Madeira Island: Complete Travel Guide

Discovering the Pearl of the Atlantic

Often called the “Pearl of the Atlantic” or the “Floating Garden,” Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that rises dramatically from the ocean floor. It’s an island of contrasts, where lush, subtropical greenery meets rugged volcanic rock, and tranquil historic towns give way to wild, untamed nature. More than just a destination, Madeira is an experience that engages all the senses, offering a unique blend of European charm and exotic natural beauty.

What Makes Madeira Unique

Madeira’s allure lies in its distinct character, shaped by its volcanic origins and centuries of culture. Its most defining feature is a remarkable subtropical climate that provides mild, pleasant temperatures throughout the year, earning it the nickname “Island of Eternal Spring.” This allows for a continuous bloom of exotic flowers and makes it an appealing destination in any season. For more on this, check out our guide to the weather and climate in Madeira Island.

The island’s topography is nothing short of spectacular. Forged by volcanic activity, Madeira presents a landscape of dramatic cliffs, high mountains, and deep, verdant valleys. Sheer sea cliffs plunge into the deep blue Atlantic, while inland, the peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro pierce the clouds. This terrain creates a stunning backdrop for exploration and offers countless breathtaking viewpoints. You can learn more about its fascinating geography of Madeira Island.

A significant portion of the island is covered by the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva Forest, a prehistoric laurel forest that is one of the last of its kind in the world. Walking through these ancient, mist-shrouded woods feels like stepping back in time. The forest is the source of the island’s famous levadas, the irrigation channels that now form a network of incredible hiking trails in Madeira.

Beyond its natural splendor, Madeira possesses a rich tapestry of history, culture, and world-famous wine. The capital, Funchal, is a vibrant city with a charming old town, historic cathedrals, and a legacy tied to the age of discovery. This history is intertwined with the production of Madeira wine, a fortified wine celebrated globally for its unique aging process and complex flavors. Delve deeper into the island’s past with our guide to the history of Madeira Island.

Who Should Visit Madeira?

Madeira’s diverse offerings appeal to a wide range of travelers, each finding their own version of paradise on the island.

• Hikers and nature lovers will find themselves in a true haven. The extensive network of levada and vereda trails offers walks for all abilities, from gentle strolls through the Laurissilva forest to challenging treks across the highest mountain peaks.
• Adventure seekers can get their adrenaline fix with activities like canyoning in remote gorges, mountain biking down steep trails, paragliding over the coastline, or surfing the Atlantic waves on the north coast.
• For couples and honeymooners, the island provides a romantic setting. Imagine scenic dinners overlooking the Funchal bay, leisurely walks through botanical gardens, and watching the sunset from a dramatic cliff-top viewpoint.
• Food and wine enthusiasts can indulge in a unique culinary scene. From tasting the different varieties of Madeira wine at a historic lodge to sampling fresh seafood like grilled lapas and the classic peixe espada com banana, the island offers a distinct gastronomic journey.
• Families seeking a relaxed but active holiday will appreciate the safe environment and variety of activities. Days can be filled with swimming in natural lava pools, riding the famous Monte toboggans, and enjoying whale and dolphin watching tours, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Planning Your Madeira Adventure

Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira’s temperate climate makes it a compelling destination any time of year. However, each season offers a distinct character, and thoughtful planning will help you tailor your trip to your interests. Here’s how to prepare for your journey to this Atlantic gem.

Best Time to Visit

While the weather is generally mild, the island’s activities and atmosphere shift with the seasons. Choosing when to go depends on what you want to experience. Our guide to the best time to visit Madeira Island can help you decide.

• Spring (March-May): This is arguably one of the most beautiful times to visit. The island is in full bloom, culminating in the famous Funchal Flower Festival in late April or early May. The weather is pleasant for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and lush, green landscapes.
• Summer (June-August): The warmest and driest months are perfect for swimming in the ocean, lidos, and natural pools. This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. It’s the best time for those looking to enjoy the sun and vibrant summer festivities.
• Autumn (September-November): The summer warmth lingers, but the crowds begin to thin. September hosts the Madeira Wine Festival, a celebration of the island’s grape harvest. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the weather remains excellent for exploring.
• Winter (December-February): Madeira offers a mild escape from harsher European winters. While it’s the rainiest season, showers are often brief. The island is renowned for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Funchal, considered one of the best in the world. For surfers, winter brings the best swells to the north coast.

A crucial factor to understand is Madeira’s system of microclimates. Due to its mountainous terrain, the weather can vary dramatically across the island on any given day. It might be warm and sunny along the southern coast in Funchal, while simultaneously being cool, misty, and rainy in the central mountains or along the northern shore. Always be prepared for changing conditions, especially when heading into the hills for a hike.

How Long to Stay

The ideal duration of your visit depends on your travel style and how much of the island you wish to see.

• 4-5 Days: A long weekend provides a wonderful taste of Madeira. This is enough time to explore the capital, Funchal, enjoy its culinary scene, and undertake one or two signature activities, like a levada walk or a trip to a famous viewpoint like Cabo Girão.
• 7 Days: A full week is the ideal duration for a first-time visitor. It allows you to base yourself in one or two locations, thoroughly explore Funchal, and dedicate several days to exploring the island’s diverse regions—the dramatic east, the lush north, and the sunny west—without feeling rushed.
• 10-14 Days: With a longer stay, you can achieve a truly comprehensive experience. This timeframe allows for extensive hiking, leisurely days relaxing by the sea, and the opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path places in Madeira. It also makes a day trip or an overnight stay on the neighboring golden-sanded island of Porto Santo a relaxing possibility.

What to Pack

Packing for Madeira is all about versatility and layering. The island’s microclimates mean you can experience several seasons in one day, so being prepared is key to comfort.

• Layered clothing: Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, and a fleece or sweater. This allows you to adapt easily as you move between the sunny coast and the cooler, higher altitudes.
• A waterproof and windproof jacket: This is non-negotiable, regardless of the season. Sudden showers and windy conditions are common, especially in the mountains and on coastal walks.
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes: If you plan to walk any of the levadas or veredas, footwear with good grip is essential. The paths can be uneven, wet, and slippery.
• Swimwear: For the hotel pool, coastal lidos, or the unique experience of swimming in the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz.
• Sun protection: The Atlantic sun can be strong. A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are must-haves.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated on your hikes and help reduce plastic waste. The tap water in Madeira is safe to drink.
• Smart casual outfits: While the daytime vibe is relaxed, Madeirans often dress up for evenings out in Funchal. A few smarter options will be useful for dinner or visiting a wine lodge.

Getting to and Around the Island

Madeira’s dramatic topography is a core part of its charm, but it also dictates how you’ll explore it. Planning your transport is a key step to making the most of your time on the island, whether you’re staying in Funchal or venturing into the wild interior.

Arriving by Air

Your journey to the island will almost certainly begin at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), located near the town of Santa Cruz. The airport is well-connected, with numerous direct flights from major cities across Europe, served by both flagship carriers and budget airlines.

The airport’s runway, famously extended over the ocean on pillars, is known for its challenging, windy approach. While landings can sometimes be turbulent, rest assured that pilots require special training to operate here. The experience is often more of a thrilling welcome than a genuine concern for passengers. In cases of very high winds, flights may be diverted, so it’s always wise to allow for some flexibility in your travel plans.

Once you’ve landed, you have several options for getting to your accommodation:

• Aerobus: A convenient and economical shuttle service that runs frequently between the airport and various stops in Funchal, including the main hotel zone.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available just outside the arrivals hall. They are a reliable, albeit more expensive, way to get directly to your destination.
• Pre-booked Shuttle/Transfer: Many companies offer private or shared transfer services that you can book online in advance. This can be a stress-free option, especially if you’re traveling with a group or a lot of luggage.

Getting Around Madeira

How you choose to navigate the island will significantly shape your holiday. From complete independence to relaxing guided excursions, there is a method to suit every type of traveler.

Renting a Car

For ultimate freedom and the ability to explore remote trailheads and hidden villages at your own pace, renting a car is the best choice.

• Pros: Unmatched flexibility to create your own itinerary, stop at viewpoints whenever you wish, and access parts of the island not served by public transport.
• Cons: Madeira’s roads can be very steep, narrow, and winding, which can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers. Parking in Funchal’s city center can also be difficult and costly.
• Tips: Book your vehicle well in advance, especially during peak season. Opt for a car with a reasonably powerful engine to handle the steep inclines with ease. Full, comprehensive insurance (zero-deductible) is highly recommended for peace of mind on the narrow roads.

Public Transport

Madeira has a surprisingly comprehensive public bus system, though it requires some planning. Three main companies operate across the island: Horários do Funchal (yellow buses for urban and nearby routes), SAM (for the east), and Rodoeste (for the west). The system is most effective for traveling between Funchal and other major towns along the sunny south coast. However, services to rural areas, the northern coast, and specific hiking start points can be infrequent, sometimes with only a couple of buses per day. It’s a very affordable option, but be sure to check timetables carefully.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Traditional taxis are plentiful in Funchal and other towns and can be hailed or found at designated taxi ranks. For shorter trips or journeys to and from dinner, they are a convenient option. Ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are also operational, but their availability is concentrated primarily in and around the Funchal metropolitan area. You may struggle to find a driver in more remote parts of the island.

Guided Tours and Day Trips

If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, guided tours are an excellent and popular way to see Madeira. These excursions remove the stress of navigating the challenging roads and parking. Local guides provide valuable insight, and the itineraries are designed to efficiently cover the island’s highlights. You can find a wide variety of tours, from full-day trips exploring the east or west of the island to specialized excursions focused on levada walking, canyoning, or food and wine tasting.

Where to Stay: Finding Your Perfect Base

Choosing the right location on Madeira can significantly shape your travel experience. The island’s diverse geography means you can opt for a bustling city base, a sun-drenched coastal town, a tranquil mountain retreat, or a dramatic northern village. Each region offers a distinct character and set of advantages.

Funchal: The Vibrant Capital

For most first-time visitors, Funchal is the most practical and dynamic base. As the island’s capital, it offers the highest concentration of restaurants, cultural sites, and nightlife. Its excellent transport links make it the ideal hub for exploring the rest of the island, particularly for travelers who prefer not to rent a car. The city is lively yet charming, with a beautiful harbour and historic architecture.

• Old Town (Zona Velha): A charismatic labyrinth of cobbled streets, famous for its painted doors (Projeto Arte de Portas Abertas), traditional restaurants, and vibrant evening atmosphere.
• Lido Zone: Situated west of the city center, this is the main hotel district. It offers a wide range of accommodation, seaside promenades, and public swimming complexes (lidos).
• Sé (Cathedral Area): The central, commercial heart of Funchal, surrounding the 15th-century cathedral. It’s perfect for shopping, people-watching from cafés, and accessing key museums.

The Sunny South Coast

Stretching west from Funchal, the south coast is known for its mild, sunny climate and more relaxed pace of life. This is the best region for those seeking sunshine and easy access to the ocean. While Madeira isn’t famous for natural sandy beaches, this coast is home to several well-maintained man-made ones, particularly in Calheta.

• Câmara de Lobos: A picturesque fishing village, famously painted by Winston Churchill, with a traditional harbour and excellent seafood restaurants.
• Ribeira Brava: A pleasant and centrally located town with a pebble beach and good connections for exploring both the south and the interior.
• Ponta do Sol: Claims to be the sunniest spot on the island. It’s a small, charming village with a bohemian feel, popular with digital nomads and sun-seekers.
• Calheta: A modern resort town boasting one of the island’s few golden sandy beaches (imported sand), a marina, and a contemporary art museum.

The Dramatic North Coast

If your priority is untamed nature, dramatic scenery, and fewer crowds, the north coast is an excellent choice. This region is greener, wetter, and wilder than the south, offering breathtaking cliffs, lush valleys, and powerful waves. It’s a haven for hikers, surfers, and anyone looking to connect with Madeira’s raw natural beauty.

• Porto Moniz: Famous for its spectacular natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava, offering a unique and refreshing swimming experience.
• Seixal: Home to a stunning natural black sand beach set against a backdrop of green cliffs and waterfalls, as well as another set of lava pools.
• São Vicente: A charming town nestled in a beautiful valley, providing access to the São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre and serving as a great base for exploring the Laurissilva forest.

The Rural East

The eastern part of Madeira combines convenience with tradition. Its proximity to the airport makes it a practical choice for arrival and departure days. This area offers a glimpse into the island’s rural heritage and is the starting point for some of Madeira’s most iconic hikes, including the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.

• Machico: The island’s original capital, it has a large bay with a pebble beach and a separate man-made golden sand beach, offering a more local, less tourist-focused atmosphere than Funchal.
• Santa Cruz: A relaxed coastal town right next to the airport, with a water park, a pleasant promenade, and a historic center.
• Santana: Famous for its traditional triangular, thatched-roof houses (Casas Típicas de Santana). It’s a key base for accessing some of the most beautiful levada walks in the north-east, like Caldeirão Verde.

Top Things to Do and See in Madeira

Madeira’s compact size belies its incredible density of attractions. From the lively streets of its capital to the silent, misty peaks of its interior, the island offers a diverse tapestry of experiences that appeal to every type of traveler. Here is a curated guide to the essential sights and activities that define a trip to Madeira.

Must-Do Activities in Funchal

Funchal is the heart of Madeira, a city that gracefully blends historic charm with modern energy. It serves as the perfect introduction to the island’s culture and is a hub for many of its most famous attractions.

• Ride the Funchal Cable Car to Monte: Begin your exploration with a scenic 15-minute journey from the Funchal seafront up to the parish of Monte. The gondola glides silently over the city’s terracotta rooftops, offering progressively stunning views of the bay and surrounding hills.
• Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or the Madeira Botanical Garden: Once in Monte, you have a choice of two magnificent gardens. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is an enchanting world of exotic plants, koi ponds, and an impressive mineral museum. Alternatively, the Madeira Botanical Garden (a short connecting cable car ride away) showcases the island’s endemic flora with meticulous, terraced displays.
• Experience the Famous Monte Toboggan Wicker Sleds: For a unique and thrilling descent back towards Funchal, hop into a traditional wicker toboggan. Guided by two “Carreiros” dressed in white, these sleds slide on wooden runners down the steep, winding streets, a tradition dating back to the 19th century.
• Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores: The “Farmers’ Market” is a vibrant assault on the senses. The ground floor bustles with vendors selling an incredible array of exotic fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while the lower level is dedicated to the fresh catch of the day, including the formidable black scabbard fish.
• Wander the Zona Velha and the Painted Doors Project: Funchal’s Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, and bars. A highlight is Rua de Santa Maria, where the “Arte de Portas Abertas” (Art of Open Doors) project has transformed the doorways into a colorful open-air art gallery.
• Tour a Madeira Wine Lodge: A visit to Funchal is incomplete without sampling its most famous export. Lodges like Blandy’s Wine Lodge offer guided tours that explain the history and unique production process of Madeira wine, culminating in a tasting of its distinct varieties.

Hiking: Levadas and Veredas

To truly know Madeira is to walk it. The island is crisscrossed by a network of trails that offer unparalleled access to its dramatic interior. It’s important to understand the two main types of trails. A ‘levada’ is a walk that follows one of the island’s ingenious irrigation channels, which carry water from the wet north to the dry south. These paths are generally flatter and meander through lush forests. A ‘vereda’ is a more traditional mountain path, often more challenging and leading to the island’s highest peaks and most dramatic viewpoints.

Top Recommended Hikes

• PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes / PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco: Perhaps the most famous hike on the island, this popular walk on the Paúl da Serra plateau leads you through the UNESCO Laurissilva forest. The trail culminates at a breathtaking lagoon fed by 25 natural springs, with the nearby Risco waterfall cascading down a massive cliff face.
• PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde: This is a quintessential levada walk, offering a deep immersion into the emerald-green heart of the Laurissilva forest. The path is carved into the cliffside, passing through several dark but short tunnels (a flashlight is useful) before arriving at the spectacular Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
• PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro: A demanding but hugely rewarding high-altitude trail connecting Madeira’s two highest peaks, Pico do Areeiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). This vereda involves steep staircases and narrow paths carved into the rock, offering truly phenomenal views above the clouds on a clear day.
• PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: In stark contrast to the green interior, this coastal walk explores the arid, windswept eastern peninsula. The trail offers dramatic views of volcanic rock formations, rugged sea stacks, and the deep blue Atlantic, showcasing a completely different side of Madeira’s geology.

Natural Wonders and Viewpoints

Beyond the hiking trails, Madeira’s volcanic origins have sculpted a landscape filled with awe-inspiring sights and natural attractions.

• Plunge into the Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools: On the northwest coast, volcanic eruptions created natural swimming pools that are filled by the tide with crystal-clear seawater. These pools, smoothed by time but still ruggedly beautiful, offer a unique and refreshing swimming experience.
• Walk on the Cabo Girão Skywalk: Perched atop one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs (580m), this glass-floored viewing platform provides a dizzying, direct view down to the terraced fields and the ocean below.
• Visit the Black Sand Beach at Seixal: Nestled between the green cliffs and the blue ocean, the fine black volcanic sand of Praia do Porto de Seixal creates a stunning visual contrast. It’s a beautiful spot for a swim, with views of the famous Véu da Noiva waterfall in the distance.
• Admire the Views from Miradouro do Véu da Noiva: This viewpoint offers a classic postcard image of Madeira’s north coast. It looks out onto a waterfall that tumbles down the cliff face directly into the ocean, resembling a bride’s veil (“Véu da Noiva”).
• Explore the São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre: Journey to the center of the earth by exploring these ancient lava tubes, formed nearly 900,000 years ago. The guided tour provides fascinating insight into the volcanic birth of the island.

Coastal and Marine Adventures

The warm waters of the Atlantic surrounding Madeira are teeming with life and offer countless opportunities for adventure.

• Go on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: The waters around Madeira are a permanent home or migration route for over 20 species of cetaceans. Year-round boat trips depart from Funchal and Calheta, offering a high chance of spotting species like bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde’s whales.
• Take the Cable Car Down to Fajã dos Padres: This incredibly steep cable car descends a towering cliff to a secluded organic farm and pebble beach below. It’s a tranquil oasis where you can enjoy a meal, swim in the clear water, and experience a unique form of coastal agriculture.
• Discover Hidden Coves by Kayak or SUP: Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the coastline at your own pace. This allows you to access secluded beaches and sea caves that are unreachable by land, offering a different perspective of the island’s dramatic cliffs.
• Scuba Diving in the Garajau Marine Nature Reserve: Just east of Funchal, this protected marine area is a haven for divers. Clear waters and an abundance of marine life, including large dusky groupers (known locally as “Meros”), make it one of the premier diving spots in the Atlantic.

A Taste of Madeira: What to Eat and Drink

Madeira’s cuisine is a direct reflection of its island soul—simple, generous, and deeply connected to the bounty of the sea and the terraced mountainsides. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, from just-caught fish to sun-ripened tropical fruits. Exploring the island’s food and drink is an essential part of the Madeiran experience, offering flavors that are both unique to the archipelago and wonderfully comforting.

Must-Try Savory Dishes

The traditional dishes of Madeira are hearty and flavorful, designed to be shared and savored. These are the foundational tastes of the island that you will encounter in homes and restaurants alike.

Espetada: This is arguably Madeira’s most iconic meat dish. It consists of large, tender cubes of beef seasoned simply with garlic and salt, then skewered onto a branch from a local laurel tree. The skewer is grilled over hot coals, allowing the fragrant laurel wood to infuse the meat with a subtle, smoky flavor. It’s often served at the table hanging from a special stand, creating a bit of delicious theatre.

Bolo do Caco: You will find this circular, flatbread everywhere, and for good reason. It is not a cake (‘bolo’) but a wonderfully soft and chewy bread traditionally cooked on a hot basalt stone slab, the ‘caco’. It is almost always served warm, sliced open and slathered with garlic butter, making for a perfect starter or accompaniment to any meal.

Lapas: A quintessential seaside snack, lapas are limpets grilled in their own shells. They are served sizzling hot in a small frying pan, bathed in garlic butter and herbs. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating is essential. It’s a simple, rustic, and incredibly fresh taste of the Atlantic Ocean.

Peixe Espada com Banana: This signature dish may sound unusual, but the pairing of fish and fruit is a classic in Madeiran gastronomy. The peixe espada is the black scabbard fish, a deep-water creature with delicate, white flesh. The fillet is often lightly battered and fried, then served with a sweet fried banana, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Milho Frito: A popular and satisfying side dish, milho frito translates to ‘fried cornmeal’. Cubes of cooked cornmeal porridge, often flavored with kale and herbs, are deep-fried until they are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are the classic partner to espetada and other grilled meats.

Essential Drinks and Sweets

From its world-renowned fortified wine to potent local cocktails, Madeira’s beverages are an integral part of its cultural identity. Make sure to leave room for a sweet treat to finish your meal.

Madeira Wine: The island’s most famous export is this fortified wine, renowned for its unique aging process which involves heating. This process gives it remarkable longevity and a complex flavor profile. It comes in four main styles, each named for its principal grape, ranging from dry to sweet: Sercial (dry, perfect as an aperitif), Verdelho (medium-dry), Bual (medium-rich), and Malmsey (the richest and sweetest, ideal for dessert).

Poncha: This is Madeira’s signature and famously potent cocktail. The traditional version is a powerful blend of ‘aguardente de cana’ (a local spirit distilled from sugarcane), honey, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. It is vigorously mixed using a special wooden tool called a ‘caralhinho’. While the traditional ‘Pescador’ (fisherman’s) style is a must-try, you’ll also find delicious variations made with passion fruit (maracujá) or tangerine.

Nikita: A uniquely Madeiran creation, the Nikita is a surprisingly smooth and creamy drink. It’s a blend of beer, white wine, pineapple juice, and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, all whipped together into a frothy beverage. It’s an unusual combination that proves to be a refreshing treat on a warm afternoon.

Bolo de Mel: The ‘honey cake’ is Madeira’s oldest and most traditional sweet. It is a dark, dense, and richly spiced cake made not with bee honey, but with ‘mel de cana’ (sugarcane molasses). Packed with walnuts, almonds, and spices like cinnamon and clove, it has a long shelf life. Tradition dictates that the cake should be broken apart by hand rather than cut with a knife.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the practical aspects of your trip to Madeira, from handling money to staying safe on the trails.

Currency, Payments, and Tipping

Navigating transactions in Madeira is straightforward, but it helps to know the local customs.

• Currency: As part of Portugal, the official currency in Madeira is the Euro (€). It is advisable to have some cash on hand upon arrival for small initial expenses like a coffee or a taxi. For a detailed breakdown of costs, check out our Madeira travel budget guide.
• Payments: Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, particularly in Funchal and other main towns. However, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller family-run cafes, local markets, and bus fares, especially when exploring more rural parts of the island. Learn more about currency and payment options in Madeira.
• Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Madeira, as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, for good service, it is a common and appreciated gesture. You can round up the bill in a taxi or cafe, or leave a tip of around 10% in a restaurant if you were particularly pleased with the service.

Language and Communication

Connecting with the local culture is one of the joys of travel, and language is a key part of that experience.

• Official Language: The official language is Portuguese. While it shares similarities with Spanish, they are distinct languages.
• English: English is widely and proficiently spoken in most tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. You will have no trouble communicating in Funchal and popular visitor spots.
• Helpful Phrases: While you can get by with English, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is always appreciated by locals and can enrich your interactions.
  • Olá – Hello
  • Por favor – Please
  • Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (used by a male / female speaker)
  • Bom dia – Good morning

Health and Safety

Madeira is a remarkably safe and secure destination, allowing visitors to relax and explore with peace of mind. Following a few common-sense guidelines will ensure your holiday is trouble-free.

• General Safety: Crime rates are very low. Use standard precautions as you would anywhere, such as being aware of your belongings in crowded areas, but you can generally feel very safe walking around, even at night. For more safety tips for Madeira travelers, check our guide.
• Tap Water: The tap water throughout Madeira is of excellent quality and is perfectly safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
• Emergency Number: The pan-European emergency number is 112. This number can be called for any emergency service (police, ambulance, or fire department).
• Hiking Safety: The island’s greatest asset is its nature, which demands respect. Always check the weather forecast before a hike, as conditions can change in an instant. Wear sturdy, appropriate hiking shoes with good grip. For more challenging or remote trails, inform someone of your route and avoid hiking alone. Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a fully charged phone. Discover Madeira’s best hiking trails for unforgettable adventures.