travel planet madeira

Madeira Island

A tropical getaway.

Laurissilva Forest

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Madeira

Did you know that Europe had its own Hawaii?

Yes, that's right!

Portuguese archipelago Madeira is often compared to Hawaii and I do not wonder why anymore. During my visit in May 2018 it has surprised me so much how many similarities Madeira and Hawaii islands really had.

Madeira is such an incredible place to visit and for many reasons. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon , family vacation , if you travel for adventure or if you just wish to escape less gloomy weather . Another name Madeira has been called is the island of eternal spring, so expect pleasant temperatures and fresh air pretty much all year round.

Madeira truly is a European gem which suits to every traveller and you should visit the islands as soon as possible . Each year Madeira is experiencing more and more visitors. Whether you want to swim with dolphins, explore deep canyons, or enjoy delicious dinner at the beach, go and book your ticket now.

I spent in Madeira one week in May 2018 and wanted to share my experience and a little bit of knowledge. Let's take a look on this very detailed guide, where I share with you some of the best places to see, adventures to enjoy, how to travel around the island, where to stay, what to pack, what to eat and a few more handy tips . Are you ready with a big bowl of popcorn?

When is the best time to go to Madeira

If you want to avoid crowds

When I was searching for the best time to visit Madeira, many people were talking about how busy Madeira is at any time of the year. Honestly, that scared me a bit because as you might already know, I don't like crowded places. In fact, I love exactly the opposite. I am not looking for parties or any Eiffel Towers, or Niagara Falls, or Hollywood signs where I have to deal with too many people.

But my fear melted really quickly when we arrived to Madeira. Of course, there are crowded places like almost in any other destination, but it's very easy to avoid them if you want to. I am talking now especially about Funchal and some other places in the southern island. But nothing crazy  - and that means a lot coming from someone like me :)) Northern and Eastern part of Madeira is less crowded in general.

When you want to avoid crowds and book the best hotels without any problem, try to avoid summer holidays. In fact, try to avoid any kind of holidays in general, like Christmas or Eastern. But that's a tip for visiting almost any destination, right?

If you want the best weather... hmmm, what's the best weather?

Good news! Weather in Madeira doesn't have to play a big part in vacation planning. The temperatures are nicely stable throughout the year which makes Madeira a dream destination! Although winter can be slightly more rainy with lower temperatures in the night and early mornings.

Do you want to come when there's the most sunny and dry weather?  Then June is your best bet, but anything between March to September will work too

Are you planning to do lots of hiking and walking? Then April and May are the best months to visit. Any later might get a bit hot for walking, and winter/early spring can be rainy (can be, but not talking about rainy season like they have in Asia ,)

April and May are also the best months to go to Madeira for enjoying all the beautiful flowers ? So if you're keen to visit one of the world's most beautiful garden which is in Funchal, if you want to those iconic sceneries with flowers in the foreground, or rather flowers everywhere, April and May it is.

Madeira is also famous for swimming with whales and dolphins . If you are planning to do anything like this, then the best time to come is between April and October. That's when the highest number of mammal species are in waters of Madeira.

How to get to Madeira

Although, from one quick look at the map, it may seems that getting to Madeira is long and pricey journey, it's not really true.

Nowadays there are many direct flight from Europe which can cost you under 200 dollars return. Those flights can take only about three four hours. You can try connections from London , Amsterdam or Lisboa . But there are many more cities you can fly to Madeira. See them all here .

My go to website to find  the cheapest flights  possible is  Momondo , so definitely check that one first and go from there. If you have any doubts and questions about how to reach Madeira, feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to help you.

How long should I plan my vacation for?

I only had a spare week and even before I went to Madeira, I had a feeling that it won't be enough. And I was more than right. Yes, you can see the most beautiful/popular places in Madeira in just a week, but hands down, you will be rushing. 

If you can, I would recommend you to stay at least 10 days ! And if you have three weeks, then fine, take it slowly and soak all the relaxing vibes in!

I know, I know, Madeira seems like a tiny island, so you are probably asking now, holly molly, what would I do there for three weeks?! But trust me, there are so many hikes, adventures, culture, and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy, that you will be thanking me for those three weeks :)

What to pack?

When packing for your holidays, please remember that it's not a tropical island you're going to . Frankly, if you are looking for a tropical vacation, white sand beaches and hot hot air, then Madeira is probably not the best pick. There are not so many beaches, all of them (on the main island) are black because of their volcanic origin and water for swimming is quite cold as well.

Madeira is a diverse island and even though at the beach is 25°C or more, within half an hour driving up to 1800 meters above sea lever, temperatures can drop down to zero and wind will be so strong that you will have troubles to stand straight.

Before I will write more detailed post on what to pack and what to leave behind, here is the quick sum up (linked products are the ones I have an experience with and that I am genuinely recommending):

• day backpack
• water bottle
• comfortable walking / hiking shoes
• flip flops / sandals
• warm hoodie / sweater (some days and places are cooler than others)
• softshell jacket (you can thank me later)
• rain jacket
• headlamp (if you plant to hike some of the trails with long dark tunnels)
• waterproof camera/phone case (if you are going to do canyoning / coasteering / swimming with dolphins and whales)

How to get around

When in Madeira you will have have pretty much four options to explore this green island:

• Base yourself in Funchal and hire a taxi driver
• Base yourself in Funchal and book day tours
• Base yourself in Funchal and get around by bus

1. RENT A CAR

Definitely the most convenient way how to explore the island. I probably don't have to name all the reason why renting your own car is the best. It will save you time, nerves and very probably lots of money as well.

• The best deal we found was via rentalcars.com and we only paid around $250 USD for an economy class car for the whole week!!
• I recommend to pay extra for a full insurance , especially if you are not use to drive tight roads. I've been travelling and driving a lot in my life, but nothing was as crazy as Madeira's roads.
• Also, try to avoid renting mini cars . You will need a strong car to get you up the steep hills with no big issues. And make sure you get the most compact car possible. Especially in towns, parking spots are not very spacious and you will be sweating (at least if you're not a parking master just as me, haha).
• Over a week we drove around the island, and criss crossed it many times and one tank of gas was sufficient. We paid 75 EUR for a full tank.

2. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND HIRE A TAXI DRIVER

If you don't want to/ can't drive yourself, but still you want to stay as independent as possible, you can hire a taxi driver. 

In Madeira there are plenty of taxi operators who are offering a various taxi excursions. It will cost you around 100-120 EUR per day (60 EUR / half day) per car (4 people). If you're a bigger group of people (up to 8), it's also possible for an additional cost.

Some of the taxi companies/drivers you can look into:

• Daniel Madeira Taxis
• Madeira Island Taxis
• Manuel Taxi Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi

3. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND BOOK DAY TOURS

If you like things nicely organized and don't plan to rent a car, this could be a perfect option for you.

You can book some great tours in Madeira with Get Your Guide . They offer a wide variety of activities suitable for anyone.

4. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND GET AROUND MADEIRA BY BUS

Exploring Madeira is definitely the best option for those who seek the cheapest vacation possible. But it sure comes at a cost - you will spend lots of time waiting for buses, trying to figure out schedules and places, you won't afford to be flexible and free and most likely you will miss plenty of breathtaking places that are not on the route of the public buses. 

Yes, public transport in Madeira works well, but frankly, I don't recommend it.

There are three kinds of buses :

• orange buses - operate only within Funchal city and its surroundings, you can buy one week unlimited bus ticket for 15 Euros (buses routes and schedules Horários do Funchal )
• red buses - operate in the western part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules Rodoeste  bus service)
• green buses - operate in the eastern part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules SAM  bus service)

Tickets for all bus services can be purchased onboard.

Driving those crazy roads

I am not a scared driver and I've been driving many insane roads around the world, but Madeira is special. Please note, that the last thing I want to do is to scare you. I am writing this so you know what to expect and so you can be more conscious. And I am convinced that driving Madeira roads is part of the travel experience. 

Madeira is full of long tunnels, steep driveways and sharp curves above the cliffs. Nothing for faint hearted. Roads are often not very specious, which is something you might won't be adjusted to when coming from North Americas or so. But again, you got this! Just drive slowly and you'll be sweet.

As I mentioned above, I recommend you to rent a more powerful car and get a car insurance.

Also it can take really long time to ge from point A to B. Sometimes we were driving 15 kilometres in 17 minutes. Why? Imagine rain, thick fog, steep and curvy roads and there you go. Always count with some extra time for driving in Madeira. Especially in the mountains and on the west and north coast.

Where to stay

Since Madeira is such a small island, you can get around the island in a day. That's the reason why most of the tourists stay in Funchal and do day trips from there. I did it differently which I will describe soon.

Advantages of having an accommodation in Funchal: 

• you can choose from many delicious restaurants and vibrant bars
• you can do shopping if that's something you like to do on your vacation
• you can choose the accommodation that suits the best to your budget and other preferences
• most of tour operators are offering tours from Funchal

Disadvantages of having and accommodation in Funchal:

• because most of tourists stay there when visiting Madeira, city centre can get crowded
• since the tourism boomed, Funchal centre is less authentic than other parts of Madeira
• obviously, you will always have to drive back to Funchal after long day of touring to other sides of the island

What's my recommendation?

To each their own, but here's what I did during my one week in Madeira:

I am not a huge fan of cities and crowded in generally, but I still wanted to explore around beautiful and historical Funchal. Therefore I decided to  stay in Funchal for one night . After that I moved for three days to Ponta do Sol in the south coast of the island and last three days I was in Ponta Delgada at the north.

After our trip, me and my friend we agreed that it was the greatest plan for a week in Madeira we could have ever had. It was never too far to any places we planned to visit, therefore never too tiring to be coming back to our accommodation.

If you only have a week I wouldn't recommend to stay in more than 2-3 places as you will feel like always packing and unpacking.

Here is an interactive map of places where I stayed, so you can imagine the distances of places I stayed (and the airport) a little better:

Accommodation in Funchal

If you decide to stay in Funchal, you can choose from hundreds of different types of accommodation that suits your budget. As always, I recommend my favourite search engine  Booking.com   to find the best deals.

Since we were looking for a place just for one night, we had only a few conditions. It had to be a private room with bathroom, within a short walk to the city centre with free parking and under 50 EUR / night per room.

Free parking combined with the city centre of Funchal was the hardest one to find, but  Pensao Residencial Mirasol  seemed had it all. Free parking, in the city centre, with a private bathroom and also a cute little balcony with mountain views . We only paid 38 EUR / night per room including continental breakfast!! The owners and staff here are really friendly, so there's no wonder that budget travellers keep staying here for weeks.

Various high rated places to stay in Funchal:

Madeira Happy Hostel

Vitorina Corte Guesthouse

Monumental Apartment

Quinta Sao Goncalo

Residencial Pina

ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay

Quinta Jardins do Lago

Belmond Reid's Palace

Accommodation in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is a lovely little coastal town and probably the sunniest place on the whole island . During our three days in Ponta do Sol it was really ALWAYS sunny although there was rain or overcast in other parts of Madeira.

We were invited to stay in Estalagem do Ponta do Sol and my oh my! We've never stayed in any similar place to this. It was such a paradise with the best views you could imagine.

Since Estalagem do Ponta do Sol hotel is built on the high cliff, you need to take multiple elevators to get to the reception and your room itself.The views from our room and basically from anywhere within the hotel were nothing short of spectacular and you could watch both sunrise and sunset from the infinite pool.

Estalagem is a peaceful complex with beautiful gardens and modern exteriors and interiors. You can relax in a hot tub with sunset views, you can get your favourite cocktail bar with crazy views or play a table pool in one of the public spaces. Oh, and did I mention breakfasts? Buffet breakfast is included  in the price of the room and something we looked forward to each morning. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

During our stay there was a lack of parking spots below the hotel, but it's because there was a festival and parking spots were precious. The staff of the hotel were super helpful and when we brought our car keys to them, they were more than happy to park our car for us.

Accommodation in Ponta Delgada

Our accommoddation for last three days was up in the north coast in Ponta Delgada. North was a completely different experience than the south. There was way less tourists, and moutains forests and cute vineyards were everywhere. 

We stayed in Casa do Miradouro and if you are looking for a place to find the peace, this magical villa has it all . Mountains and vineyards behind the house and amazing ocean views in front. From the photos I knew, that sunrises and sunsets from this place are incredible. Unfortunately we did not see the sun at all during our stay, but the rainy mood was suiting this place just as much plus it was a perfect for soak in the hot tub. The villa consist of only three apartments, so we have had plenty of privacy. And I can't imagine better place for my yoga practise and everyday meditation.

We loved the design of the villa, but even more we loved that it is enviromentally sustainable building  (for example cork insulation, natural materials used in interior, solar water heating, no chemicals in the garden). 

If you stay in Casa do Miradouro, please ask Zelio to cook for you! Zelio not only takes care of the villa but he's also amazing cook and a lovely company. We spent last evening with him and he cooked the best food we've tried in Madeira. Fresh fish and limpets with a light cheese dessert were amazing and he deserves nothing less than a Michelin star! So please please please, don't miss out this once in a lifetime opportunity! :)

Live like a local

Are you looking to live like a local or always keen to have unique accommodation experience? Then definitely check AirBnB in Madeira  (if you register through this link, you will get up to 35 dollars to spend for your first stay.)

AirBnB in Madeira is very popular and the list of accommodations is full of design villas, cottages on the clifs or luxurious tents in forests . Just hop on the AirBnB website and explore. The prices are really friendly!

Live with the locals

If you are outgoing and want to meet and live with locals and also if you are a lowcost traveller, you can also try Couchsurfing .

Insider's Tip: Please don't do couchsurfing just for the sake of free accommodation. That's not what this wonderful community is about. It's about sharing. Sharing time, sharing experience and making each others life richer. If you don't feel like talking to someone when travelling, but don't have money for hotels, please look for different options like hostels :) I barely do couchsurfing lately, because after long day of travelling or exploring, I am just happy to sit on my bed and don't talk to anyone, but if I want to talk to someone I can always get out of the hotel and go exploring.

What to see?

So much to see and so much to do in Madeira, that one month wouldn't be enough to explore it all throughout. (I am working on detailed itineraries, so feel free to subscribe to my newsletter . Once it's ready I can send it to you directly into your mailbox).

Here's an interactive map of interesting places, photography spots, view points, activities and restaurants I created for my trip. Of course I didn't have time to do and see everything in a week, but thought it could help you to create your own trip :)

Tropical Garden Monte Palace

Madeira is a paradise for flora lovers. So many flowers and trees, so many colours and heavenly smells.

One of the places you can admire flora the most is Jardim Tropical Monte Palace in Funchal. You will find there some rare flora species both from Madeira and the rest of the world. The entrance fee is 12,50 EUR.

The most popular way to get to the gardens is to take a cable car from the city center . Return ticket is 16 EUR (11 for one way). If you buy just one way ticket, you can experience something truly unique and something what only in Madeira can be experienced :) You can do tobogganing in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners . It was invented by Madeirans already in 1850 as a form of transportation down the steep hills (did they have to drag it back after?). When you are at the top nearby tropical garden, look for handsome guys in white shirts holding onto the big basket sled.

Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Please, make yourself a favour, get up early and drive about 30 minutes from Funchal up to about 1800 metres above the sea level. Most likely you will be driving through the rain and clouds and will be cursing me why would I recommend you such a crazy thing. But hold on and you will eventually  get above the clouds and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. And all without any huge effort - you can get all the way to the top of the Pico do Arieiro just by your car. 

Tip: Get ready for strong winds and cold temperatures especially early in the morning. I was so happy I've had my icelandic sweater and softshell jacket with me. Wished to have a hat as well. Just be prepared, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. 

This is a must stop when you are in Madeira. I won't be taking it away from you, because with its 580m it's the tenth highest cliff that is above the sea (the highest one is Mitre Peak in New Zealand) and so the views are truly amazing. It's usually packed with lots of tourist and honestly, I enjoyed some of the views in Madeira way better. So, at the end of the day, I don't think I would miss much if I wouldn't go there. But if you are curious and have enough time, definitely give it a go.

Sugar Cane Factory Museum

In Calheta you will find this very unique exhibition , which can make a nice stop when you are driving on the south coast. You can see here how the rum is made from start to finish.

The admission is free and for a small fee you can try different rums.

Ponta do Pargo

To me, this was one of the most beautiful spots I've seen during a week of travelling in Madeira. It's the most western point in Madeira with a lovely lighthouse and absolutely gorgeous cliff views. I could have been sitting there for hours, watching the waves crashing along the shore!

This place is a perfect spot for watching sunset and you won't be sharing it with many. Very likely you'll be here alone when coming later in the evening.

Achadas da Cruz

This place must be on of the best kept secrets in Madeira! By taking a 3 EUR (return) cable car ride off the cliff, you'll get to in Fajã da Quebrada Nova. It somewhat looks like a tiny village but in real, nobody lives there. Some farmers come down from time to time and take care of their land. You can only get there by a boat or a cable car, or hike a steep trail down and back up. It's so beautiful, colourful, remote and looks like a scene from a historic/fantasy movie. It's easy and worthy to spend there at least two hours. Just so you know :) 

The cable car operates from 10am to 6pm every day unless the weather conditions like strong winds won't allow it. It happened to us, so we called them and came back two days afterwards.

The phone number is +351 291 852 951.

(During this trip, my fog was foggy inside, hens this dreamy effect on the photos bellow).

Porto Moniz

On the western part of the island you find something unique, something you might have never seen before. Beautiful lava pools filled with turquoise clear water from the ocean were converted into something we can call a spa. For a small fee 1,50 EUR (free for children under 3yrs) you can go and have a swim in several pools of different depth while enjoying waves crashing against the beautiful cliffs.

The pools are the most popular between July to September when the air temperature is around sweet 25°C and water is bearable 21°C. 

Tip: If you will walk in Porto Moniz towards the eastern part of the town, where is the Cachalote restaurant, you will find there similar lava pools . They are a bit smaller, but they are free and usually with less people.

Sao Vicente Caves

If you are a fan of geology, then you shouldn't miss these volcanic caves Sao Vicente.

A walk through the lava tubes takes about 30 minutes and admission is 8 EUR.

Traditional houses in Santana

Traditional Madeira houses are amongst the most popular attractions and nobody seems to be leaving Madeira without visiting them. It can be a nice short stop, but frankly, don't you expect more than seeing a few iconic houses that you know from the postcards and magazines. I know some people came from there disappointed and gave it bad ratings on Tripadvisor. It is nice, it is traditional and highly photogenic, so come without any expectations and enjoy. 

Ponta de São Lourenço

Situated on the eastern tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço is a great place for sunrise. This place is quite unreal and looking totally different than the rest of Madeira. You can easily spend here the whole day, walking about 8 km of trails with spectacular coastal views. I recommend to stay reserve at least two hours, so you can enjoy a bit of this place without rushing.

Tip: Ponta de São Lourenço is a popular place and also it is very easy to reach from Funchal and other nearby towns. Hence the parking lot starts to fill up early in the morning. After 11 am the line of the cars is really long and there is quite a bit of tourists and hikers on the trail. So, wake up early, enjoy the sunrise and disappear before the crowds arrive.

Things to do

For such a small island, Madeira has so much to offer in terms of adventuring and activites . Just find something that suits you the best.

Swim with whales and dolphins

There are not so many places where you can swim both with dolphins and whales in one day. But did I already said that Madeira has it all?

If you only want to do dolphin and whale watching, I highly recommend to go with Lobosonda . They are environmentally responsible family owned company and I really liked that they always put animals on first place. On our complimentary trip with Lobosonda we had an amazing guide Fatima, a very kind lady with a great knowledge of the ocean mammals and also marine ecology.

We started at 10am and boarded Ribeira Brava, the traditional fishing boat and launched towards the open ocean. After some time Fatime has pointed her finger towards the ocean where a school of dolphins appeared. Since then we saw more and more dolphins and I am sure we saw more than a hundred that day. And four different species! The water surface literally looked like a one big marine party!

When to go? The best time to watch or swim with dolphins and whales is summer. That's when the highest amount of marine mammals species are gathering in waters of Madeira. Also the waves are more gentle and water warmer. But like any other tours and activities, you can also do this at any time of the year.

Now, canyoning is a big thing in Madeira. I didn't know much about canyoning before I arrived. And surprisingly, it became a highlight of my trip.

Did you know that Madeira is one of the world's prime locations for canyoning (and there are not as many as you might would think)? Well, then put one and one together and you know you can't leave this island without trying canyoning at least once.

I did a wonderful tour with Francisco and Joao from Epic Madeira   and it was absolutely fabulous. Our Intermediate tour included rappelling down the 50m waterfall (you can try a beginner tour for the beginning if you are new to any kind of hiking or climbing). The tour took us almost five hours and I couldn't stop smiling of joy! 

Coasteering

Have you heard about coasteering? No? Then it's two of us. Till now tho :)

Coasteering is basically walking along the coastline in the wetsuit and the helmet and jumping to the ocean whenever it's possible  and also includes snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Yes, you hear me right! Doesn't it sound great? I was a little sad that we didn't have more days in Madeira as it sounds like a lots of fun (you know I love to dive to water from high cliffs :) ). I save it for the next time then!

You can do coasteering also with my friends from Epic Madeira .

Day boat trips to nearby islands

Madeira archipelago consists of four islands . If you have a little bit more time, you will love exploring some of them as they are so different from what you will see on the main island.

Porto Santo - once you start to miss sandy beaches, hop on the boat and enjoy a day on the small island of Porto Santo where you will find 9 km beach of golden sand and breath taking views

Deserta Island and Farol Island (by a catamaran) - while Madeira has black sand beaches and Porto Santo which beaches, Deserta and Farol islands are having white sand beaches , so it's a completely different world again

Kayak / SUP

You can take lessons or tours to breathtaking sea caves with Azul Diving Center .

Paragliding

Let's fly over the mountains, over the ocean with  Madeira Paragliding .

Horse riding

You can also see the island from the horseback if you want to! Check guys at  Quinta do Riacho .

Scuba diving and Snorkelling

Madeira is an outstanding scuba diving destination. And together with Azores it makes the largest whale sanctuary in the world! Scuba diving here is so diverse as you can spot anything from ship wrecks, manta rays, dolphins or the whales. Also the water visibility is amazing (talking about 20m!) 

There are a few diving centers like Atalaia Diving Center , Azul Diving Center Madeira , Explora Madeira Diving Center  (they also offer freediving).

Surfing and bodyboarding

There are some wonderful breaks for surfing. In fact Madeira is one of the best surfing locations in Europe.  All the breaks are in the west part of the island . For a beginner, there is only one sand beach to learn and it's in Porto do Cruz. Rest of the spots are quite rocky. If you want to learn surf in Madeira, then the best time is summer. In summer the waves are coming not so quickly, so you will struggle less. 

You can take classes, rent a gear with Madeira Surf Camp  or Calhau Surf School .

If fishing is something you enjoy, then you are in the right place! Madeira has some of best fishing areas in the world. Fish for Tuna and Blue Marlins! You can choose between half-day and full day fishing boat tours .

All around the island is about 2000 km of trails , many of them being popular levadas - irrigation channels. Various trails will take you along the coast, accross the mountains and through the valleys full of waterfalls and beautiful forests. Some of them are easy walks and some of them require certain level of hiking experience. But there is something for everyone.

There is a phone app for hiking in Madeira that is called  WalkMe . It includes navigation, offline maps and more than 50 hikes and is definitely worth the 5 Euros!

Remember that if you don't feel like hiking alone, you can always take a tour or hire a private hiking guide .

Some of the most beautiful and popular hikes are:

• Vereda do Arieiro (PR 1) - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route is considered to be the hardest but also the most beautiful on the island. I would say it's not as hard if you are use to do some walking and hiking. Reconsider to go if you are too scared of heights tho :). To truly enjoy this hike without unnecessary rushing, allow yourself a full day.
• Levada do 25 Fontes (PR 6)  - Probably the most famous levada, so early morning or late afternoon start is necessary if you want to avoid crowds.
• Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR 9) - Very fun hike going through a couple of long tunnels (take a headlamp with you) and it ends with fantastic 100m waterfall
• Vereda do Larano  - This hike starting at Machico will allow you to see absolutely amazing ocean views. It is recommended for experienced hikers with sturdy boots as there are some sketchy parts. And if you are unsure, you can always do the guided tour .
• Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco (PR 8)  - this very east part of the island looks like another world. There are no trees, the rock formations you will see have incredible colours and the ocean and cliff views are nothing short of spectacular!

Mountain Biking

Seriously, who would voluntarily go and ride those crazy hills of Madeira? Haha, I wouldn't, but I know some of my friends would love that! Again, you can go with the epic team from Epic Madeira .

Jeep Safari

Explore secret and hidden places in the valleys and mountains with jeep tours . This way you will get the chance to also explore famous laurissilva forests , the evergreen and believed to be primary forests on Madeira. Definitely something you should see.

Catamaran Sunset Tours

Sunsets in Madeira are absolutely spectacular and to watch them from the boat will take your breath away!

What to eat and drink

Fish and seafood is very popular food of locals and tourist. Amongst the typical fish and seafoodd that you can try in Madeira is:

• Codfish (Bacalhau)
• Tuna fish (Atum)
• Black swordfish (Espada) - my personal favourite, it has a fery soft meat which taste is very close to lobster
• Octopus (Polvo)
• Limpets (Lapas)

Important note : Before ordering a fish in restaurant, please ask them whether is the fish from a fish farm of from the ocean. Recently, in Madeira they are dealing with an ecologic disaster that are fish farms. For one kilogram of fish from the farm is needed about 12 kg of fish from the ocean - crazy, huh? Plus fish from the farm is treated with antibiotics, so not only you eat something you really don't want to eat, but also all the antibiotics go into the ocean, causing fatal problem in the ecosystem

Espetada Madeirense is another favourite meal in Madeira. It's beef cubes on skewer grilled on wood or charcoal.

Honey cake  (bolo de mel de cana) is one of the main desserts and you will be able to buy it in almost any souvenir shop. It's not made from honey but dark sugar cane molasses with nuts and sultanas in it. It is very rich, and should last long months after it's baked. Well, we ate it in two days because it was so delicious!

Probably the most popular drink on the island is wine which is world famous. Beautiful vineyards are all around the island! Also it's very cheap, be ready to pay for a bottle of wine in the store 2 - 3 euros, yay!

The most traditional drink of Madeira is poncha  and unless you are a person who never touches the alcohol, you shouldn't leave Madeira without trying it. It's made from brandy cane sugar, bee honey and lemon juice. I am a baby drinker and can't even smell rum without instantly feeling like throwing out, but surprisingly I really enjoyed drinking poncha. But be careful, it's as strong as it is delicious :) They say that the best poncha is to be found in Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água.

Useful resources whilst you are in Madeira

Accommodation - www.booking.com

Live webcams all around the island - www.netmadeira.com

Weather updates - www.vedur.is

Flight connections to Madeira (from Europe) - Airlines & Airports

Phone app for hiking in Madeira - WalkMe  (available for Android and iOS) 

Have a question? Feel free to ask in the comments below.

Wanna know what camera gear I use?

Thank you for reading and go ahead and  follow me on facebook  or instagram to explore the world with me as I publish pictures and stories along the way.

*Thank you Estalagem da Ponta do Sol , Casa do Miradouro , Epic Madeira and  Lobosonda for having us. As always the opinions are of my own.

**Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a booking using the link. It won't cost you a penny but it will help me to maintain this website and write more helpful articles in future. 

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Oh hello! Welcome to my page where we all are allowed to Dream Big and we all are encouraged to Wander Far. My name is Marti and  here you can read more about me . I am originally from Czech Republic and my story isn't different from stories of many other travellers - in 2011 I quit my well-paid job in film industry to travel the world which was always my dream. I visited 70+ countries and you can find me exploring deserted islands in South Pacific or diving with whale sharks in Philippines, prospecting for gold in New Zealand or building an igloo above the Polar Circle. Let's join me on my journey around the globe!

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Madeira Travel Guide

Madeira is one of the most impressive islands in Europe! Below is my Madeira Travel guide to help you plan your ideal itinerary including:

• the best places in (especially villages, beaches, mountains, rock formations, viewpoints…),
• my best tips to make the most of your time,
• plenty of photos to make you dream of your next trip!

This article contains affiliate links ( Disclosure page ). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel Guide written by Claire , the ultimate Travel Planning Geek

“With the Zigzag Travel Guides, Planning is half the fun of Traveling”

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Best things to do in Madeira

Discover some of the most beautiful places in Madeira:  the best beaches, the most beautiful villages, the jagged mountains, the lush valleys, the fascinating viewpoints. A great overview of all the things not to be missed!

The best Madeira landscapes in photos

35 best things to do in Madeira

The 7 cable cars in Madeira

10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira

21 best viewpoints in Madeira

12 Madeira Hidden Gems

4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives)

18 best beaches in Madeira

7 best Madeira boat tours & trips

Travel Guide eBook

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

My selection of the best places to see in madeira are included in my ebook to help you easily plan you Trip to Madeira:

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS direct to the carpark
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

Planning a trip around Madeira

There is so much to see in and do, that planning a road trip in Madeira might feel overwhelming. The following articles will help you plan your trip (step by step and with suggested itineraries) and get read (with a driving guide and accommodation suggestions).

42 travel tips to make the best of your trip

Renting a car in Madeira – 36 tips

Driving in Madeira

Where to stay in Madeira – best areas

Dolphin and Whale watching in Madeira

18 best Madeira Tours

Best time to visit Madeira

Madeira in Winter

Madeira itineraries

3 days in Madeira – weekend itineraries

4 days in Madeira – itineraries

Visit Madeira in 5 days – itineraries

7-day Madeira itinerary

10-day Madeira itinerary

Need to rent a car in Madeira?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for steep roads
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Useful Links to book your trip

• Book your accommodations – Book from a large choice on Booking.com (where I book all my accommodations) or Compare prices on hotelscombined.com
• Book your organized tours , visits and tickets via GetYourGuide.com  (the one I use the most) and Viator.com  
• Get equipment and appropriate clothing… on Amazon  
• Insurance – I  wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads.  Get a quote online here

Things to do in Madeira East

Ponta do Garajau (beach, cable car, Cristo Rei)

Cabo Girao (cliffs, Skywalk, cable car…)

Rocha do Navio cable car and viewpoint

Pico do Arieiro – sunrise, viewpoint, hike…

Camara de Lobos (beach, town, Churchill…)

Visiting Porto da Cruz

Calhau da Lapa

Things to do in Madeira West

Things to do in Porto Moniz, Madeira

The impressive Achadas da Cruz cable car

Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela

Ponta do Sol (Beach, town, bridge…)

Seixal Natural Beach, pools & things to do

Levada de 25 Fontes Hike

Best things to do in Funchal

Where to stay in Funchal – best hotels

And keep track of your own trip!

General Travel Tips

Travel Checklists

Travel Safety Tips

Best Travel Binoculars

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Madeira Island Guide (Portugal): the Pearl of the Atlantic

by Drifter Planet | Apr 4, 2024 | NEW , Portugal

An insider handbook to the best spots on Madeira Island and happenings – By Andrea Newton (Resident) 

Welcome to our ultimate Madeira Islands travel guide, your passport to exploring this enchanting archipelago nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean. Madeira, known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” beckons travelers with its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant natural wonders.

Known to be a holiday maker’s dream as it has something for everyone, my first impression of Madeira Island was that it was lost in a time capsule and retains an almost Jurassic flair to it.

Born of extensive volcanic activity the island boasts captivating lush scenery and a fresh climate compared to its mainland counterparts. 

Table of Contents

It may seem like a small island and therefore easy to explore, but three years on I have yet to discover many villages and towns that are dotted across this gorgeous tropical haven. 

The archipelago of Madeira is geographically closer to Morocco than to mainland Portugal.

An hour and a half’s flight away from Lisbon , you enter through the Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, FNC which is located between Machico and the island’s capital city Funchal. Direct flights make reaching Madeira convenient.

If you are lucky enough to catch a daytime flight, the absolutely stunning views and vibrant nature will surely tease you well before you have made your descent into the island. 

How to Get Around

Inter-island flights offer opportunities to explore beyond the main island. Public transport and taxis provide easy access to popular places, ensuring you can navigate the entire island with ease.

Rent a car for flexibility in exploring at your own pace. Free parking options abound, making it convenient to navigate the island independently.

Renting a car or a scooter is perhaps the best way to go around the island and the most cost-effective but it’s not the only way. (See this Portugal Road trip post too)

Local buses are efficient and reach every small corner, however to the deeper inner parts of the island, one might need to hire a taxi.

However bear in mind, that taxis are expensive but with the introduction of more Bolt service cars, you will be just fine. 

Where to Stay on Madeira Island

In terms of where to stay while visiting, it depends really on the kind of holiday you want. There are many affordable accommodations ranging from co-living spaces to shared grand villas or individual apartments and of course luxury hotels.

In order to stay on the sunniest part of Madeira, consider Ponta do Sol on the West Coast. I recommend Estalagem da Ponta do Sol , a lovely 4 star hotel.

Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is perched on a cliff facing the sea with an infinity pool and stunning views.

If you’d like to stay in the North, then I suggest the beautiful Estalagem do Mar in São Vicente .

This hotel has views of the Atlantic Ocean that you can enjoy from the pool and many of the rooms. The historic São Vicente Chapel with its views over the São Vicente Valley is right next to the hotel.

You can also stay directly in Funchal so that you are close to the city life, the nightlife, and all the buzz. Consider booking Savoy Palace , a stunning 5-star hotel.

Savoy Pala ce is close to Almirante Reis Beach and has gorgeous views and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

It is advisable to book a couple of days in the north, then the east coast, then the west, etc to get a glimpse of the different spectrum of life each side of the island has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Madeira

While Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate year-round, the winter months are particularly pleasant, offering milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, any time of year is a good option for visiting, depending on your preferences.

So, the best time to visit the island would be practically any time of the year. There are always festivities going on in terms of festivals that showcase local produce and music and crafts.

If you do want a more relaxed, beachside kind of itinerary I definitely suggest coming towards the summer months when the weather is perfect. If you’d like to experience more beaches of Portugal, then check out the posts about Portugal’s Algarve region and Nazare too.

What to do on Madeira Island

Whether you’re seeking uninhabited islands for a perfect escape or vibrant cities teeming with local culture, Madeira has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and uncover the best of what these Portuguese islands have to offer.

Madeira Hikes, Trailblazing & Outdoor Adventures

One of the reasons many tourists flock to Madeira is its stunning hiking trails.

While the beaches spell beauty, it’s the inner labyrinths of Madeira island that are lined with liquid gold levadas that ooze a magical allure that is unseen anywhere else in the world.

Swim in natural pools carved by the waters of Madeira or marvel at the sheer cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of the highest peaks in Europe. Embark on hikes along the island’s extensive network of trails or simply relax on a sandy beach, soaking in the sun and sea breeze.

I have handpicked a few hiking adventures for you to consider booking based on your level and interest:

• Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley : Aromatic trees in the Rabaçal Valley, the plateau of Paul da Serra, 25 natural spring cascades of the Levada das 25 Fontes.
• Level-1 Canyoning Adventure : Rappel down mountain waterfalls and explore the hidden, untouched nature of Madeira Island on this guided adventure.
• Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure : Walk, rappel, slide and jump through hidden waterfalls with streams that cross the endemic forests as you follow the river.
• Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour: Walk through the lush Fanal Forest, swim in the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and Seixal, admire the waterfalls, and much more.

It is advised to do the hikes paying heed to the local weather restrictions, the difficulty factor if any, and the guidelines set by other hikers. Some groups meet regularly and do a trail together and this is advisable if you are not familiar with the terrain and cannot speak the local dialect.

Pico Areeiro – Pico Ruivo and it is the most famous and Instagram-worthy hike in my opinion.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco is fairly easy to do and can be achieved in a time span of about 3 to 4 hours. It is the ultimate tip of the island and is located on the eastern coast of Madeira.

Levada das 25 Fontes , is also known as the fairytale hike because of the number of small waterfalls one can cross whilst doing this absolutely serene hike. It is not a very difficult hike and could be done in under 2 hours.

Some other epic trails are Levada Moinho, Vereda do Larano, Caldeirao do Inferno, and Caldeirao Verde.

Whatever trail you choose, be prepared for all kinds of weather, take warm layers as well as protection from the rain, and even your swimming gear. You can experience all four climates in one day and that is a fact! 

Exploring Madeira on a Rented Car

Now if hiking and getting sweaty up in the mountains isn’t your thing then renting a car and driving around the island is a superb way to spend a good holiday.

You can start by exploring the northeast and visiting Santana and Faial. Eat at local restaurants, the seafood on the island is fresh and super delicious.

I highly recommend trying local delicacies like tuna steaks, Espada fillets, grilled limpets, and octopus rice. There is also the very famous Bacalhau com Natas which is baked codfish with cream and potatoes – a winner for all kinds of flavor profiles.

Dolphin Tours in Madeira

Now, everyone knows Madeira is famous for its whale and dolphin tours. There are many eco-friendly tour companies that pass along the coast of Calheta.

This is a great way to get into the sea, some companies offer food and refreshments as part of the tour and you can swim mid-journey alongside dolphins if you are lucky.

I have handpicked a few tours for you:

• Catamaran Cruise – Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour: EUR 35 per person, and starts from Funchal, Cabo Girão promontory.
• Luxury Catamaran Cruise : Dolphin and Whale Watching, EUR 40 per person, starts from Funchal, Cabo Girão snorkeling.
• Sunset Sailing Tour : Starts from Funchal and includes Dolphin and Whale watching. EUR 45 per person. Also includes snorkeling near Cabo Girão cliffs.

And, if you want to take it a notch higher, get yourself a diving lesson dive deep into the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, and associate yourself with marine life face to face. It is highly addictive so only do this if you are prepared to keep coming back for more. 

South Coast: Funchal – Experience the Big City Life 

Funchal is the capital of the island, busier than most parts and full of activities. Whether you want to visit the botanical gardens, museums, parks, eat, shop, attend a concert, or get a massage at a spa, there is literally everything you can think of within a 30-minute walking radius.

Monte Palace

The dreamlike Monte Palace tropical garden is like a movie set in far east Asia, it is a beautiful spot in the heart of the city and should not be missed.

Cable Car Ride in Porto da Cruz

Another star attraction of the island is the cable cars which give you an aerial view of Funchal and this is something worth experiencing as well.

Take a cable car ride in Porto da Cruz for breathtaking views from high cliffs or venture to Fajã dos Padres on the main island for a tranquil seaside retreat. Don’t miss the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a botanical wonderland showcasing the island’s diverse flora.

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is Madeira’s largest city, and is a vibrant hub where old town charm meets modern flair. It is actually a suburb of Funchal.

Explore its bustling streets, sample exotic tropical fruits at the Mercado dos Lavradores, and indulge in culinary delights at restaurants boasting Michelin stars.

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava serves as a vibrant hub where tradition meets modernity, offering a glimpse into authentic Madeiran life.

The town derives its name, which translates to “Wild River,” from the fast-flowing river that runs through its center, adding to its scenic allure. Ribeira Brava is strategically located on the south coast of Madeira, making it an ideal base for exploring the island’s diverse attractions.

East Coast: Porto da Cruz, Canical, Machico

Moving towards the east coast, Porto da Cruz is a surfer’s haven, with a stunning beach Maiata that is made of soft black volcanic sand and has some decent-sized waves.

It is home to the famous Rum factory where you can go and see the process of the extraction of the sugar cane rum and taste its varieties. There’s also a huge seawater pool by the coast if the beach doesn’t call to you.

The next town, Canical has a gorgeous little beach called Prainha which is worth all those hundreds of steps down. It’s a hidden pocket of paradise that can be the perfect picnic spot to spend the day. 

Moving further down the coast you will find the second busiest town on the island, Machico . It is here where the first inhabitants of the island set foot in the 1400s.

The yellow sandy beach was made with actual sand from Morocco and is a tourist favorite.

You can hire a kayak for a couple of hours and discover the surrounding bays and coves by yourself or if you like, take a SUP board and cruise along. Machico has some good restaurants and bakeries so it’s definitely worth spending a day there.

During the summer Mahcico hosts a medieval fair that lasts for about 3 days. It is a mesmerizing ode to the history of the original inhabitants and consists of the entire town dressing up in cosplay of pirates and lords, knights on horses, belly dancers mixed with vibrant fireshows, drinks in clay cups, music, food, and a lot of fun.

North Coast: Porto Moniz Pools

A trip to Madeira would be incomplete without a visit to the natural pools in Porto Moniz. They are absolutely breathtaking and perfect for summer dipping.

However, the weather is very unpredictable in that part of the island and you may even have rain and clouds on a summer day. Nonetheless, it is still such a picturesque wonder, there’s also a little turtle museum by the coast that showcases some very interesting species of marine life. 

Northeastern Coast: São Vicente, Ponta Delgada & Seixal

The wild northern coast which consists of Sao Vicente, Ponta Delgada, and Seixal are the lesser populated parts where one can truly immerse oneself in the wilderness.

If you’re craving solitude and pristine natural beauty, head to São Vicente, one of Madeira’s uninhabited islands. Here, you’ll find yourself in the perfect place to disconnect and recharge amidst rugged coastlines and untouched landscapes.

Great spots for camping. Not much to do in terms of nightlife so make a trip there when you are in need of solitude and peace and quiet.

West Coast: Ponta do Sol & Madalena do Mar (+waterfall of angels)

Finally, the beloved west coast of the Island, starting with Ponta do Sol which is the sunnier part, home to a sweet little rock beach and the famous Estalagem hotel for its grand views.

Weekly farmers markets, yoga classes, techno parties, hikes, and other activities make this a popular spot for foreigners living in Madeira.

The West Coast is home to the biggest number of digital nomads on the island and has one of the best co-working spaces for nomads in the center of the town. So, if you are working while on holiday you can have the perfect spot to connect with other nomads and explore opportunities.

A little ahead is the next town Madalena do Mar , succulent heaven and purely local resident zone but home to the famous Cascata dos anjos , waterfall of angels, drive-through waterfall that has graced many if not all influencers’ Instagrams.

If you do visit in the summer you can drive further down to Zion cafe and sip a cocktail whilst watching the sunset after your customary shower in the waterfall. 

Porto Santo Island

If you have a few days extra on hand, you can take a ferry from Funchal to the island of Porto Santo.

Named the best beach island destination in Europe a couple of times, it is worth visiting. Absolutely raw pristine nature, quiet neighbourhoods, and serenity. 

While most tourist attractions and nature trails are open all year round, the festivals and events are seasonal. It is advisable to check before traveling what the island has to offer.

Madeira Nightlife 

If you have had a busy day and want to kick back, Funchal does have a pretty spicy nightlife going on with cute little clubs that play interesting music.

A few bars to check would be Barreirinha Bar, Mini Echo Bar, Vespas, and Marginal. Depending on the day you can find dub, reggae, electronic, techno, or even trance. 

A party in Madeira is incomplete without a Poncha . Sounds interesting? It is a potent elixir made of very strong sugar cane rum and mixed with fresh juice of lime, oranges, local passion fruits, mint, and other exotic flavors.

The small drink has its own cup crafted delicately in glass, but do not judge this little dynamite by its sweet and innocent cover, this heady concoction can be quite intoxicating thus making it one of the most sought-after items to try when in Madeira.

You can find Poncha bars almost everywhere, however, Machico is known for the Poncha Pescador (the fisherman Poncha) legend has it was created during sailors’ long trips to the eastern subcontinent and back and comes from the Indian word Paanch meaning 5, and the English word punch.

During the local parties and festivals, it is common to eat grilled meat or espetada which is cubes of juice meal on skewers. And this is the perfect combo for those balmy nights out. 

Experience Madeira Wine

From sipping lemon juice to exploring sugar cane plantations, Madeira’s local culture is as vibrant as its landscapes. Visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge to sample the island’s famed Madeira wine or venture to Curral das Freiras for a glimpse into Madeira’s historical roots.

Christmas at Madeira

Christmas is one of my favorite times to be here as the island lights up like Santa’s workshop. The weather in December is hot during the day so you can be at the beach and then at night explore the Christmas markets.

Listen to the local choirs, check out the fantastic light show, and give in to all your festive cravings at the local markets. 

Spring Carnival

In spring there is the annual Carnavale , the likes of which can be compared to the grandeur and pomp of the Rio carnival. Locals and residents alike prepare months in advance for a glittering parade that attracts thousands of spectators every year.

The weeklong festivities include theme parties and concerts across the island. Each town has its own specific date and its own mini parade so if you don’t make it to the main one you can always catch the smaller version on another day. 

Is Madeira Expensive?

While traveling within Madeira might be cheap and eating out quite affordable, I have heard that it is more expensive than the mainland.

Keeping that thought in mind, come prepared to indulge yourself in a holiday of a lifetime by making a visit to this pearl nestled in the Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira Island Guide Closing Thoughts

Madeira Islands offer a myriad of experiences, from whale watching off the north coast to leisurely strolls through the city center. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Madeira promises a great time for every traveler.

So grab your camera, pack your bags, and embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this Portuguese archipelago – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

About the Author – Andrea Newton

I’m Andrea, an Indian hippie at heart living in Madeira since 2021. I run a small boho business called Bohemia Lifestyle and I make scented candles for a living. I have two beautiful sons and I love life on the island. I used to write for various travel and lifestyle publications in India before I moved to Europe.

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Your guide to Madeira Island is spot-on! It truly is a gem in the Atlantic. The blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit destination. Thanks for sharing your insights

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Drifter Planet

Madeira Travel Guide: everything you need to know

Welcome to our ultimate Madeira travel guide, specifically written for backpackers. Ancient Greek geographers referred to the archipelago region of the Madeira Islands as Macaronesia, meaning “Islands of the Blessed”, a name that holds true to their beauty, nature, history, culture, and traditions. If the Madeira Islands were not already on your travel radar, they will be by the end of this complete guide!

What are the Madeira Islands?

The Madeira Islands are cradled i n the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Europe and Africa and are recognized as Natural Reserves. This region of Portugal is autonomous and is made up of four islands: Madeira , Porto Santo , Desertas, and Selvagens . These islands are known for rich biodiversity, impressive waterfalls, hiking routes, and landscapes.

Not all these islands are inhabited. Can you guess why? A beautiful landscape is not always a livable one. The natural landscape in Madeira and Porto Santo permit people to live on these two islands.

The names of the Desertas and Selvagens Islands are a clue as to why they are uninhabited. In English, Desertas means Deserted, and Selvagens means Savage. Their rugged and harsh natural environment makes them difficult for people to access and live on.

HIKING : With over 130 hiking trails, there’s a trail for every backpacker! The Vereda dos Balcões is a great trail for beginners, and the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is great for the well-seasoned hiker!

No question, the Madeira Islands are a hot spot. This dormant shield volcano is known for its vibrant and lush vegetation thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. With volcanic soil comes rocky and hilly terrain.

Craving the views below water? Say no more! Go diving and see the beauty surrounding the Islands. Or hit up the waves and go surfing.

Getting Around Madeira Island

There are different ways of getting around Madeira Island depending on where you begin your trip and what your budget is.

🚌 GO BY BUS ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

Busses are reliable but a bit chaotic in Madeira. Each town has its own public transportation service, while different towns are connected by different bus companies, depending on the area. You have 4 main companies: Horarios do Funchal , SAM , EACL and Rodoeste .

In Funchal and suburbs: Horários do Funchal is a company that can easily get you in and out of Funchal. Besides Funchal suburbs and Câmara de Lobos, this urban bus service will also take you to several tourist attractions, such as Pico dos Barcelos, Monte or the Botanical Garden.

A bus ticket costs €1.35 EUR ($1.53 USD) if you purchase it ahead of time, €1.95 EUR ($2.21 USD) if you buy it on board and €4.50 EUR ($5.09 USD) for a day pass. For bus times , be sure to check out the timetable for urban and interurban trips.

On the go? Download the HF Bus App to know the schedule wherever you are.

From Funchal: by using SAM and EACL bus services you can go east to Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, Santo da Serra and Porto da Cruz. Rodoeste , whose buses stop in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente, ensures transportation to the western part of Madeira. Ceck out this map to see different areas served by Rodoeste, and the relative fares. The most expensive bus ticket is 6€, and allows you to reach Porto Moniz from Funchal.

🚗 GO BY CAR ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

The most common way to get around Madeira Island is by car. The roads are in great conditions pretty much all over the island, however they may be narrow or very steep at some points. Also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.

Here is everything you need to know about getting around by car on Madeira:

TAXI: The initial fare for your average taxi ride in Funchal starts at €3.50 EUR ($4 USD) and will cost approximately €3 EUR ($3.40 USD) per 5km. You can use the Táxi Madeira App to help plan your travels.

UBER: The base price for an Uber ride in Funchal starts at €1.00 EUR ($1.13 USD).

BOLT: The base price for a Bolt ride in Funchal starts at €1.09 EUR ($1.23 USD) and will cost € 0.59 EUR/km ($0.67 USD/km) and € 0.27 EUR/min ($0.31 USD/min). The minimum fare is € 2.50 EUR ($2.83 USD) /ride.

CAR RENTAL: For a standard sedan, renting a car will cost about €25 EUR ($28 USD) /day in low season. For a larger car or during busier seasons, expect to pay closer to €40 EUR ($45 USD) /day or more. Before booking, contact the rental agency via email to learn more about prices and what cars are currently available. We recommend booking your car rental prior to your arrival or renting it directly in Funchal, not at the airport. You can always ask for a pick-up at the airport!

GAS STATIONS: Unlike other European countries where you can find different prices depending on the brand, in Madeira, the price of gas is pretty much the same across the whole island, with differences of just a couple of cents. Also, you’ll have to refill the tank on your own. How does it work exactly? First, you park your car, you tap the amount (in €) that you’d like to refill and then you put the gas. Once you’re done with the refueling you will look for the cash desk and pay.

VISITING THE DIFFERENT ISLANDS:

PORTO SANTO : To reach the largest Island, Madeira, you can arrive by air at its capital Funchal. If you wish to start your travels in Porto Santo, you can fly to its capital Vila Baleira. Ferry rides allow you to travel to and from the Islands with the Porto Santo line . A roundtrip ticket (tourist class) for 1 adult is €59.44 EUR ($67 USD) for April-September and €48.60 EUR ($55 USD) for the rest of the year. NOTE: During the low season (usually January), the connection may be suspended as the ferry undergoes maintenance.

THE DESERTAS: You can reach the Desertas Islands by boat from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The Deserta Islands are made up of Chão Islet, Bugio, and Deserta Grande. You’ll need to book a group tour to visit this island as access is restricted.

THE SELVAGENS: Visiting the Selvagens Islands can be a bit tricky. The freshwater surrounding the two Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) are filled with coral reefs that make accessing the Islands difficult. As a protected Natural Reserve, you need to obtain permission from the Madeira National Park to visit.

B est Time to Visit Madeira

The climate of the Madeira Islands is mild and people often refer to the weather as an ‘ eternal Spring ‘. Sound enticing?

If you are looking for a warm, sunny destination, the summer months June-September would be the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are around 20-25°C from May to October, while they go down to 13-16°C during winter months, with higher chances of rain.

However, while the summer months may be the most ideal for hiking and beach, waterfalls will most likely be at their minimum in terms of their water flow. Also, during the winter months you will have higher chances to find moody clouds on your hikes, and the island will be greener in general.

Top Things to Do in Madeira

• The Madeira Islands are crawling with waterfalls! Most of them are located at the end of a Levada, which are usually very well-mantained trails. Our favourites are the Levada do Caldeirao Verde and the 25 Fountains Levada.
• Looking for an epic hike? The summit with the highest peak on the Madeira Island is the Pico Ruivo (1,861m high). Don’t miss the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike!
• Did you know the largest surviving laurel forest is the Laurisilva Forest of Madeira and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its trees are over 500 years old and are found in Fanal!
• Catch dolphins and monk seals in the waters surrounding the Desertas Islands.
• Don’t miss the viewpoints! At the Cabo Girão lookout point (elevation of 580 m), you will have a breathtaking view of the coast from the glass platform known as the Skywalk. Miradouro do Juncal in Pico do Arieiro is another viewpoint you don’t wanna miss.

Where to Stay in Madeira

Choosing where to stay in Madeira is quite easy as your location doesn’t have a huge impact on what you are going to see. In fact, you can travel from either end of the island in just over an hour, making it very easy to explore.

This means that no matter what your favourite activities are, you could either choose to spend your entire stay in a single accommodation or change it up every few days.

Understanding Madeira, however, is really important. There is a major difference between the northern and the southern side .

THE NORTHERN SIDE: The northern side of Madeira receives a considerably larger amount of rain and significantly less daylight. This means that this part of the island is usually slightly colder and dominated by more lush vegetation.

THE SOUTHERN SIDE: The southern side of the island is much sunnier and slightly warmer than the northern side. Places like Ponta do Sol rarely receive rain even during the winter months, and you can expect to have a good 1.5 hours more of sunshine every day. Also, don’t forget that you get to see the sunset on the ocean from Funchal to Calheta!

FUNCHAL – Funchal is the largest city and the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira. It’s where most hostels are located, it’s convenient to the airport (which is just 20km away) and it’s dotted with bars and restaurants. It’s the best base for travellers seeking parties, connections, fun, and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Madeira.

RIBEIRA BRAVA & CAMARA DE LOBOS – These two areas are also located on the southern coast of Madeira. The coast here has the most stunning cliffs of the whole island, including the one of Cabo Girão Skywalk. Riberia Brava is also the gateway to Calhau da Lapa , a must-visit place in Madeira. Consider sleeping in one of the old caves of Calhau da Lapa !

PONTA DO SOL & CALHETA – This area is dotted with some of the best surfing spots in Madeira. Ponta do Sol , Paul do Mar , Calheta , Jardim do Mar , Madalena do Mar are all stunning places to stay. This side of the island receives a considerably lower amount of precipitations and at least 1.5 hours more sunlight each day. These towns are also quite convenient for those who want to explore the western side of the island, as well as the north-western side. Stay at Canto das Fontes for an amazing glamping experience.

PORTO MONIZ & SAO VICENTE – This part of Madeira is is all about laid-back island vibes. Like in Ponta do Sol and Calheta, here you will find some great waves if you like surfing. Porto Moniz is popular for its natural swimming pools, and the town itself is pretty nice.

SANTANA – Santana is a good base for those who want to explore the Mountain range of Madeira but don’t like the idea of living in a big city like Funchal. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Santana, Sao Jorge, or Faial.

MACHICO – Porto da Cruz isn’t Machico’s main town. However, it is a cozy town of just 2500 people on the northern coast of the island and it’s the best place to surf for beginners in Madeira. Consider staying in Porto da Cruz as a base for your daily trips to the mountain or just to stay away from the hustle of the city. Porto da Cruz is also a good option for solo travellers and backpackers: we loved the atmosphere at Jaca Hostel , a place we would definitely recommend. Also, the town of Machico is quite interesting, on the southern side of the region.

SANTA CRUZ – Santa Cruz is a calm fishing village located near the airport of Madeira, not far from the city of Funchal. The village of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest on the island, characterized by palmeras, beaches, cliffs, and a stunning view of the Deserted Islands.

Useful Apps & Websites for Madeira

• HIKING: Check out the WalkMe App for maps and tips for hiking across Madeira. The app is free but we highly recommend paying the 4.99€ for the “explorer” version to grant access to all 60+ walks in Madeira, download the offline maps and more. Maps.me is also another great app to have on your phone. It’s free and you can download the map of the island.
• WEATHER: Netmadeira.com is the go-to website for checking weather conditions on the island. The homepage features live webcams from different areas of Madeira. The island is famous for having many different bioclimates, so if you’re having back luck in one area, just visit this website and cross your fingers! Sun may shine not far from where you are! Windy is also very reliable when it comes to the weather forecast.
• BUSSES: Visit Sam Bus Website for detailed information on bus rides around the island of Madeira.
• ISLAND NEWS & TRAILS: Check out VisitMadeira.pt for updates and info on trail status. Some hiking trails may be closed in specific dates for safety reasons, so make sure to check their status before going.

Is Madeira Expensive to Visit?

This is usually one of the toughest questions to answer as the budget largely depends on one’s lifestyle. However, we tried to list here some of the most common expenses you will encounter on your trip, dividing them by category.

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Total Budget

ACCOMMODATION

Transportation.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFO: A bus ticket from the airport to Funchal only costs €5 EUR ($6 USD).

The local delights put the FUN in Funchal. Tasty, healthy, and seasonal food is what Madeira is all about. It’s also quite affordable! A one-course meal costs €10 EUR ($12 USD), and a multiple course meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and water will cost €20 EUR ($23 USD). An espresso costs anything from €0.60 EUR ($0.70 USD) to €1 ($1.15 USD). Tips are not included in the bill.

Foods to try are the renowned Espetada Pau Louro (skewered beef) €14 EUR ($16 USD), Milho fritto (corn and cabbage fried cubes), Polvo (octopus) €10 EUR ($12 USD), Lapas (limpets on a pan) €7 ($9 USD), Bolo do Caco (traditional bread with garlic butter) €3 ($4 USD), and the Prego (steak sandwich) €4 ($5 USD). Expect to pay slightly more in the Funchal area, while prices drop as soon as you go on the northern side and at some local restaurants.

Drinks to try are the Poncha , Madeira Wine, Green Wine and Licor de Ginja da Madeira (Cherry liquor).

Madeira offers a wide range of free and paid activities. The prices below are intended per person.

TOTAL BUDGET

BUDGET BACKPACKERS: If you want to stretch your dollar while still being able to explore Madeira, you should budget for about 30-40€ ($34-$45 USD) a day. This involves travelling in a group (possibly of 4) to split the costs of transportation, housing and more. Expect to rent one of the cheapest Airbnb’s on the island for 4 people ($12 USD/night per person), share a rental car for your day trips ($8 USD/day per person + gasoline), stick to the free activities and eat most of your meals at home. Total cost for 14 days: €420-€550 per person ( $480-$630 USD ).

MID-BUDGET COUPLE : Expect to pay around €60-€70 ($67-$78 USD) a day per person for a bit more comforts. For this budget, you will be sleeping in a mid-budget double room ($20-$30 USD/night per person), split the cost of a rental car ($15 USD/day per person + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD per person). Total cost for 14 days: €840-€980 per person ( $950-$1.100 USD ).

SOLO MID-BUDGET TRAVELERS: Madeira isn’t that friendly to solo travellers when it comes to budgeting. This is mainly due to transportation. A car is essential to explore the island and if you don’t have anyone to split the cost with, it can be pricy. Budget for about €70-€80 ($80-$90 USD) a day if you are on your own. Sleep in a hostel ($20-$25 USD/night per person), rent your own car ($30 USD/day + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD). Total cost for 14 days: €980-€1.120 per person ( $1.100-$1.270 USD ).

FLASHPACKER: Budget for about a similar amount as the previous 2 categories, plus add a few activities or more expensive accommodations here and there. Your daily average budget will need to be around €100-€120 ($110-$135 USD) if you are travelling solo, a bit less if you split some of the costs with others. Total cost for 14 days: €1.400-€1680 per person ( $1.580-$1.900 USD )

Is Madeira Safe?

Madeira was voted the European Safest Destination in 2021, also due to its effort to apply measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the island is very safe to travel to, even if you’re going solo.

Crime is very low in Madeira. Crimes that do take place tend not to target travellers.

Hiking dangers do exist in Madeira, mainly around waterfalls along the Levada trails and on the drops of the Veredas. These are the trails that are nearby water sources like falls and you can expect some areas to be quite wet and slippery.

Driving risks in Madeira are due to its natural mountainous landscape. Many sites to explore on the island are the easiest to get to by car. If you’re driving here for the first time and you aren’t used to mountainous roads, be vigilant and take your time as some of the roads are winding and steep.

Swimming and surfing in Madeira can be wild (both in a fun and risky way). Things to keep in mind when taking a dip: the waves can be quite strong (especially in winter) and be aware of the large rocks below your feet.

What to Eat and Drink?

Have you heard of Madeira wine ? This fortified drink is a must to try. Madeira has a huge tradition when it comes to wines. In fact, wine has been produced here for over 500 years, and ancient traditions are well preserved. On the island, everywhere you look there are terraces, where grapes grow in abundance. The harvesting starts in August all the way to October.

And that’s not all! Don’t forget to taste Poncha , a typical drink with a lemon or orange juice base made with distilled alcohol (Aguardiente) made from sugar cane.

The food will get you going too! Try fish and seafood like lapas (limpets), octopus, grilled trout, or try the espetada – beef cubes (that melt in your mouth) served on a laurel skewer or the Bolo de caco wheat bread! And don’t forget to try the tropical fruits like Anona, Guava, Passion fruit and Tabaibo among many others.

Looking for a place to eat? Check out our favourite restaurants and bars recommended by locals.

How Long Should You Stay?

While the island may seem small on a map, there is actually a lot to see. It may seem hard to believe, but there are about 200 Levadas, 30 Veredas and countless waterfalls in Madeira. So, how long should you go for? The answer is very subjective.

Plan the length of your stay depending on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider you can only do 1 “major” or 2 smaller Levadas/Veredas a day. Most of these trails, in fact, take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could spend a whole month exploring the over 60 recommended trails.

On the other hand, if you’re just coming to relax and visit a few sights, 7 to 10 days would be enough.

Recommended duration: 15 days – 20 days

Best Tips for Backpacking Madeira

• There are two groups of hiking trails in the Madeira Islands: Levadas and Veredas . The first group are the Levada s trails. These trails are quite clean and near water sources. The second group, the Veredas trails, can be more challenging. These trails are more rugged and take you along the mountains. One thing is for sure – both types of trails will blow your mind!
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes . The right clothes and being comfortable can make your trek more enjoyable. Also, even though the weather is mild all year round it can get quite cold if you hike up the highest mountains. Snow is rare, but it can fall even in Madeira. Get yourself prepared.
• Stay on the trail . This tip is for your safety and prevent dammage to local wildlife habitats and preserve the local environment. Bring a cellphone and let someone know where you’re going hiking, even someone at your place of accommodation.
• Always bring a rain-jacket with you. It’s better to be prepared when the weather turns.
• Don’t forget about electronics! The standard voltage in Madeira is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The sockets are categorized as type F , also known as Schuko. Type F (like other European countries) and is also compatible with Types C and E. Consider buying a power adapter for your electronics if the plugs don’t match that of the sockets.

Useful Covid-19 Travel Information

MADEIRASAFE.COM – When travelling during the pandemic, stay up-to-date with all the travel requirements for visiting the Madeira Islands on Madeirasafe.com . Register on this portal before flying there to speed up the process upon arrival. If you submitted valid documentation before arriving in Madeira (Green Certificate, Vaccine, Test or Recovery), you can request a free Antigen test to return to your country.

VISITMADEIRA.PT For more information about requirements of entry, testing, exceptions, and testing upon departure read more on the region’s official website visitmadeira.pt . They have a handy App, the Madeira Tourism App that will keep you informed the whole way.

MORE! You can take a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test in Funchal. You’ll see several tents advertising tests with medical staff. But if you run out of time, don’t worry, you can take a test at the airport. Just be sure to arrive well before your boarding time in case there is a queue. The rapid antigen will cost €30 EUR ($34 USD) and take 30 minutes to receive results.

Disclaimer: The availability and costs of the rapid antigen test at the Madeira airport in Funchal are based on our trip in January 2022. This may be subject to change. You can check the airport’s website to stay informed on what measures and services they offer for travellers.

You will have a memorable time exploring and chasing adventure in the Madeira Islands. Be sure to share with us your thoughts on backpacking in the Madeira Islands, what’s useful in this guide/tips to add, and tag @backpackersintheworld . The Madeira Islands are calling!

Would you like to write a blog post for backpackersintheworld.com? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram .

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MADEIRA TRAVEL GUIDE

Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited, with stunning scenery and a beautiful coastline. An island paradise for walkers, photographers and nature lovers.

This travel guide will tell and also show you with photos everything you need to know about planning your trip to Madeira, best places to visit and things to do and also provide detailed maps and itinerary .

INTRODUCTION TO MADEIRA

Why shall you visit Madeira?

Madeira is one of the  most beautiful and greenest islands  with stunning  mountainous and coastal scenery. It is located In the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa & north of the Canary Islands, and is part of an autonomous region of Portugal, together with the island of Porto Santo.

Madeira is often called the island of eternal Spring or “Garden of the Atlantic” and it has a sub-tropical & mild climate throughout the year making it an ideal destination all year around .

It’s a great place for a  holiday in the sun and sea , although with mainly pebble beaches, and also for people looking for something more adventurous or cultural, with  hiking opportunities in the mountains and forests, amazing views and the beautiful city of Funchal.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MADEIRA

Because of its mild climate , the best time to visit Madeira is all year round with temperatures staying around 18-20°C even in winter. Also because of its mountainous topography and ocean currents, Madeira has diverse microclimates and it can get cloudy and rainy any time of the year depending on which part of the island you are.

For a beach holiday , the best time to visit Madeira is the summer months of June to September with average temperatures of 25°C, a lot more sunshine and possible to swim in the sea.

For me, the best time to visit Madeira will be Spring (from March to May) with ideal temperatures for hiking , fewer crowds and lower prices.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN MADEIRA

Madeira is quite a big island , (801sqkm) so I would recommend staying on the island for at least a full week if you would like to explore it, but 10 days would be even better if you want to visit most of the sights in a more relaxed pace and also combine a day trip to Porto Santo.

Because of the mountainous interior, travelling from one side of the island to another can be time-consuming, especially if you want to stop at every viewpoint along the route to enjoy the views.

WHERE TO STAY IN MADEIRA

For me, the best place to stay in Madeira is the near capital Funchal with a large choice of accommodation, restaurants and all tourist amenities. It is also quite centrally located for exploring the island.

The most popular place to stay in Madeira is the capital Funchal, either in the centre , around the Lido area (Hotel Zone) or close to the Praia Formosa . It is worth considering having a hotel with a pool as the beaches in Madeira are not the best.

I would recommend staying in the centre of Funchal so you can explore the city on foot, but at a hotel that also offers parking . The Lido Area and Praia Formosa are a bit further away from the centre of town (40min on foot).

Some other places to stay are Canico with a few luxurious hotels, and for the best sandy beaches is either Machico or Calheta .

Generally for the best sunshine, the best place to stay is in the south of the island , while the north coast and mainland Madeira can be considerably cloudier and gets more rain.

Best hotels in Madeira

• Hotel Catedral : Perfect location in the centre of Funchal with free parking
• Hotel Porto Santa Maria : 4* hotel located on the Funchal seafront offering rooms with sea views and a swimming pool.
• The Vine Hotel :  Luxurious hotel in Funchal centre offering a fusion restaurant with views and a rooftop infinity pool plus free private parking.
• Pestana Casino Park Hotel : Luxurious hotel offering rooms with sea views, infinity pool and a restaurant with great views, Parking at an extra fee. 15min to Funchal centre.
• Pestana Ocean Bay Resort : Located next to Praia Formosa offering rooms with balconies, sea views and an outdoor pool.
• Allegro Madeira : Located in Lido, just a 5-minute walk from the oceanfront promenade in Funchal, the hotel offers great views from the rooms and rooftop bar.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas required for visits for up to 90 days for most nationalities from Europe, America and Australia.

Portuguese , with a slightly different accent than the mainland, but most people in tourist areas speak basic English and some people speak french or german.

Opening hours

Shops : 9am –7pm Monday to Friday (some close for lunch between 1pm-3pm), 9am –1pm on Sat & Sun closed.

Banks : 8.30am–3pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants : 11am-3pm & 6pm-11pm but some stay open all day.

The climate in Madeira is subtropical, with mild temperatures throughout the year. It can be more cloudy, windy and rainy on the north coast and interior of the island

Summer (June to Sept) : Dry and sunny. Average temperatures between 18 to 26 degrees.

Autumn (mid-September to December) : It starts to get cloudier and rainier as the days progress. Average temperatures between 17 to 24 degrees.

Winter (January to March) : It can get cooler at night and cloudier but rarely gets cold. Average temperatures between 14 to 20 degrees.

Spring (April to May) : It starts getting sunnier with average temperatures between 15 to 22 degrees.

You can check historical weather data for Madeira  here . You can also check the live webcams in various places around the island here .

Madeira is a safe destination, so you shouldn’t encounter any problems when there. But, it is always advisable to be alert for pickpockets in busy locations.

Travel Insurance

Obtaining travel insurance before departure is always advised, even if a place like Madeira shouldn’t present any safety risks. It’s best to be completely insured in case of an accident, health emergency or delayed flights..

SafetyWing is a good choice for travellers. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

The currency is the euro. It’s always recommended to have some cash and carry some coins with you as some places won’t accept cards. The best place to exchange some money is through an  ATM  that can be found in Funchal.

Madeira isn’t an expensive island, but prices are higher during July and August, especially for accommodation. An average twin room will cost 50 to 100 euros per night and a meal at a restaurant around 40 euros for 2 people.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets are of  type F  (with two round pins). The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Packing List

If you visit Madeira in the summertime you will need to pack mainly summer clothes (T-shirts, shorts, a hat, sunglasses, the essential sunscreen and a swimming suit) and spring clothes if you visit in the winter months. I will recommend having walking shoes for hiking, a light summer jacket and a warmer jacket if visiting in winter.

For more information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

HOW TO GET TO MADEIRA

Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport  is connected to Lisbon and Porto (2h flight) all year round and also with the island of Port Santo (15min flight). During summer, the airport receives charter flights from many European countries.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 20km away from Funchal (20m drive). Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

There is also a taxi rank at arrivals, on the Ground Floor (0). The journey to Funchal is about  20min and costs  €30  euros.

There is a shuttle service, the Aerobus , which departs from the Arrivals area towards the Formosa beach, with stops at Funchal centre and near several hotels. The price for one way is € 5.

There are also several bus services to various locations on the island

There are currently no ferries running from mainland Europe. There used to be a ferry (Naviera ARMAS) from Portimao to the Canaries and Madeira during the high season but it’s unknown if this route is going to be operational again.

However, there is the “ Lobo Marinho ” ferry that transports passengers and vehicles daily between Madeira and Porto Santo, on a trip that lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Madeira is also part of the itinerary of many cruise ships from all over the world.

HOW TO GET AROUND

I would definitely recommend  hiring a car  if you would like to  explore the island .

I always try and rent a car whenever I travel as it just gives you the freedom to plan your trip as you like it and stop wherever you like. Madeira offers too many amazing viewpoints that are only accessible by car.

Car rental for a day  is usually  60 euros  in high season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. For the best prices check the  car rental at the  airport . Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

By Scooter/Motorbike

A cheaper alternative to the car is renting a  scooter or motorbike  if you are comfortable with it, but you need to be more cautious on the road.

There are  taxi stands  in most towns but taxis can be a bit expensive if you plan to go further distances.

Taxis are yellow with a blue stripe and operate with a taximeter in Funchal but with set prices depending on the destination outside Funchal.

Bolt & Uber (taxi apps) operate in Madeira providing lower prices than traditional taxis.

The association  AITRAM  provides taxi services to various tourist routes in Madeira by buying a taxi voucher online.

  By Bus

There are 4 companies with their own website for checking public transport in Madeira: Horários do Funchal , SAM , EACL & Rodoeste .

Horários do Funchal serve Funchal city and its suburbs up to Monte and Camara de Lobos.

SAM  and  EACL  bus services serve the east of Madeira (Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, and Porto da Cruz).

Rodoeste , serves the west side of Madeira (Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente).

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Best places to go for a meal are  Funchal city centre and the Lido Area where most hotels are located. The food in Madeira

Best restaurants in Madeira

• The Ritz Madeira          
• Taberna Madeira          
• Doca do Cavacas          
• Restaurante Gavião Novo: Authentic dining in the heart of the Old Town for sampling the local cuisine 
• Il Gallo D’Oro : Michellin star gourmet restaurant
• Regional Flavours       
• Restaurante Vila do Peixe: Great seafood restaurant with a view.
• Casa Madeirense Restaurant
• Dona Amelia : A long-established restaurant
• Galáxia Skyfood | Skybar

You can check the location of these restaurants on this  map .

Local Specialities

• Espetada : Barbecued beef skewers 
• Bolo de Mel : A traditional cake
• Bolo do Caco : Flatbread with garlic
• Lapas : Grilled limpets with garlic butter
• Bacalhau : Salted Cod
• Espada : Scabbard fish
• Picado : Fried pieces of beef with garlic and peppers
• Prego : Grilled steak sandwich
• Chestnut sweets from Curral Das Freiras
• Local fruits : passion fruit varieties, banana, delicious fruit (monstera deliciosa), anona (custard apple), guava, loquat, prickly pear & pitanga
• Madeira wine : a fortified wine for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira wine: Malvasia, Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.
• Poncha : a traditional alcoholic drink made of sugar cane rum, honey and lemon juice.

MADEIRA ATTRACTIONS best things to see and do

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and the main hub. It is a beautiful city , built amphitheatrically on the surrounding green hills and Funchal’s suburbs spread all the way up to Monte . It is the best place to stay as it offers all the tourist amenities and has lots of attractions and things to do. It has a nice old town with atmospheric narrow street s and mosaic pavements , historical buildings , public parks and a nice marina.

Best attractions and things to do in Funchal:

• Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) : The historic centre of Funchal is known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and wide selection of restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
• Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) : This bustling market is a fantastic place to sample local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and traditional Madeiran products. It’s also a great spot to buy souvenirs.
• Funchal Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) : The cathedral is an impressive example of Portuguese Gothic architecture. Its interior is equally stunning, with beautiful wooden ceilings.
• Visit Monte with its beautiful gardens: Jardim Botanico & Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
• Madeira Cable Car : Take a cable car ride from the Old Town to the picturesque village of Monte. The views of Funchal and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking.
• Palheiro Gardens : These magnificent gardens are set on a hill overlooking Funchal. You can explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the views. The adjacent Palheiro Golf Course is also a great place for golf enthusiasts.
• CR7 Museum : For football fans, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum celebrates the life and career of the famous Portuguese footballer. It’s located in Funchal’s port area.
• Quinta das Cruzes Museum : This museum is located in a beautiful old manor house and contains an impressive collection of art, furniture, and artifacts from Madeira’s history.
• Santa Catarina Park : This peaceful park offers a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features lush greenery, walking paths, and beautiful sea views.
• Madeira Wine Cellars : Madeira is famous for its wine. You can visit one of the wine cellars in Funchal to learn about the winemaking process and sample different types of Madeira wine.
• Quinta da Boa Vista : Another historical garden, this one features a range of exotic plants, fountains, and statues, making it a great place to stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Funchal Marina : The marina is a lively area with restaurants, shops, and a great place for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Monte village is located on the hill above Funchal and used to be a healthy retreat from the busy capital in the 18th century. Now it still has this cool, clean country air. The best way to reach Monte is by cable car from Funchal. It is a beautiful ride providing great views of the city and the surrounding mountains and coastline. The best way to return is by ridding a toboggan back to Funchal.

Best attractions and things to do in Monte:

• Monte Cable Car : The cable car is a popular way to reach Monte from Funchal. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the coastline as you ascend the hill.
• Nossa Senhora do Monte Church : This charming church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount.
• Monte Palace Tropical Garden : This beautiful botanical garden features a wide range of exotic plants, koi ponds, and panoramic views of Funchal. You can also explore the Madeira Story Centre nearby.
• Madeira Botanical Garden : This botanical garden showcases an extensive collection of Madeiran and exotic plants. The garden is set on a hillside and offers lovely views of the city.
• Monte Toboggan Rides : A fun and unique experience in Monte is taking a traditional wicker toboggan ride down the hill. Riders are dressed in white and straw hats, and two men guide the sledges on the steep streets.

3. Curral Das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)

This hidden valley with a little village is a stunning spot surrounded by dramatic cliffs and chestnut woods. It was used by the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent as a refuge. The highlight of any visit is the spectacular view of the valley from the miradouro of Eira do Serrado. You can walk also walk down to the village from there along the cobbled footpath. At the village, you can try some of the traditional chestnut specialities (Chesnut cake and liqueur).

4. Pico do Aireiro   

This is one of the best spots to enjoy the views over the mountain peaks of Madeira. It’s the third highest peak on the island but is easily accessible by car. It is usually wrapped in clouds and can be windy and cold even in the summer months. There is a cafe close to the car park and from there you can reach the summit (marked by a concrete post) with a short walk.

5. Ponta de São Lourenço

This easternmost peninsula is a scenic place for a walk and offers great views of the rocky coastline.

6. North Coast of Madeira

Driving this impressive coastal road and admiring the views of the rocky coastline and the various tunnels is one of the best things to do in Madeira. There are so many great miradouros along the way that you can stop to enjoy the views.

7. Ribeiro Frio & Levada dos Balcões

This is a scenic place next to a valley and a river with a trout farm. It is also the start of a short walk – Levada dos Balcoes. This is a beautiful levada walk through the forest leading to a platform offering magnificent views of the valley and green hills.

8. Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

Jardim Botanico (Price: €‎6) is a beautiful botanical garden located above Funchal and easily accessible by cable car from Monte (price: €9,25 one way). It’s a great place to experience the unique plants of Madeira, but it also provides great views of the whole of Funchal and the surrounding mountains. The best view of the city is from ‘Lover’s Cave’. There is a great selection of cacti, coastal plants, endemic trees, a parrot park and a Natural History Museum.

9. Pico Ruivo

This is Madeira’s highest peak and it can be reached by car and then by an easy hike via a well-paved path to the summit (1862m). It provides great views over Madeira’s peaks, volcanic landscape and forested hills.

10. Cabo Girao

Madeira’s highest sea cliff above the sea includes a glass-floored viewing platform offering great views of the surrounding cliffs, coastline and the city of Funchal.

11. Rabacal & Risco Waterfall

Rabacal marks the start of two popular signposted levada walks. The first is 30min walk to the impressive Risco Waterfall and the second is a 1.5h walk to the 25 Fontes (a pool with many waterfalls).

12. Dolphin & Whale Watching

There are various catamaran tours from Funchal marina that take you by the Madeira coastline in search of dolphins and whales . Tours usually last for 3 hours and sightings of dolphins are generally guaranteed . Pilot whales can often be spotted.

13. Sao Vicente Caves

These volcanic caves can be visited by a guided tour. They are located near Sao Vicente in the north of the island. There is also a short film that explains the volcanic origins of Madeira.

BEST TOWNS & VILLAGES OF MADEIRA

• Câmara De Lobos
• Ponta Do Sol
• Porto Moniz
• Ribeira Brava
• Sao Vicente
• Curral Das Freiras
• Paul Do Mar
• Jardim Do Mar

BEST BEACHES OF MADEIRA

Madeira is not known for its sandy beaches. Instead, it offers natural swimming pools, pebble beaches, and rocky shorelines.

For the best chance of sunshine, it’s better to stay on the south coast.

Here are some of the best places for beach and sea swimming in Madeira:

Below is a list of the  12 best beaches  on the island.

• Praia de Calheta
• Praia do Porto do Seixal
• Praia Formosa
• Praia de Machico
• Beach Santa Cruz
• Praia da Ponta do Sol
• Prainha do Caniçal
• Garajau Beach
• Praia do Almirante Reis
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
• Praia Da Ribeira Brava
• Piscina do Porto da Cruz
• Praia de Vigário
• Praia da Fajã dos Padres

MADEIRA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Madeira.

MADEIRA PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs and slideshows from the island of Madeira here .

Here is a list of the  best viewpoint  locations on the island where you can enjoy  great views .

• Miradouro do Cabo Girão
• Miradouro Eira do Serrado 
• Miradouro do Bom Jesus
• Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
• Miradouro dos Balcões            
• Farol da Ponta do Pargo          
• Cristo Rei    
• Miradouro Ponta Delgada       
• Viewpoint Pico do Areeiro       
• Ponta do Rosto            
• Fortress of Faial : This is an old fort that provides great views of the village of Faial and the surrounding coastline.
• Miradouro da Santinha            
• Miradouro do Paúl do Mar
• Miradouro da Portela
• Miradouro da Bica da Cana
• Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos
• Miradouro da Torre

You can check these  viewpoints locations  and the  best photo spots  on the island in the above map .

MADEIRA ACTIVITIES

• Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco (PR8) – 7km/2 to 3h return – beautiful coastal walk
• Vereda dos Balcoes (PR11) – 2.5km/1h return – the easiest levada walk with a beautiful viewpoint
• Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall from Rabacal (PR6) – 11km/3 to 4h – famous levada walk
• Pico Ruivo  from  Pico do Arieiro  or Achada do Teixeira (PR1)
• Surfing : Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are the most popular surfing places.
• Golf : Two scenic golf courses are located to the east of the island (Santo da Sera & Palheiro Ferreira)
• Bird Watching : Madeira has a variety of unique birds that can be enjoyed by bird watchers.
• Whale and dolphin watching .  Various companies offer daily boat tours starting at €30-40, bookable online or from touts at the marina.
• Deep sea fishing : Fishing trips can be booked at Funchal marina. Any caught fish has to be returned back to the sea.
• Paraglading
• Carnival: Colorful parades in fancy dress and carnival costumes in February or March before Shrove Tuesday
• Flower festival : Floats in competition
• New Year’s Fireworks : It’s the world’s largest firework display and a great spectacle in Funchal.
• Theme Park Madeira : Kid-oriented park with lakes and pavilions showcasing Madeira’s cultural traditions and heritage.
• Aquaparque : A water park with slides, rapids and pools close to the airport.

MADEIRA EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Ferry trip to porto santo.

If you have plenty of time in Madeira, you can take the ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo (2h & 15min journey) and explore this pretty island. There is the “ Lobo Marinho ” ferry that transports passengers and vehicles daily between the islands.

It can be done on a day trip, but it will be worth staying more than a day to enjoy this small island with the most beautiful sandy beach in the Archipelago.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

Some of the best priced tours on offer are:

• Seaborn catamaran (€30 per adult).
• Magic Dolphin Catamaran (€25 per adult).

Madeira Island Tour

This is a good way of seeing the island if you don’t have your own transport. The best tour on offer is:

• Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am to 5pm :   This is a small group tour from Funchal over two full days to see top places around the island (€60 per adult).

More information about excursions & tours in Madeira can be found here .

MADEIRA SUGGESTED ITINERARY

It is worth staying on the island for at least 7 to 10 days if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 7 days on the island, but if you have more time to spend, you can change this itinerary to allow a more relaxed pace. I have taken Funchal as a base & overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

• Whale & dolphin tour
• Funchal Town Centre & Marina
• Cable Car to Monte
• Jardim Botanico or Monte Plalace
• Curral das Freiras
• Pico do Aireiro
• Ribeirio Frio
• Levada dos Balcoes
• Camara de Lobos
• Encumeada Pass
• Paul da Serra
• Serra de Agua
• North Coast
• Porto da Cruz
• Ponta do Sol
• Madalena Do Mar
• Funchal Hotel Zone
• Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Porto Santo Day Trip

VIRTUAL TOUR

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Madeira 🙂

THINGS TO BUY

The best destination for souvenir shopping is Funchal with various souvenir shops as well as shops with handmade crafts. Some typical souvenirs to buy are: Madeira wine , Rebuçados de funcho (fennel sweets ) , madeira embroidery & bolo de mel (honey cake).

A unique souvenir to buy is handmade wicker baskets and the best place to purchase it and see the work in action is at the village of Camacha .

FURTHER READING

You can check the following posts :

• Madeira Beaches
• Town & Villages of Madeira

Other useful websites for more information about Madeira

• Visit Madeira : The official tourist website of Madeira
• ZigZagonearth : The most comprehensive guide about Madeira

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit to Madeira in paperback and kindle

• DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madeira (Pocket Travel Guide)
• Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights .
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. TripAdvisor and Trivago are the best search engines to check deals from different websites; however not as good for checking the actual properties & rooms. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Ferries : For Porto Santo check Lobo Marinho
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options.
• Public Transport : There are 4 different companies with their own website for checking public transport in Madeira: Horários do Funchal , SAM , EACL & Rodoeste
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. TripAdvisor is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

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• Island Vacations

The Madeira Islands Are Portugal's Best-kept Secret

Out on Portugal's Madeira Islands, the lush archipelago far from the mainland, the North Atlantic ocean has shaped every aspect of life for centuries.

Nina Caplan has been writing about the arts, wine, and travel for over 20 years. Her wine and lifestyle columns appear regularly in Club Oenologique , The New Statesman , and The London Times 's luxury magazine, Luxx. She is the author of an award-winning travel memoir steeped in wine and history, "The Wandering Vine: Wine, The Romans and Me," which was published by Bloomsbury in 2018. She has followed her interests all over the world, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and searching for Edo (19th-century Tokyo) to eating her way around Montreal and exploring the vineyards of Champagne. She is also a travel and wine consultant and an occasional podcaster. A lifelong Francophile and fluent French speaker, she lives between Burgundy, France, and London and has overflowing wine cellars in both places. She is working on a book about France. * Guild of Food Writers Drink Writer of the Year 2020 * Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year 2018 and 2014 * Louis Roederer International Food & Wine Writer of the Year 2016 * "The Wandering Vine" was Fortnum & Mason's Debut Drink Book of the Year 2019 and Louis Roederer Wine Book of the Year 2018 * Author of "The Gourmet London Restaurant Guide" * Former editor of Metropolitan, the trilingual magazine on Eurostar * Former features editor of Time Out London

In 1419, when Portuguese seafarers happened on an uninhabited island in the North Atlantic, around 500 miles off the African coast, they were awed by the dense covering of greenery. Even today, after 600 years of human encroachment, their amazement is easy to understand. The variety of flora is astounding: groves of local mahogany, bushy strands of indigenous lily of the valley, and a laurel forest, the largest surviving relic of the vegetation that covered much of southern Europe at least 15 million years ago. Those first men who arrived on the island called it Madeira — the Portuguese word for wood.

But those 15th-century sailors were perhaps indifferent to what struck me most forcibly when I first visited: the insistent presence of the ocean. Madeira — the largest island in an archipelago of the same name — is so steep that even inland, when I walked through a vineyard or dined on a hillside, bright water framed the view.

In the capital city, Funchal, on the southern coast, hotels and restaurants take full advantage of a vista that never gets boring. But at ground level, strolling along sidewalks decorated with traditional cream-and-black mosaics, I was still distracted by gaps between buildings that offered shifting glints of blue. The Atlantic affects the climate, the wildlife, and the food. Those sailors, I thought, should have called their discovery mar — the sea.

My interest in this place pre-dates my realization that it was a place. My father used to sing a sly English music-hall ditty, "Have Some Madeira, M'Dear," so when I grew older, it was the wine I wanted to try. Still, it turns out that there is no better location than Madeira in which to drink Madeira. The wine and the place are as intertwined as their common name suggests.

The Atlantic affects the climate, the wildlife, and the food. Those sailors, I thought, should have called their discovery mar — the sea.

Every boat trip, swim, and breathtaking mountaintop walk, as I inhaled salt and admired the azure tint of the waves, reminded me that the Atlantic has shaped this wine's existence. And the wine, the principal export of Madeira for more than 400 years, has profoundly changed its homeland's destiny. As our hiking guide, Otilia "Tilly" Câmara, put it, "Madeira was born from the sea."

We were high in the hills at the time: Câmara was leading us on a glorious hike along one of the levadas , the man-made irrigation channels that direct water from the forested mountains in the north and west to the dry southern slopes. It was so peaceful, walking alongside this small, orderly stream, framed by walnut, apple, and pear trees. We passed an older woman in a headscarf, who carried a pail of leaves to use as mulch, and felt terribly remote until we realized the closest village was just a two minutes' walk away.

For centuries, right up until the advent of air travel, almost everyone stopped in Madeira. Columbus briefly lived on the island. Captain Cook paused for supplies, sailed on to Rio de Janeiro and Tierra del Fuego, and wound up planting a British flag in eastern Australia. On the way to America and the West Indies, traders and explorers bought barrels of Madeira wine and discovered that it doesn't just survive an ocean voyage: it improves. The acidity endures, the nutty, caramel flavors deepen. In an era when wine that traveled usually arrived as vinegar, this was incredible. And Madeirans grew rich on their wine's resilience.

At Blandy's Wine Lodge, part of a 16th-century Franciscan monastery that takes up an entire block near the Funchal waterfront, my husband, Craig, and I walked through beamed rooms, their wood dark with age, where the wine matures in barrels so old that Blandy's employs four in-house coopers to handle the ongoing repairs. Past a small museum and a stately row of giant wooden vats, we arrived at a tasting room.

"We have nearly four million liters of Madeira wine aging here," explained Chris Blandy, CEO of his family's business. He casually opened a 2002 Sercial, made from one of the five Madeira grape varieties. It wasn't sweet, although there were toffee and stewed-apple flavors, as well as a lemony acidity. It also wasn't old. Unlike other wines, Madeira lasts almost indefinitely. There are surviving Madeiras — rich, bittersweet, utterly drinkable — that were made around the time John Blandy arrived from England to found the winery that still bears his name. And that was in 1811.

Perhaps I was sentimental, but the whole of Madeira seemed to have a versatility, a willingness to consider different ways of doing things, that might be a legacy of the inhabitants' historic reliance on visitors. There were the venerable and modern styles of wine; hotels like Quinta da Casa Branca built in repurposed quintas , or manor houses, and ultra-contemporary resorts like Les Suites at the Cliff Bay.

At Casa de Pasto das Eiras, an unprepossessing shed in the hills east of Funchal, I tried espetadas , skewers of tender beef grilled on an open fire, then hung on metal hooks at each plate. This was quite the contrast with the modern dishes at Kampo, a seriously hip Funchal restaurant with an open kitchen and a poured-concrete bar. We ate sophisticated versions of Portuguese specialties such as a savory bola de Berlim doughnut, which is usually sweet but is here filled with chorizo and mushroom and topped with powdered sugar.

From the city, we glided by cable car into the hills, above terraces of the tiny, sweet local bananas, above flights of precipitous stairs leading to whitewashed, orange-roofed houses, whose residents must have excellent thigh muscles from all that climbing. At Pátio das Babosas, an airy hilltop restaurant, we stopped for lunch — grilled local tuna with milho frito , cubes of cornmeal fried with herbs; lapas , chewy, tasty limpets served in their frill-edged shells with butter, garlic, and a cascade of lemon — and gazed out over the slopes. It was distinctly cooler up there: clouds cluster around these mountains, then condense into rain that is channeled elsewhere via the levadas .

It was in these hills that the rich built their summer homes. One such residence is Monte Palace Madeira, an imposing estate constructed for an 18th-century consul and now home to over 750,000 square feet of botanical gardens filled with native and imported plants. Gorgeously decorated Portuguese tiles, some 500 years old, seem to be pasted, rather disconcertingly, to the foliage.

We skittered down paths lined with tangled greenery and giant ferns; what looked like fat, half-buried palm trees were actually cycads, the world's most ancient seed-plant family, which first appears in the fossil record around 280 million years ago. In front of that grand building, a stepped cascade drew the eye down to a fish-filled lake and on to the distant ocean.

A cable car seemed like a luxury when it came time to descend to the sunny lowlands by way of an only-in-Madeira sledge car. Two men wearing straw boaters and thick-soled shoes ushered Craig and me into an upholstered wicker basket. Why the thick soles? I wondered, as each attendant grabbed a rope attached to our conveyance and ran ahead down a sharply sloping road that had been worn glass-smooth from previous journeys. As we picked up speed, the two jumped on the back like old-fashioned footmen, and I got my answer: those shoes were our only brakes.

There was no dedicated path: cars had to stop for us, but there were few. The basket — originally used to transport goods downhill — swiveled this way and that, breath-catchingly close to the roadside ditch. It was as exhilarating as a fairground ride, and a lot more immediate. I don't mind admitting that I hollered.

Recovery was swift. We padded through the beautiful grounds of our hotel, Quinta da Casa Branca. The gardens were amazing: Australian macadamia trees, cinnamon trees from Sri Lanka with their perfumed bark, the purple blossoms of the wonderfully named silver-leafed princess flower. On the broad stone terrace, as the setting sun briefly grazed the mountaintops, we sat down to herb-crusted lamb with local couscous.

We sipped not the famous, fortified Madeiran wine but a deep-pink rosé, made from Tinta Negra Mole and Aragonez grapes, which, as we would see firsthand the following day at winery Quinta do Barbusano, grow on abrupt hills overlooked by a lonely belfry — a church with no church — and cooled by the ever-present sea.

The island was startlingly lovely: so green and sheer it resembled a vertical garden, trees alternating with terraces of bananas or vines. As we drove around the island, the sun would shut off every so often as the car ducked into a tunnel.

"We are like a Swiss cheese, full of holes!" our driver said cheerily.

The sky varied from cerulean to deep gray, depending on where we were, but the steep inclines and bright-purple African lilies that lined the roads like cheering crowds ensured that, even when it was cloudy, the scenery was never dull. One morning, atop Pico do Arieiro, the island's third-highest peak, we watched the sun break through a glowing white haze just below us. The early start and short, cold walk in the dark, draped in blankets and clutching a thermos of coffee, were more than worth it to have the mountain seemingly to ourselves.

How those tunnels through the hills, built around 30 years ago, transformed the island! Journeys that would once have taken forever are now swift: little more than an hour to cross nearly the whole of Madeira's 35-mile length, from eastern Machico to tiny Paúl do Mar in the west, where you can sometimes see the legendary green flash, a rare ray of emerald that appears on the horizon just before the sun sets.

Though travel time was minimal, those short commutes gave us a crucial window to sightsee and revive our appetites between meals. Which was vital when lunch at the hilltop Quinta do Barbusano was espetadas prepared by owner Tito Brazão and dinner was multiple courses at Galáxia Skyfood on the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace , a gleaming hotel that opened in 2019. The food played skillfully with Madeiran tradition. The panelo, a traditional banquet of stewed pork and sweet potatoes, had been reinvented as a taco; dessert was a banana poached in rum and accessorized, cheekily, with a communion wafer.

In the interim, we walked Funchal — past Mercado dos Lavradores, a buzzing Art Deco market, to the ocher São Tiago fortress, with a stop at a newly restored chapel dedicated by fishermen to their patron saint, Pedro Gonçalves Telmo. Did he protect his worshippers? I hope so. In the 16th century, they covered the ceiling in paintings to honor him.

This humble building was a stark contrast to the imposing Funchal Cathedral, built from dark-red volcanic rock that had been dragged down the coast from Cabo Girão, the island's highest sea cliff. It's a stunning profusion of tile, marble, paint, and gold leaf; not an inch of its interior is undecorated. Begun in the 1490s, it radiates the wealth and pride of an island that was the greatest sugar producer in the world — at least until the Portuguese realized that the cane used to produce their "white gold" would grow much better in their newest colonial outpost, Brazil. This economic disaster forced Madeira to refocus on wine, leaving just enough sugarcane to make agricultural rum, the basis of a weapons-grade drink called poncha .

The best places to brave this concoction are the tiny drinking dens that crowd the narrow streets of Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village. In Bar Number Two, there's barely room to stand at the counter, but it's worth doing to see owner Elmano Reis pound rum with sugarcane honey and juice from giant local lemons, the muscle in his forearm jumping in rhythm as he thumped and twirled the mexilhote , or wooden baton. His measures would have quenched the thirst of a desert wanderer, if this had been water — which, at 100 proof, it certainly wasn't. The taste was dangerously pleasant. "We drink this in winter when we have a cold," my guide, Célia Mendonça, said. Certainly honey and lemon is a universal remedy, but I wondered whether this potion cured sufferers or finished them off entirely.

Drinks in hand, we edged out the back door into dazzling sunshine. Patrons of neighboring bars relaxed at tables and fishing boats bobbed in front of us. No wonder that when Winston Churchill visited the island, he went there to paint. He stayed at Reid's Palace, an enormous pink hotel on a cliff, designed with its most magnificent side facing the sea. Now managed by Belmond, the property was built in 1891 to bedazzle the wealthy foreigners who, until the 1960s, all arrived by ship — and were then carried to the hotel in hammocks.

This service has long since been discontinued, but Reid's, with its grand pianos and chandeliers, its cream tea on the elegant checkered balcony looking out through lush tropical gardens toward the water, is still a bastion of historic gentility. Churchill must surely have felt at home; George Bernard Shaw, being Irish, possibly less so, although he did take tango lessons. ("Shaw Admits Learning the Tango at Madeira, but Has Neither Time nor Youth for It Now" ran a headline in The New York Times in 1926.)

We took a look at the other end of the rum-making process, too, at Engenhos do Norte, the only producer still using steam power to press and distill the sugarcane, in a vast shed full of copper containers and 19th-century machinery. The metal was all painted bright blue, the same color as the dye used to mark the patterns on the material in another traditional island industry, embroidery. Perhaps it was a coincidence. Or perhaps, Madeirans working indoors, whether on gargantuan machines or on delicate stitching in the Bordal embroidery workshop, crave a reminder that the sea is just outside.

"Hello gorgeous!" whispered Margarida Sousa, as the first dolphin glided alongside our motorboat. We had already marveled at a glossy dark arc that Sousa, who studied marine biology, informed us was the back of a Bryde's whale, probably around 40 feet long. Tracking the animals is forbidden, so two people on separate cliffs scanned the water and called to inform the skipper where to head. "If the phone rings a lot, it's a good sign!" she explained.

The phone rang a lot. When the dolphins flanked us, we slid into the water, dangling from ropes to minimize splashing. I dipped my head into a quiet turquoise world where the beaked inhabitants seemed to smile encouragingly, their eyes outlined in black, Cleopatra-style. A mother nuzzled her baby; their playmates, black and white with a patch of yellow, dipped and rose. We wore masks but no snorkels, and I was so absorbed that remembering to breathe became a nuisance.

After reluctantly returning to shore, we spent the afternoon at Fajã dos Padres, an organic farm with a simple waterside restaurant below the towering Cabo Girão. We took comfort in a lovely lunch — black scabbard fish, a local specialty; lapas harvested on the rocks outside; and vegetables from owner Catarina Vilhena Correia's garden. We had already tried one highly unusual product of this place: a deliciously citrusy 1993 Frasqueira, a single-vintage Madeira that must be aged for at least 20 years. This version was made from an ancient variety of the Malvasia grape, thought lost until a vine was spotted on Correia's property.

The next day we drove to Porto Moniz, on the island's northwestern tip, where torrents of seawater poured thrillingly into pools hollowed out of the black volcanic rock. The water was cool but the view spectacular, cliffs rearing on each side, moss spilling over them like lava flow — and, of course, the ocean just beyond.

It flows through all my memories of this trip, from the walks to the extraordinary wine that wouldn't exist without it. That wine was all I took home with me, which at least means that, anytime I like, I can pour a glass of chilled Madeira, a drink as fond of travel as I am and even more shaped by it, and briefly be transported, via those distinctive flavors, back to that sunny island and its sustaining sea.

Making the Most of Madeira

Where to stay.

Les Suites at the Cliff Bay : This sleek newcomer has 23 suites. Suites from $708.

Quinta da Casa Branca : A garden oasis in the heart of Funchal. Rooms from $230 .

Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel : This cliff-top icon from the 19th century dazzles in pink. Rooms from $966.

Where to Eat and Drink

Bar Number Two : Grab a glass of poncha at Câmara de Lobos's most charming drinking den.

Casa de Pasto das Eiras : A humble joint near Funchal with classic dishes and unbeatable views. Entrées $6–$12.

Fajã dos Padres : This organic farm in Quinta Grande has excellent local food and wine. Entrées $13–$46.

Galáxia Skyfood : At this restaurant in the Savoy Palace Hotel, disco-lite décor belies a sophisticated menu. Entrées $24-$50.

Kampo : Find surprising, seasonal fare at Madeira's most innovative restaurant. Entrées $16-$66.

Pátio das Babosas : Visit this mountainside spot for stellar seafood and views of Funchal. Entrées $8–$24.

Blandy's Wine Lodge : On the Funchal waterfront, Blandy's is one of the isle's most storied Madeira houses.

Bordal: A look at this Funchal factory's intricate embroidery, a Madeira tradition, is not to be missed.

Engenhos do Norte : This rum distillery is a last vestige of Madeira's once dominant sugarcane industry.

Monte Palace Madeira : The lush gardens are reachable via a scenic cable car.

Quinta do Barbusano : Try the Aragonez at this winery on the northern coast.

How to Book

Tempo VIP : Deep connections across the island make this company the one to call for tour bookings.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline The Big Blue.

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Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira 2 (Pocket Guide) Paperback – November 19, 2019

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Lonely Planet's Pocket Madeira is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Spend a night discovering the bars and restaurants of Zona Velha, ascend to the cool, leafy neighbourhood of Monte on a cable car, and explore the elegant mansion house museum of Quinta das Cruzes - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Madeira and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Pocket Madeira :

• Full-colour maps and images throughout
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• Covers Madeira and Around, Funchal, the North Coast, the Mountains of the Interior and more.

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Pocket Madeira is our colourful, easy to use and handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, and is packed with the best sights and experiences for a short trip or weekend away.

Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Portugal for an in-depth guide to the country.

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Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Admire Se cathedral, wander awe-struck through Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Museu de Arte Sacra and hike the Levada paths; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of the best of Madeira and begin your journey now!

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 2nd edition (November 19, 2019)
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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

Steal this Madeira Itinerary: What the RHOP Did in 4 Days in Madeira, Portugal

Last Updated on: 13th January 2023, 06:29 pm

Planning a trip to Madeira? If you’re headed to these Portuguese islands and are looking for guidance on the  best things to do in Madeira in 4 days , steal this glamorous Madeira itinerary! 

Good to Know:  This can also be  easily converted to a 3-Day itinerary  if you’ll be spending three days in Madeira and coming for a long weekend in Funchal! At the end, there are tons of more ideas if you need a 5, 6, or 7-day Madeira itinerary.

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

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For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

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For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

About this Madeira Itinerary

Yes, I am a full-time travel writer, but I’m also obsessed with Bravo’s  Real Housewives . Anyone who’s checked  my Instagram stories  can attest to this. So to fuse my love of travel and  Housewives , I give you the series: steal this glamourous  Housewives  itinerary!

Let’s be honest. These ladies know how to travel in style! They almost always  do the best things, eat the best things, and stay in the best places,  so taking travel advice from them is kind of a no-brainer. 

Instead of just following my travel advice, let’s see what the rich and famous get up to in Madeira instead, and then I’ll  show you how you can make it work for you.

This Madeira itinerary has been crafted from a deep-deep-deep dive into the travel episodes plus additional resources to help report  what the   Real Housewives of Potomac  did  in Madeira  in season 5, episodes 15, 16, and 17.

Madeira is one of the world’s most fabulous holiday destinations, but it doesn’t have to break the bank!

I do my best to find the actual places they stayed and visited, plus I offer suggestions and substitutions where necessary. At the end of the article, I have more tips to make your Madeira getaway even better!

So if you want to travel Madeira like the glamorous do, follow this  Madeira travel guide  step-by-step!

How to Get to Madeira

You don’t need Louis Vuitton luggage to arrive in Madeira in style. This popular year-round resort is visited by over a million people a year, and not all of them are packing that much style. I know I’m not, but a girl can dream, right?

Geographically  Madeira is two islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco in Africa : Madeira and Porto Santo. So while Madeira is politically part of Europe, the climate is warmer. 

While it took the girls nineteen hours to fly from Washington DC to Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, it will take you more or less time depending on where you are coming from.

Flying to Funchal, Madeira (FNC)

To get to Madeira, you will need to fly to  Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal.  The airport code is FNC.

There are  direct flights to Funchal  from many larger hubs in Europe, like London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. And naturally, you can also  fly to Funchal  direct from Lisbon and Porto.

You can also fly directly from Tenerife in the Canary Islands or from Ponta Delgada in the Azores. This is great if you want to plan a  Portuguese island-hopping adventure!

There are  not currently any direct flights from the USA , Canada, or anywhere outside of Europe, so if you’ll be coming from another continent, you will have at least one stop.

I have made flight connections from many of these main European hubs, and they are usually pretty seamless!

From the blurred-out pics of the airplanes, the ladies might have taken either  TAP Air Portugal  or  Iberia Air , at least for the final leg of their journey. It’s typical to book a round trip international flight through a major carrier and have legs of it be run by other airlines. 

I can’t tell which airline for sure they flew because this might just be stock footage. However, both airlines fly into Madeira frequently.

Check to See if You Need a Visa for Madeira

Make sure you are prepared to go through passport control as soon as you land in the  Schengen Zone.  This means you’ll want a layover of at least two hours, preferably three.

If you need a visa to visit Portugal, then you will need a  visa for Madeira.  Here are the  requirements for US citizens to visit Portugal.  Check with your home country if you are not from Potomac…err…the US.

Can I Cruise to Madeira Instead?

Yes, some cruises go to Madeira. If cruises are operating, check that they dock at the  Port of Funchal.

Ground Transportation in Madeira

Once the girls arrived in Funchal, they left the airport in a black minivan. It was hard to tell if the car was a production car from the show or if it was a local car service. 

If you want to pre-arrange your own private airport pick-up, you can book the  Funchal Airport: Private Transfer To/From Funchal .

If you prefer to do your own sightseeing and want to explore the whole island, you can rent a car and pick it up at the airport. I use  Discover Cars  when I rent cars on my travels.

If you do get a rental car, make sure that you have a driver’s license that works in Portugal. I haven’t driven in Madeira, but I’ve driven on mainland Portugal on a Portuguese road trip and used my US license. 

Once you have arrived at your accommodations, you can also use public transport options like local taxis and buses to get around Madeira.

Book a Private Funchal Airport Transfer

Where to Stay in Madeira

Your first stop will most likely be your accommodations, and well, it should come as no surprise that the ladies spent their vacation in Portugal   at a  5-star hotel.  I have some  l ess expensive   alternatives  here too, in case you are looking to save some coins.

Where to Stay in Medeira: Luxury Option

The women stayed at the  Savoy Palace  in Funchal. And of course, they stayed in  suites with giant bathtubs and lots of elegant gold decor  complete with welcoming gifts of chocolate lipstick in decorative high heels.

And the views these women have from their balconies…breathtaking.

As Candiace put it best, “y’all doing real fancy stuff in Madeira.”

Judging by the episodes and the ladies’ social media accounts, the  hotel pool is absolutely stunning . The ladies also spent quite a bit of time at the hotel as well as the  hotel’s restaurant and bar.

If you want to stay  where the RHOP stayed in Portugal,  then book a room at the  Savoy Palace  and call it a day. You’ll have an amazing time.

See Room Rates and Book Your Stay at the Savoy Palace

Of course, you may want to stay in a more affordable hotel and spend more of your trip budget on your other experiences. If so, here are some more affordable options.

Where to Stay in Madeira: Mid-Range Option

A  4-star alternative  with almost as good of reviews is the  Pestana CR7 Funchal , which also has a great pool and boasts a partnership between Pestana Hotels and world-renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

The rooms here are smaller than where the Housewives stayed, but they are  modern and chic.  The  hotel restaurant has great reviews  as well.

See Room Rates and Book Your Stay at the Pestana CR7 Funchal

Where to Stay in Madeira: Budget Option

If you want to save even more, there’s a  3-star hotel  with great reviews called the  Florasol Residence Hotel.  With beautiful views and clean rooms, you’ll have a great home base here from which to explore the islands!

See Room Rates and Book Your Stay at the Florasol Residence Hotel

Where to Stay in Madeira: Vacation Rental Option

If you want some privacy, you can book an entire private villa outside of the city. The  Madeira Island Villa Oceane Ribeira Brava  has a terrace with amazing views and great reviews from visitors.

Check Room Rates and Book Your Stay at the Madeira Island Villa Oceane Ribeira Brava

Your 4-Day Madeira Itinerary

Here we go! For this, I’ve documented what the Real Housewives of Potomac did, but I’m also going to list alternative options for us mere mortals where it makes sense. 

Day 1 in Madeira: Arrival & Dinner 

Here we go!

4:00 PM: Arrive in Maderia

The ladies’ flight was nineteen hours, and they left DC early in the morning, arriving at the airport at 4:30 AM! Because of the time difference, they  arrived in Funchal  in the afternoon of the next calendar day. 

If you want to follow Ashley’s lead, you can have a toast upon arrival to  “making magic in Madeira.”

This itinerary is designed to start around dinner on your arrival day, our Day 1. If you come from North America, you will probably find yourself jetlagged. It’s okay to nap or to dive right in.

If you get in earlier and want to explore, pick some of the optional or alternative activities provided to do during your extra time.

A great way to get introduced to any new place is to go on a city tour like this  Funchal 3 in 1: 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour  or this  Funchal: Old Town Walking Tour .

7:00 PM: Dinner at the Savoy Palace

Even if you don’t stay here, you can make a reservation and enjoy  dinner at the Savoy Palace!  While there are several restaurants at the hotel, the ladies dined at the  Galaxia Skyfood.  

Reservations are required, and you can make a reservation for  Galaxia Skyfood here.

The restaurant lists the dress code as  smart casual,  and the atmosphere is very chic-after-dark.

If you’re on a  romantic Madeira vacation,  they have a pre-set Romantic Dinner for two option that looks delicious.

While here, the women drank  white wine and rose,  but the labels were turned away from the camera. Karen also has milk. 

This is also the first time women order  Poncha, the local rum cocktail  that they drink practically every minute for the rest of their trip.

While we don’t see everything the women ordered, we do see some very delicious-looking dishes including an appetizer of  crispy skin with crab meat and avocados  and  tacos  and a main dish of  parrotfish tempura  and something with  shrimp .

You can see their  full menu here.

Alternative:  The reason the ladies went to this restaurant is that it’s in their hotel. If you aren’t staying at the Savoy and want something closer to home, you can have the same vibe by choosing a  place that is closer to your accommodations and has a chic vibe.  

It also helps to  dress the part . I always dress for vacation better if I’m on a girlfriends’ getaway!

Day 2 in Madeira: Funchal Cable Car Ride + Mercado dos Lavradores

Rise and shine, because you have an amazing day ahead of you!

8:00 AM Breakfast at the Hotel

Whether you have  breakfast in your hotel room, on your balcony, or at your hotel’s pool , spend a few minutes soaking up Maderia’s peaceful views.

Good to Know:  If you don’t want to be on your own, you can accomplish most of the same things the ladies do in the morning on this  From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte, and Sleigh Ride Tour .

9:00 AM See Madeira by Cable Car

The ladies took a private van to the  Funchal Cable Car (Teleférico do Funchal).  Maderia has multiple cable cars for you to choose from, but the two in Funchal are the Teleférico do Funchal and the  Teleférico do Jardim Botanico  (Botanical Gardens).

It took a bit of sleuthing on my part to figure out which one they took since there is footage of them passing the  Botanical Gardens  as they walk around, but I finally spotted the Teleférico do Funchal sign on their trip up after watching it a few times.

A one-way ticket to the top on the  Teleférico do Funchal is 11 Euros  and round-trip is 16 Euros, but they have packages that include discounted entrance to the Botanical Gardens if you want to stay up longer. You can see  current prices and packages here.

The  Funchal Cable Car leaves from the Old Town , which is obviously the old part of the city ( Portuguese : Zona Velha da Cidade).

From above the town you see the  rooftops of the local Quintas  as well as the  Nossa Senhora do Monte Church.

I found cable car tickets for the  Teleférico do Jardim Botanico   that are less expensive. Both cable cars take you up to the small village of Monte, so it’s up to you which one you choose.

Good to Know:  This itinerary includes  getting down from the little town of Monte by toboggan  and not going down the cable car. The toboggan is one of Madeira’s top attractions, but it’s pricier and more complicated than coming down by cable car. 

I’ll talk more about this later, but keep this in mind as you plan your trip to Madeira. 

10 AM: Walk Around the Village of Monte

While you cannot accomplish all the  things to do in Monte  in just a couple of hours, you can pick a few things to see in Monte to get a feel for the area.

The  village of Monte  on top of the mountain is stunning. We see the ladies walk through the streets. You can also use this time to visit the  Monte Palace Tropical Garden  ( Quinta Jardins do Imperador)  and the  Municipal Garden . Yes, this corner of the island has two impressive botanical gardens that are must-sees. 

The other most important site in town is the  Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte , a nineteenth-century church that’s one of Madeira’s most important pilgrimage sites.

12:00 PM Enjoy A Light Lunch + Drinks at Lunch 

While the name of the restaurant isn’t given in the episode, I’ve deduced after a bit of sleuthing that the most likely restaurant the ladies went to for lunch is  Greenhouse Coffee Roasters.

The ladies enjoyed  Madeira Wine, Poncha  (no surprise here), the  soup of the day , and  pasta salad.

If you want something a bit heartier or a bit more local, other r estaurants in Monte have more traditional Portuguese lunch options.

Remember, sometimes the housewives pick restaurants based on where they can film or what will look good in pictures. So while I think this restaurant looks really cute, feel free to go to another Monte restaurant if one piques your interest!

1:30 PM: Get Your Adrenaline Pumping on the Carreiros do Monte (Toboggan Ride)

One of the most popular things to do in Funchal is taking the toboggans down from Monte down to Livramento.

The  Carro de Cesto  is the wicker toboggan that you go down the hill in, and the Madeiran men who steer the toboggan are called  Carreiros. 

The basket itself is attached to two runners that  turn it into a sled  and the operators use special shoes that allow them to steer and stop the basket when needed.

This is a high-speed method of transportation that has been used in Madeira for almost two hundred years! The trip lasts about  ten minutes with speeds up to 30 mph.

Good to Know:  The toboggan is one of the  most popular attractions in Madeira , but it may not be the right fit for everyone.

It’s  more expensive  than using the cable cars to go down, and you also get  dropped off about 2KM from the Old Town  of Funchal. 

Once you arrive at the bottom, you will need to walk down the hill the rest of the way, negotiate a taxi where they know you’re a tourist, or use the public bus system.

Don’t Want to DIY:  If you don’t want to be in charge of your own morning, most of what has been done for the day so far is on the  From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte, and Sleigh Ride Tour .

2:30 PM: Shop Til You Drop at the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market)

The ladies arrive at the  Mercado dos Lavradores,  the local farmer’s market,   and start in the fresh produce section. They try pitaya, dragon fruit, passion fruit, orange, and bananeira.

They head upstairs, and at some point, it looks like  white wine magically appears in their hands.  Which is how a girls’ trip to Portugal should be, right?

They buy  Madeira  souvenirs,  including the local straw hats that say “Madeira” across the top and a kitschy mug.

If you’re as enchanted by the tiles in the market as I am, they are found all over the country and make an excellent  Portuguese souvenir.

According to  Visit Madeira:

“Large Batisttini Faience tile panels of Maria de Portugal, dated 1940 and painted with regional themes by João Rodrigues, adorn the facade, the main entrance, and the fishmonger.”

Good to Know:  the market is closed on Sundays

4:30 Back to Your Hotel to Rest + Get Dressed for Dinner

After shopping and day drinking, the ladies  headed back to the hotel  to rest and get dressed for dinner. It seems like they were quite tired after a full day of sightseeing, and pushed dinner back an hour to get in a bit more rest.

This is a great lesson for travelers:  don’t push yourself too hard . Travel should be relaxing as well as exciting!

If you want to do more sightseeing, the bottom of the post has more options for what you can do during this time. Otherwise,  relax, get some zzzzzz’s, and get dressed  to the nines for dinner. (Or fives, or sixes, etc).

7:30: Optional Pre-Dinner Drinks

If you have a bar in your hotel (or your room) you can  enjoy a drink before heading out to dinner . The ladies had dirty martinis and cabernet sauvignon at the hotel bar, well, Karen ordered green tea. 

Keep in Mind:  The ladies of the  Real Housewives  world drink a lot while they’re on vacation. I don’t personally drink from noon till midnight when I travel. I’m not encouraging drinking beyond your personal limit, just reporting back what the women did. 

If I were to copy this itinerary on my trip to Madeira, I’d enjoy some of the drinks, but not all. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Portugal is one of the  best wine countries in the world,  so if you do like wine, you should know you’re in good hands here!

8:00 Dinner at the Design Center Nini Andrade Silva

Tuck in for a glamorous dinner! The women went to the  Design Center Nini Andrade Silva  for dinner, and the  views of Funchal at night  across the water are amazing. You really couldn’t ask for better scenery!

Now if you are thinking, that sounds more like a museum or art gallery than a restaurant, I was confused as well. The building seems to be a beautiful mix of everything elegant. There are  shops, galleries, and the   art studio for Nini Andrade Silva. 

There are two places to eat here. The first is the DC Lounge Cafeteria and the second is the  Restaurant DC Atelier.  I’m ninety-five percent sure the second restaurant is where the women ate (can you imagine Karen Huger in a place called a  cafeteria ?). 

The women started with red and white wine and a plate of three kinds of butter with flour salt and spicy pepper.

The main dishes ordered were mostly seafood, but it looks like the menu has been changed since then. You can find the updated menu  here .

If you are on a girls’ trip, feel free to  end your meal with a toast  sisterhood in English or Igbo, which Wendy taught the ladies is  Obi Nwanne.

Good to Know:  Both restaurants in the Design Center are open at night (though the whole center is closed on Sundays)

10:00 PM: Optional Nightcap at Hotel Bar + Prank

I’m tired just thinking about how much these ladies have had to endure in the past fourteen hours, but if that’s not enough, they have a nightcap at the hotel bar and an entire prank. By ten pm after a full day of sightseeing, I’m done. 

However, if you want to keep the night rolling (prank option) there are lots of cute bars and clubs to  enjoy in Funchal at night.  Just make sure you’re ready to get up for an exciting Day 3!

Day 3 in Madeira: Natural Springs + Lounging by the Pool

Today has some of the  best Madeira photography spots  that we see on the trip, plus lots of time to unwind and relax. I have some options here for those who want to pack more in for the day.

9:00 AM Breakfast on your balcony, in your room, or by the pool

While most of the ladies had breakfast in their rooms or on their private balconies, Giselle ate hers by the pool to get her “Portugal tan going.” 

Honestly, the pool at the  Savoy Palace  might be one of the most beautiful hotel pools I’ve seen, so I can’t blame her. 

Whatever you choose to do for your breakfast, spend some time relaxing and enjoying the peaceful Madeira views. 

Alternative Morning Option 1:  If you want to go into Funchal to start your day instead,  Loja do Chá  is  one of the  most popular breakfast spots in Madeira  and it opens at 9 AM.

The ladies chose to stay at the hotel relaxing until they leave for their afternoon activity. If you want to do some sightseeing during this time instead, you can use one of the recommendations at the end of this post. 

Alternative Morning Option 2:  If you want to do some sightseeing instead of a local breakfast, sign up for this  Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour .

The morning tour lasts two and a half hours and leaves at 9:30 AM, so it’s the perfect alternative to staying back and relaxing. 

You’ll get your adrenaline pumping on the speedboat and get to do some  whale watching and dolphin watching  along with seeing amazing views of the city from the water.

Reserve Your Spot on the Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

12:30 Enjoy the Healing of the Doca Do Cavacas Natural Pools

Complete with sunbeds and amazing views, a trip to the volcanic natural pools of  Doca Do Cavacas  is a Madeira bucket list item. 

Also known as the  Gomes’ Pools or Pocas Do Gomes , these rocky natural pools are a bit on the cool side, but stunning to look at. If these ladies can get out and swim in them, then you can, too! 

Or in the words of Karen Huger, “Been there. Done that. Check it off the list.”

The ladies enjoyed sparkling wine, beer, vodka orange, and Poncha from their rented sunbeds. They also have one of the  most epic Madeira photoshoots.  Oooh, these women’s photos turned out amazing, in part thanks to the absolutely stunning backdrop.

These views include the highest cape in Europe, Cabo Girão, and Formosa Beach, as well as the rock formations that make the pools themselves.

In the words of Giselle, “This is a pho-to shoot.”

This area is considered a beach, though it is a very  rocky beach  and definitely not a sandy beach, so plan your shoes accordingly.

There are services here for visitors like a parking lot,  bathrooms, a lifeguard, showers, restaurants, and bars.  

Good to Know:  Doca do Cavacas is located between Lido and Formosa beach. It can be accessed  via the Lido Promenade .   Praia Formosa beach is nearby if you want to visit both. You can get to Praia Formosa from the tunnel.

Bring cash  to pay your entrance fee and sunbed rental.

4:30 PM: Ice Cream by the Pool

If you want to  relax and spend time by the pool,  then you’re in luck! One thing that should be apparent reading this itinerary, is that Bravo builds in a lot of time for the women to sit and talk (and have drama).

So the women go and enjoy some time by the pool eating ice cream. And gossip. And stir the pot. And be messy. And do everything we want from them.

However, you can enjoy time by your own hotel pool or spend time relaxing. 

Alternative:  You can go  walk around Old Town  in Funchal and enjoy the scenery. Or you can stay by the water and  spend time at another Madeira beach.  

Essentially, this is your time. You do you. And then get ready to go to dinner.

8:00 PM Dinner + Drinks at Avista Restaurant & Lounge

The ladies enjoy wine, champagne, and seafood at  Avista Restaurant & Lounge . This swanky Madeira eatery is located near Pirates Bay in the  Cliff Bay Hotel.

It’s the little sister restaurant of the 2 Michelin Star Il Gallo d’Oro, but it only costs about one-fifth of the price!

Day 4 in Madeira: Sidecar Tour + the Drinks of Madeira

Today is the last day of the official itinerary, though I have lots of options below if you need a 5-Day or 7-Day Madeira itinerary instead!

8:00 AM: Breakfast On Your Own

We see the ladies  getting ready for the day  and some B-Roll of waffles that look pretty delicious, but they don’t make a big thing of breakfast, so we won’t either. Our morning is packed, so get dressed for some adventure!

9:00 AM: Madeira Sidecar Tour

Now, this is my favorite find of this itinerary! You can book the actual Sidecar tour company that the ladies went on! 

It’s the  Funchal: Sightseeing Tour by Sidecar , and it looks absolutely stunning. This tour is run by the actual company they went with, too, so you know it’s the same.  

Sights included on the  tour include Old Town, the Museu das Cruzes  (Gonçalves Zarco’s first house), the  convent of Santa Clara, the main Cathedral, the Jesuits Church, the Municipal Square and Garden, and the City Hall building.  

You’ll also get to explore Funchal and see beautiful island views and charming streets beyond what you’ve already gotten to see, including some true  Madeira hidden gems!

The owner Filipe is one of the drivers who actually took the ladies on their sidecar tour, so maybe you’ll get  some hot gossip  while you’re on your tour.

In the words of Ashley, “Madeira has some incredible scenery, and the sidecars are the perfect way to actually experience it.” 

Book Your Funchal: Sightseeing Tour by Sidecar

11:30 AM: Have a Poncha Making Lesson at Taberna da Poncha

After their scenic tours, the ladies head to  Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Agua . The goal here is to enjoy a Poncha-making lesson.

Poncha is made from  aguardente del cana  (sometimes called rhum) , which is a liqueur made from sugar cane. It’s mixed with honey, sugar, and fruits. Typically lemon and oranges are used, but technically the drink can be made from many more fruits than these. 

Don’t worry, this isn’t a full school lesson and there won’t be a test. You can enjoy the demonstration on how it’s made and then take your drink and the peanuts that come with it to your table to enjoy.

Good to Know:  There are  peanuts on the floor  here, so if you are VERY allergic to peanuts you might want to find another place to drink your Poncha.

1:00 PM: Enjoy a Quick Lunch 

So here’s where I would suggest we depart from what the ladies do. They spend their afternoon enjoying a late lunch by the pool, then they have a “naughty” hotel party. 

These are things they need to do for the show, but you should spend some time enjoying your last afternoon and night in Funchal!

For lunch,  grab something easy but heavy enough to absorb the Poncha  rattling around your system! 

2:00 PM: Enjoy a Madeira Wine Tour

Make your way to your hotel for pickup, and get ready to learn about the other important drink from Madeira:  Madeira wine!

The Madeira: Nature & Wine 4×4 Tour from Funchal  may not be on the official Real Housewives Madeira itinerary, but I think it is in spirit as it is that glamorous.

You’ll get to see more Madeira sights like the Encumeada viewpoint, Chão dos Louros Forest Park, views over Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, Paul da Serra, and São Vicente. 

Then you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the vineyards, followed by a wine tasting and traditional tapa. 

Before the end of your tour, you even get to visit Cabo Girão, the second-highest peak in the world and the highest peak in Europe.

Book the Madeira: Nature & Wine 4×4 Tour from Funchal  

7:00 PM Go on a Private Sunset Tour of Madeira

You should be dropped back off at your hotel by 7:00 PM, so there’s still time for one last Madeira adventure! 

Get the best sunset views on a  Private Service Sunset Tour  of the island of Madeira seeing the sunset from the amazing viewpoints at Neves, Cabo Girão (winter only), Cristo Rei, or Fajã dos Padres.

Book Your Private Service Sunset Tour

Turn this Into a 5, 6, or 7-Day Madeira Itinerary

While Madeira may be a small island group, that doesn’t mean there’s not a ton to do here! If you have more time, here are  activities, day tours, and day trips  to add to your itinerary for Madeira.

The Best Day Trips from Funchal

These are the top-rated day trip tours that leave Funchal and last around eight hours or more.

Best of Madeira’s West Tour  – to see a new side of the island. Includes the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Ribeira Brava, Serra D’Água with views of the south and north coast of the island, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and Paul da Serra.

Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley   – to see the routes of the “Levada” irrigation system developed in the 16th century by Madeira’s first settlers. Includes the  Paul da Serra to the Rabaçal guesthouse, the waterfall of the Levada do Risco (Risco Waterfall), and the Levada das 25 Fontes.

Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz Tour   – to see the northwest coast, including Serra de Água, Encumeada, the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros, Ginjas, and Paul da Serro, Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest, and Porto do Moniz. If weather permits, continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach and the Véu da Noiva viewpoint.

Madeira Peaks: Full-Day Tour by Open 4×4   – to see southeast Madeira, including Machico town and the line that divides the north and south of the island, Eagles Rock from Portela, Porto da Cruz, the Faial coastline, Santana, and Riveiro Frio.

Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk   – to see Camacha, the island’s third-highest peak of Pico do Arieiro, Levada walk inside the Laurissilva forest in Ribeiro Frio, the viewpoint of Miradouro do Pico do facho, and the A-framed cottages of Santana

Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal   – this full-day catamaran adventure includes seeing the Desertas Islands along the south coast of Madeira Island, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and adjacent islets.

More Things to Do in Madeira

Walk down Rua de Santa Maria, the oldest street in Old Town Funchal

Hike Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz

Visit Porto Santo to see Pico de Ana Ferreira, Ponta da Calheta, Miradouro das Flores hiking trail, and Porto das Salemas 

Sao Vicente Caves and Volcanism Center

See the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse on a cliff three hundred meters above sea level

The Valley of Nuns Trail and Curral das Freiras Village

Vereda Dos Balcões Viewpoint

Hike to Levada do Caldeirão Verde (If you’re a hiker, there are even more hikes than the ones listed here. The Real Housewives don’t usually hike on vacation).

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Portugal

Along with sunglasses and sunscreen, make sure to pack these:

The   Lonely Planet Portugal   guidebook for your trip. It can be hard to find big, international guidebooks once you land (or they’ll be way overpriced). Get yours ahead of time, either a hard copy or on a Kindle.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a Portuguese sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road.

A  Backup Charging Bank .  This is for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie. The mountains can drain your battery since it will take more power to continually check for signals where the signal gets spotty.

A  Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). 

My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe ,  which is especially great for tourist destinations because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets plus RFID technology to keep your credit card digits safe. 

It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day.

A Pair of Comfortable Closed-Toed Walking Shoes .  I use  boots like these  or  like these .  Pack hiking shoes if you’re planning on hiking. Otherwise, any closed-toed shoes will work. This itinerary is packed and you’ll be on your feet a lot. Make sure to take care of them!

More Portugal Travel Resources

I adore Portugal! Here are the best Portugal resources on my blog.

​​ 7 Lovely Lisbon Souvenirs & Gifts You Need in Your Suitcase!

​ 7 Sensational Things to Do in Belem: Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & More ​​​

​ 13 Essential Tips for Traveling to Lisbon on a Budget ​​​​​​

​ The Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal ​​​

​​ 10 Things You Need to Know to Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal ​​​

The Perfect 4 Days in Madeira Itinerary

Portugal Country Guides

​ 30 Perfect Portugal Quotes for Captions & Statuses

​​ 51 Giggle-Inducing Portugal Puns for Portugal Instagram Captions & Statuses ​​​ ​​​

Included in these Round-Ups

​​ 27 of the Best Wine Countries in the World for Your Bucket List!

​ 27 Stunning Places to Visit in September in Europe for a Late Summer Getaway

​ 27 of the Best Opera Houses in Europe for a Perfect Night Out ​​​

​ 25 Most Underrated Cities in Europe for a Fabulous Vacation without the Crowds

​ The 50 Most Beautiful Castles in the World and the Pictures to Prove It

11 Stunning Catholic Monasteries Everyone Should See

Before You Leave for Portugal – Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Make sure you have a valid  Travel Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road.

I use  World Nomads  for my long trips to Europe, and I happily recommend them.

It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in big cities like Lisbon where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets or beaches like in the Algarve or on Madeira where there’s more risk of an accident.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance, and I happily recommend them.  

If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Get a Travel Insurance Quote for Your Trip

Pin this Itinerary for 3-7 Days in Madeira for Your Portugal Adventures!

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Highlights of Madeira

Fully Guided

B&B (+1)

Flights & Transfers

• Save extra €100pp*  on tours departing up to August 31 st  2024 using promo code  TOP100
• Take a guided Madeira tour & experience one of the best destinations in Portugal. 
• Stay 7 nights in Funchal & take a city tour of Madeira’s capital. 
• Explore the eastern coast of Madeira, including a visit to Santana. 
• Uncover Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado volcano craters & Ribeiro Frio natural park on guided excursions.
• Visit the charming village of Monte & its beautiful gardens. 
• Enjoy a typical Madeiran evening of food and entertainment.
• Unwind with plenty of free time to relax or uncover more of Madeira independently with tips from our local guide. 

Book Your Trip From € 1248 pp

Book your trip from € 969 pp, from € 1248pp from € 969pp, add to wishlist, remove from wishlist, view hotels, your guided tour to madeira.

Join us on this relaxing tour of Madeira and experience a unique holiday in Portugal. Known as the ‘floating flower garden’, this beautiful Portuguese island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean between the Canaries and Portugal. Despite its small size, Madeira has so much to offer; incredible natural landscapes, green terraced mountainsides, dramatic rocky outcrops and picturesque villages, as well as a superb climate. We’ll embark on a city tour of Funchal to discover the vibrant markets and botanic gardens. No visit would be complete without tasting the island’s most famous export, we’ll enjoy sampling Madeira Wine at a local winery. We’ll learn more about the island’s intriguing history and experience its breath-taking scenery with various excursions, including an East Island Madeira tour, Ribeiro Frio natural park, the Eira do Serrado volcano craters and the quaint thatched roof cottages of Santana. There will also, of course, be plenty of free time to explore Madeira at your own pace, relax on the coast, go on a whale and dolphin watching excursion or experience the famous toboggan ride on a traditional wicker sledge. Uncover this wonderful part of Portugal with us and see the top highlights of Madeira.

Please note :

• See  offer terms and conditions

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Leisurely

Travel to madeira, arrive in funchal madeira.

Depart for Funchal Madeira. We have arrived! Meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel.

Visit Funchal

Morning at leisure.

Relax more; take a leisurely walk along one of the Lidos or unwind at our hotel and soak up the temperate climate.

Half Day Guided City Tour

Let’s discover Funchal! After breakfast we’ll set off on a half day guided city tour to uncover some of the highlights in this city. First stop is at the local and colourful markets selling fresh fruits, fish, and Madeira’s famous flowers! After we’ll take some time out to visit the beautiful botanic gardens and admire all the plants and flowers that thrive in Madeira’s warm climate.

We finish our excursion with a visit to a local wine cellar, savouring a taste of the famous Madeira wine before returning to our hotel.

Uncover Funchal at Leisure

Today we are free to explore more of our surroundings. Take a refreshing swim at one of the Lidos, stroll the promenades, shop in the local mall or discover the taste of some of local delicacies on offer and sample the traditional Poncha made with liquor and honey.

Uncover Pico dos Barcelos Monte and Eira do Serrado

See more - eira do serrado volcano craters.

Let’s uncover more of this picturesque island! We set off on a half day guided tour; taking in some of the striking scenery along the way, including the Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado volcano craters. Marvel at the spectacular views of the craters, surrounding hills and deep valleys.

We finish our excursion in the quirky and charming village of Monte before returning to our hotel. Spend the rest of our day at leisure.

Day at Leisure

Make the most of our final day on this beautiful island! Today we are free to explore! 

Experience an Evening in Madeira

Join us for dinner! Tonight, we savour our last dinner together with entertainment at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Explore More of Funchal

Funchal at leisure.

Make the most of our final day on this beautiful island! Today we are free to explore! Let’s enjoy some extra time in the wonderful Botanic gardens, experience the cable cars or try the famous Wicker sledges (not for the faint hearted).  Discover nature on a whale and dolphin watching excursion; the choice is yours. Our expert guide will be happy to tell you of further options on our last day.

We make the most of pleasant climate and enjoy our last day in Funchal.

Explore East of the Island and Pico do Arieiro

Full day guided excursion santana, ribero frio and more.

Fall in love with Madeira as we uncover the beauty and scenic Eastern side of the island, on a full day guided excursion. Today we explore some of the highlights including Pico do Arieiro Madeira’s third highest peak, Ribeiro Frio natural park, and Santana famous for its typical thatched roof cottages; before taking a well-deserved break for lunch (included).  We stop and admire the viewpoint in Portela with impressive rock formations of the eagle’s cliff and part of the north coast. We finish our excursion in Ponta de S. Lourenço, the Eastern point of the island before returning to our hotel.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Farewell Madeira

Depart funchal for home.

Today we say a fond farewell to Madeira and our newfound friends as we depart for home.

Customer Reviews

Hotels available.

Funchal   Portugal

Girassol Hotel

With an idyllic location overlooking the Atlantic and 5 minutes’ walk (300m) to the seafront promenade, the long-established Girassol Hotel has all the right ingredients for an enjoyable holiday on t…

Hotel do Carmo

Hotel do Carmo offers a unique and comfortable experience in Madeira’s capital, Funchal.  Decorated in an appealing ‘sixties’ theme throughout, it is located in the city centre, within close walking …

Funchal, Madeira   Portugal

Turim Santa Maria Hotel

This hotel is ideally located, with Funchal city centre less than 1 kilometre away. The hotel offers a delightful escape, seamlessly blending comfort and sophistication with its modern designed rooms…

Know before you go

Will i be met at the airport.

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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Life on Other Planets: What is Life and What Does It Need?

One day, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, a faraway planet could yield hints that it might host some form of life – but surrender its secrets reluctantly.

Our space telescopes might detect a mixture of gases in its atmosphere that resembles our own. Computer models would offer predictions about the planet’s life-bearing potential. Experts would debate whether the evidence made a strong case for the presence of life, or try to find still more evidence to support such a groundbreaking interpretation.

“We are in the beginning of a golden era right now,” said Ravi Kopparapu, a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who studies habitable planets. “For the first time in the history of civilization we might be able to answer the question: Is there life beyond Earth?”

For exoplanets – planets around other stars – that era opens with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Instruments aboard the spacecraft are detecting the composition of atmospheres on exoplanets. As the power of telescopes increases in the years ahead, future advanced instruments could capture possible signs of life – “biosignatures” – from a planet light-years away.

Within our solar system, the Perseverance rover on Mars is gathering rock samples for eventual return to Earth, so scientists can probe them for signs of life. And the coming Europa Clipper mission will visit an icy moon of Jupiter. Its goal: to determine whether conditions on that moon would allow life to thrive in its global ocean, buried beneath a global ice shell.

But any hints of life beyond Earth would come with another big question: How certain could any scientific conclusions really be?

“The challenge is deciding what is life – when to say, ‘I found it,’” said Laurie Barge of the Origins and Habitability Lab at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

With so much unknown about what even constitutes a “sign of life,” astrobiologists are working on a new framework to understand the strength of the evidence. A sample framework, proposed in 2021, includes a scale ranging from 1 to 7, with hints of other life at level 1, to increasingly substantial evidence, all the way to certainty of life elsewhere at level 7. This framework, which is being discussed and revised, acknowledges that scientific exploration in the search for life is a twisted, winding road, rather than a straightforward path.

And identifying definitive signs remains difficult enough for “life as we know it.” Even more uncertain would be finding evidence of life as we don’t know it, made of unfamiliar molecular combinations or based on a solvent other than water.

Still, as the search for life begins in earnest, among the planets in our own solar system as well as far distant systems known only by their light, NASA scientists and their partners around the world have some ideas that serve as starting points.

Life That Evolves

First, there’s NASA’s less-than-formal, non-binding but still helpful working definition of life: “A self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution.” Charles Darwin famously described evolution by natural selection, with characteristics preserved across generations leading to changes in organisms over time.

Derived in the 1990s by a NASA exobiology working group, the definition is not used to design missions or research projects. It does help to set expectations, and to focus debate on the critical issues around another thorny question: When does non-life become life?

“Biology is chemistry with history,” says Gerald Joyce, one of the members of the working group that helped create the NASA definition and now a research professor at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California.

That means history recorded by the chemistry itself – in our case, inscribed in our DNA, which encodes genetic data that can be translated into the structures and physical processes that make up our bodies.

The DNA record must be robust, complex, self-replicating and open-ended, Joyce suggests, to endure and adapt over billions of years.

“That would be a smoking gun: evidence for information having been recorded in molecules,” Joyce said.

Such a molecule from another world in our solar system, whether DNA, RNA or something else, might turn up in a sample from Mars, say from the Mars sample-return mission now being planned by NASA.

Or it might be found among the “ocean worlds” in the outer solar system – Jupiter’s moon, Europa, Saturn’s Enceladus or one of the other moons of gas giants that hide vast oceans beneath shells of ice.

We can’t obtain samples of such information-bearing molecules from planets beyond our solar system, since they are so far away that it would take tens of thousands of years to travel there even in the fastest spaceships ever built. Instead, we’ll have to rely on remote detection of potential biosignatures, measuring the types and quantities of gases in exoplanet atmospheres to try to determine whether they were generated by life-forms. That likely will require deeper knowledge of what life needs to get its start – and to persist long enough to be detected.

A Place Where Life Emerges

There is no true consensus on a list of requirements for life, whether in our solar system or the stars beyond. But Joyce, who researches life’s origin and development, suggests a few likely “must-haves.”

Topping the list is liquid water. Despite a broad spectrum of environmental conditions inhabited by living things on Earth, all life on the planet seems to require it. Liquid water provides a medium for the chemical components of life to persist over time and come together for reactions, in a way that air or the surface of a rock don’t do as well.

Also essential: an energy source, both for chemical reactions that produce structures and to create “order” against the universal tendency toward “disorder” – also known as entropy.

An imbalance in atmospheric gases also might offer a tell-tale sign of the presence of life.

“In Earth’s atmosphere, oxygen and methane are highly reactive with each other,” Kopparapu said. Left to themselves, they would quickly cancel each other out.

“They should not be seen together,” he said. “So why are we seeing methane, why are we seeing oxygen? Something must be constantly replenishing these compounds.”

On Earth, that “something” is life, pumping more of each into the atmosphere and keeping it out of balance. Such an imbalance, in these compounds or others, could be detected on a distant exoplanet, suggesting the presence of a living biosphere. But scientists also will have to rule out geological processes like volcanic or hydrothermal activity that could generate molecules that we might otherwise associate with life.

Careful laboratory work and precision modeling of possible exoplanet atmospheres will be needed to tell the difference.

Going Through Changes

Barge also places high on the list the idea of “gradients,” or changes that occur over time and distance, like wet to dry, hot to cold, and many other possible environments. Gradients create places for energy to go, changing along the way and generating molecules or chemical systems that later might be incorporated into life-forms.

Plate tectonics on Earth, and the cycling of gases like carbon dioxide – buried beneath Earth’s crust by subduction, perhaps, or released back into the atmosphere by volcanoes – represent one kind of gradient.

Barge’s specialty, the chemistry of hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor billions of years ago, is another. It’s one possible pathway to have created a kind of primitive metabolism – the translation of organic compounds into energy – as a potential precursor to true life-forms.

“What gradients existed before life?” she asks. “If life depends so much on gradients, could the origin of life also have benefited from these gradients?”

Clearer mapping of possible pathways to life ultimately could inform the design of future space telescopes, tasked with parsing the gases in the atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.

“If we want to be sure it’s coming from biology, we have to not only look for gases; we have to look at how it’s being emitted from the planet, if it’s emitted in the right quantities, in the right way,” Kopparapu said. “With future telescopes, we’ll be more confident because they’ll be designed to look for life on other planets.”

Search for Life

This article is one in a series about how NASA is searching for life in the cosmos.

Beginnings: Life on Our World and Others

The Hunt for Life on Mars – and Elsewhere in the Solar System

'Life' in the Lab

Searching for Signs of Intelligent Life: Technosignatures

Finding Life Beyond Earth: What Comes Next?

Related Terms

• Terrestrial Exoplanets
• The Search for Life

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NASA’s ORCA, AirHARP Projects Paved Way for PACE to Reach Space

It took the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission just 13 minutes to reach low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in February 2024. It took a network of scientists at NASA and research institutions around the world more than 20 years to carefully craft and test the novel instruments that allow PACE […]

NASA’s CloudSat Ends Mission Peering Into the Heart of Clouds

Over the course of nearly two decades, its powerful radar provided never-before-seen details of clouds and helped advance global weather and climate predictions. CloudSat, a NASA mission that peered into hurricanes, tallied global snowfall rates, and achieved other weather and climate firsts, has ended its operations. Originally proposed as a 22-month mission, the spacecraft was […]

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Black Holes

Local Flavors: where to eat and drink in Florence

Apr 29, 2024 • 5 min read

Taste the best of Florence's flavors with this local's guide to where to eat and drink (pictured Il Vegetariano, a popular local lunch spot) © Angelo Zinna

Food is big business in Florence , to the extent that the city council introduced a law limiting the opening of new bars and restaurants in the UNESCO-listed city center.

This measure was in response to concerns about the excess of tourist-focused dining options there, exacerbated by the tripling of restaurants in just 10 years between 2005 and 2015.

In the center of the Renaissance city, there is approximately one dining establishment for every 31 residents. While the array of options seems endless, Italians, generally being creatures of habit, tend to gravitate towards familiar foods. Lengthy queues outside TikTok-promoted venues are met with disapproval, and terms like "traditional," "authentic," and "genuine" have been so overused when describing new restaurants that they've lost their meaning.

For Florentines, no culinary novelty will outshine a reputation built over the years. We stick to what we know and are generally skeptical of everything else. Here are my tried and trusted places to eat and drink.

The day starts with a shot of bitter espresso – the first of many – at the nearest cafe. In my case, that’s Bar Piccioli, a dimly lit, old-school patisserie in Borgo Ognissanti.

Italian breakfast is quick. Many foreigners who arrive in Italy for the first time are often surprised that a sweet pastry and espresso, typically enjoyed standing up at the bar, are what locals consume to kickstart their day. But pastries can go a long way if done right, and Claudio, Piccioli’s owner, has been serving exquisite cornetti (croissants) and other morning delicacies fresh out of the oven for decades.

The daily changing variety of crunchy croissants – filled with anything from zabaglione (egg and Marsala custard) to pistacchio – are a safe bet, but depending on when you visit you may also find maritozzi (brioche buns) filled with whipped cream, custard and pine nuts, shortbread, and seasonal specialties such as rice frittelle (fried bites), prepared in early spring. 

I would love to feature Circolo Rondinella in every category of my list. It’s a place where you can easily spend the whole day, from breakfast to dinner. There's something special about sitting, coffee in hand, on the faux grass in the outdoor area, which overlooks the Arno River and the 14th-century Torrino di Santa Rosa. Here, you'll often find groups of elderly men gathering daily for a glass of wine and engaging in lively games of briscola, peppered with good-natured swearing.

In terms of food, don’t expect anything especially refined here. Coffee is your standard espresso shot and lunch is a changing menu of seasonal pastas and main courses. That’s the draw of Rondinella – not trying hard to be special in a city where hundreds of restaurants and cafes compete for people’s attention.

Circoli , or social clubs, are a cornerstone of Tuscan culture and are found scattered throughout the region. These clubs typically revolve around a cultural activity. Circolo Rondinella served as the former headquarters for the local calcio storico historic football team, a fact evidenced by the collection of memorabilia on display. They've long been a place for members of the community to come together and build ties. Rondinella stands out as one of the few circoli still operating in central Florence. 

When you visit, remember to order at the bar and pay in cash.

These days, most restaurants offer at least a couple of plant-based dishes on their menu, but eating in meat-centric Tuscany can get a bit repetitive for vegetarians. Il Vegetariano stands out with a daily changing selection of a dozen meat-free specialties inspired by local recipes and prepared with ingredients sourced directly from Florence’s surroundings. Look out for creative dishes like potato and black cabbage gateau with parmesan fondue.

Il Vegetariano, found behind the hand-carved wooden sign marking the entrance, has been operating since the early 1980s. It pioneered vegetarian eating before it was cool in a city known for its T-bone steak. This is not just a good vegetarian restaurant — it’s a good restaurant overall, as the flow of regulars sitting amid quirky decor shows. Don’t forget to try the cakes.

If you love your wine with a bit of background music — vinyl spinning on the turntable— and haven’t yet fallen for Aperol’s aperitivo marketing, Vineria Sonora is your wine-filled, pre-dinner drinking spot. This funky enoteca (wine bar) on Via degli Alfani is known for its impressive selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines from independent Italian producers, and its weekend DJ sets. Stop by to start your night with unique wines, from an orange Trebbiano from Tuscany to a sparkling Pinot Noir from Northern Italy.

By 9pm, after a few glasses of wine, you might find yourself ready for something more substantial. Just around the corner from Vineria Sonora is Trattoria Accadì , the perfect place to continue your evening. The trattoria has a cozy feel with dark wood furniture and a hand-written menu featuring Tuscan classics including fried artichokes and hearty, traditional stews such as peposo (with spiced beef) and ribollita (with seasonal vegetables). Plus, you’ll find a few unexpected Japanese touches in the old-school decor, a nod to the chef, Toshifumi Mitsubiki, whose passion for Italian cuisine led him to move to the opposite side of the world and open Accadì.

Late-night drinking happens on the south side of the Arno River and, more specifically, in Piazza Tasso, where Circolo Aurora serves its cocktails under Florence’s ancient city walls. Removed from the crowded Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo Spirito – where most bars in this part of the city are found – Circolo Aurora draws locals to its bar with regular live jazz nights and open mic sessions. Choose your drinks from a list in a vintage photo album with actual vintage photos, a touch that is very much in line with the nostalgia-inducing decor of the bar, comprising '80s action figures scattered around the room, old advertising posters and a vintage bike hanging from the wall. Since the pandemic, Florence’s live music scene has experienced a sharp decline, but Aurora keeps culture alive, especially during summer months when tables spill on the square and music can be heard flowing from the bar.

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