Looking for the ultimate Madeira travel guide? Here is everything you need to know. A Portuguese island rising from the Atlantic Ocean, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea, flowers bloom all year round and hiking trails lead to views that give even the most stoic traveller genuine goosebumps. Madeira is often called the Island of Flowers and the Hawaii of Europe, and the moment you land, you understand exactly why. This is a paradise for hikers, wine lovers and everyone who craves rugged nature combined with warm, authentic Portuguese hospitality. This complete guide covers all the highlights and tips you need for an unforgettable trip!

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Hike PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo | best hikes Madeira travel guide

Madeira travel guide: frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Madeira?

March to October is the best period, with May and September as the absolute sweet spot for hiking. The weather is warm and pleasant, without the peak summer crowds.

Do I need a rental car in Madeira?

Yes, absolutely. A car is the best way to explore the north coast, Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz. Roads are well maintained and the scenery makes every drive worthwhile. This is where I like to rent a car.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

Five to seven days is ideal. That gives you enough time for the best hikes, a north coast road trip, whale watching and the finest restaurants in Funchal.

Is Madeira suitable for beginner hikers?

Yes. The levada walks are accessible for most fitness levels. The PR1 hike to Pico Ruivo is more challenging, but the PR8 and many levada trails are perfectly manageable for beginners.

Fun fact: Madeira Airport is widely considered one of the most challenging in the world. The runway is partly built on pillars above the sea, and pilots need special certification to land here. Fortunately, you will not notice a thing. Just don’t think about it too much!

Lunch at Pau de Lume and the stunning PR1 hike | Madeira travel guide

Madeira Travel Guide: the best hikes and levada walks 

The best way to truly discover Madeira? Lace up your hiking boots and go. World-famous for its levadas, narrow irrigation channels with walking paths that wind through forests, valleys and seas of clouds, the island offers hiking experiences unlike anywhere else in Europe. In addition to the levada trails, there are breathtaking mountain routes that take you literally above the clouds.

PR1: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Arguably the crown jewel of Madeira hiking, the PR1 route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most spectacular walks in Europe. You follow narrow mountain ridges above the clouds, with views so vast they genuinely stop you in your tracks. Pack a warm layer, because the wind up here is absolutely ruthless. Set off around sunrise or sunset for the most magical experience; I am not ashamed to admit that I got a little emotional watching that golden light pour across the mountains.

PICO DO ARIEIRO SUNRISE HIKE WITH TRANSFER

The PR8 hike to Ponta de São Lourenço is equally unmissable. This trail along the eastern tip of the island feels completely different from Pico do Arieiro: jagged, dry and reddish-brown, as if someone dropped you on Mars. Furthermore, Madeira offers an incredible variety of levada hikes to choose from. The Levada do Alecrim, for instance, is a gentle trail lined with ferns, waterfalls and the soothing sound of trickling water.

PR8 HIKE WITH TRANSFER AND GUIDE

If you are after even more adrenaline, canyoning is your answer: jumping and abseiling through waterfalls in a wetsuit makes you feel like a proper Lara Croft, right up until you realise you are wearing a bright orange helmet. Muito charmoso! Several companies offer responsible trips; make sure you choose one that respects the environment. Beyond hiking, a visit to the vineyards of Madeira is absolutely worth your time. Head inland to meet cheerful local winemakers where your glass never stays empty for long. Make sure to taste the local Verdelho or Boal!

BOOK A CANYONING EXPERIENCE HERE

Funchal: the charming capital of Madeira

No Madeira travel guide is complete without spending time in Funchal. Stroll through the Jardim Municipal do Funchal, a lush garden overflowing with exotic plants and tropical flowers. Beyond the greenery, the city’s vibrant streetart scene is well worth an afternoon of wandering. At the Mercado dos Lavradores, pick up extraordinary local fruit, including the monstera deliciosa, a flavour somewhere between banana and pineapple that you simply will not find anywhere else.

Where to eat and drink in Funchal

For lunch or dinner, head to the very Instagrammable Pau de Lume. Order the octopus; it is out of this world. Afterwards, round off your evening with a tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the go-to spot to learn why Madeira wine was the drink of choice on ships crossing the Atlantic centuries ago. A true highlight for any wine lover visiting Madeira.

Cable car and the famous toboggan ride

Start your morning with coffee and chocolate at UauCacau, a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their passion fruit bonbons are dangerously delicious. Next, take the cable car up for a sweeping view over the city and bay. At the top, hop into an authentic wicker toboggan, steered by two experienced carreiros who guide you at surprising speed back down the hill. Brief, slightly chaotic and absolutely unforgettable!

Staying connected in Madeira? With Saily you can download an eSIM in minutes, so you can check your route, find the best spots and share your photos instantly. No more queuing at the airport for a SIM card. With Saily, you are online the moment you land. Order your Saily eSIM here and start your trip completely stress free.

The rooftop of the beautiful Three House Hotel | Madeira travel guide

Madeira travel guide: the best of the north coast

Driving north is one of the best things to do in Madeira, and the stops along the way make it even better. Pull over at the Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima, a small hilltop chapel with a breathtaking panoramic view across the island. Afterwards, continue to Seixal, a village with a black sand beach that will make you feel as though you have somehow ended up in Hawaii. Seixal also has gorgeous natural pools, ideal for a refreshing swim.

Nearby, the Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela is famous for its dramatic rock formations rising from the ocean. For lunch, stop at Bar Praia da Laje, where the catch of the day comes straight from the Atlantic. The menu is short, but everything on it is exceptional. Since all that roadtripping inevitably builds up a thirst, this is also the perfect moment to order a homemade poncha: the local cocktail made from rum, honey and lemon. Surprisingly potent stuff!

THE BEST ACTIVITIES, TRANSFERS AND TOURS

Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, Pico do Arieiro and lapas at Bar Praia da Laje | Madeira travel guide

The owner, who clearly enjoys his own poncha just as much as his guests, is known to dish out both drinks and an animated, slightly tipsy history lesson at the same time. Thoroughly entertaining. After lunch, treat yourself to the ultimate moment of calm at the natural pools of Porto Moniz. Here you swim between volcanic rock formations and rolling ocean waves: free wellness, courtesy of Mother Nature herself.

FIND THE BEST RENTAL CAR HERE

Madeira Travel Guide: Enchanted forest and whale watching 

Visit the mysterious Fanal Forest, an ancient laurel forest where every tree is draped in thick moss. When mist rolls in, and it often does, the whole place takes on a genuinely magical, otherworldly quality. Cows and calves roam freely between the trees, which only adds to the surreal atmosphere. Thankfully, wooden walkways have since been installed. When we visited, we were still slipping across muddy tracks while carefully sidestepping the rather generous evidence that cows had recently passed through…

In Santana, charming triangular thatched cottages dot the hillside, once used by farmers as both homes and storage, giving the village a wonderfully fairytale-like, authentic character. Today, Santana has also become something of an Instagram hotspot, and it is easy to see why.

EAST MADEIRA DAY TRIP INCLUDING SANTANA

Finally, book a boat tour with Rota dos Cetáceos to spot dolphins and whales. The chances of actually seeing marine life are high: Madeira sits directly on a major migration route, meaning dolphins and whales can be spotted here throughout the year. We came across large groups of Atlantic spotted dolphins and pilot whales. I got emotional again. Twice in one trip. Entirely justified! This is easily one of the most memorable highlights of any Madeira travel guide.

BOOK A WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING TOUR HERE

Madeira Travel Guide: the best restaurants and brunch spots 

Madeira is not only a destination for hikers; it is also a serious foodie island. In Funchal, Kampo by chef Júlio Pereira is unmissable. This widely acclaimed restaurant is known for outstanding meat dishes; order the carpaccio with truffle and thank yourself later. We also had a wonderful dinner at the cosy Gazebo, where chef Filipe Janeiro works exclusively with local, seasonal produce to create genuinely beautiful dishes.

The sophisticated Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva offers spectacular views over the city, and the food matches the setting perfectly. For a romantic lunch or dinner with clifftop views, Restaurante Quinta do Furão is an absolute dream: panoramic ocean and vineyard views included as standard.

Foodie highlights: Three House Hotel, Rise and Dine and Gazebo | best restaurants Madeira travel guide

Best brunch spots in Funchal

My favourite brunch spot is Rise and Dine in Funchal. The coffee and matcha are excellent, the pancakes are thick and golden, and the Madeira Breakfast, French toast made from banana bread with mascarpone, caramelised banana, honey and passion fruit, is something I still think about. Coffee lovers should also add The Studio: Specialty Coffee to their list. If you need a savoury snack on the road, stop at Casa do Bolo do Caco for the famous local garlic rolls, which are exactly as good as everyone says. Other excellent brunch options include Loft Brunch and Brunchology. At local bakery Barquipan, pick up the best pastel de nata you will find anywhere on the island.

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Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva, Gazebo and Pestana Vila Lido hotel | Madeira travel guide

The best hotels in Madeira

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

Pestana Vila Lido Madeira (from approximately €150 per night): a modern hotel with an infinity pool and jaw-dropping sea views. If you are lucky, you can spot dolphins directly from your balcony. Moreover, the location is ideal for exploring Funchal on foot.

Sé Boutique Hotel (from approximately €120 per night): a charming hotel in the heart of Funchal, with art on every wall and cocktails on the rooftop. They also organise Fado evenings, which gives your stay an immediately authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

Three House Hotel (from approximately €140 per night): one of the most photogenic hotels in Funchal, complete with a stunning rooftop pool and an excellent restaurant. Order the ceviche; you will not regret it.

FIND ALL THE BEST HOTELS IN MADEIRA

How many days do you need in Madeira?

For a proper introduction to everything this Madeira travel guide covers, plan for at least five to seven days. That gives you enough time for the best hikes, a north coast road trip, the whale watching tour and the finest restaurants in Funchal. Furthermore, it leaves enough room to actually slow down and breathe, which is, ultimately, the whole point of coming here.

Madeira is not the kind of island where you just lie on a sun lounger all day, though you can certainly do that too. It is a place where you hike above the clouds, spot whales and dolphins from a boat, sip homemade poncha at a cliffside bar, drink local wine with mountain views and then relax at a great restaurant in the evening. Whether you are travelling with friends, going solo or looking for a romantic adventure: this rugged Atlantic island gets under your skin. The sense of wonder it gives you tends to linger long after you are back home.

All photos featuring me were taken by Boyan Ortse.

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