Maderia, the Island of Eternal Spring, home to black sand beaches, lush waterfalls, exotic fruit. This Island also known as the Hawaii of Europe has so much to offer whether you are a hiker, a beach lover, a foodie – this island has it all.
I have put together the ultimate guide for planning your trip to Madeira; however, if you want to check out specific guides on food, accommodation, things to do etc. by category, I have all the blogs on my Madeira page.
Where to Stay in Madeira
Madeira is a fairly small island, to put into perspective, you could drive around the entire island in less than a day (although I don’t recommend it), the Island is categorically split in two main parts when deciding where to stay – the North or the South. Most people who visit Madeira stay in the South, specifically, Funchal, as it provides the most flexibility. Nearly all tourist guides and excursions let ‘Get Your Guide’ transfers from Funchal, most hotels are in Funchal, and if you want to rent a car, you will have to do this from Funchal (or the airport). You’re within reach of all tourist attractions, and is the best option to take if you do not have a car. Some of the best hotels, like Reid’s Palace and the Royal Savoy are in Funchal, and if budget allows, I definitely recommend staying a couple nights or more! With that being said, some choose to stay in the North of the Island, specifically, Sao Vicente, to experience a more peaceful, and arguably more beautiful landscape, surrounded by lush green forests instead of the more urbanised, touristy city. It is definitely more isolated, and you may find more locals around here don’t speak English (maybe practice your Portuguese before your trip!). I do not suggest staying here if you do not have your own car, as there is no public transport and very little taxi service (not to mention it will cost you a fortune). The plus side of staying in the North is that you will be closer to some of the famous hikes on the Island, including Pico do Ariero, and closer to the volcanic pools (Porto Moniz) and black sand beaches (Seixal). The weather is generally cooler in the North, but doesn’t differ drastically from the South. Anywhere outside of Funchal will mainly have Airbnb as the main accommodation. I recommend Dhamma Guest House (for £50 p/n) in Ponta Delgada and Casa Do Cantinho do Miro (from £100 p/n) in Sao Vicente, both having incredible views and the most tranquil atomsphere. Either way, the Island is quite small and you should definitely visit both the North and the South, but just take into consideration the above when deciding where to stay.
When you have decided where to stay, you can then make a decision on renting a car. I recommend you rent a car, regardless as there is little to no public transport in Madeira, and taxis being super expensive – but it is worth noting that driving is Madeira is not easy. From the difficult terrain, to the steep mountains, it may be difficult if you are not an experienced driver. I recommend you rent an automatic car from the airport from a well-known company like Sixt and make sure to get insurance under all circumstances! I went with AP Rent a Car, which is one of the only companies I found on the North of the Island (which of course had its main office based in Funchal).
Hiking in Madeira
There are so many notable hikes in Madeira, all so unique and breathtaking. Madeira, being a volcanic island, has many beautiful (and varying in difficulty) hikes, the most famous being the Pico do Ariero (featuring the iconic Stairway to Heaven).
This hike is by no stretch of the imagination the most beautiful (and maybe one of the most challenging in Madeira). The Pico do Arierio, also known as the PR1 trial, is currently partially closed after the first 1.2km due to forest fires that occurred. They are planning to reopen mid 2026, but check the Visit Madeira website prior to your trip. I recommend you do the hike for sunrise (the 4 am alarm is worth it). There are multiple Get Your Guide transfers from Funchal for the Pico do Ariero sunrise.
The next hikes that are a must-do are the 25 Fontes and the Caldeirao Verde. Both of which are beginner to intermediate, with the Caldeirao having a round trip of around six hours and the 25 Fontes, three. Both feature some amazing waterfalls and beautiful mountain landscape. I recommend you get there early in the morning (firstly to find parking) and secondly because the trails are so popular and get crowded from 12 pm onwards. For a full breakdown and guide on hiking in Madeira, check out my Hiking in Madeira post.
Viewpoints in Madeira
Madeira, being highly mountainous, gives the Island some incredible viewpoints that you can easily drive to, with some being just off the motorway. One of the most famous viewpoints in Madeira is actually coming out of a motorway tunnel, where you see the amazing coastline and mountains of Sao Vicente. Top tip: park by the side outside the tunnel and walk across the road to take your pictures and enjoy the view. You can simply put “Famous Tunnel of Madeira & Viewpoint” into Google Maps, and it will come up! Another breathtaking viewpoint that is a must-see is the Miradouro da Rocha do Navio, which is located in Santana (North East of the Island, which you can visit to see the traditional Madeiran houses). This viewpoint is incredible to visit at sunrise, as you can see the sun coming up directly over the Ocean. To see the full list of the best viewpoints in Madeira, check out my Viewpoints in Madeira page.
Food in Madeira
Madeira, being an island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocea,n means it has some of the best seafood in the world. All the fish is of the best quality and locally caught. I recommend Restaurante Many on the North of the Island for a seafood and barbecue spot loved by locals, it is quite hidden but well worth the visit! You must also try Madeiran barbecue, which most restaurants will serve, try out Restaurante Sao Cristovao for the best Madeiran barbecue on the North of the Island and my favourite viewpoint in one!
When in Funchal, I recommend steering away from the restaurants on the main strip as they are overpriced and not the most authentic. Head for something locals love in one of Funchal’s hidden streets, like Restaurante Alta Vista or Bistrot des Anges. You can also wander the streets and try some traditional Madeiran pastries, like Pao de Deus (a creamy custard-and-coconut-flake pastry) and the famous Pastel de Nata.
There are many cafes and restaurants with some of the most insane views on the Island, like Cabo Aereo located in Santana, where you can have a coffee and a view of the Atlantic Ocean. For the full guide on food in Madeira, check out my page on Food in Madeira.
Must Do Things in Madeira
There is so much to do in Madeira that I recommend you spend no less than two weeks there to see all that the Island has to offer, but regardless of how much time you have there, there are some things you must do. Firstly, in Funchal, you must visit the iconic Mercado dos Lavradores, where you will find tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, many of which are exotic. Although I would not recommend purchasing as they are very super pricey, instead, I recommend shopping at a small independent farmers market but Mercado dos Lavradores is a must-see! Next in Funchal, you must visit the Monte Palace and take the famous Tobogán sledge down (you don’t have to prebook, just show up and queue).
Madeira has some of the most incredible black sand beaches in the World. You must visit Seixal Beach in the North of the Island. The water can sometimes be quite cool, but it is breathtaking, and I recommend you get there early, park up and watch the sunrise over the sea. Seixal also has a natural volcanic pool behind the beach, and you can also visit Porto Moniz natural volcanic pools, a twenty-minute drive away.
Whether you are a pro hiker or someone who has never hiked before, I recommend trying one of the Levada Trails and watching the sunrise above Pico do Ariero and visiting Fanal Forest, an ancient mystical forest nestled in the mountains. Check out my full guide on 10 Must-Do Things in Madeira on my page.
Things to Keep In Mind
Madeira has a subtropical climate; it doesn’t so much experience extreme seasons, however, it is worth mentioning that the Island gets plenty of rain. Forecasts are not always accurate, and the weather can change on an hourly basis. It’s best to keep your plans flexible and not be too reliant on the weather being perfect, as it will most likely fluctuate. Saying that, make sure to pack some warm clothing for the evenings/ nights, even if you are coming in the summer, as temperatures drop, especially in the North.
Although most people in Madeira also speak English alongside Portuguese, and in Funchal you could easily get by with just English, it is worth noting that in other areas of the Island outside of Funchal, locals may not speak English or may only understand a small amount, so it is best to learn some key Portuguese phrases you will need to get by.
The locals are incredibly kind and welcoming; they are known for their hospitality, and I recommend supporting the local businesses when you can. Most places take cards, but I suggest you carry some cash with you, especially when outside Funchal. The island is very safe, with most locals even keeping their cars unlocked! As a solo female traveller, I never felt unsafe, even at night, and the Airbnbs I stayed at had the most kind neighbours who checked on me, sometimes even inviting me round for their family barbecues.
That is it for my full Guide on the beautiful Island of Madeira. Please check out the specific guides for a full, comprehensive list of each category. Good luck with planning your trip, and enjoy!
