Madeira Travel Guide
This travel guide covers all the essential information about Madeira Island, including the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, local customs, and transportation options.
- List of Places to Visit in Madeira
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Madeira
- Best Things to Do in Madeira: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Madeira
- Food and Drink Scene of Madeira
- Where to Stay in Madeira: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Madeira: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Madeira
- Best Time to Visit Madeira
- Do’s and Don’ts of Madeira
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Madeira: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Madeira
- Where to Go Next from Madeira: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Madeira is a stunning archipelago located off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. This island paradise is known for its lush greenery, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenic beauty. Madeira Island attracts thousands of tourists every year, who come to explore its vibrant cities, natural wonders, delicious cuisine, and iconic landmarks. This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know about Madeira Island, from where to stay to the best things to do.
List of Places to Visit in Madeira
Madeira Island offers a plethora of exciting places to visit. Whether you want to explore its natural beauty or cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places in Madeira:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Madeira Story Centre
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Santa Clara Monastery
Natural Attractions of Madeira: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Pico Ruivo
- Levada Walks
- Porto Santo Beach
Hiking/Biking Routes of Madeira
Madeira Island is a hiker’s paradise, with a diverse range of hiking trails featuring beautiful scenic views throughout the island. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Madeira:
- Rabaçal to 25 Fontes
- Levada dos Tornos
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Best Things to Do in Madeira: Activities and Tours
Madeira Island offers a plethora of things to do for tourists. Here are some of the best activities and tours you can enjoy in Madeira:
- Jeep Safari Tour
- Whale and Dolphin Watching
- Cable Car Ride to Monte
Week-Long Itinerary for Madeira
If you have a week to spend in Madeira, here’s a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Funchal and visit the Cathedral of Funchal |
| Day 2 | Hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada do Rei |
| Day 3 | Visit the Pico do Arieiro and hike to Pico Ruivo |
| Day 4 | Take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales |
| Day 5 | Visit the Cabo Girão cliff and go to Lido Promenade |
| Day 6 | Try paragliding and visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden |
| Day 7 | Spend a relaxing day at the Porto Santo Beach |
Food and Drink Scene of Madeira
Madeira’s cuisine is known for its fresh seafood dishes, wines, and desserts. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Madeira:
Must-Try Dishes
- Espada com Banana: a dish with grilled black-scabbard fish and banana on the side.
- Bolo do Caco: a flatbread infused with garlic and butter and served with garlic butter.
- Lapas: a shellfish dish cooked with garlic, onion, and herbs.
Local Beverages
- Madeira Wine: A fortified Portuguese wine that is made from unique vines grown in Madeira and aged for at least five years in barrels.
- Poncha: A traditional Madeiran cocktail made of lemon juice, sugar, honey, and Aguardente de cana, a local rum.
Where to Stay in Madeira: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Madeira Island has a variety of accommodation options for every traveler’s budget and need. Here are some of the best places to stay in Madeira:
- Quinta da Casa Branca
- Vidamar Resort Madeira
- Belmond Reid’s Palace
What to Buy in Madeira: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Madeira has many unique products that are perfect to take home as souvenirs or gifts. Some of the popular souvenirs include:
- Embroidery
- Wine
- Madeira cake
Local Culture and Customs of Madeira
The culture of Madeira reflects its rich history and the influence of various civilizations that have inhabited the island. The local customs and traditions of Madeira are an essential aspect of its vibrant culture. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when visiting Madeira:
- Respect the religious places and events
- Address older people with formal titles
- Avoid being loud, especially late at night
Best Time to Visit Madeira
Madeira has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists. The best time to visit Madeira is from May to September when the weather is warm and dry.
Do’s and Don’ts of Madeira
Here are some things to do and avoid when visiting Madeira:
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Try the local cuisine
- Take a hiking trail and enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira
Don’t:
- Litter and damage the environment
- Wear inappropriate clothing in religious places
- Be loud especially in residential areas
Safety and Health
Madeira is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates and high levels of public safety. However, as with any other tourist destination, it’s important to take precautions. Here are some essential tips for staying safe and healthy in Madeira:
Safety in Madeira
- Keep your valuable belongings in the hotel safe
- Be cautious of bag snatchers and pickpockets in crowded places
- Stay away from unlicensed taxis.
Health in Madeira
- Get travel insurance
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during hiking trips
- Carry mosquito repellent, especially during the wet season.
Getting to Madeira: Transportation Options and Logistics
Madeira is well-connected to other major cities of Portugal, and there are several ways to get there. Here are the transportation options and logistics of Madeira:
Airports Near Madeira
- Funchal Madeira International Airport - located near Funchal, the capital city.
Bus Stations Near Madeira
- São Tomé Bus Station
- Funchal Bus Station
Other Options
- Taxis and car rentals are available for tourists.
How to Get Around in Madeira
Public transportation in Madeira is relatively underdeveloped, and it’s advised to rent a car or hire a taxi to get around the island. Here are some modes of transportation in Madeira:
- Taxis
- Car rentals
- Buses
Where to Go Next from Madeira: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Madeira Island is a perfect gateway to nearby destinations in Portugal and Europe. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Madeira:
- Visiting the Island of Porto Santo
- Exploring Lisbon, the capital of Portugal
Conclusion
Madeira Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich destinations in Europe. With its stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, Madeira has something to offer for everyone. From breathtaking hiking trails to its rich historical landmarks, Madeira is a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in exploring the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean’s islands.
