Madeira, Portugal: The Complete Travel Guide

Where is Madeira, Portugal?

Madeira sits in the Atlantic Ocean about 700 kilometres west of mainland Portugal and roughly 600 kilometres off the coast of North Africa, which places it closer to Africa than to Lisbon. It is an autonomous region of Portugal, which means it is part of Portugal but governs many of its own affairs. The archipelago includes the main island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo with its long sandy beach, and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens nature reserves. The capital and largest city is Funchal, on the south coast, where most visitors stay. Madeira is part of the European Union and uses the euro.

When to visit Madeira

Madeira has a mild, stable climate. Coastal temperatures sit around 19 to 25 degrees Celsius for much of the year, which makes it one of the warmer European options in winter: December to March stays warm enough for hiking and sightseeing. Spring and autumn bring clear mountain views and smaller crowds, while summer is the warmest and busiest season. The weather differs between the sunnier south, the wetter north and the high peaks, so check conditions before you set out. See our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit, and check the live Madeira weather before you travel.

How to get to Madeira

Almost all visitors arrive by air at Madeira (Funchal) Airport, also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, on the south-east coast. There are direct flights from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, plus flights from Lisbon and Porto that take under two hours. Porto Santo has its own small airport, connected to Madeira by a short flight or a daily ferry. Some cruise ships call at Funchal's harbour. Once on the island, a hire car gives you the most freedom, though buses, taxis and organised tours also make car-free travel possible.

Top things to do in Madeira

The best-known hike runs along the ridge from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak, often above the clouds. Levada walks follow centuries-old water channels through the laurel forest, including the 25 Fontes and Caldeirao Verde trails, though several protected trails now require a permit. On the coast you can swim in the volcanic natural pools at Porto Moniz, ride the cable car and wicker toboggan in Funchal, walk the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula, and look out from Cabo Girao, one of Europe's higher sea cliffs. Whale and dolphin watching trips run all year. See the full list of things to do in Madeira to build your shortlist.

Food, wine and culture

Madeira gave its name to a fortified wine, and a tasting in a Funchal wine lodge is one way to spend an afternoon. Local dishes include espetada (beef skewers grilled over laurel wood), bolo do caco flatbread with garlic butter, black scabbard fish served with banana, and limpets. A common drink is poncha, made with sugar-cane spirit and citrus. The Mercado dos Lavradores market in Funchal sells local produce, flowers and fish. See where to eat across Madeira and book a table for the evening.

Plan your Madeira trip

With mountains, coast, forest and city on one compact island, a little planning helps. Most visitors find that four to seven days is enough for a first trip. Use our free digital trip planner to build a day-by-day schedule around your dates, interests and pace, or start from a 4-day or 7-day Madeira itinerary and adjust it. madeira.fun is your digital guide in Madeira, with events, restaurants, hiking permits and weather in one place.

FAQ

Is Madeira part of Portugal?

Yes. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of Portugal, uses the euro and is in the European Union, while governing many of its own local affairs.

What language is spoken in Madeira?

The official language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and many locals also speak some German or French.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

Four to seven days suits most first-time visitors, with time for Funchal, a mountain hike, a levada walk and the north coast. Ten days allows a slower pace.

Is Madeira a good winter destination?

Coastal temperatures are often around 19 to 21 degrees Celsius in winter, so Madeira stays mild when much of Europe is cold, and hiking is possible year-round.

Do you need a car in Madeira?

A hire car gives the most freedom for reaching trailheads and viewpoints, but it is not essential. Buses, taxis and guided tours make it possible to visit the main sights without driving.

What is Madeira known for?

Madeira is known for Madeira wine, levada walks and laurel forest, the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, Funchal's old town and market, and a mild climate for much of the year.