Madeira travel guide
When to go, how to get around, what to do & where to stay
Madeira is a Portuguese sub-tropical island 1,000 km south-west of Lisbon, best visited April–October. Five to seven days covers the headline experiences and a hire car makes the island; budget €100–€180/day for a mid-range trip.
Madeira is a Portuguese sub-tropical island 1,000 km south-west of Lisbon, best visited between April and October for hiking, swimming and food. Five to seven days covers the headline experiences — a sunrise on Pico do Areeiro, a levada walk, the Porto Moniz natural pools, Cabo Girão's glass skywalk, and a couple of days in Funchal. A hire car makes the island; buses alone don't. Budget €100–€180/day for a mid-range trip including car, accommodation and meals.
When to go
Madeira's climate is mild year-round (16–25 °C at sea level). The sweet spots are April to June (wildflowers, dry trails, sea warming to 20 °C) and September to October (warmest sea, lightest crowds, vintage). July and August are hot and busy on the south coast. November to March is mild but wet on the north — and at its most lush for the laurel forest. See our month-by-month guide.
Getting there and around
Funchal airport (FNC, "Cristiano Ronaldo") is 25 minutes east of the city. Direct flights from most of western Europe. From the airport a Bolt is around €15, the Aerobus shuttle €6.40, an official taxi €25–€30. On the island, hire a car — full details on transport, car hire and the SIGA bus network.
What to do — the top 10
- Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, then part of PR1 to Pico Ruivo.
- Hike PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
- Swim the Porto Moniz natural pools.
- Stand on the Cabo Girão glass skywalk.
- Walk PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Eat espetada in Câmara de Lobos.
- Ride the Monte cable car and toboggans down to Funchal.
- Drive the north coast through Seixal and São Vicente.
- Wander the laurel forest at Fanal at dawn.
- Evening in Zona Velha with poncha.
Where to stay
Funchal for first-timers — everything is reachable. Caniço / Garajau for quieter base near the airport. Calheta for the sunniest south-west coast. Porto Moniz or São Vicente for the dramatic north. See where to stay.
What to eat
Espetada (beef on laurel skewers), espada com banana (black scabbard with fried banana), lapas grelhadas (limpets), bolo do caco (sweet-potato bread with garlic butter), poncha (rum, honey, lemon) and Madeira fortified wine. Full breakdown on restaurants.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Madeira?+
Five to seven days is the sweet spot — enough for two big hikes, a north-coast drive, Funchal, Cabo Girão and an east-side day at Ponta de São Lourenço. Less than four forces hard tradeoffs.
What is the best month to visit Madeira?+
April–June and September–October offer the most stable weather and thinnest crowds. July–August is warmest, November–March is mild but the north can be wet.
Is Madeira expensive?+
Cheaper than the Algarve or the Canaries. A mid-range double room is €70–€120, a full meal with wine is €18–€30 per person, a hire car runs from €25/day, and most viewpoints and beaches are free.
Do you need a car in Madeira?+
Yes for anything outside Funchal. Public buses are good for the south coast and central Funchal, but reaching the north coast, trail-heads and the west takes several connections. A hire car pays for itself by day two.
Is Madeira safe?+
Yes — one of the safest places in Europe. Low crime, well-marked trails, reliable taxis. The only real hazards are sea conditions on the north coast and weather changes on the high ridges.