Madeira
Portugal's Atlantic island is a year-round walking and sunshine destination: Funchal rarely drops below 19°C by day in winter and seldom tops 27°C in summer. It suits hikers following the levadas, garden lovers and couples rather than beach-seekers, as sand is scarce; Porto Santo, a ferry ride away, has a long golden beach.
Overview
Madeira is a steep volcanic island where most visitors base themselves in Funchal and explore by bus, tour or hire car. The draw is walking: hundreds of kilometres of levadas, irrigation channels with paths alongside, contour through laurel forest, and the high ridge between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo tops the list. Non-residents now pay a small fee, booked online, on the official trails. Swimming is mostly from lidos, rock pools and pebble coves, so beach lovers add a few days on Porto Santo. There is no real off-season: spring brings the Flower Festival, New Year's Eve fireworks fill Funchal's hotels, and winter brings more rain and occasional storms that close trails.
Map of Madeira
Highlights
- 1Adventure
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
The PR1 ridge walk links Madeira's third-highest peak with its highest, Pico Ruivo at 1,862m, through tunnels and along exposed stairways above the clouds. Since reopening in 2026 it is walked one way only, and a timed slot must be booked online.
- 2Nature
Rabaçal: 25 Fontes and Risco
From Rabaçal on the Paul da Serra plateau, levada paths lead through UNESCO-listed laurel forest to the Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes pool, fed by dozens of springs. Arrive early; parking fills quickly.
- 3Culture
Monte and the toboggan run
Take the cable car up from Funchal's seafront to Monte, wander the tropical gardens, then come down in a wicker toboggan steered by two white-clad carreiros, a tradition since the 19th century.
- 4Beach
Porto Moniz natural pools
Natural swimming pools formed in black volcanic rock on the island's north-west tip and refreshed by Atlantic waves; a sheltered place for a sea swim and a good stop on a round-island drive.
- 5Beach
Porto Santo
Madeira's small neighbour has a nine-kilometre golden sand beach, something the main island lacks. The Lobo Marinho ferry from Funchal takes around two and a half hours, or you can fly across in about 15 minutes.
Where to stay
Funchal
The capital holds most hotels, restaurants and bus routes, from the Lido's resort hotels to the old town; the best base without a car.
Caniço
A quieter resort east of Funchal, close to the airport, with good diving and snorkelling in the Garajau marine reserve; suits couples and divers.
Calheta
The sunny south-west coast's resort, with a man-made sandy beach and a marina, close to the Rabaçal levada walks; best with a hire car.
Santana
A north-coast village of thatched A-frame houses, greener and cooler, handy for the Pico Ruivo and Caldeirão Verde walks; suits serious walkers.
When to go to Madeira
Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Funchal
How much does Madeira cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £140 off-peak and £400 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Madeira
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Portugal are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Portugal
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Tue 1 Dec 2026 | Restoration of Independence Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Sun 25 Apr 2027 | Freedom Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi |
| Thu 10 Jun 2027 | Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Tue 5 Oct 2027 | Republic Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Madeira's airport is exposed to strong crosswinds, and flights are occasionally diverted or cancelled; avoid tight onward connections and keep your travel insurance details handy.
- Weather changes fast with altitude: Funchal can be sunny while the peaks are cloudy, wet and near freezing, so pack layers and check the mountain webcams before driving up.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Portugal guide.
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