Madeira quickly became one of our favorite places we’ve ever traveled. The island vibes, beautiful weather, and jaw-droppingly wild landscapes; it’s hard to beat. Not far from mainland Portugal, this volcanic island in the Atlantic is often referred to as the ‘island of eternal spring’, and it’s this climate that makes it such a joy to explore.
Bask in the warm rays as you adventure through the landscapes, hiking ridge peaks, abseiling off cliffs, or driving on ocean roads with spectacular views. Find out everything you need to know in this complete Madeira travel guide.
How to Visit Madeira
Traveling to Madeira is all part of the adventure. We’ve flown in twice now, and both times we chose a window seat to enjoy the thrilling landing in Funchal Airport. The runway stretches out over the ocean, offering views of the cliffs towering on one side and waves crashing on the other. You feel like you’re about to land on the water itself!
It’s easy to visit Madeira, with plenty of direct flights from many European cities. If you’re coming from further away, you can also book connecting flights through Lisbon or Porto.
Travel Tip: We’ve also included the smaller island of Porto Santo in this Madeira travel guide. It’s a must-visit, especially if you’re a beach lover, as it’s home to a 9km long stretch of golden sand.
Best Time to Visit Madeira
You can’t go wrong with a season to visit Madeira. The weather is mild all year round, never too hot or too cold for exploring.
We’ve visited in Spring and Summer, and we loved both! Each season feels slightly different:
- Spring: is when all the flowers are in bloom. There’s even a vibrant flower festival!
- Summer: has the perfect conditions for swimming, with plenty of beaches and natural pools to explore.
- Fall: is when the wine country thrives with the harvest of the grapes.
- Winter: is still mild, making it perfect to escape the cold climates of northern Europe. Enjoy hiking and admiring the beautiful Christmas lights in Funchal.
Madeira Travel Guide: What to See on Your Trip
Madeira’s Famous Hiking Trails
Our favorite memories were tackling the island's famous hikes, as we straddled ridgelines, walked under waterfalls, or meandered along clifftop paths.
Some days, we had the trails completely to ourselves, with only the sound of birds for company.
We have to give a special mention to the viewpoints that characterize these amazing hikes. Each trail offers a bird’s eye view of cliffs, mountains, or the endless Atlantic Ocean. We lost track of how many times we stopped and said ‘wow’ along the way!
Swim in Volcanic Pools
Life in Madeira is deeply connected to the ocean.
After sweaty hikes, we spent our afternoons cooling off in volcanic rock pools while waves crashed just beyond the limits. Bring a snorkel, as it’s the perfect spot to see some extraordinary marine life!
And beyond the pools, we journeyed deeper into the Atlantic for a day of dolphin and whale watchin in Madeira. Seeing a pod of dolphins and their babies leaping beside us was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had.
Sightseeing in Funchal
The island’s lively capital, Funchal, offered more culture than we could have ever imagined.
We shot beautiful photos of the old town with its colorful houses and palm trees, shopped for local bites in the market, and watched the world go by from sun-drenched terraces.
Tip: Monte Palace Gardens is a must-see, and the journey to get there is particularly unique; travel by cable car up and by traditional wicker toboggans on the way down!
Try the Local Cuisine
The gastronomy in Madeira blew us away.
As pescatarians, we loved the fresh seafood available at nearly every coastal restaurant. And we were addicted to the accompanying baskets of warm bolo do caco bread with garlic butter (mouthwatering!).
There’s also the option to try Madeira wines at one of the charming vineyards, or for something a bit stronger, order a poncha: the island’s famous spirit made from aguardente liquor, honey, and citrus fruit.
Day Trip to Porto Santo, Madeira: Travel Guide
Visiting Porto Santo felt like stepping into paradise.
Unlike Madeira’s dramatic, black-sand beaches, Porto Santo offers a flat golden expanse with turquoise, shallow sea.
We spent most of our time on the famous 9km long beach, walking barefoot along the soft sand and paddleboarding on the crystal clear water.
Unique Travel Guide, Madeira
While we came to Madeira for the landscapes, we were surprised to discover these one-of-a-kind experiences.
- Sliding downhill in a traditional wicker toboggan – the Monte Sledges – controlled by two “Carreiros” dressed in white and singing Portuguese songs.
- Watching colorful flower parades in Funchal during the Flower Festival or celebrating the start of summer at the Atlantic Festival (incredible fireworks are guaranteed!)
- Tearing and sharing the island’s famous sweet treat, a delicious sugar cane honey cake named Bolo de Mel.
- Tasting some Madeira wines on a volcanic soil vineyard overlooking the ocean.
Where to Stay
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Madeira twice and have stayed in a few different places across the island.
Funchal: Choose a boutique hotel in the historic center, just a stone’s throw from excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Coast: We loved the resorts with pools and spa treatments (perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking!).
Mountains: There are plenty of rural guesthouses, where you can have a more personal experience with Madeiran locals. The hospitality here is unbeatable!
Getting Around Madeira
We rented a car both times, as it allowed us to reach the most remote and untouched spots. The roads are thrilling, with steep drops and excellent views, adding an extra touch of adventure to everyday journeys.
If you don’t want to drive, there is a fantastic hop-on, hop-off bus service that takes you to the most popular sights along the south coast. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour to delve deeper into nature.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Euro. Always good to carry a bit of cash for parking.
- Language: Portuguese, though most people speak English.
- Internet: Wi-Fi is good, and mobile coverage is strong.
- Clothing: Good shoes for hiking and layers. It can get cold up in the mountains!
- Tap Water: Safe to drink.
- Responsible Travel: Don’t leave marked trails, respect fences, and always take your litter away.
Why Travel to Madeira?
We hope this Madeira travel guide has inspired you to visit this one-of-a-kind island, offering a perfect blend of adventure and slow living.
We loved challenging ourselves with mountain-peak hikes, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the beach or simply people-watching at a beach bar with a Poncha in hand.
Every time we visit, we leave wanting to see more; there is so much more hidden wilderness to uncover!
