Plan Your Madeira Trip
Flights, car hire, where to sleep, and what to pack. The practical side of getting the most out of the island.
Three steps to a great trip
Choose your time
Madeira is year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds. Check our month-by-month guide.
When to GoPick your base
Funchal is the hub, but each region has a different character. The south is sunnier; the north is wilder. Choose based on your interests.
Explore RegionsBuild your days
Use our pre-built itineraries or mix and match routes, hikes, and viewpoints. Even 3 days can feel complete if well-planned.
View ItinerariesGetting There
Insider tip
Window seat on the left side for spectacular arrival views over the ocean.
Madeira is served by Funchal Airport (FNC), one of Europe's most dramatic runways, perched on a cliff above the sea. Most European capitals have direct flights — the journey from Lisbon takes under 2 hours.
Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead for good prices. Budget carriers operate year-round. Arrival transfers to Funchal take about 20 minutes; taxis and shuttles are readily available.
Getting Around
Insider tip
Fuel up before heading into the mountains — petrol stations are sparse in rural areas.
A hire car gives you the most freedom and is essential for exploring beyond Funchal. Roads are well-maintained but often narrow and steep — an automatic gearbox is highly recommended. Book in advance during peak season.
Buses connect most villages but schedules can be infrequent outside the capital. Taxis and ride-apps work well within Funchal. Many popular hikes require a car or shuttle to reach the trailhead.
Where to Stay
Insider tip
Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava are underrated bases — less crowded than Funchal and great for exploring the southwest.
Funchal offers the widest range from budget guesthouses to five-star hotels with infinity pools overlooking the bay. The hotel zone in the west end has direct sea access and is walkable to the old town.
For a quieter experience, small quintas (manor houses) and rural holiday homes are scattered across the island. Staying in the Santana or Paul da Serra areas gives you immediate access to the north coast and plateau hikes.
Six things to know before you land
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some euros for levada cafes and market stalls.
Travel insurance that covers hiking is strongly recommended — mountain rescues do happen.
Start hikes early. By 10am, parking fills at popular trailheads and clouds often roll in by afternoon.
Download offline maps before you go. Mobile signal disappears on the plateau and north coast valleys.
Respect trail closures. Some levadas are genuinely dangerous after rain — conditions change quickly.
Book your hire car before you arrive. The island only has a few providers and they sell out in July-August.