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

Madeira now manages access to its official trails (PR routes). You need to book a time slot online for many popular walks, and non-residents pay a small fee: about €3 if booked in advance or €4.50 otherwise, more for the PR1 summit trail. Guided walks with registered companies may include it. Check the official Madeira trails booking site before you go.

• 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.

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