Madeira

Travel Guide

Travel to Madeira

Madeira is an island that belongs to beautiful Portugal. On Madeira, the thrill of nature takes over and gives travelers a buzz like no other, from the wind in your hair as you drive down the rugged coastline to the sun shining on salty skin after a refreshing swim. Road trip around the island to explore all of its highlights including misty forests, plunging waterfalls, lush green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and black-sand beaches. The wild landscape is surrounded by azure waters that provide a home for blue whales, dolphins, and turtles. All of this makes a vacation in Madeira perfect for adventure lovers.

How to Plan Your Trip to Madeira

Follow our Madeira travel guides to plan the perfect road trip! Whether you’re looking to hike Pico do Arieiro, explore the Fanal Forest, or dive into the rich culture of Funchal, we’ve got you covered with our informative guides. Explore all the best places in Madeira, or check out our 10-day Madeira itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Madeira

The fantastic Madeira weather makes it a year-round destination. However, the island’s microclimate is diverse, which means the weather can vary on the different sides of the island. The north side of the island is a bit cooler and wetter due to the prevailing winds, which means you’ll also find lush green vegetation! On the other hand, the south enjoys sunnier and warmer weather, which makes it perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. 

Low Season: November to March are considered winter in Madeira, and it’s the perfect time for backpacking around this stunning island! Prices are at their lowest, and it will be less crowded than usual. What’s more, you’ll still be able to enjoy Madeira’s mild climate, with temperatures of about 16°C  to 20°C; it’s the perfect time to take explore the island’s epic hiking trails. 

Shoulder Seasons: Spring (April – June) and fall (September – October) is the best time to visit Madeira. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are pleasant, and tourist crowds are low, making it a great time to sightsee, hike, or enjoy a dip in the Porto Moniz Pools. Spring and fall are more relaxed times to explore the best things to do in Madeira, like exploring Fanal Forest.

High Season: The summer months are the peak season when the island bustles with visitors for the sun and sea. Prices may rise during this time and hiking trails will be more crowded. However, it’s the best time to visit Madeira for the beach (you’ll also have the most chance of seeing Blue Whales during this time!).

Coastlines and Beaches

Madeira’s coastline is a sun-kissed paradise, offering gorgeous volcanic beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax on spectacular black sand beaches between the dramatic waves and mammoth cliffs of Seixal, or enjoy the epic views from Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz – one of the steepest cable cars in Europe!

Volcanic Pools: Millions of years ago, natural basins were created due to volcanic activity, allowing seawater to flow freely into them. You can now enjoy these natural pools in Porto Moniz or Funchal Doca do Cavacas. For the ultimate relaxation, spend a few hours here, relaxing on a sunbed under the cliff’s shade, swimming in the rock pools, and enjoying the stunning views. 

Discover Madeira’s Beautiful Viewpoints: One of the best things to do in Madeira is to visit the incredible Miradouros (viewpoints) dotted around the island. Enjoy the most magical views overlooking dramatic cliffs and crashing waves during sunrise or sunset. One of our favorite viewpoints was Miradouro do Véu da Noiva; bring a picnic
and enjoy one of the best places in Madeira!

Whale Watching: Venture away from the coastline and join a tour to glimpse the majestic whale! The climate in Madeira makes for biodiverse waters teeming with marine life, which means you’ll nearly always be able to see Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, and, of course, the playful Bottlenose Dolphin.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Madeira

Madeira is a land of captivating contrasts, noticeable in its food, culture, and religion. 

Food: The island’s unique flavors are a fantastic experience for your taste buds. Enjoy fresh seafood like spada (scabbard fish) and the famous bread known as Bolo do Caco. The brave should also try the strong and sweet Poncha, an alcoholic beverage made from rum, honey, and citrus juice. 

Culture: Madeira’s culture is rich in traditions and celebrations. The streets come alive with music, dance, and parades during festivals like the Flower Festival and Carnival. Get lost in the charming villages hidden in the mountains of the island and meet the welcoming locals who cherish their heritage. 

Religion: Madeira’s religious roots run deep, with most of the population practicing Roman Catholicism. Its Catholic heritage is evident in the many churches and religious festivals that unite the island’s communities.

Why You Should Travel to Madeira

With its charismatic character and irresistible blend of old-world charm and sun-kissed coast, a vacation in Madeira is bound to leave every traveler in awe. In Funchal, stroll through the charming streets filled with vibrant markets, or check out the fairytale-like Fanal Forest that houses trees said to be over 800 years old! Finish the day at a clifftop viewpoint along the coastline, soaking up incredible views of the crashing waves as the sun goes down. With all this natural beauty, as well as delicious cuisine and a great atmosphere, you’ll soon feel at home in this island paradise.

Safety and Travel Advice in Madeira

Madeira is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. However, staying informed about safety measures and travel tips is always recommended. 

Natural disasters: Madeira experiences a relatively low occurrence of natural disasters. However, while rare, earthquakes, landslides and forest fires can happen. Download your local government app or register at an embassy for emergency updates. 

Crime and safety in Madeira: The island is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe, with low crime rates and a strong and welcoming community. However, like in many tourist destinations, petty crime can occur in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. It would still be wise to leave your valuables at home. 

While Madeira has many beautiful spots to take a refreshing dip in the ocean, it isn’t always safe due to rip tides, big waves, rocks and undercurrents. Always follow advice; don’t swim in coastal areas without a lifeguard or those that have warning flags. It’s good to know that a red flag indicates danger (don’t go into the water), whereas a yellow flag means caution, meaning you can walk in the water but not swim. 

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: Depending on the time of year, traffic can vary in Madeira. If you’re driving a rental car, always watch for traffic signs and stick to the rules (even when locals don’t). Avoid driving in the narrow streets of Fuchal’s city center, particularly during rush hour when many locals commute in and out of the city for work. Use our Madeira travel guides for the best tips on getting around the island.

Car theft: Foreign-registered and rental cars in Madeira can be subject to car theft. Because of this, always be mindful of where you park, and don’t leave anything on display inside. Try to remove all valuables and luggage from your vehicle if you can. 

Travel Insurance: We always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your Madeira holiday. Whether it’s lost luggage or unforeseen accidents, travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and worry-free experience. Check out these best travel insurances.