ocean cliffs in Madeira during sunshine at Achadas de Cruz

Madeira Island 2024 – So Many Surprises Await

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So, are you planning a trip to Madeira Island? It’s the small Portuguese Island that everyone is talking about these days (2024). An island which is located in the waters of the Atlantic, 520 Km (323 miles) from the Moroccan coast.

Madeira deserves to be explored!

This Madeira Island guide will give you a first impression of the island. Packed with useful information about Madeira and some of the best things to see and do when visiting Madeira.

I have totally updated this post in Spring 2024 one more and included an itinerary suggestion for 5 days.

sunset mood at Achadas de Cruz in madeira a beach side
Achadas de Cruz – Madeira Island

What to expect when visiting Madeira Island

With its stunning natural scenery, massive volcanic mountains, jagged cliffs, lush forests and beautiful flowers (especially if you travel during the spring months), Madeira is a multifaceted island packed with surprises.

Being a small island, Madeira can easily be fully explored in a 7 days self driving trip.

The beauty of this island is outstanding.

Be prepared for some of the steepest roads you will drive. We’re used to steep roads in Switzerland, but Madeira opened our eyes.

Safe travel destination

Madeira is a safe destination as crime is virtually non-existent. It also provides European standards coupled with exceptional value for money.

One of the weirdest but most impressive things I ever seen, is the runway of the airport.

Concrete columns are holding the runway whilst the motorway is running underneath. Seriously I am not joking! (photo below)

the famous madeira Airport next to the ocean
Madeira Airport

Due to the powerful waves and strong sea currents, Madeira is not a sandy beach island destination. To be honest is probably a good thing to keep it “the little hidden gem” that it is.

Although it is booming lately (2023), and it feels like everyone is flying to Funchal.

Best is to rent a car at Madeira Airport – Madeira demands to be explored!

 

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Madeira Island in a Nutshell

Madeira offers dramatic landscapes, unique architecture and unforgettable vistas that should be on everyone’s bucket-list adventures.

The island of Madeira is a territory of Portugal, which comes as a surprise to many, because it is significantly closer to mainland Africa (520km) than to Lisbon, capital of Portugal (1,000km).

This is why, the most common question from friends when we revealed our travel destination was, where is Madeira island? Now you know the answer. A Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean close to Africa.

Often Madeira is also referred to as being the ‘island of the eternal spring’ due to an all year pleasantly warm climate.

Island Facts

The spoken language on Madeira is Portuguese and Funchal is the capital located in the south of the island. Funchal is also home to more than half the population of Madeira, making it a lively cosmopolitan city.

Length: 57km (35mi), Width: 22km (14mi).
Population: around 267,000.
Highest peak: Pico Ruivo 1,862m (6,106 ft).
Coastline: 150km (90mi).
Land area: 741km2 (286 sq mi).

views over the coastline of madeira from high up at the viewpoint Cabo Girao
Cabo Girao Sky walk viewpoint

When is the best time to travel to Madeira?

Madeira is one of those destinations that can be visited all year round. Yes, you will find a peak season which is mainly July and August but we found even during these travel seasons, you can still get away from the crowds.

If hiking in Madeira is on your agenda I would definitely recommend visiting in April, May or even during the autumn months.

Average temperatures

Due to its mild climate, also during the winter months, on Madeira you can experience a nice 15 degrees Celsius during the day.

Late Autumn to the beginning of spring – average 11° C to 18°C
Mid Spring to End of June – 14°C to 21°C
Summer months – 17° C to 26°C

Water temperatures do stay pretty cold all year round. However, count more on a dip in the sea during the summer months.

children running at the beach promenade at Jardim do mar in Madeira all alone
Jardim do Mar Ocean front

Characteristics & Nature of Madeira

Once you start reading about Madeira you figure out that it is a hiker’s and photographer’s paradise.

Madeira Mountains: If your main goal is to discover the impressive mountains on Madeira then head to the area around Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (North of Funchal).

Volcanic experience: The area of Ponta de Sao Lourenço (north east tip) offers impressive volcanic landscapes.

Vertical Cliffs: The highest cliffs in Europe are on Madeira. You will find them all around the island but the most impressive and tallest one is at Cabo Girao – Central South. An exhilarating drop of 590 vertical metres.

Forest: Madeira has some of the most unreal forests which make you feel you have just stepped into a movie set. The most famous one especially for photography, combined with stunning landscapes is at Fanal Forest(North West).
Even more special when in the fog.

Open space plateau: On the west of Madeira is a plateau – very different from the rest of the island, less dramatic but nevertheless beautiful. Wide open views sweep over grassland and out to the ocean.

Hiking Trails Levadas: Levadas are irrigation waterways crisscrossing the entire island which provide wonderful walking and hiking routes. Of course there are some other great hikes in Madeira apart from the Levadas.

Flowers of Madeira: Whether you are a gardener, someone that just loves flowers or maybe even not that interested in flowers, wait until you get to Madeira in spring. A flower paradise that everyone will love.

Agriculture: All around the island you can also see agricultural terraces (wine, fruits…) as well as small farms at the bottom of cliffs (often accessible only by cable cars).


Before you travel to Madeira

Language: Most people speak English especially in the tourist areas. But knowing a few main words of Portuguese is always a nice touch when travelling to a new place.
Hello – Olà
Thank you – Obrigado
Please – Por Favor
Welcome – Ben Vinda
Excuse me – Desculpe!
I am sorry – Sinto Muito

MONEY & CREDIT CARDS

Currency: The currency on Madeira is the Euro. Whilst credit cards are widely accepted it is always best to have some small change in your pocket. Some smaller cafes and businesses may only accept cash payments.

Tipping: Unlike the USA and other countries, tipping in Madeira is not mandatory. But if service is good, a 10% tip is highly appreciated.

PRACTICAL

Visa: Madeira is part of the Schengen area and therefore has no visa requirements for Europeans and most western countries. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months on the island check with your Embassy.
Mobile phone coverage: is mostly good.
Emergency: Dial 112 for Portugal Police & Emergency.
Electricity: 220V, types C / F plug with 2 round pins, European standard.
Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and accommodations.

a girl in a red and white striped shirt sitting on a wall looking over the ocean in madeira
Madeira Island Travel tips

Typical Madeira

Specialty Dishes

Oh, you cannot leave Madeira without having eaten at least once a day a Pastéis de Nata – Custard Tart. Absolutely delicious and our favourite.

Other delicious dishes in Madeira include

  • Espetada (meat or fish cooked on skewers)
  • Battered black scabbard fish, which is similar to swordfish
  • Bolo do caco, bread with butter and garlic
  • Grilled limpets
  • Bolo de mel, a dense sponge cake with nuts and spices

The portions are quite large, so don’t feel shy to ask for a smaller portion if you are not that hungry.

fruit and vegetable on a beautiful market in Funchal madeira island
The Market in Funchal – photo credit Francisco Correia

Special Events

Madeira is full of traditional events all year round. Here are a few that might by of interest.

Carnival on Madeira – a weeklong celebration on the streets of Funchal in February.
This popular week-long event is a must for all party lovers. The streets of Funchal explode in colour, sound, imagination and creativity.
The celebration is normally held mid-February.

The Madeira Flower Festival – held in Funchal during the months of April or May. (Depending on how the dates fall, but normally end of April).
The streets of Funchal are completely immersed in colour and fragrance. Visitors can enjoy a grand parade of flowers starring many local children and youths.

The Atlantic Festival and Jazz Festival – musicians and artists bring sound to Madeira in June. Many concerts are held in different locations.
Additionally, every Saturday night, Funchal Bay is lit up by a spectacle of fireworks and music.

The Madeira Wine festival – the harvesting season starts in late August. The streets of Funchal once more are the centre piece of the wine festival.
From August 26 to September 2, you will encounter traditional music, folklore, ethnic foods and of course lots of wine.


Driving on Madeira

Definitely rent a car in Madeira and explore the island with ease.

Driving rules on Madeira

We recommend not taking a too small car as you need some power to get up the mountain roads. But also, don’t choose a large car. Some of the streets on Madeira are narrow and parking places are not always the biggest.

  • Rent a car at the airport, (book it in advance).
  • Driving is on the right side of the road.
  • Alcohol limit = 0,5g/l, but best not to drink and drive at all.
  • Speed limit = 80 to 100 km/h on fast roads, 30 to 50 km/h in cities. Some roads are super steep, some can be wet and slippery. Drive accordingly.
  • You need your driving license to rent a car (EU license recognised, otherwise international driving permit).

 

Parking Rules

In towns the parking is normally payable and you need to have coins on you for payment.

If you park where there are blue lines, this means you have to pay for parking.

Some places up the mountains only have limited places to park. Therefore, come early if you are planning on hiking there.

map of madeira with driving points locations
Madeira Map with main points

Driving times around Madeira Island

You can see on the map above various locations and below indicative driving times.

Funchal to Machico = 30min
Machico to Santana = 10min
Funchal To Santana (via inland) = 1h05
Funchal to Ribeira Brava = 25min
Ribeira Brava to Arco da Calheta = 25min
Arco da Calheta to Porto Moniz = 1h
Santana to Sao Vicente = 50min
Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz = 20min
Ribeira Brava to Sao Vicente = 28 min
Crossing from the middle to the west side close to Porto Moniz = 50 min

Discover Madeira  with no car

Although we do recommend renting a car on Madeira but should you for any reason not have a car, then you can still explore Madeira and see some great places.

In this case, base yourself in Funchal and take part on the many excursions there are departing from the city. Get your Guide is your best bet. They are a great company offering many different trips from groups to private trips, and their rating is top!

We have used them before on our travels and definitely recommend them. We also like that you do have the option to cancel quite close to the travel date. You just simply never know…

Check out these great excursions from Funchal.


Visit Madeira with Children

The Portuguese locals love children, and families with children are welcome.

One bizarre, but fun activity is the “wicker toboggan run” in Funchal, the Capital of Madeira.

You sit in a traditional wicker cart that once carried goods up to the higher villages and start your descent. The driver runs alongside the cart slowing and steering the cart with his specially designed shoes. Think of sledging on tarmac. I guess you have to see it to believe it! Find out more here.

If you travel with younger children which are not yet good hikers/walkers but you would still like to see the most of the nature that this amazing island has to offer, then try to visit as many viewpoints as possible. Most of them are accessible by car, and require only a minimal effort to reach the actual viewpoint on foot.

I always imagined traveling from viewpoint to viewpoint when I am old and have difficulty walking, but no, here we are with our twins doing exactly this. How life changes.

There are also some great playground areas around. On our 7- day Madeira itinerary  you will find some of them listed with the location.


Where to stay on Madeira Island

You will find all kinds of hotels, Air BnB’s, campsites and apartments on Madeira. Depending on your budget, the choice is yours.

To get the most out of the island you really need to book a car to allow flexibility. Madeira is a small island and you can drive all over the island in one day.

Whereas Funchal, the capital of Madeira has many hotels, I would recommend staying a bit outside. Anything between Ribeira Brava and Calheta – is our recommendation.

Statistically, this is the sunniest part plus you get to see some stunning sunsets.

Another option, you could choose is accommodation in different places. For example, one on the north coast for one night and some nights on the east of Madeira.

Check out the different areas of Madeira and this should help you make a decision.

a little girl sitting at an infinity pool overlooking the ocean on the island Madeira
Place in Calheta Madeira

Accommodation areas on Madeira

Hotels in Funchal & South
This region is a great place to stay if you are looking to be closer to the action or if you only have a few days to visit Madeira.
From Funchal you can join a lot of excursions and therefore it is also the perfect place to stay if you do not rent a car.

This is also the place where all the cruise ships arrive and it can get crazily busy for a few hours with their guests.

The North of Madeira
This is definitely more nature orientated and quieter. If you are hopping around Madeira I would maybe only stay one night up north and visit the natural pools of Porto Moniz.

East and Central North
This would be the area to explore the mountains like Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro, and Ponta de Sao Lourenço.

West side
The quiet place of Madeira where sunsets can be appreciated.
Remember that if you stay in the western part of Madeira you have to always drive back down toward the centre, to explore the island.
I would not choose this place as a base, but if you choose to stay in different accommodations on Madeira, then why not stay for one or two nights on the west side.

rental house with pool on a hill in madeira
Hotels and Accommodation in Madeira

One base accommodation

If you really just want to base yourself in one place for your visit to Madeira then the area between Ribeira Brava and Calheta – South West is our recommendation.

From here you can explore Madeira Island easily with a car.

Accommodation in Calheta is mainly high on the cliffs which gives you amazing views and sunsets.

If you do not want a car then for sure Funchal is the place to stay.

Plenty of hotels and other accommodation can be found in Funchal, plus public transport links.

This is where we stayed and I would go back without thinking twice.

Check out all the Funchal different activities you can book online.


Photography on Madeira

Madeira is a place where photographers can discover a variety of subjects and landscapes.

Tips when planning for photography

If you look out of your hotel window and it is a bit cloudy, still go out. Drive up a mountain road and you might be in luck and emerge out of the clouds on the top.

Plan to capture the top of mountain peaks during sunrise, as they can get cloudy again during the afternoon. Also, the air is much clearer during the morning hours, especially on hot summer days.

If you are not sure whether to drive up a mountain or go to the coast for your photography day in Madeira because of the weather, check the webcams.

Some great Photography spots on Madeira

The below photo spots are some of our favourites. To capture them at the time when the light is just perfect, depends on the time of visit and the season.

Check when the exact times of the sunrise and/or sunset to get the best light.

Sunrise spots on Madeira

  • Pico do Areiro
  • Pico Ruivo – Hiking required
  • Ponta do Garajau
  • Seixal Natural Pools
  • Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
  • Ponta de Sao Lourenço

Sunset spots on Madeira

  • Cais Ponta do Sol – bridge
  • Lighthouse Ponta do Pargo
  • Pico Ruivo – Hiking required
  • Ponta de Sao Lourenço – Capture the golden light on cliffs
  • Ponta do Garajau

Don’t forget the amazing Fanal Forest. Especially when it is foggy.

looking down from a high cliff on some old houses by the beach with blue waters
Photography in Madeira

Things to do on Madeira

Now as you know the most important things about Madeira it is time to plan your holiday to the island.

Here are some of the highlights from our visit. These places are super easy to access and perfect if you are seeking the best viewpoints on Madeira, reachable without hiking.

Equally these places are perfect for families travelling to Madeira with kids.

Hikes and walks on Madeira

The “Levadas” are irrigation waterways crisscrossing the entire island which provide visitors with wonderful walking and hiking routes. Most of them are not really suitable for young children because of their steep drop offs, but there are some that can be walked with young beginner hikers. If unsure ask Madeira Tourism or buy one of the many Levada guidebooks.

You may like the Rabacal Walks on the west side of the island. Cascada de Risco, a 50-metre waterfall and the 25 Fontes (25 fountains).

Do them early, before the buses with the cruise ship guests arrive.

Viewpoint at Pico de Arieiro

The highest accessible peak by car is the Pico do Arieiro.

Standing at 1,862m above sea level, the summit provides spectacular views over the entire island and its central mountain range. There are several advanced hikes that start from here, one of them is the hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island.

When visiting Pico de Arieiro bring some warmer jackets as it can get cold up there.

twins babies sitting on some volcanic rocket at Pico do Arieiro in Madeira
At Pico do Arieiro

Curral das Freiras “Nuns Refuge”

The island has a lot of deep and mostly inaccessible valleys. The most famous of these valleys is the Curral das Freiras “Nuns Refuge” which is protected by cliffs on three sides.

When you visit this valley you do ask yourself why on earth did they decide that this is a good place to start a village. It is literally in the middle of nowhere. Quite impressive though.

misty clouds hugging some mountain villages at Curral das Freiras mountain valley
Curral das Freiras Valley

The cliffs at Cabo Girao

On the south side of the island, in Cabo Girao, are some of the highest cliffs in Europe, with drops of up to 590m.

Nice to visit for sunset, but be aware it is quite touristy as it has a fear inducing glass-floored skywalk which is not for the fainthearted.

We visited late afternoon which was perfect as all the cruise ship guests had already left so we had the views to ourselves.

looking down from a glass bottom walk way to the ocean and garden
Skyglass floor at Cabo Girao

Porto Moniz

On the very north-west edge of the island lies the remote town of Porto Moniz.

Famed for its natural lava pools that are filled by the high tide. There is a paying pool but you can also go to the one on the right of the town which is free and as nice if not nicer.

Make sure to visit Porto Moniz in the morning. We arrived at about 10h00 and the whole area was empty. Although all the restaurants were open, so we asked ourselves the question; why is everything open when nobody is here?

Ha ha, 2 hours later the place was packed with tour buses from the cruise ships, and our question was answered.

On the front promenade between the two naturals pools you will also find an amazing playground and some outside fitness stations which will keep the whole family occupied.

looking from a distance to a ocean front village with volcanic pools, plam trees and houses
Porto Moniz

Ponta de São Lourenço viewpoint

Yet again we experienced a completely different landscape on Madeira. The Ponta de São Lourenço viewpoint is located on the eastern part of the island.

There is a large car park with a snack stand and some picnic tables. Perfect to have a rest and enjoy the view.

From here you can go on a hike and explore further afield.

a view over a place called Ponta de São Lourenço. many large rocks sticking our of the ocean giving it an amazing scene
Ponta de São Lourenço Viewpoint

Madeira Itinerary

This following suggestion is for travellers that like to take it a bit easy and enjoy the scenery. This is also a great itinerary if you have small children or someone in your group that is not feeling the hiking bug very much.

There are so many different ways of experiencing and enjoying Madeira.

5 Day Itinerary on Madeira

Day one – Head West – Discover Miradouro da Ponto do Pargo, Achadas de Cruz, & Jardim do Mar. Depending on where your accommodation is on Madeira, you should also take the old route and stop at Cascata dos Anjos – Angels waterfalls.

Day two – City break at Funchal & Monte Cable Car ride, downhill with the famous and fun Madeira basket. Enjoy the sunset at the waterfront by dinner.

Day three – Drive inland and up the mountain to Eira do Serrado. Even on a cloudy day this will be a spectacular viewpoint. On the way home stop at Cabo Girao, sky glass walk

Day four – Visit Pico do Arieiro & picnic at Ponta de São Lourenço

Day five – Visit Fanal Forestry, take a bath at Porto Moniz, and top at Santana.

Read our 7 days Madeira Itinerary with kids


Madeira Travel Guide

I hope you enjoyed this article about Madeira Island. If we have left any important information out do let us know in the comments below.

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10 thoughts on “Madeira Island 2024 – So Many Surprises Await”

  1. Such a comprehensive guide to Madeira and beautiful pictures. You seem to have had about the same weather there in winter as we did in April :). Congratulations on your new blog, Corina!

    Reply
    • Hi Jurga, thank you for supporting 😉 and you comment. Yes weather was ok for November, at least better then CH. We really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend November.
      regards Corina

      Reply
  2. Stunning photos! I didnt realise Madeira was so beautiful. We’d love to go there with our daughter – I bet there are some good, albeit challenging, hikes there 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Suzy, thank you for your kind comments. Honestly it is a very very beautiful Island. I cannot wait until the Kids are older and we can go back and concentrate on the Levadas / hikes. You can find hikes that are suitable for children, have you read the itinerary blog https://packedagain.com/madeira-travel-trip-itinerary-with-kids/ you can find more informations there. I also like to go in spring as the island must be a real flower garden. If you go there, have fun. Corina

      Reply
    • Hi Dina, thank you for your comment.I am glad I could be of help and made you start planning. We also plan the Azores for next year. Let us know if you go before that all the secret spots and highlights. There is also a 7 day trip itinerary on the site. Have a look at this one as well.

      Have fun Corina

      Reply
  3. I traveled to the Azores Islands a little over a year ago. This reminds me so much of that! We were on Sao Miguel Island and rented a car to see the whole thing in 5 days. It was not sandy beach weather just like Madeira. I would love to get to Madeira some day! Did you have a flight from Lisbon?

    Reply
    • Hi Nina,
      Thank you for your comments. Definitely a worthwhile visit. It is small so if you do not have a lot of time you can get a lot of the island covered.
      The only thing with Madeira, which we found out later and especially during the winter months, is the difficulty for the planes to land. Apparently when it is very windy it is a very complicated landing for the pilots and some unlucky travellers have returned to their starting airport as they could not land. So one might get stuck on the island as your plane that will take you home can’t land in Madeira, but not a bad place to be stuck really! If you connect in Lisbon you will fly with TAP who have daily multiple flights to Madeira so the chance of being stuck for a while is reduced.
      We flew from Geneva CH to Madeira direct, it was one of the first flights of the season but the company only fly weekly.
      What time of the year did you visit the Azores and do you have a post? We would love to visit them within the next 2 years.

      Take care
      Corina

      Reply

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Hi, my name is Corina, a mum of twins, a wife and founder of Packed Again – a Swiss Family Travel & Adventure Blog. We live in the most amazing mountain valley in Switzerland, the Valais.

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