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2 weeks ago
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PortugalMadeira
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Destination guide
Madeira, the Atlantic's floating garden
A volcanic island of eternal spring, where the sea crashes against dizzying cliffs and footpaths follow centuries-old water channels through laurel forest. From the cobbled lanes of Funchal to peaks that rise above a sea of clouds, Madeira is best explored slowly, with a poncha in hand and a mountain in view. This guide helps you decide what to see, when to go and where to stay.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Funchal and its Old Town
The capital packs in the Mercado dos Lavradores, the cathedral and Rua de Santa Maria, where dozens of doors painted by artists turn the old quarter into an open-air gallery.
The levadas and the Laurisilva
A network of centuries-old irrigation channels threads through the laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trails like 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde reward you with waterfalls and deep green.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
The trail linking the island's two highest peaks runs along sharp ridges, through tunnels and past viewpoints over a sea of clouds. It is one of Portugal's most spectacular walks.
Cabo Girão
One of Europe's highest sea cliffs, with a glass-floored skywalk suspended above the ocean and the terraced smallholdings still farmed at its foot.
Monte: cable car and toboggans
A cable car climbs from Funchal to Monte, with its tropical gardens and church. The traditional ride back down in wicker toboggans, steered by carreiros, is pure Madeiran heritage.
Porto Moniz natural pools
In the far northwest, solidified lava forms natural saltwater pools where you can swim sheltered from the Atlantic swell.
The flavours of Madeira
Beef espetada skewered on bay-laurel sticks, bolo do caco flatbread with garlic butter, black scabbard fish with banana and poncha sum up an honest, tasty island kitchen.
When to go
Madeira lives up to its eternal-spring reputation: mild temperatures all year and sharp microclimates, with a drier, sunnier south and a greener, wetter north. Almost any month works; the difference lies in the crowds and in what you want to do.
Spring (March-May)
Mild and in bloom, with the Festa da Flor colouring Funchal. The best mix for walking the levadas before the heat, with the landscape at its greenest.
Summer (June-August)
The warmest, driest and liveliest season, with the sea at its best for swimming and plenty of festivals. It is also the busiest, especially in Funchal and the natural pools.
Autumn (September-November)
The sea stays warm and the crowds thin out. It coincides with the Madeira wine harvest and brings pleasant days for hiking and whale watching.
Winter (December-February)
Mild and perfect for escaping the cold. New Year fills Funchal for its famous fireworks over the bay, so book well in advance.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Funchal
The capital and the island's natural base: the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife, the old town and a seafront hotel zone with ocean access. Ideal for first-timers who want everything close at hand.
Câmara de Lobos
A genuine fishing village just minutes from Funchal, with painted boats, poncha on every corner and Cabo Girão nearby. Perfect for a quieter feel without straying far from the capital.
Calheta
In the sunny southwest, it has one of the island's few golden-sand beaches, a marina and an unhurried resort pace. A good pick for pairing nature with beach time.
Porto Moniz
In the northwest corner beside its natural pools, this is the most dramatic and remote option, ringed by cliffs and rugged scenery. Made for travellers who put nature first.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Rent a car
It is the easiest way to discover the island: the interior is mountainous, with tunnels and steep roads, and public transport mainly reaches the larger towns. Driving gives you the freedom to chase viewpoints and villages.
Pack for the microclimates
It can be sunny in Funchal while the peaks are clouded and the north is raining. Bring layers and a waterproof windbreaker even when the day starts clear.
Grippy shoes and a torch for the levadas
Wear footwear with good grip and carry a head torch for the Pico do Arieiro tunnels. Check trail status on the official site, as paths can close after rain.
Get up early at Pico do Arieiro
Sunrise above the sea of clouds is unforgettable, but the viewpoint fills up and parking is limited. Arrive very early and wrap up: it is cold on the peaks at dawn.
Try poncha and espetada
Poncha, made with sugarcane spirit, honey and lemon, is the island's drink; espetada is beef grilled on laurel sticks. Order them in taverns and villages, not just in Funchal.
Euros and some cash
Madeira uses the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it helps to carry some cash for markets, small villages and the toboggan ride.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Almost any time works thanks to the mild climate. Spring shines for flowers and hiking, summer for the sea and atmosphere, autumn for calm and the wine harvest, and winter for escaping the cold and the New Year fireworks.
