The Autonomous Region of Madeira offers a wide and diverse range of tourist accommodation, including hotels of different categories, resorts, boutique hotels, local lodging (AL), rural tourism units, traditional Madeiran “quintas”, hostels and tourist apartments.

These options cater to different travel styles, from urban stays to nature-based and rural experiences.

Yes. Local lodging (AL) is a legal and regulated activity in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

To operate legally, properties must be duly registered and display a valid licence number, which should be included in all public listings and booking platforms.

The choice of location depends on the travel profile and visitor preferences.

Funchal offers the largest concentration of hotels, services, restaurants and accessibility. Other areas of the island, such as Câmara de Lobos, Santana, Porto Moniz or Calheta, provide a more natural and authentic atmosphere, with closer contact to nature and Madeira’s distinctive landscapes.

Yes. Many establishments offer family rooms, cots and services tailored to different needs.

Several units also provide accessibility conditions for guests with reduced mobility, although specific features should be confirmed directly with the accommodation before booking.

Madeira’s relatively short distances allow many visitors to stay in a single location while exploring the island through daily trips.

However, splitting the stay between two different areas can offer complementary experiences, particularly when focusing on specific regions.

Madeira offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets, from local accommodation and tourist apartments to hotels of various categories and resorts.

Prices may vary depending on location, type of accommodation and time of year.

The Flower Festival takes place every year in spring, usually between April and May. Dates vary annually:

• 2027: April 29 to May 30
• 2028: May 4 to May 28

The Flower Festival lasts several weeks, typically around four weeks. The programme unfolds throughout this period, with a greater concentration of events at weekends.

The Flower Parade, one of the most emblematic moments of the Flower Festival, takes place on two different days. Check the programme.

Yes. The Flower Festival also includes:

• Various entertainment activities in Funchal’s city centre;
• Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic;
• Ceremony of the Wall of Hope;
• Grand Flower Parade;
• Ceremony of the Wall of Solidarity;
• Flower Groups performances;
• Madeira Flower Classic Auto Parade;
• Flower Concerts;
• Madeira Flower Collection (Fashion);
• Floral Installations across Madeira;
• Classic Car Revival

See more details here.

Most events are free to attend. Only seated places to watch the Flower Parade require a paid ticket.

Official tickets can be purchased in person at the Madeira Regional Secretariat of Tourism:

📍 Avenida Arriaga, no. 18, 9004-519 Funchal, Madeira

No, renting a car is just one of several ways to get around. Those who prefer not to drive or plan to stay mostly in central areas can use public transport, taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) or organised tours, offering different levels of autonomy and flexibility.

Driving is straightforward on most main roads and in urban areas. In mountainous regions, some roads have many curves and require extra attention. With calm driving, adaptation to the terrain and respect for road signs, the experience is comfortable.

Parking is colour-coded: white lines are free (some reserved for residents), blue lines are paid, and yellow lines indicate no parking. Payment is generally required from Monday to Friday (8am–8pm) and Saturdays (8am–2pm); Sundays and public holidays are free. You can pay at parking meters or via the iPark Driver app.

No. All expressways and main roads in Madeira are free for both residents and visitors.

From the airport to Funchal, you can travel by Aerobus, taxi, transfer or rental car. The journey takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

Uber and Bolt are available, offering a convenient alternative to public transport or rental cars, with quick booking via app.

Yes, GPS works well. However, it is recommended to choose routes you feel comfortable with, as there are often several ways to reach the same destination. This is particularly useful for those renting a car and exploring the island independently.

Madeira has a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures all year round. Averages generally range from 17°C in winter to 25°C in summer, making it a pleasant destination in any season.

Madeira can be visited year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities, while autumn and winter offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and good conditions for hiking and cultural visits.

No. Due to its mountainous terrain, the climate can vary significantly between the coast and higher altitudes. It is common to experience fog and cooler temperatures in the mountains, while it may be sunny and warm by the sea.

Yes. Weather conditions such as rain, strong winds or fog may lead to the temporary closure of hiking trails for safety reasons. Checking the weather forecast is essential before starting a hike.

You can check the status of all trails here.

Sea temperatures remain pleasant, ranging from around 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer, allowing activities such as swimming and diving almost year-round.

The island has distinct microclimates: the south is usually warmer and drier, while the north and mountainous areas are more exposed to wind and rainfall.