Madeira Travel Guide: Levadas, Funchal and Island Tips

Madeira is Portugal’s “island of eternal spring”: dramatic cliffs, laurel forests, mountain-top sunrises and flower-filled Funchal, with mild weather all year. It’s a short flight from Lisbon and a favourite of our members for walking holidays and winter sun.

Quick answer: stay in Funchal, hire a car for at least part of your trip, and give yourself 5–7 days. Walk a levada, catch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, and swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. Book popular trails in advance, as many now charge a small fee.

Getting there

Direct flights to Madeira (Funchal, FNC) leave from Lisbon and Porto (about 1h30–1h45) and from many UK and European cities. The airport is known for strong winds, and flights are occasionally diverted or delayed, so don’t book a tight onward connection.

When to go

Any time of year. Coastal temperatures stay mild, around 19°C in winter and the mid-20s in summer. The north and the mountains are cooler and wetter, and the weather can change quickly. Don’t miss the Flower Festival in spring or the New Year’s Eve fireworks over Funchal’s bay, one of the biggest displays in the world.

Where to stay

• Funchal: the capital and best base, with restaurants, the old town (Zona Velha), the market and easy tours. See places to stay in Funchal.
• Calheta and the southwest: sunnier, quieter, with a sandy beach.
• The north coast (São Vicente, Porto Moniz): green, dramatic and peaceful, best with a car.

Browse all Madeira stays

Top things to do

• Walk a levada: Madeira’s old irrigation channels make level paths through forests and along cliffs. Popular routes include the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls (PR6) and Caldeirão Verde.
• Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1): the island’s most famous hike, high above the clouds. It reopened in April 2026 after repairs. Go for sunrise, and book a slot.
• Porto Moniz: swim in natural lava-rock sea pools.
• Cabo Girão: a glass skywalk on one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
• Funchal: the cable car to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down, the Mercado dos Lavradores, botanical gardens and Madeira wine lodges.
• Ponta de São Lourenço: a wild, rocky peninsula walk at the island’s eastern tip.
• Whale and dolphin watching from Funchal or Calheta.

Hiking rules and fees

Since January 2026, all 42 official trails (PR routes) need a booked 30-minute time slot on the government’s SIMplifica portal. Independent hikers pay €4.50 per trail (€3 with a registered guide), and the PR1 summit trail costs €10.50. Day and multi-day passes are available, and children under 12 go free (but still need a slot). See our full Madeira levada walks guide.

• Start early. Car parks at popular trailheads fill fast.
• Bring layers, a waterproof and a torch for tunnels.
• Check trail status after storms. Some routes close temporarily.

Getting around

A hire car gives you the most freedom, but Madeira’s roads are steep and winding, so choose a car with a decent engine. Local buses link Funchal to most towns but are slow. Tours and transfers are good alternatives if you don’t want to drive. See our car rental guide.

Combine with mainland Portugal

Lots of members add a few days in Lisbon on the way. See our 3-day Lisbon itinerary. Visiting in winter? See Portugal in winter. Thinking of the other islands? Read our Azores guide.

Is Madeira worth visiting?

Yes, especially for hiking, scenery, year-round warmth and a relaxed pace. Know that there are few sandy beaches (swim in lava pools and lidos instead, or visit Porto Santo), the roads are steep, and the mountain weather changes fast. Spend 5 to 7 days.

Why Madeira is worth it

• Hiking: levadas and peak-to-peak trails. See levada walks.
• Scenery: cliffs, waterfalls and the sea of clouds. See PR1.
• Climate: mild all year. See the best time to visit Madeira.
• Funchal: gardens, markets and Madeira wine. See things to do in Funchal.
• Wildlife: dolphins and whales. See the best Madeira tours.

The downsides

• Beaches: mostly pebbles or rock pools. See Porto Moniz and Porto Santo.
• Driving: steep, winding roads. See getting around Madeira.
• Weather: clouds can hide the peaks.
• Trail fees: official trails now need booking and a fee.

Compared with other islands

See Madeira vs the Azores and the Algarve vs Madeira.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

5 to 7 days is ideal: Funchal, a sunrise hike, two or three levada walks, the west coast pools and the north coast. With 3 days, you can see the highlights from Funchal. Hikers will happily fill 10 days, and you can add Porto Santo for beach time.

What you can do

• 3 days: Funchal, the mountains and the west. See 3 days in Madeira.
• 5 to 7 days: add more levadas, the east and the north coast. See the Madeira itinerary.
• 10 days: add more hikes and Porto Santo. See Porto Santo.

Tips

• Weather days: leave flexible days for mountain hikes, as clouds come and go.
• Trail slots: official trails need booking. See levada walks.
• Base: see where to stay in Madeira.

See also: the Madeira itinerary, where to stay, Madeira on a budget, Madeira in winter and Porto Santo.

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