Madeira, Portugal: A Feel-Good Guide to the Pearl of the Atlantic
Fortress of São Tiago in Funchal
Madeira is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. Madeira has that wonderful Portuguese charm mixed with laid back island vibes. Whether you're weaving through the levada trails, indulging in fresh seafood, or soaring down a mountain on a toboggan ride, this island offers an unforgettable experience. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip!
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If you are looking for itinerary ideas: check out our Madeira itinerary post!
Getting Here: How to Reach Madeira
By Air: The main gateway to Madeira is Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal. Direct flights are available from major European cities like Lisbon, Porto, London, and Frankfurt.
By Sea: Madeira is also accessible via cruise ships, with Funchal’s port welcoming travelers from transatlantic and Mediterranean routes.
Why Visit Madeira?
Praia da Calheta beach
Dramatic Landscapes That Captivate: Picture yourself surrounded by emerald-green Laurisilva forests, towering volcanic peaks like Pico do Arieiro, and breathtaking cliffs that dramatically plunge into the azure Atlantic. Madeira's natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring, offering a visual feast for every traveler. You won’t want to miss:
Stunning Landscapes: Lush forests, volcanic peaks, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.
Outdoor Adventures: Levada hikes (note: Madeira now charges a 3 Euro fee), whale watching, and canyoning make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Rich Culture & History: From Funchal’s historic streets to Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools to the traditional A-Frame houses in Santana, Madeira blends tradition with modernity.
Food: The seafood is a must try while you are in Madeira or checkout the traditional Portuguese pastry the pastel de nata!
Mild Weather Year-Round: Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," Madeira is perfect to visit anytime. Expect temperatures in the low to mid 60’s (around 19 degrees Celsius), but in the winter expect highs in the mid-50’s (16 degrees Celsius).
Fun facts:
The population of Madeira is over 255,000 people
The island of Madeira is 286 square miles (740 square KM)
Madeira is actually closer to Africa than Europe
The laurel (laurisilva) forest on Madeira is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Things to Know
Things To Know Before You Go
Sim Cards & WiFi: It’s best to get a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or a local store. Consider getting a Vodafone SIM card. We found Vodafone to offer the best coverage and service and is really easy to top off if you need to buy extra data. There are also some great eSIM options available as well, if your phone supports eSIMs. Some hotels and cafés offer free WiFi, but having mobile data is useful for navigation and trip planning, especially if you plan on using Google Maps for driving around or hiking. We also always recommend downloading offline Google Maps, just in case you lose service.
Do You Need Cash? We rarely used cash in Madeira. Most places accept credit cards, but carrying some euros is helpful for small vendors and rural areas.
Plug Type: Type F (same as in mainland Europe). If coming from the US or UK, you’ll need an adapter.
Restaurant Reservations: While many places allow walk-ins, it’s a good idea to book in advance for popular spots, especially during peak seasons. While we did not have any issues getting into restaurants, during peak hours they could fill up pretty quickly.
Language: Portuguese is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Affordability: For an island, Madeira is reasonably priced. Most meals will run about 20 Euros or so per person (expect to pay much higher for high end restaurants), but there are some market areas in downtown Funchal where you can find cheaper meals. The hotels in Madeira can very significantly from around 50 Euros per night for a budget hotel to well over 400 Euros for high end options. There are also a wide budget range of AirBnB or VRBO options on the island if you prefer to rent a room, apartment, or house. Coming from the US, we found the gas prices to be expensive, but just slightly more expensive than what you would find throughout mainland Europe.
Drinking water: Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Madeira.
Tipping: Not required but appreciated. Plan to round up to the nearest euro at pubs and bars, but tipping is acceptable at 5-10% for good service.
Packing: Bring layers and a rain jacket, even in summer. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are also recommended.
How long should I plan to visit? We recommend staying between 3-5 days to explore.
Weather
Weather: When to Visit?
Spring (March–May): Flowers in full bloom, great for hiking and sightseeing. (Expect highs in the high 50’s/low 60’s (around 17-18 degrees Celsius))
Summer (June–August): Warmest time, perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. (Expect highs in the mid to high 60’s (around 19-20 degrees Celsius))
Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds, still warm with stunning fall colors. (Expect highs in the high 50’s/low 60’s (around 17-18 degrees Celsius))
Winter (December–February): Cooler but great for hiking, New Year’s fireworks in Funchal are legendary! Expect highs in the 50’s (16 degrees Celsius)
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Renting a Car – The best way to explore Madeira’s dramatic landscapes is by renting a car. Roads can be steep and winding, but the freedom to visit hidden gems is worth it.
Public Buses – Budget-friendly but less frequent in rural areas. Use this option for getting around Funchal and the immediate surrounding area.
Taxis & Bolt (Ride-Sharing) – Reliable but can get expensive for long distances.
Cable Cars & Toboggans – Unique ways to explore Madeira’s mountains and streets. Definitely give the toboggan a try, this was truly one of the highlights of our trip!
Vibe: What to Expect
Madeira is laid-back yet adventurous, with a mix of European elegance and island charm. Funchal offers boutique hotels and lively markets, while rural areas like Santana and São Vicente bring a slower, nature-focused feel. Funchal is a good size city where you can find plenty of things to do, restaurants, bars, sightseeing tours, botanical gardens, and museums. The country side offers dramatic cliff views and beautiful churches, with some man made beaches and pools. If you head into the interior of the island you can find dramatic mountain peaks and valleys and plenty of hiking trails. With mild-weather year-round Madeira is a great destination any time of the year.
Top Things To Do
Top Things to Do in Madeira
Our Favorite Experience:
➡️ The Toboggan Run – Ride down Funchal’s steep streets in a traditional wicker basket sledge! This thrilling 2km journey is guided by skilled Carreiros, making for an unforgettable Madeira experience. This was one of the highlights of the trip for us. The whole sledding experience with the experienced drivers steering the toboggan, wind in our hair, beautiful views, was a unique and fun way to get down the mountain and is completely worth the 35 Euro price (or 27.50 Euros for one person).
Toboggan Ride down Monte
More Must-Do Activities:
✔️ Explore Funchal’s Old Town & Mercado dos Lavradores
✔️ Take a cable car ride to Monte (the Teleféricos da Madeira)
✔️ Swim in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools
✔️ Go whale & dolphin watching (best from April to October)
✔️ Visit the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✔️ Tour the Monte Palace Madeira and gardens
✔️ Take a jeep tour to see the Valley of the Nuns and interior towering mountain peaks
Restaurants
Restaurants & Dining: What to Eat in Madeira
Restaurante Beef & Wines (Funchal)
Espada com Banana – Black scabbard fish with banana (Madeira’s iconic dish!).
Bolo do Caco – A delicious garlic butter flatbread.
Lapas (Limpets) – Fresh shellfish grilled with butter and garlic.
Poncha – A must-try traditional drink made of aguardente, honey, and lemon.
Top Recommended Restaurants:
Restaurante Casal da Penha (Funchal) – Upscale seafood and authentic Portuguese dishes with an intimate vibe.
O Tasco da Rita (Funchal) – Local favorite for fresh, authentic Madeiran dishes.
Taberna da Poncha (Serra de Água) – Best place to try Poncha!
Rei da Poncha (Funchal)- A cool intimate bar in Funchal where you can grab light snacks and try Poncha.
Restaurante Beef & Wines (Funchal) - One of our favorite restaurants right outside of Funchal. Great ambiance, amazing wine selection, and a large selection of different cuts of meat. This one is definitely worth a visit.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay: Best Areas & Accommodations
Best Areas to Stay:
Funchal: Best for first-time visitors, foodies, and city lovers.
São Vicente & Porto Moniz: Great for nature lovers and those wanting a quieter retreat.
Caniçal & Machico: Close to amazing hikes and coastal views.
Santana: Best for experiencing traditional Madeira culture and thatched houses.
We stayed at: Madeira Regency Cliff Hotel – A fantastic hotel in Funchal with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for a relaxing stay. We really liked the location of this hotel. It was about a 10 minute drive or 20 minute bus ride from downtown Funchal, but was close to a few restaurants and a major shopping mall. If you are looking for a more laid back area to stay that is still close to the main city we would highly recommend this hotel.
Other hotel options to consider:
Budget: On Track Hostel Madeira - Budget hostel that offers dorm style sleeping arrangements at affordable prices.
Mid-Range: Hotel Baia Azul - Located in the greater Funchal area, this hotel offers great views, comfortable rooms, and plenty of amenities for the price.
Luxury: Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel - This iconic 5-star hotel is a Madeira institution, known for its classic elegance, impeccable service, and stunning views.
Execursions
Excursions to Try
Jeep Safari through Madeira’s mountains & valleys - We loved this tour to see the Valley of the Nuns. The views were breathtaking and the jeep tour made for some great sightseeing.
Day trip to Porto Santo – Madeira’s sister island, home to golden sand beaches
Wine tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge – Try the world-famous Madeira wine or pair it with a wine tasting tour around the island.
Whale and Dolphin Watching - Check out one of the eco-catamaran tours to see dolphins and whales around the island.
Best Hikes
Best Hikes in Madeira
⛰️ Hike to the Point Near Caniçal – A scenic trek with epic Atlantic Ocean views. This was one of our favorite hikes to see the beautiful shoreline and see a different side of the island. While most of the island is lush, this side is arid but offers contrasting views of dramatic yellow cliffs and the bright blue ocean.
🌿 Levada das 25 Fontes – Embark on a moderate 11km round-trip hike along the Levada das 25 Fontes, a magical trail that meanders through lush forests and culminates in a stunning cascade of 25 waterfalls. Expect a 3-4 hour hike, and be prepared for some slippery sections. This hike is a must for nature lovers and photographers alike.
🏔️ Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – The island’s most famous hike, offering dramatic mountain scenery. This challenging point-to-point trail takes you along rugged peaks, with breathtaking views of Madeira’s highest mountains and cloud-covered valleys. Be prepared for steep ascents, tunnels, and changing weather, but the reward is Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak at 1,862m)!
Best Viewpoints
Best Viewpoints in Madeira
📍 Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados – A peaceful spot with a sweeping view over the Nun’s Valley.
📍 Cabo Girão Skywalk – One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs with a thrilling glass-bottom platform.
📍 Ponta de São Lourenço – Stunning coastal cliffs at the eastern tip of the island.
📍 Valley of the Nuns – A cozy village nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains.
These were some of our absolute favorites in Madeira. If you are looking for a sample itinerary or want to see what we did in our three days in Madeira, check out our Madeira itinerary blog post!
Final Thoughts: Why We Fell in Love with Madeira
Madeira truly has it all—breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering food, and adventurous activities that make you feel alive. Whether you’re hiking to jaw-dropping viewpoints, indulging in fresh seafood, or racing downhill in a wicker toboggan, every moment here is pure magic. If you are thinking of visiting Portugal, don’t miss this amazing island. Happy traveling!
Cristiano Ronaldo sculpture at the Funchal Airport