Madeira
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04:43
Madeira
With exceptional natural beauty, a mild climate throughout the year, a friendly population, and a top-quality hotel network, Madeira and Porto Santo, the two inhabited islands of the Madeira archipelago, are the perfect islands for those seeking stress-free holidays. Here you can enjoy your holiday on the beach or at sea, in the mountains, in the countryside, or in the city–the perfect spot for a getaway to experience unique moments like nowhere else.Hitta resa
Now the town's biggest tourist attraction, these quaint straw houses were originally used by farmers during the settlement of the island. While in town, you should not miss the Archipelago's history and folk culture theme park.
The sparsely populated island of Porto Santo lies 40 km northeast of Madeira Island. Quiet during most of the year, it is the perfect place for those seeking an escape from the busy Funchal. The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as diving, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Much less hilly than Madeira, the island of Porto Santo is also perfect for bike rides. You can rent bikes at hotels or downtown.
This tiny, mesmerising golden sand beach lies on the edge of the small town of Machico, the easternmost municipality on the island. With a picturesque valley as a backdrop and crystal clear Atlantic waters, this is the perfect landscape for a revitalising, relaxing day at the beach.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful views on the north coast of the Island, Seixal has natural ocean-fed pools perfect for diving. Also found here is one of the few black sand beaches on the island.
At the north of the island, across the central ridge, lies São Vicente. This town has spectacular volcanic caves, where you can explore otherworldly geological wonders, including lava tubes.
A drive to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third highest point, will reward visitors with a magnificent landscape of the central ridge and its peaks. The trail connecting Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most scenic but also very challenging. For a less strenuous hike, follow the footpath starting at Achada do Teixeira, Santana.
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.
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.
Now the town's biggest tourist attraction, these quaint straw houses were originally used by farmers during the settlement of the island. While in town, you should not miss the Archipelago's history and folk culture theme park.
The sparsely populated island of Porto Santo lies 40 km northeast of Madeira Island. Quiet during most of the year, it is the perfect place for those seeking an escape from the busy Funchal. The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as diving, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Much less hilly than Madeira, the island of Porto Santo is also perfect for bike rides. You can rent bikes at hotels or downtown.
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).
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Post offices or Correios de Portugal (CTT) are usually open Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm and Sat 9am–12:30pm. You can find them in different locations around the island, but the main offices are located in Funchal.
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.
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.
