Madeira Island Travel & Vacation Guide

Just a mere 9 km away from Funchal, Câmara de Lobos is a historic fishing town, known for its abundant fur seals, and also as the subject of many paintings by Winston Churchill.

At an elevation of 580 m, Cabo Girão is the highest cape in Europe. It is famous for its suspended glass platform with a breathtaking view of the farmlands at the foot of the cliff, as well as a magnificent panoramic landscape of the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

If you are a football fan, this museum is a must-see. Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned superstar, was born in Funchal. In dedication to his professional career, the CR7 Museum was established to display his trophies and awards, some dating back to his Madeira childhood.

This 15-minute cable car journey offers magnificent panoramic views over Funchal and Monte. When you arrive at Monte, you can visit the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and the Church of Our Lady of Monte, where the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I is buried.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, was initially built on a bay and gradually expanded to the hill slopes. See ArrivalGuides' guide to Funchal for more tips.

Halfway between Funchal and Santa Cruz, in Caniço de Baixo, you will find one of the island's beautiful black sand beaches. Travel by cable car or venture on foot.

This ancient forest survived the ice ages–estimated to be over 20 million years old, this place is an open-air museum for botanists and nature lovers alike. The biologically diverse 15,000 hectares thrive with rare flora unseen anywhere else.

Levada Walks are walking trails along the maintenance paths beside the levadas — small agricultural water channels blended in the island forests. These channels were created in the 16th century to transport ("levar" in Portuguese, hence the name levadas) water from the rainy northern point of the island to the south point, where crops such as sugar, bananas and grapes were grown. Walking along the levadas is a truly unique and relaxing experience, with a scenic background of nature at its most lush.

Pé de Cabra, which in Portuguese means "goat foot" is the name of a Madeira's cocktail, said to be invented at this bar. Try it yourself and be satisfied with this recipe that has been passed on through many generations of the family that runs the bar.

Madeira Rum House's name is the literal description of what you will find there — rum from Madeira. Located in the old town, they serve rum cocktails you will find nowhere else. Prepare yourself to sit back and enjoy one of the archipelago's alcoholic treats.

Mercearia da Poncha is the perfect place to start your pub crawl. Here you can taste many colorful variations of Madeira's preferred drink, poncha. It is impossible not to notice the unbelievably affordable prices.

Hidden in Funchal's old town, this little bar has been described by locals as having the best cocktails in Funchal or even on the entire island of Madeira. The cosy and relaxed atmosphere will make you spend more time there than you might have planned.

Taberna Popular's charm comes from it not trying to be more than what it seems – a tiny crowded pub with cheap beer and snacks. It is perfect for a late-night drink at the end of your Pub Crawl.

This Farmers' Market, inaugurated in 1940, still carries out the functions for which it was created. All sorts of local produce (fruit, vegetable, flower, and fish) are sold in a blend of colours, sounds, smells, and visiting nationalities.

If filling your bags with new clothes is one of your vacation goals, then Forum Madeira is the place to go. This modern indoor-outdoor mall features 80 stores on three levels — it will be difficult not to go over your bag's capacity.

The hand embroidery of Madeira is generally claimed to be one of the finest of its kind. Part of the history and culture of Madeira, its distinctive style is the result of the mix of many influences from all across Europe throughout the years, making it impossible to find such a unique handcraft anywhere else in the world.

Madeira's weather is known for its unpredictability, but don't let that put you out. Madeira Shopping is the perfect family destination for a rainy day. Once you enter this retail heaven, you will find plenty of stores and sellers more than happy to assist you.

Madeira's unique soil and climate make the production of an even more unique wine possible. Praised by Shakespeare in his plays and admired by monarchs, princes, generals, and explorers, this nectar is definitely one of Madeira's finest achievements. Multiple wineries offer guided tours and tastings (e.g. Blandy's Wine Lodge, one of the island's most reputable and longest-standing).

Madeira's characteristic climate makes for pleasant weather all year long. Paired with the multiple festivals, a visit at any time of the year will be worth it. Madeira is also known for its New Year's Eve and Carnival celebrations, making these seasons a must-go for those who cannot miss a festive event.

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Madeira International Airport (FNC) is located about 20 km from Funchal’s city centre — roughly a 20–25 minute drive. From the terminal, there are plenty of ways to reach the city: the Aerobus shuttle runs regularly and drops you in central Funchal in around half an hour, local buses crisscross the island, taxis are plentiful, and there’s also the possibility of renting a car if you’d like the freedom to discover Madeira on your own time.

Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is located just outside the island’s main town, Vila Baleira, around 5 km away—roughly a 7‑minute taxi ride or a 25–30‑minute journey by public bus. While the airport provides direct access to Porto Santo, most visitors either fly first into Madeira International Airport and take a short 15‑minute inter‑island flight, or travel by ferry from Funchal, a scenic 2‑hour‑plus crossing that allows passengers to bring vehicles on board. Once on the island, travellers can hire a taxi, use the regular public bus service, or rent a car to explore at their own pace.

One of the main public bus companies that operates on Madeira is Horários do Funchal, operating both city and inter-city services on the south, central, and north parts of the island. A limited amount of the island's attractions can be reached by bus, while certain areas (such as the popular hiking route between Madeira's two highest peaks) are only accessible by private transfer or as part of a guided tour.

All trips by taxi are metered, although there are some fixed charges for certain trips. There are also some surcharges for extra luggage. You can find taxis in taxi ranks, circulating around the city, or you can also call one taxi to your location. Taxis will often wait at locations frequented by tourists, such as starting/finishing points of levada walks. Teaming up with other travellers is a common practice - a cab will often fit in 4+ passengers and drop each one off at their requested location. Or you can request a ride in the Uber app.

Portugal’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F (Schuko plug) and Type C (Europlug) outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.

Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from pharmacies (farmácia), but if you need regular medication it is better to take supplies with you. Pharmacies are usually open Mon–Fri (9am–1pm and 3pm–7pm). There are some pharmacies that are open beyond this schedule but in only some specific points. To find out which pharmacies are open all day, you can check the information posted in every pharmacy.