Discovering Madeira: Top Sights, Activities, and Travel Tips for Visitors + Highlights Map

Madeira, Portugal

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira Island is a true gem for travel lovers. Often referred to as the “Island of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate year-round, Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and those looking for a unique destination.

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, here’s everything you need to know—from the best places to visit to how to get around, and everything in between. 

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Madeira depends on your preferences:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and fewer tourists make spring a great time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Summer (June to August): Peak season with warm temperatures (around 25°C / 77°F). It’s the best time for beach lovers, though it can be crowded in popular areas.
• Autumn (September to November): This is another ideal time for hiking and outdoor exploration. The weather remains warm, and the crowds start to thin out.
• Winter (December to February): Madeira enjoys mild winters, with temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). It’s a great time for those seeking warmth and lower accommodation rates, though some hiking trails may be wetter or closed.

Tip: Festivals
If you’re interested in experiencing Madeira’s vibrant culture, consider visiting during one of the island’s famous festivals:

• Madeira Flower Festival (April/May) – A colorful celebration of spring.
• Madeira Carnival (February) – A lively, festive event with parades and parties.
• Madeira Wine Festival (September) – A celebration of Madeira’s world-famous wine.

How to Get to Madeira

Madeira Island is well-connected to mainland Europe and other parts of the world. Getting there is relatively easy, though it does require a flight as Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 km (620 miles) southwest of Portugal’s mainland.

The Madeira Airport, also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), is the primary gateway to the island. It is located about 20 minutes from the capital, Funchal. Most travelers arrive by plane, and several airlines offer direct flights to Madeira from major cities across Europe. Use Trip.com to find the best flight deals.

Direct Flights to Madeira:

Madeira is well-served by a range of airlines, and direct flights are available from various European hubs. Popular routes include:

• From Lisbon or Porto (Portugal): These are the most frequent and convenient flights, with multiple daily services. The flight time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• From London (UK): Several airlines, including British Airways and easyJet, offer direct flights. Flight time is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• From Madrid or Barcelona (Spain): Direct flights are available with Iberia, Air Europa, or Vueling. Flight time is around 2.5 hours.
• From Frankfurt, Munich, or other German cities: Airlines such as Lufthansa and Eurowings fly directly to Madeira, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours.
• From other major European cities: Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Norwegian, and easyJet operate direct flights from cities such as Paris, Milan, Brussels, and Amsterdam, among others.
• Be aware of the weather conditions. Flights from and to Madeira sometimes get delayed or canceled due to strong winds.

How Many Days to Spend in Madeira

Most people spend between 4 to 7 days in Madeira. A shorter trip (3-4 days) can focus on Funchal and a few major sights, while a longer stay (5-7 days) allows time for exploring the island’s hidden gems, hiking the levadas, and relaxing on the coast.

We spent 5 nights on Madeira and felt like it wasn’t enough time to see everything, but it was a good amount of time for a thorough introduction to the island. Trust us, you will be exhausted after all the hiking (if that’s your thing) and crazy driving you will do in Madeira so we recommend staying for a couple of days longer so you don’t have to rush.

Where to Stay in Madeira

Madeira offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses and self-catering apartments. There are accommodations for all budgets.

We recommend staying in Funchal, especially if you are not planning on renting a car or will be taking tours. Funchal offers better accessibility and public transportation and most tours will also offer pick-up from the city.

How to Get Around Madeira

• Rent a Car
  Madeira’s landscape is dramatic, and many of its most beautiful spots are not accessible by public transportation. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. The roads can be narrow and winding, so be prepared for some adventurous driving. Compare and find the best rental car deals on Rentalcars.com.

Driving in Madeira is intense and mentally draining. We strongly recommend getting full insurance as many of the cars we saw were scratched or had some type of damage. We ran into a little issue ourselves but thankfully had insurance and didn’t have to pay anything extra.

• Public Transport
  Funchal is well-connected by buses, and there are regular services to other towns. However, public transport is limited for accessing remote areas or hiking trails.

• Taxis and Tours
  Taxis and Bolt (similar to Uber) are available, though they can be more expensive. Make sure to download the Bolt app in advance in case you need it. Many visitors opt for guided tours, which offer a convenient way to see the sights without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Best Things To Do in Madeira

Best Guided Tours & Activities in Madeira

• Whale and Dolphin Watching
  Madeira is an excellent place for whale and dolphin watching, with the waters surrounding the island being home to various species, including sperm whales, common dolphins, and pilot whales. There are several boat tours available, ranging from a few hours to full-day trips.

• Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos
  Take a guided tour to explore the southern coast’s famous spots. Cabo Girão (the skywalk) and the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos are two highlights. A tour here typically includes local wine tastings and insights into Madeira’s rich maritime history.

• Madeira Food & Wine Tour
  Taste Madeira’s delicious cuisine and famous wine. A guided food and wine tour allows you to visit local vineyards, try different foods, and learn about the island’s unique wine-making traditions. This is a great way of immersing yourself in the culture.

• Toboggan Ride from Monte
  For a fun, traditional experience, try the famous Monte Toboggan Ride. It’s a unique downhill ride in a wicker sled, steered by two locals in traditional white attire. It’s a thrilling way to descend from the hilltop town of Monte into Funchal.

• Canyoning
  If you are up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that immerses you in the island’s wild landscapes, you need to go canyoneering. As you descend through narrow gorges and climb over moss-covered rocks, you’ll rappel down cascading waterfalls, jump into crystal-clear pools, and navigate the lush vegetation. The island’s diverse terrain offers a thrilling variety of canyoneering experiences. Guided tours make it accessible for all skill levels, ensuring safety while allowing you to fully enjoy the heart-racing challenge.

Best Hikes in Madeira

• Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
  If you’re up for a challenge, this is one of Madeira’s most famous and strenuous hikes. It takes you from the island’s third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, to the highest point, Pico Ruivo. The trail is demanding but offers unparalleled panoramic views of the island’s volcanic landscapes.

Overview
Distance: Approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard to Challenging
Elevation Gain: Around 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) overall. There are steep climbs and descents throughout.

Most people choose to pre-book transportation to Pico do Arieiro and from Achada Do Teixeira and thus avoid having to do the 14 km (8.7 miles) round-trip hike. The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to Achada Do Teixeira is about 10 km (6.2 miles). We recommend doing this. Your legs will thank us later. 

• Levada Walks
  Madeira is known for its levadas—historic irrigation channels that crisscross the island’s mountainous terrain. These levadas provide the perfect routes for hiking, offering lush scenery and easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful locations. Here are our favorite levada hikes:
  • Levada do Caldeirão Verde: One of the most popular levada hikes, this trail takes you through dense forests and past stunning waterfalls. This moderate trail is about 11.7 km (7.3 miles) long but you can combine it with Caldeirão do Inferno and make it longer.
  • Levada dos 25 Fontes: A classic Madeira hike, this trail leads to a series of waterfalls and is known for its spectacular views. It is considered hard at 8.5 km (5.3 miles) long.

• Vereda dos Balcoes
  This is an easy 2.9 km (1.8 miles) trail that takes you to Miradouro dos Balcoes. This viewpoint was one of our favorites on the island. Here you will find several different species of birds that are very used to people and will eat from your hand so don’t forget to buy appropriate bird seeds before going. 

Our Favorite Viewpoints in Madeira

These are our favorite viewpoints on the island. You can reach them by car and most are just a short walk from the parking lot.

• Miradouro da Eira do Serrado
• Miradouro do Ninho da Manta
• Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
• Miradouro dos Balcoes
• Miradouro do Guindaste
• Miradouro da Quinta do Furão
• Miradouro Pico da Murta
• Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

Madeira Highlights Map

This map includes all of our favorite locations on the island

What to Pack

The weather in Madeira is mild year-round, but it can vary significantly depending on altitude. Packing smart can make your visit to Madeira more enjoyable. Here are some essentials:

• Layers of Clothing – Weather can change quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and breathable hiking clothes. We love our Packable Lightweight Water-Resistant Puffer Jackets from Amazon. Eric wears this one and I wear this one often.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots – Comfortable, well-broken-in boots are a must for tackling Madeira’s trails. Eric is very happy with his Salomon boots and I love my Keens.
• Trekking Poles – Helpful for stability on steep or rocky trails. We use these.
• Backpack – A good daypack to carry essentials like snacks, water, and extra clothing. We only do day hikes (no backpacking for us) and have been very happy with these two: Skysper for Eric and N Nevo Rhino for me.
• Water and Snacks – Hydration is key, and trail-friendly snacks keep your energy up. Water bladders like this make hydration easier.
• Sun Protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are crucial at high altitudes.
• First Aid Kit – Always good to have in case of minor injuries. We always take this one from Amazon.
• Headlamp or Flashlight – Essential for early morning or late evening hikes. This one is our favorite.

Here’s a full list of our favorite hiking and cold weather essentials from Amazon. We use these items ourselves and recommend them!

Important Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Weather: Pack layers, as it can be warm at sea level and cooler in the mountains.
• Currency: Madeira uses the Euro (€), so be sure to carry some cash, though credit cards are widely accepted.
• Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Final Thoughts

Madeira has been one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited (if not the most beautiful). It was on our bucket list for a long time, and it should be on yours too! The island is simply stunning, and the views are unforgettable. If you like hiking and beautiful landscapes, this European island is 100% a Must-Visit so get ready for an incredible adventure & don’t forget to Explore More 🌎