natural: the sea, mountain weather, rockfalls and summer wildfires. What to watch for and the numbers to call.
- Madeira weather warnings: what yellow, orange and red meanHow IPMA’s weather warnings work in Madeira, what each colour means for your plans, and what closes when there is an orange or red warning.
- Madeira in the rain: what to do on a wet dayWhere to find sun when it rains in Funchal, and the best indoor and covered things to do in Madeira on a grey day, for adults and kids.
- Madeira in winter: is it warm enough?What winter in Madeira is really like from November to March: temperatures, rain, sea, daylight, what’s on and how to plan walks and beach days.
- One day in Funchal from a cruise shipHow to spend a cruise stop in Funchal: where the ships dock, how to get into town, what you can do in a few hours, and how to avoid the queues on busy days.
- Spending a month in Madeira: costs, areas and remote workWhat it is like to stay a month or more in Madeira: where to live, what rent and daily life cost, internet and coworking, healthcare and the practical paperwork.
Where to stay
Getting around
- Hiring a car in Madeira: what to know before you bookDo you need a car in Madeira? Which car to choose for steep roads, how insurance and excess work, age rules, automatics, and tips for picking up at the airport.
- Driving in Madeira: roads, roundabouts, tunnels and parkingWhat driving in Madeira is really like: the fast VR1 and its tunnels, steep mountain roads, how Portuguese roundabouts work, speed limits, parking in Funchal and fuel.
- Buses in Madeira: how to get around without a carHow Madeira’s bus network works: the Funchal city buses, the companies that serve the east and west, tickets and cards, apps, and which sights you can reach by bus.
- Madeira airport to Funchal: bus, taxi, ride-hailing or carAll the ways to get from Madeira airport to Funchal and the rest of the island: the airport bus, taxi fares, Uber and Bolt, transfers and hire cars.
- Taxis, Uber and Bolt in MadeiraHow taxis work in Madeira, typical fares, using Uber and Bolt, and when a taxi is the smartest way to reach a trailhead or a viewpoint.
- Cable cars in Madeira: Funchal, Monte, Garajau and the fajãsAll of Madeira’s cable cars in one place: the classic ride from Funchal to Monte, the botanical garden line, and the steep cable cars down to the coastal fajãs.
- Getting to Porto Santo: the ferry and flightsHow to get from Madeira to Porto Santo: the Lobo Marinho ferry, sailing times, taking a car, seasickness tips, and the short flight alternative.
Levada walks and hiking
- Levada walks in Madeira: the complete guideWhat levadas are, the best walks by difficulty, how booking and trail fees work since 2026, what to wear, and how to stay safe on Madeira’s famous water channel paths.
- Madeira trail fees and booking in 2026: how SIMplifica worksSince January 2026 Madeira’s classified walking trails need a booked time slot and a fee. Prices, who is exempt, how to book on SIMplifica, passes, fines and what to do if a trail closes.
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1): the great mountain walkMadeira’s most spectacular hike, from Pico do Arieiro to the island’s highest peak: route, difficulty, booking and the €10.50 fee, the shorter PR1.2 alternative, and safety tips.
- Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco (PR6 and PR6.1)Madeira’s most famous levada walk from Rabaçal to the 25 Fontes pool and the Risco waterfall: route, the shuttle and parking, booking, timing and how to avoid the crowds.
- Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8): Madeira’s wild eastern tipThe coastal walk across Madeira’s bare eastern peninsula: route, distance and time, booking, the lack of shade, wind, the bus from Funchal and the best time of day.
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9): tunnels, forest and a hidden waterfallThe classic north-side levada from Queimadas near Santana to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall: distance, the four tunnels, booking, getting there and what to bring.
- Levada dos Balcões (PR11): the easiest great view in MadeiraA short, flat walk from Ribeiro Frio to a balcony viewpoint over Madeira’s central mountains, with birds that come to your hand. Distance, booking and tips.
- Fanal forest: Madeira’s ancient laurel trees in the fogFanal, on the Paul da Serra plateau, where twisted centuries-old laurel trees appear out of the mist. How to get there, when the fog comes, the PR13 trail and how to visit responsibly.
- Easy levada walks in Madeira, for families and first-timersThe gentlest levada walks in Madeira: short, mostly flat routes with big views or waterfalls, suitable for children, older walkers and anyone new to hiking.
- Hiking safety in Madeira: weather, gear and closed trailsHow to walk safely in Madeira’s mountains: checking weather and closures, what to wear and carry, timing, tunnels, heights and what to do in an emergency.
- Camping in Madeira: permits, forest parks and campsitesCan you camp in Madeira? How camping permits work in the forest parks, the official campsites on Madeira and Porto Santo, and why wild camping is not allowed.
- Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro: how to see the sun rise above the cloudsHow to plan a sunrise at Pico do Arieiro: when to leave, sunrise times through the year, how cold it gets, parking, and how to tell if the sky will be clear.
Things to do
- Things to do in Funchal: the best of the city in one guideWhat to see and do in Funchal, Madeira’s capital: the old town, the market, Monte and the toboggan, gardens, museums, wine lodges and where to watch the sunset.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: Funchal’s market, and how to visit it wellA guide to Funchal’s farmers’ market: opening times, the fish hall, the exotic fruit, what to buy, and how to avoid the overpriced tasting trap.
- The Monte toboggan: price, where it ends and how to plan itMadeira’s wicker toboggan ride down from Monte: 2026 prices, how long it takes, where it drops you, how to get back to Funchal, and combining it with the cable car.
- Funchal’s gardens: Monte Palace, the Botanical Garden and PalheiroWhich of Funchal’s famous gardens to visit and how: the Monte Palace tropical garden, the Madeira Botanical Garden, the Palheiro Gardens, and the free city parks.
- Cabo Girão skywalk: the glass platform over Madeira’s great cliffVisiting Cabo Girão: the glass skywalk 580 metres above the sea, the €5 fee from 2026, when to go, getting there by bus or car, and the cable car to the fajãs below.
- Curral das Freiras and Eira do Serrado: the Nuns’ ValleyVisiting Curral das Freiras, the village in a deep volcanic valley, and the Eira do Serrado viewpoint above it: the story, the chestnuts, the walk down and how to get there.
- Santana: the thatched houses of Madeira’s north coastVisiting Santana on Madeira’s north coast: the triangular thatched houses, the Madeira Theme Park, the Rocha do Navio cable car and the nearby trailheads.
- Porto Moniz and Seixal: lava pools and black sand on the north-west coastVisiting Porto Moniz’s natural lava pools and nearby Seixal: swimming, when the pools close, the aquarium, the north coast road and the Véu da Noiva waterfall.
- São Vicente: the north coast village, and the caves that are closedWhat to see in São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast while the volcanic caves are closed for safety works, plus nearby Ponta Delgada, Boaventura and the Encumeada pass.
- Câmara de Lobos: the fishing village where Churchill paintedVisiting Câmara de Lobos near Funchal: the harbour and its colourful boats, Churchill’s viewpoint, poncha bars, the best viewpoints and how to combine it with Cabo Girão.
- Machico and Caniçal: where Madeira began, and the Whale MuseumVisiting Machico, where the first settlers landed, and Caniçal, the old whaling village with its excellent Whale Museum, plus the beaches and the walk to Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Whale and dolphin watching in MadeiraWhen and where to see whales and dolphins in Madeira, which species you can meet in each season, how to choose a responsible operator, and what a trip is like.
- The Desertas Islands: a day trip to Madeira’s wild nature reserveA boat trip to the Desertas Islands, home of the monk seal: how trips work, what you can see and do, the rules of the reserve, and how sea conditions affect your plans.
- The best viewpoints in Madeira, coast to coastMadeira’s most spectacular viewpoints: mountain peaks above the clouds, sea cliffs, valley rims, the western lighthouse and the best places for sunrise and sunset.
- Cristiano Ronaldo in Madeira: the museum, the statue and the airportFollowing Cristiano Ronaldo in his home town of Funchal: the CR7 Museum, the statue on the seafront, the airport named after him, and the neighbourhood where he grew up.
- Porto Santo: Madeira’s golden beach islandA guide to Porto Santo: the nine-kilometre beach, when to go, day trip or overnight, what to do beyond the sand, Columbus’s house, and getting around the island.
- Adventure in Madeira: canyoning, paragliding, coasteering and moreMadeira beyond walking: canyoning in the mountain streams, tandem paragliding over the south-west coast, coasteering, kayaking, jeep tours, mountain biking and trail running.
Beaches and the sea
- Where to swim in Madeira: beaches, lidos and natural poolsThe best places to swim in Madeira: sandy beaches, pebble coves, seawater lidos and natural lava pools, with what each is like, when lifeguards are on duty and how to stay safe.
- Diving and snorkelling in MadeiraWhere to dive and snorkel in Madeira: the Garajau marine reserve, the Caniço coast, Porto Santo’s wreck and the Desertas, with marine life, seasons and how to choose a dive centre.
- Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in MadeiraMadeira’s surf spots and seasons, why the island suits experienced surfers best, where to windsurf and kite (mostly Porto Santo), and how to read wind, waves and tides before you go.
Food and drink
- What to eat in Madeira: the dishes to tryA guide to Madeiran food: espetada on bay-leaf skewers, bolo do caco, limpets, black scabbard fish with banana, milho frito, honey cake, tropical fruit and what to drink with it.
- Poncha: Madeira’s favourite drinkWhat poncha is, how it’s made with sugar cane rum, honey and lemon, the different flavours, where to drink it and a recipe to make it at home.
- Madeira wine: how it’s made, what to try and where to taste itA short guide to Madeira wine: why it is heated and aged, the four classic grapes from dry to sweet, age labels, and how to visit the lodges in Funchal and around the island.
- Eating well on a budget in MadeiraHow to eat well in Madeira without spending much: lunch menus, snack bars, bolo do caco, markets and supermarkets, plus the couvert and other small charges to watch for.
Festivals and seasons
- Madeira festivals calendar: the year’s main festivities, month by monthThe festivals of Madeira through the year: Carnival, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival, the Wine Festival, Christmas and New Year, plus the village and harvest festivals.
- Carnival in Madeira 2027: parade dates and where to watchMadeira Carnival 2027: dates of the Allegoric Parade and the Slapstick Parade in Funchal, where to watch, how the samba schools work, and tips for joining in.
- Madeira Flower Festival 2027: parade dates and what to seeMadeira’s Flower Festival 2027: dates, the Great Allegoric Flower Parade, the Wall of Hope, flower carpets and exhibitions in Funchal, and tips for seeing the parade.
- Atlantic Festival 2027: June fireworks over Funchal bayThe Atlantic Festival in Madeira: June concerts and the international fireworks contest every Saturday over Funchal bay, with 2027 dates and the best places to watch.
- Madeira Wine Festival 2027: the grape harvest in Funchal and EstreitoThe Madeira Wine Festival 2027: dates, the live harvest in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, events in Funchal, and how to join a grape-picking and treading experience.
- Festa da Senhora do Monte: the great August pilgrimageMadeira’s biggest religious festival on 14 and 15 August: the pilgrimage up the steps to the Monte church, the procession, the arraial and how to visit.
- What is an arraial? Madeira’s village festivals explainedWhat happens at an arraial, Madeira’s traditional village festival: the procession, the decorations, the food and drink, the music, and how to find one during your stay.
- Columbus Festival on Porto SantoPorto Santo’s Columbus Festival recreates the arrival of Christopher Columbus with a historic market, costumes and parades. 2027 dates and how to visit from Madeira.
- Christmas in MadeiraHow Madeira celebrates the Festa, from the dawn masses and market night to the lights of Funchal, with the key dates for the 2026 season and tips for visiting.
- New Year’s Eve in MadeiraWhere to watch Funchal’s famous New Year fireworks, how to get there and back, and what to book in advance for 31 December 2026.
Madeira with kids
- Madeira with kids: what to do, where to stay and how to planA family guide to Madeira: the best activities for children, sandy beaches and safe pools, easy walks, rainy-day options, where to stay and practical tips for steep streets and car seats.
- Madeira with a baby or toddlerTravelling to Madeira with a baby or toddler: flights, getting around steep streets, strollers versus carriers, baby supplies, where to stay, pools and beaches, and health care.
- A rainy day with kids in MadeiraIndoor and covered things to do with children in Madeira when it rains: museums, the aquarium, play centres, cinemas, bowling and how to find the sun on another coast.
Practical
- Healthcare in Madeira for visitors: hospitals, pharmacies and mosquitoesWhat to do if you get ill in Madeira: emergency numbers, the hospital and health centres, pharmacies, EHIC and insurance, mosquitoes and dengue, sun and tap water.
- Public holidays and opening hours in MadeiraMadeira’s public holidays for 2026 and 2027, including the regional holidays, plus normal opening hours for shops, restaurants, museums and pharmacies.
- Money in Madeira: cards, cash machines and tippingPractical money tips for Madeira: paying by card, which cash machines to use, how much cash to carry, tipping in restaurants and taxis, and tax-free shopping.
- Mobile phones and internet in MadeiraStaying connected in Madeira: EU roaming, local SIM and eSIM options, mobile coverage in the mountains and on trails, Wi-Fi, and offline maps for walks.
- Flying a drone in Madeira: the rulesCan you fly a drone in Madeira? The EU drone rules that apply in Portugal, registration, height limits, no-fly zones around the airport and Funchal, protected areas and aerial photography permissions.
Culture and history
- The Principality of Pontinha: the tiny fort that declared independenceThe story of the Principality of Pontinha, a small fort on a rock in Funchal harbour whose owner declared it an independent state in 2007, and how to see it today.
- Poço da Neve: Madeira’s old snow well in the mountainsThe Poço da Neve, a stone ice house built in the early 1800s near Pico do Arieiro, where snow was packed into ice for Funchal. Its story and how to see it.
- A short history of MadeiraMadeira’s story in brief: the Portuguese discovery in the 1400s, the sugar boom, the wine trade with Britain, the first tourists, autonomy and the modern island.
- Madeira embroidery: the story and how to buy the real thingBordado da Madeira, the island’s famous hand embroidery: how it began, how it is made, how to recognise certified pieces, and where to see and buy it.
- The laurel forest: Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage woodlandMadeira’s laurisilva, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world: what it is, why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plants and birds, and the best walks to see it.