Trip guides / Madeira
Madeira travel guide
Levada walks, sea cliffs and Funchal’s old town. 45 guides, written and checked by the team behind our Facebook groups.
Madeira is a mountainous Atlantic island about 1,000km southwest of Lisbon, with Funchal on the sunny south coast and steep green valleys, sea cliffs and laurel forest inland. Walking the levadas, the old irrigation channels, is the highlight for many visitors, and most official trails now need a booking and a small fee. Porto Santo, the neighbouring island, has the long sandy beach Madeira lacks.
Start with our Madeira travel guide and things to do in Funchal, then plan your walks with Madeira levada walks and your transport with getting around Madeira. Every Madeira guide we have written is below, grouped by topic.
Start here
The Madeira essentials
Islands
Madeira Travel Guide: Levadas, Funchal and Island Tips
Planning Madeira: when to go, where to stay, the best levada walks, the trail booking fees, Pico do Arieiro, Porto Moniz and getting around.
Islands
Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira (2026 Prices)
The best things to do in Funchal: the Monte cable car and toboggan, Monte Palace garden, the market, painted doors, Blandy's and Cabo Girao, with 2026 prices.
Islands
Madeira Levada Walks: Best Trails and the 2026 Booking Rules
The best Madeira levada walks and hikes (PR1, 25 Fontes, Caldeirao Verde, Balcoes, Sao Lourenco), the 2026 SIMplifica booking and fees, and safety tips.
Getting around
Getting Around Madeira
Madeira transport options: hire cars and mountain roads, tours and taxis, slow regional buses, getting around Funchal, trail bookings and Porto Santo.
Islands
Where to Stay in Madeira: Best Areas and Hotels
Where to stay in Madeira: Funchal (Lido, old town, quintas), sunny Calheta and Ponta do Sol, the green north coast and the east, with hotel picks.
Madeira
Madeira Airport to Funchal: Bus, Taxi, Uber or Transfer
How to get from Madeira airport to Funchal and around the island: the Aerobus, SIGA buses, taxis, Uber and Bolt, transfers and car hire, with times and prices.
Every guide
All our Madeira guides
Sights and things to do
- Ponta do Sol: Madeira's Sunniest VillagePonta do Sol on Madeira's southwest coast: the seafront, pier and pebble beach, sunsets, a little sugar history, the Estalagem hotel and getting there.
- Calheta: Madeira's Golden Beach and Art CentreCalheta in Madeira: the sheltered golden-sand beach, the MUDAS art museum, the marina, the old rum distillery and a base for Rabacal and 25 Fontes.
- Machico: Madeira's First Settlement and Golden BeachMachico, Madeira: a sheltered sandy beach, the Igreja Matriz and forts, 10 minutes from the airport, and a base for the PR8 Ponta de Sao Lourenco hike.
- Curral das Freiras: The Nuns' ValleyCurral das Freiras, Madeira's Nuns' Valley: the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, the village below, chestnut cake, soup and liqueur, all 30 minutes from Funchal.
- Sao Vicente Caves, Madeira: Closed Since 2020 (Latest)The Sao Vicente lava caves on Madeira's north coast have been closed since 2020. Latest status, and what to see in Sao Vicente instead.
- Funchal Old Town: Painted Doors and PonchaFunchal Old Town: the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, the yellow Sao Tiago fort, the market, poncha, restaurants and the cable car up to Monte.
- Seixal: Madeira's Black-Sand BeachSeixal on Madeira's north coast: the black-sand beach, natural rock pools, cliffs and waterfalls, the Veu da Noiva viewpoint and the drive from Funchal.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco Hike (PR8), MadeiraPonta de Sao Lourenco PR8 hike on Madeira: an 8km return trail of 2.5 to 3 hours, slot booking and the EUR 4.50 fee, works detours, getting there and tips.
- Santana, Madeira: The Triangular HousesSantana on Madeira's north coast: the triangular A-frame houses, the Madeira Theme Park, the Caldeirao Verde and Pico Ruivo walks, and getting there.
- Camara de Lobos: Madeira's Fishing VillageCamara de Lobos, 15 minutes west of Funchal: colourful fishing boats, Churchill's viewpoint, poncha bars, espada, and how to combine it with Cabo Girao.
- The Monte Toboggan Ride and Cable Car, FunchalMonte toboggan ride in Funchal: the cable car up from the Old Town, the tropical garden and church, the 2km wicker sled run down and how to get back.
- Porto Santo: Madeira's Golden Beach IslandHow to visit Porto Santo from Madeira: the 9km golden beach, Vila Baleira and Casa Colombo, viewpoints, getting there by ferry or plane and where to stay.
Itineraries and planning
- 3 Days in Madeira: ItineraryA 3-day Madeira itinerary from Funchal: the market and Monte toboggan, sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and Santana, then Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz and Fanal.
- The Best Time to Visit MadeiraWhen to visit Madeira, season by season: April to June and September to October for hiking, summer for the warmest sea, the Flower Festival and New Year.
- Madeira in Winter: Weather and Things to DoMadeira from November to March: mild weather in Funchal, cooler mountains, Christmas lights, New Year fireworks, Carnival, hiking and tips.
- New Year's Eve in Madeira: The Famous FireworksHow to plan New Year in Madeira: the record-breaking fireworks over Funchal bay, where to watch them, Christmas lights and booking tips.
- Madeira Flower Festival: Dates, Parade and TipsMadeira Flower Festival in Funchal: festival and parade dates, the Wall of Hope, the Flower Parade on Avenida do Mar, flower carpets and booking tips.
- Madeira on a BudgetHow to enjoy Madeira for less: trail passes, free pools and viewpoints, cheap local food, where to stay and getting around.
- Madeira Itinerary: 5 Days (or a Week) on the IslandA 5-day Madeira itinerary: Funchal, the Pico Ruivo hike, the west coast and Porto Moniz, the east and Santana, Monte and whale watching.
- Madeira vs the Azores: Which Island Should You Visit?Madeira or the Azores? Weather, beaches, hiking, hot springs, whale watching, hotels and island hopping compared, to help you choose.
- Algarve vs Madeira: Which Is Better for Winter Sun and Beaches?The Algarve or Madeira? Weather by season, beaches, hiking, families and getting around compared, so you can pick the right one.
- Madeira with Kids: Family Things to Do and Where to StayThe best things to do in Madeira with kids: the Monte cable car and toboggan, Porto Moniz pools, dolphins, sandy beaches and family-friendly hotels.
Where to stay
- The Best Hotels in MadeiraThe best hotels in Madeira: Reid's Palace, Quinta da Casa Branca, Castanheiro, Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Socalco Nature and great-value Funchal stays.
Getting there and around
- Funchal Cruise Port: A Day in Madeira from the ShipFunchal cruise port: the 15 to 20 minute walk into town, the Monte cable car and toboggans, the market, Old Town, Madeira wine and tours beyond Funchal.
Food and drink
- Madeira Wine Guide: Styles, Ages and Where to Taste ItMadeira wine explained: the four styles from dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey, what 5, 10 and 15-year-old mean, and the best Funchal wine lodges for a tasting.
- What to Eat in Madeira: 15 Dishes and Drinks to TryMadeira's food and drink: espetada, bolo do caco, black scabbard fish with banana, lapas, poncha, Madeira wine and honey cake, with where to try each one.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: Funchal's Market GuideMercado dos Lavradores in Funchal: opening hours, flower sellers, fruit stalls and how not to get overcharged, the fish market, tiles and what's nearby.
Tours, cruises and experiences
- The Best Tours in MadeiraWest island tours, jeep safaris, Pico do Arieiro sunrise, levada walks, whale watching and canyoning: the best Madeira tours.
Beaches and the coast
- Porto Moniz Natural Pools, MadeiraPorto Moniz natural pools in Madeira: the swimming complex vs the free lava pools, getting there from Funchal, when to go, and Seixal and Fanal nearby.
- The Best Beaches in Madeira (and Porto Santo)Madeira beaches and swimming spots: sandy Calheta and Machico, black-sand Seixal and Prainha, the Porto Moniz lava pools, Funchal lidos and Porto Santo.
Walks, gardens and nature
- Madeira Botanical Garden, FunchalMadeira's Botanical Garden above Funchal: over 2,500 plants on terraces with city views, getting there by bus, taxi or cable car from Monte, and tips.
- Fanal Forest, Madeira: How to Visit the Misty Laurel ForestHow to visit Fanal, Madeira's misty laurel forest: getting there from Funchal (about 1h15), the best time for fog and short walks among ancient til trees.
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike (PR1)Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) on Madeira: the 7km one-way route, booking and the EUR 10.50 fee, sunrise, what to bring, safety and getting there.
- Cabo Girao: Madeira's Glass SkywalkCabo Girao, 20 minutes west of Funchal: the glass skywalk about 580m above the sea, the entry fee, the cable car down to the fields and nearby sights.
- Levada do Rei (PR18), Madeira: Walk GuideWalking Madeira's Levada do Rei (PR18): 5.3km each way from Quebradas near Sao Jorge into the laurel forest, trail status, EUR 4.50 fee, buses and tips.
- Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9): Madeira Walk GuideLevada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9), Madeira: 13km return from Queimadas Forest Park via four tunnels to the waterfall, the EUR 4.50 booking and 2026 status.
- Vereda dos Balcoes (PR11): Madeira's Easiest Viewpoint WalkVereda dos Balcoes (PR11) in Madeira: an easy 3km return levada walk from Ribeiro Frio to a laurel forest viewpoint, the 2026 booking fee and bus 801.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Madeira: Tickets and TipsMonte Palace Tropical Garden above Funchal: the oriental gardens, tile panels and museum, 2026 tickets and hours, the cable car up and how long to allow.
- Levada das 25 Fontes: Madeira's Most Famous WalkHow to walk the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco in Madeira: booking and trail fees, the Rabacal shuttle, distance, time, what to wear and how to beat the crowds.
Planning a trip to Madeira?
Ask 305,000+ travellers and locals in our free Facebook groups.