A trip to Madeira is an unforgettable adventure. You’ll discover breathtaking scenery, unique experiences and unforgettable hikes.
Is Madeira worth a visit? Yes, we love it. And we want to share with you the reasons why.
But let’s be honest, it’s not the ideal destination for everyone, so we share its drawbacks too.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Madeira worth a visit?
Yes, Madeira is one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
It’s ideal for those looking for beautiful scenery, lush vegetation and great hiking.
However, we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for long sandy beaches and great places to party.
Reason 1: Unforgettable and varied landscapes
The first reason to visit Madeira is the variety and grandeur of its landscapes.
Wherever you go, your heart will do a salto and your eyes will sparkle with happiness.
In particular:
- The impressive cliffs,
- Natural lava rock pools,
- Mountain peaks,
- Volcanic landscapes,
- Levadas surrounded by lush vegetation,
- …
See our photos of Madeira’s most beautiful landscapes.
A trip to Madeira is truly unforgettable.
Even if you can’t do the hikes, you can still reach a large number of cliff and mountain viewpoints by car.
There’s something for everyone.
Among our favorite Miradouros:
- Rocha do Navio
- Eira do Serrado
- Ponta do Rosto
- Terra Grande
- Miradouro do Cortado
See Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
Reason 2: Breathtaking hikes
Madeira is ideal for day or half-day hiking. This is one of the island’s most popular activities.
Madeira is also famous for its day and half-day hiking trails.
There is a wide variety of trails offering mountain and coastal scenery.
Some of the most famous are the levada walks.
Madeira’s levadas are water channels built into the sides of mountains to transport water to farmland.
I recommend at least 3 hikes (or their shorter alternatives):
- one in the mountains around Pico do Arieiro
- one to the volcanic cliffs of Ponta Sao Lourenço
- And one along a levada like 25 Fontes or Caldeirao Verde.
See the most beautiful hikes in Madeira.
Reason 3: Gardens and vegetation
Madeira is, among other things, famous for its flowers and lush gardens. The island’s mild, humid climate makes it possible to grow a wide variety of plants, from tropical species to endemic flowers: in the gardens you’ll discover exceptional trees, collections of cacti and tropical plants and, often, beautiful views of the surrounding area.
If you only need to make one, we recommend it:
- The Monte Palace Tropical Garden: a must-see!
- Unless you have difficulty getting around, in which case we recommend Funchal’s municipal garden.
See our list of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Reason 4: Weather and winter sunshine
Madeira has a lot to offer all year round. Its climate is described as “eternal spring”, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 24°C during the day (at water level) and the sea rising to 23°C in summer.
And it’s also a popular destination in winter, as it’s often sunny. Daytime temperature between 18 and 20°C, and sea temperature around 17°C to 19°C.
Madeira is pleasant all year round, but if we had to choose one month as the best, it would be JUNE: pleasant temperatures, little rain, before the summer crowds, good whale activity…
Find out more about when to go to Madeira and winter in Madeira.
Reason 5: Its beautiful hotels
Most hotels are located in Funchal.
The hotel offer is excellent, with luxury hotels, boutique hotels, family resorts, aparthotels and rentals.
It’s easy to find something that’s just right for you!
Among our favorites:
- Barceló Funchal Oldtown Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
- Reid’s Palace Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Suites at The Cliff Bay – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Bahia Azul – prices, pictures and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Reason 6: Dolphins and whales
One of Madeira’s best activities is whale and dolphin watching. It’s one of the best destinations in Europe for doing so. The waters around Madeira Island are clear and offer ideal temperature conditions for many species.
Choose from a wide range of boat tours: catamaran, speedboat, classic boat…
See all our recommendations in our dedicated article.
Or watch our favorite catamaran tour with swimming under Cabo Girao – See options and availability
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
Reason 7: Unique sunrises
We recommend that you make the effort at least one morning, to climb to the very top of the island at night, before sunrise.
From Pico do Arieiro, you are at an altitude of over 1,800m. There are often seas of clouds beneath the mountains, and the rising sun illuminates the peaks and clouds to create an unforgettable spectacle.
We also enjoyed doing it at the start of the Verada do Pico Ruivo hike.
Reason 9: Its culture
Madeira’s culture is unique, with Portuguese aspects but a rather different atmosphere.
For example, don’t miss out:
- Santana‘s traditional houses, the island’s mascot.
- The Porto da Cruz sugar cane factory
- The CR7 museum dedicated to the famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo
- The use of levadas to irrigate gardens at the base of cliffs
- Basket sleigh rides through the streets of Funchal
- …
See our selection of the best museums in Funchal.
Reason 9: Wine and gastronomy
Madeira wines are among Portugal’s most popular.
They’re not as internationally famous as Port wines, but they have their fans!
The wine from this island has a unique taste due to the heating method used. And it’s stored in a warm environment.
You can enjoy it
- at the restaurant – see our selection of the best restaurants
- on wine-tasting tours – see options
- during a visit to the Blandy winery in Funchal.
And when it comes to food, if you like fruit and vegetables, you’ll love Madeira. Good fish, fresh produce… but also traditional Portuguese desserts: Pasteis de Nata.
Reason 10: Prices and good deals
Apart from airfares, the island’s value for money is one of the best in our opinion.
- Hotel quality for the price
- Budget rentals
- Car rental prices
- Meal prices
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Some disadvantages of a trip to Madeira
No dream beach
Don’t go to Madeira to spend your days on the beach. It’s not the ideal destination for this.
Most of the island’s beaches are pebbly. There is very little sand: black sand in Seixal, imported golden sand in Machico and Calheta.
The island is beautiful, with dreamy landscapes and plenty to do. But not lounging on the beach…
See our article on Madeira’s beaches.
The hazards of air access
Madeira has one of Europe’s best-known airstrips.
It’s not dangerous, but it’s windy and the approach is special. Pilots need special training to land here.
From time to time, it can be too windy to land safely. In this case, planes may not take off, or may have to land on another island or return to Portugal.
In this case, you will have to take a later flight.
We therefore advise you not to book an excursion on the first day, in case your arrival is delayed.
Tourist spot
It’s a very touristic destiantion.
We don’t have the crowds of the Canaries, due to the limitations of the airport, but as there is little building land, many people stay in the same place, i.e. Funchal.
Driving
The other thing that might scare you a bit is the roads.
The mountains are steep and high. You’ll have to drive on narrow, winding mountain roads.
However, we assure you, we didn’t find the experience all that difficult. The roads were almost always one lane in each direction, and always had safety barriers.
The only moments we found difficult were some very, very steep streets on the heights of Funchal.
See our tips for driving in Madeira.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Changeable weather
The island of Madeira lies in the middle of the Atlantic, with high mountains (1800m). As a result, the clouds are stopped.
If you’re looking for sunshine during your trip to Madeira, we recommend that you allow for some flexibility. We advise you to check the weather and webcams every day, and to choose the least cloudy area of the island for each half-day.
In our planning, we group locations by half-day so that we can decide where to go next.
Limited nightlife
If you want to party, Madeira is not the ideal destination for you either.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
