Madeira: travel guide
General information
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km from the coast of Morocco and about 1000 km from mainland Portugal. The main island, Madeira, is famous for its green landscapes, ocean-doping cliffs, and year-round spring-weather.
Once you arrive, the advice is clear: rent a car. Madeira is not a destination to live only “from a hotel”, but to explore curve after curve.
It is easily reached by plane with direct flights or with a stopover in Lisbon or Porto. The arrival is at the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, known for its spectacular runway suspended over the ocean
Madeira is a perfect destination all year round thanks to the mild climate (18–26°C).
- Spring (April-June): the best time, with incredible blooms
- Summer: ideal for sea and trekking, but more crowded
- Autumn: perfect weather and fewer tourists
- Winter: mild temperatures, perfect to escape the European cold.
Be careful though: Madeira is famous for its microclimates! You can find sun in Funchal and thick fog in the mountains at the same time!
What to see and do in Funchal
The capital, Funchal, is the heart of the island: elegant, relaxed and surprisingly lively. It’s not just a logistics base, but a city that deserves at least half a full day (better a full day).
Historic center and local atmosphere
The starting point is the Zona Velha, the most authentic neighborhood, with the famous Rua de Santa Maria. Here the doors of the houses are decorated by local artists, creating a real open-air art gallery. Also perfect for the evening, between restaurants and clubs.
Not far away you will find the Mercado dos Lavradores, a colorful market where you can discover tropical fruits (often never seen before), spices and local products. It’s touristy, yes, but it remains an experience to be done.
View from above and Monte
One of the most iconic experiences is getting on the Funchal Cable Car. In a few minutes you walk from the seafront to the hills above the city, with a spectacular view of the ocean.
Arrived in Monte, don’t miss the Monte Palace Tropical Garden: an incredible garden, among exotic plants, ponds, statues and panoramic views.
From here you can live one of the most special experiences of the island: the Carros de Cesto, the wicker sleds guided by two “carreiros” that descend along the road. Touristy, but unique.
Gardens and relaxation
Madeira is also synonymous with gardens:
- The Madeira Botanical Garden offers an incredible view of the whole city
- Palheiro Gardens are less crowded and very well-kept
For a moment of relaxation by the sea, you can stop at Doca do Cavacas, small natural pools among the lava rocks.
Culture and history
If you want to add a cultural note, visit the Convent of Santa Clara, one of the most important historical buildings in the city.
What to see and do in Madeira
Madeira is an island to explore without haste. The beauty is driving and stopping continuously between miradouros, waterfalls and villages.
East of the island: wild landscapes
The peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço is completely different from the rest of the island: arid, windy and almost lunar. One of the most beautiful and photographic treks.
Not far away, the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto offers an incredible view of the cliffs.
Going up inland, you can reach Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest peaks: epic panorama above the clouds, especially at dawn.
Iconic waterfalls
Madeira is famous for its spectacular waterfalls:
- Cascata dos Anjos, which falls directly on the road
- Véu da Noiva, one of the most beautiful on the island
- Waterfall from Água d’Alto
- Caldeirão do Inferno, wilder and less touristy
North and west: the most authentic side
The north of the island is the greenest and least urbanised.
The Fanal Forest is one of the most magical places: centuries-old trees wrapped in fog, an almost surreal atmosphere.
Continuing, you arrive at Porto Moniz, famous for the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz: lava pools among the waves of the ocean.
Not to be missed also:
- Seixal, with some of the most beautiful beaches on the island
- The Natural Pools of the Aquarium
- The village of São Vicente
Authentic villages and views
Madeira is not just nature:
- The Casas Típicas de Santana are one of the symbols of the island
- Porto da Cruz, authentic and not very touristy
- Jardim do Mar, perfect for sunsets on the ocean
- Câmara de Lobos
Breathtaking views
Among the most spectacular viewpoints:
- Cabo Girão Skywalk, a platform suspended over the void
- Miradour of São Cristovão
- Rocha do Navio
Special experiences
- Curral das Freiras, a village set in the mountains
- Banana Route
- Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima
Practical advice
How to organise
- Essential rental car: Madeira must be experienced on the road
- Excellent roads but often steep and with curves: better a car with good power
- Divide the island by zones (Funchal, east, north, west) to optimize the time
👉 Important news (levadas)
- From this year, non-residents are required to book in advance access to the main levada routes (such as Levada das 25 Fontes).
- Cost: about €4.50 per person
- You need to select a time slot
- The reservation is made online on the official website:👉https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt
I advise you to book a few days in advance, especially in high season, because admissions are limited.
What to pack
Madeira has very varied microclimates: you can go from sun to wind or fog in a few kilometers.
- Trekking shoes (essential)
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Beachwear
- Sunglasses and SPF cream
- Sweatshirt or warm layer for the evening and high-altitude areas
Excursions
- Many treks are done independently
- Organized excursions (whale watching, canyoning, advanced trekking) can be easily booked online or directly in Funchal
- Prices in the European average
How to pay
- Euros
- Cards accepted almost everywhere
- Useful cash for small bars, parking lots or more remote areas
4-day itinerary on the road
A complete itinerary that follows very well a “typical” trip to the island, touching all the main areas without stress and optimizing travel
Day 1 – Funchal, Monte and views
Dedicate the first day to discovering the capital, Funchal, perfect to start calmly.
Morning:
- Walk in the Old Zone with Rua de Santa Maria
- Visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores
Late morning / lunch
- Use the Funchal Cable Car
Afternoon
- Visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Carros de cesto
Late afternoon / sunset
- Stop at Cabo Girão Skywalk
Day 2 – East of the island (wildlands)
One of the most spectacular days.
Alba (if you can)
- Trekking at Ponta de São Lourenço
Morning
- View from the Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint
- Stop in Porto da Cruz
Afternoon
- Visit of Casas Típicas de Santana
- Panorama from Rocha do Navio
Return
- Pass to São Vicente
Day 3 – North and West (pure nature)
The most iconic and wild side of the island.
Morning
- Fanal Forest (Better early for the fog)
Half day
- Arrival in Porto Moniz
- Relax in the natural pools of Porto Moniz
Afternoon
- Stop at Seixal
- Stop at the Natural Pools of the Aquarium
- View of Véu da Noiva
Sunset
- Jardim do Mar or Calhau da Lapa
Day 4 – Trekking, mountains and hidden spots
Last day more active and varied.
Early morning
- Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Morning / late morning
- Trekking at Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco (Reservation required)
Afternoon
- Visit to Curral das Freiras
- Stop at the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima
Alternatives or additions (if you have time/energy)
- Cascata dos Anjos
- Cascata da Água d’Alto
- Rota da Banana
Where to stay in Madeira
If you want to experience Madeira with a luxury touch (but without giving up the strategic position), the advice is undoubtedly the Savoy Palace.
It is located in Funchal, so perfect as a base to explore the whole island, and offers:
- Modern rooms with ocean view
- Spectacular infinity pool
- High-level spa
- Rooftop also perfect for Instagram content.
It is the ideal choice if you want a mix of relaxation, aesthetics and comfort.
Alternatively, you can also consider boutique hotels or guesthouses in the center of Funchal or, for a more immersive experience, some structure in the north of the island (but less convenient for travel).
