Posted on Thursday, 20 October 2022

Madeira, aka the pearl of the Atlantic, has been voted Europe's best island many times - and with good reason.

In this Madeira guide we'll explore why this island is so beguiling, and how to get the most of a holiday here.

What is Madeira like?

Alongside black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls, this diminutive volcanic island boasts an enchanting interior, where hiking green-clad mountains is the top activity.

Warmed by the Atlantic sun, its temperatures are ideal for exploring the wondrous outdoors.

It's not a prime beach holiday destination - but it does have some magical beaches, some of which are reminiscent of a Pacific Island.

When to visit Madeira?

There's never a bad time to visit Madeira, Portugal, but if you want reliable sunshine, aim to arrive between April and October (particularly if you want to see the island's many species of whales and dolphins).

Heavy or prolonged rainfall isn’t common, although precipitation is more likely in the windy, damp northeast. The south-eastern areas are more arid.

Where to stay on Madeira

There's a host of accommodation to choose from on the island, from dormitory beds to family guest houses to plush hotels.

Here's a rough guide to summer prices:

• 3/4-star hotel near the beach: 80 - 100+ euros per night
• 2-star hotel: 40 - 50 euros per night
• hostel (dorm bed): 20 euros

 

How to get around Madeira?

Car rental

Most Madeira guide books and online resources highlight the benefits of renting a car while on the island.

This makes sense since driving gives you maximum freedom to explore - to stop off at beauty spots for as long as you wish, without having to worry about bus timetables or booking taxis.

However, Madeira can be a challenging place to drive, so you should be sure of your driving skills and ideally have experience with difficult driving conditions. After all, Madeira has many narrow roads, long dark tunnels and sheer drops!

How much is a car rental on Madeira?

Renting a car on Madeira will cost between 30 and 50 euros a day, depending on car type, when you visit and how long you book for.

But as we shall see, if you don't fancy the stress of driving or can't drive, there are other options.

Cable car and toboggan

Running from Funchal to Monte (and back again), this cable car affords excellent views over the island's mountains.

It's a good option for a day trip if you're based in Funchal for your holiday.

There's also a quaint toboggan if you want to get back down the hillside in a more novel way (this is covered in more detail below).

Walking

If you're based in Funchal, you can easily get around on foot.

Further afield, you'll need to get a taxi or bus to reach hiking trails and other attractions.

Coach tours

You can visit the island's main sights on a variety of coach tours. This is a stress-free way of getting around- although it won’t offer the flexibility of a rental car.

Your hotel may well be able to book you on to one of these tours.

Taxis

Taxis on Madeira provide transport along routes pre-approved by the regional government - and with fixed prices.

You can find taxi ranks in Funchal and Vila Baleira.

Does Uber operate in Madeira?

Yes, since 2019 you can book an Uber in Madeira.

Getting from the Airport to Funchal

• If you've booked a rental car, you can pick it up at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (the only airport) then drive to your hotel.
• A public Aerobus is also available, priced at 5 euros per adult, 2.50 for children.
• Regular public bus from the airport to Funchal is 3.35.
• A regular taxi costs around 30 euros to Funchal.

Where to go in Madeira

Below we discuss where to go in Madeira.

Whether you want beaches, hiking above the clouds, or ancient forests - there's something for you.

Funchal

The effervescent capital city of Funchal clings to the hillside, epitomising the way Madeirans have defied the vertiginous geography of their island.

Funchal is a great base from which to explore, offering all the restaurants, bars and shops you could need.

It offers a sense of 'civilisation' which can be welcome after a day or two of exploring the island's wilder parts.

The Funchal Toboggan is one of the city's most unique and smile-inducing activities. It involves climbing into a basket-weave seat on wheels with a pair of Madeirans perched on the back (wearing Madeiran hats, naturally) who guide the contraption down the incline.

It does cost 30 euros (for two), but it is sure to have you grinning.

The toboggans were widely used by locals in the 19th century but are now a tourist attraction.

Fanal Pond

This ancient forest is frequently engulfed in fog, giving it a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere.

Easily one of the must-visit locations - as pointed out by most Madeira guide books and online guides - it can be reached by car or on a tour.

Be sure to bring your camera so you can get some winning Instagram shots of this most enchanted of forests.

Ponta do Rosto

Located on the island's easternmost point at the end of a jagged peninsula, Ponta do Rosto is perfect for watching the sun rise over the ocean.

What's more, it's just 15 minutes from Funchal, so you won't need to wake up at ‘ridiculous-o'clock’.

Cascata dos Anjos

Not many waterfalls land directly on a road - but Cascata dos Anjos is one of them. 

Ideally visited within a (very watertight!) rental car, you can literally pause under the cascading water as it clatters on your roof.

If you're feeling brave you can get out and enjoy a shower of pure - and very cold - mountain water.

A trip here can be combined with Ponta do Sol (see below).

Pica do Arieiro

Various hiking routes around Pico do Arieiro take you just above the clouds, making for an unforgettable excursion.

A rental car will really come in handy here, since you can spend as much time as you want exploring the area. However, there are bus tours too - but you'll only have a short time above the heavenly clouds.

Have a drone? You're sure to capture some spellbinding footage!

You can even reach the highest point on the island - Pico Ruivo - from the Pico do Arieiro car park.

Veu de Noiva

Like a view from Jurassic Park, the Veu de noiva cascades into the Atlantic from a deep crevasse in a sheer, green-clad cliff.

The viewpoint, located in Seixal on the island's north coast, is 40km from Funchal by car (40 minutes).

There is also a bus service but this takes around three hours.

Ponta do Sol

If you're travelling between Funchal and Calheta, make some time for this pretty, compact village.

Its name was inspired by the sheer amount of sun it receives.

Alongside a charming beach the village has a natural arch that casts dramatic shadows as the sun goes down - presenting a great way to end the day.

It also connects to cliffside paths with breathtaking sea views.

Cabao Girao glass walk

Get a real sense of Madeira's epic coastal vistas by visiting the Cabao Girao glass walk. It's just 15 minutes from Funchal.

If you're not a fan of crowds, there's an alternative viewpoint on the north coast called Miradouro das Cabanas - which attracts far fewer visitors thanks to its remote location.

Lombo do Mouro U-bend

This hairpin bend doesn’t have a name, but it should.

Stop here to take in awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains.

If you're lucky you'll see clouds pouring over the mountains, giving it a witch's-cauldron look.

Porto Moniz

The seawater lava pools of Porto Moniz are naturally filled by the rising tide of the sea and offer a great location to take a dip to cool off from the Madeiran sun.

There are two sets of natural pools in Porto Moniz, one of which has been transformed into a lido complex, making it safer to swim.

Sao Vicente

Located at the bottom of a valley between two vast cliffs, Sao Vicente is set by the ocean.

On a hot day you could easily believe you were in Hawaii.

There are many fabulous coastal walks affording magnificent views - including many soaring rock formations in the ocean.

Surfing in Sao Vicente

The area is a mini-mecca for surfers, thanks to the awesome local swell.

You can hire surfboards and wet suits in Sao Vincente for around 30 euros (for 3 hours).

Stand-up (SUP) paddle boards are also available for about 35 euros (for 3 hours).

Praia Machico

Beaches aren't Madeira's main attraction - simply because they aren't too numerous. However, Machico is a very beautiful one - despite being man-made.

Praia Machico is sheltered by dramatic cliffs which prevent the wind from spoiling your sunbathing!

Praia do Porto do Seixal

Located in the island's northwest, near the natural pools of Porto Moniz, Porto do Seixal is actually home to several superb beaches.

Crystaline waters lap volcanic sand, while lush vegetation clings to nearby cliff faces.

Porto do Seixal is around 40 minutes from Funchal.

Porto Santo Beach, Porto Santo island

For beach lovers wondering where to go on Madeira, this is a must.

The archipelago's second island, Porto Santo, boasts a long, sandy beach that attracts thousands every year.

Just hop on the ferry from Funchal.

The island also boasts a top-rated golf course, excellent wellness hotels and a diving centre.

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