All the practical facts about Madeira you will need for your trip

Madeira is a Portuguese island known for its natural beauty and hiking trails… but what else do you need to know for a successful trip? These practical tips and relevant facts about Madeira, such as what the beaches are like, average costs, and what to pack, helped me plan my 6-day trip (and some insider tips on here are things I learned while on the trip). 

Fun facts about Madeira

• Madeira is an archipelago made up of 2 inhabited islands: the main island (also called Madeira) and Porto Santo. There are also 3 tiny uninhabited islands (just rocks, really) called Ilhas Desertas, and they are natural reserves.
• When Portuguese people say “Madeira”, they rarely mean the archipelago, and instead mean the main island. If they want to talk about Porto Santo, they just say Porto Santo. No one talks about Ilhas Desertas.
• The islands of Madeira are volcanic and are located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Morocco. They are an autonomous region of Portugal, but are geographically closer to Africa than Europe.
• Both inhabited islands of the Madeira archipelago are small, but Porto Santo is even tinier. It only has one stretch of beach. It can be reached by sea (about 2.5 hours by ferry) or a short flight from Madeira. Most people visit the main island since there’s more to do, but those looking for a hidden escape choose to stay in Porto Santo.
• Capital: Funchal
• Currency: euro
• Official language: Portuguese 
• Tap water is safe to drink in Madeira
• How to reach Madeira? By flying into the Madeira Airport, or by sea (unfortunately, this means cruises, which are quite bad for the environment)
• The crime rate is low, but natural risks can happen when hiking or driving
• What is Madeira known for? Madeira is known for its hiking trails with beautiful views, mountains, and green vegetation, rather than being a beach holiday destination
• Madeira has been winning travel awards since 2013. You will see all the trophies upon landing at the airport
• Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the world’s best football (soccer) player, is from Madeira, specifically from its capital city, Funchal

Facts about Madeira you won’t find elsewhere 

The following facts are super relevant as a first time guide to Madeira, and some are things I discovered during my trip. 

• There are lots of miradouros (viewpoints) all over Madeira, but not all are worthy, despite what every blogger and social media creator will claim. Most DO offer beautiful views of either the towns, the cliffs, or the clouds, but some are maybe not worth the high elevation or the crowds. For instance, Cabo Girão is not worth the crowds (though the entry fee is very affordable, at around €3 per person), and there’s a free miradouro (Miradouro Lombo do Facho) right next to it.

• Don’t go to Madeira for the beaches, seriously. The beaches are not the most spectacular. However, if you’re not interested in hiking, that’s fine too. You can drive around and see the miradouros and enjoy some delicious Madeiran food and drinks. More on nature in Madeira below.
• Not all hiking trails are the same. Some take you through mountain or rocky peaks (e.g. PR1 Pico Do Areeiro and PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço), while others (e.g PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde and PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento trail) take you through green forestry areas with big trees and waterfalls. I much prefer the latter.

• The airport landing can be challenging (though not always; I had a smooth landing) because of its narrow runway built on the side of a cliff. There’s also a lot of wind. This means the plane has to maneuver around all of this until it’s ready to land. But don’t worry, pilots who fly to Madeira are trained specifically on this. Just be mentally prepared, and avoid looking up videos on this.
• Roads are winding, steep, and tight, and locals tend to drive fast. Pack ginger candy if you’re prone to motion sickness. And you don’t need a big car or a 4×4 jeep. In fact, smaller cars will do better.
• Madeira is not as affordable as one might think. While flights (especially from mainland Portugal) are relatively affordable, accommodation in Madeira and eating out are pricier than in Lisbon. More on costs below.
• Keep your itinerary flexible because Madeira has microclimates, and the weather can change fast.
• Don’t expect Madeira to be a hot tropical island. It does have mild weather, but it’s not always hot. And if you visit in winter, there’s a chance you will be colder indoors, due to either the bad insulation of old buildings or a lack of central heating, or both. Hotels should be more comfortable in terms of heating.
• If you’re exploring remote corners of Madeira, always have cash on hand. It might be hard to find an ATM in remote areas, and some small businesses (including restaurants) might still prefer cash.
• If you want to try poncha (Madeira’s famous cocktail made with fruit juice), don’t buy pre-made, bottled poncha. Every local will tell you that for poncha to be good, it has to be made fresh when you order it. 
• The popular market (Mercado dos Lavradores) in Funchal is beautiful but can be a bit of a tourist trap. There are many little markets on weekends in small towns like Santana and Machico that sell produce and souvenirs.

What to expect in Madeira

1. Nature in Madeira

One of the most important things to know about Madeira to avoid a disappointing trip is that you will not find many soft white-sand beaches with turquoise, calm lagoons like one might expect from an island (like Mauritius). 

There is more greenery and mountains than soft sand beaches, and Madeira is best for hiking. There are, however, lots of water-related activities like surfing, windsurfing, and canyoning. 

2. The people of Madeira 

Portuguese people are generally friendly and welcoming, and it’s the same for Madeirans (“Madeirense” in Portuguese), particularly with the island’s laidback vibe. 

However, it’s important to note that Madeira has been having a moment on social media, especially post-COVID, inevitably leading to a surge in prices, and facts like more investment in rental properties, which can push out locals. Neocolonialism and all.

I have to admit, I saw a lot of grumpy people, especially in the service industry. In my personal experience, they seemed to be nicer if you’re a Portuguese tourist or speak Portuguese fluently, which worked out for me. 

3. Food in Madeira

The food in Madeira is somewhat similar to Portuguese food, where you will find grilled seafood and meat-heavy dishes, usually served with rice, potatoes, and salads. 

But what makes Madeira different from mainland Portuguese food is the abundance of fresh tropical fruits (you have to try the small Madeiran banana), and its cocktail Poncha, made with alcohol from sugar cane juice, and fruit juices. 

There’s also a type of bread called Bolo de Caco, which is usually topped with garlic butter, and can be filled with a variety of things like meat, cheese, and vegetables. 

Insider tip: Madeira’s famous dish, lapas grelhadas (limpets cooked in garlic sauce), is no longer popular because it’s now forbidden to take limpets from the sea, as they’re no longer abundant. Some restaurants still serve them and obtain them from the Azores, but it’s best to avoid consuming them. 

4. Costs in Madeira

Madeira is not necessarily an affordable island getaway, at least not anymore. While flights remain somewhat reasonable, especially from mainland Portugal, accommodation (whether hotels or rental apartments) can range from €100 to €120 per night for a mid-range, non-luxury place. And it’s even higher in the peak summer season, though Porto Santo seems to have slightly more affordable accommodation prices due to more availability. 

Restaurant meals (especially those in Funchal or along the coastal towns) are pricier or about the same as touristy restaurants in Lisbon. A meal can cost from €17-25 per person, especially if meat and seafood are involved. I also found that the most expensive restaurants have huge, diverse menus (always a bad sign because this means most things are frozen and not fresh), and are translated into multiple EU languages.

5. Weather

While Madeira is temperate year-round, it still gets a bit chilly, especially in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when there’s no sun, and in winter when temperatures are between 7°to 20°C (44° to 68° F). You also need to account for the wind factor. 

Check the weather (with webcams and real-time updates) on Netmadeira.com. 

Nature in Madeira

1. Beaches in Madeira

Madeira is known more for its hiking trails with spectacular views rather than its beaches, though it does have quite a few black sand beaches with pebbles (you will need proper footwear to walk on these; they hurt). 

There are a few soft, white sandy beaches, and they are man-made, like Praia Machico, with sand imported from North Africa. To be honest, I was not impressed by them, but then again, I grew up in Mauritius, so my standards for beaches are high. 

2. Levadas 

Levadas are traditional man-made irrigation systems, and you can walk next to them on “levada walks” through beautiful forests and hiking trails. 

3. Veredas 

Veredas are mountain paths, and this can mean anything in terms of hiking route (for instance, they might not have a walking trail).

4. PR hiking trails in Madeira

Anything designated with “PR” is a walking or hiking trail, and is maintained by the government. There are around 20 of them, and they all have a number after “PR”, so you can differentiate which one it is. I love it when things are made simple for us. Some PR trails are mountain peaks, some are those in forestry areas where you walk next to a levada or hike to a waterfall.

Note that there is now a small fee to hike most trails (about 3 euros), and you can pay by scanning the QR code found at the entrance of each trail. 

The 4 most famous hiking trails in Madeira are

1. PR 1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

• One of the best things to do in Madeira is to hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island. The famous trail goes from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo. 
• Important: this trail is currently closed at the time of writing because of a fire in 2024 and the risk of landslides.
• The trail length: 7 km (4.4 miles) one way, and it takes about 3.5 hours one way.
• Really important: This is NOT a circuit route, meaning you will need to hike back to your car after doing the 7km. However, there are options if you don’t want to hike back:
  • Book a transfer so you don’t have to walk the track in reverse to get back to the car. The pick up is usually from your hotel before sunrise and drops you at Pico Do Areeiro, then picks you up after the hike at Pico Ruivo
  • Head down the other side of the mountain to the parking lot at Achada do Teixeira and get a taxi back to the parking lot at Pico do Areeiro
• Insider tip: If you want to see Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo once the trail reopens, but without doing the long hike, go to Pico do Areeiro and catch the sunrise. Hike til the end of Stairway to Heaven, which is one of the most exciting parts of the hike, then go back to the car park, drive to Achada to Teixeira, and hike the easy route (about 1 hour one way, and 2.8 km or 1.7 miles long) to Pico Ruivo.

More insider tips and details about the Pico do Areeiro hike here.

2. PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail is a fun and easy hike because it’s mostly flat and way less strenuous than the Pico do Areeiro one, and you get beautiful views of the ocean. 

• Trail length: 3 km (1.8 miles) one way, and takes about 1.5 hours one way
• It’s a moderate hike and you will find multiple scenic vistas and miradouros along your walk, which makes it very rewarding
• The disadvantage is that there’s no shade, so you need to wear reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
• It gets really crowded after 10 am, so it’s best to start right after sunrise (it will also be easier to find parking). Bring a jacket because it gets chilly and sometimes windy in the early morning
• There’s a cafe near the end of the trail
• This is not a circular trail, so you will need to walk back to the parking lot

3. PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail takes you through green landscapes rather than mountain peaks.

• Start at Queimadas Forestry Park in Santana. There’s a cute cafe there and a parking lot
• This place gets really crowded, so much so that the parking lot is full, and people park on the small winding road leading there. This means that driving there can be a hassle. It’s best to start this hike really early, right after sunrise, to avoid this issue
• This trail has several waterfalls and green landscapes, but is one of the longest trails in Madeira
• Distance: 8.7 km one way, 2-3 hours one way
• If you go really early, when the sun’s not above you, wear layers and bring a headlamp

4. Any of the PR6 trails

The PR6 trails break off into PR6.1 to PR6.3, I believe.

• These are also very crowded trails, and they were the only ones we started later during the day, rather than right after sunrise. We arrived at 10.30 am and there were so many people that the line of cars parked along the road went on for almost 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) or more
• The trails are partly shaded as you’re walking among trees, but when it clears up, you will get the sun directly above you, so bring a hat
• It gets cool and chilly due to microclimates and being up high, so wear layers 

Logistics in Madeira

• Madeira is a hot spot for tourists, meaning that English is widely spoken, but it’s always polite and respectful to learn a few basic words as a visitor
  • Bom dia = good morning
  • Boa tarde = good afternoon
  • Boa noite = good evening / good night
  • Obrigado / obrigada = thank you (say obrigado if you’re male, obrigada if you’re female)
  • Olá = an informal way of saying hello
  • Ciao = goodbye (informal but used often because there are too many other ways of saying goodbye, like see you later, see you soon, see you next time, etc.)
• Card payment is accepted everywhere, but it’s always handy to have some cash, especially for remote areas

When is the best time to go to Madeira?

The best time to go to Madeira is April-May or September-October. Here are my reasons why: 

• The climate in Madeira is temperate all year round, but there can be a lot of humidity in the summer months (May to September).
• In winter months, Madeira can get chilly (between 7°to 20°C, or 44° to 68° F).
• The peak season in Madeira is summer, from the end of May to September, and it gets very crowded. I personally avoid travelling anywhere in peak season because of the crowds, heat, and rising costs, and it’s not generally sustainable for the locals and the environment. 
• The driest months are from April to October. However, keep in mind that Madeira is a subtropical island, and the weather can change quickly.
• You can see bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales year-round in Madeira, but to see migratory species (e.g., fin whales and humpback whales), the best time to go is in spring and early summer (from late March or early April to June). However, I am not an expert on this because I avoid being on boats as much as possible and did not do any dolphin or whale sightseeing, so here are more details.

How many days do I need to visit Madeira?

Madeira is small; you can drive the whole island in just a couple of hours. 

But to see everything with a more or less relaxed itinerary, do some hiking, see some beaches, check out the gorgeous gardens in Funchal, and enjoy the sweet island life, you need at least 1 week in Madeira. I spent 6 days there, and one or two extra days would have allowed me to see Porto Santo, which I didn’t. 

However, 3-4 days can be enough to visit Madeira and do a mix of beach, hiking, and some cultural activities in Funchal.

Getting around in Madeira

You can indeed drive around Madeira in just a few hours, but you will need a car to do so efficiently.  

However, if you’d rather be car-free (yay for the environment), you can get around by public transport (buses). Check the official website for updated information.

If you’re driving, street signs are easy enough to understand, and some are written in English and Portuguese. 

You don’t need an SUV or 4×4, especially because the roads can be tight. It’s best to get a small but powerful car that can go uphill easily. We rented a decent-sized car, like a mini SUV. Compare car rental prices here.

You need to drive vigilantly because the roads aren’t that large, there are a lot of sudden curves, a lot of the roads don’t have clearly marked lanes, and Madeirans drive a bit fast. 

Dining in Madeira

Meat eaters will enjoy the abundance of seafood and meat, as these are the most common dishes at restaurants.

Lots of restaurants seem like tourist traps, with menus written in multiple languages, and prices being exorbitant, and huge menus with lots of options (meaning the food is frozen and not fresh).

But here are some local foods to try in Madeira:

• Bolo de caco (garlic bread). They can come filled with things like meat or vegetables or cheese
• Milho frito (fried corn)

• Scabbardfish with banana or passion fruit (peixe espada com banana o maracuja)
• Fragateira (fish stew)
• Espetada (meat on skewers)
• Bolo de mel (honey cake)
• Broas de mel de cana (honey cookies)
• Queijadas da Madeira (sweet cheese tarts)

• Fruits: mango, passion fruit, Madeiran banana

What should you pack for Madeira?

Since the weather can be unpredictable with all the microclimates in Madeira, you will need rain gear and layers for when it gets a bit chilly.

• Waterproof gear like a rain jacket and pants
• Sturdy, waterproof shoes
• Backpack, ideally waterproof or one that comes with a cover
• For colder months: gloves and a beanie
• Hat for sun protection 
• A headlamp for some hiking trails 
• Beach wear
• Beach shoes or sandals 
• Reef-safe sunscreen 
• A reusable water bottle because you can drink the tap water in Madeira 
• Layers (light sweaters)

I hope these practical facts about Madeira helped prepare you for your first trip. Have a grand time!