Considering Madeira for your next vacation?
An excellent idea, this island will offer you wonderful moments between mountains, cliffs, gardens and natural pools.
Here are all the details to answer your question: Is Madeira safe?
With all our tips for a carefree vacation.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
How safe is Madeira? Quick response
Yes, on the whole Madeira is a safe destination. It’s easy to travel here, even on your own.
The few risks to be aware of are the currents on some beaches, the dangers of some hiking trails (steep gradients), some very steep roads and, like all tourist destinations, a few thefts.
Madeira is an island in Portugal where Portuguese laws apply.
What to do in an emergency Medical care
Before I tell you about a few risks to be aware of, the first thing is to know what to do in an emergency.
Dial 112 to contact the emergency services. This is a European number, enabling you to contact people who speak different languages.
Madeira is a large enough island. You’ll find a well-developed medical system, with hospitals and clinics equipped to deal with most medical emergencies.
Can you drink the water in Madeira?
Absolutely! Thanks to the mountains, the clouds are stopped and it rains regularly. Water resources are therefore natural and treated in the same way as in Europe.
In fact, the water is excellent.
Crimes and the big picture – travel for a single woman
Portugal is one of Europe’s safest countries for travelers, and the islands of Madeira have a lower crime rate than the mainland.
Of course, as in all tourist destinations, pickpockets do occur and it’s best not to leave anything visible in the car, but crimes against tourists are rare.
Madeira is a great destination for women exploring alone.
Elisa and I traveled the island on our own without feeling any stress or insecurity, even in the capital Funchal.
The only precaution to take is to warn you when you are going hiking alone, but this rule applies everywhere!
Natural and meteorological hazards
Madeira is an ancient volcanic island. No risk of eruption.
The climate is generally mild. However, in the event of a major storm, rivers can rapidly increase in volume. This may cause some flooding in the valleys, as well as landslides.
Avoid hiking in thunderstorms.
Risks associated with hiking and outdoor activities
Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of paths along levadas (irrigation canals) and magnificent mountain trails.
However, many of these hikes have passages with impressive sheer drops. The most popular hikes are very well secured, but the lesser-known are wilder. Be careful, as humidity can cause falls.
One of the most common injuries is actually slipping in one of the levadas while trying to walk too fast. The rock is slippery and some people sprain or break their ankles.
Risks on beaches and in natural pools
Madeira lies on the Atlantic Ocean.
The surrounding waters are deep (ideal for dolphin spotting), but care must be taken on the beaches and in the natural pools.
Some beaches have protective seawalls, but the more open ones can have strong currents.
Avoid swimming in natural pools at high tide or in strong winds, as the waves can hit you pretty hard. But when conditions are calm, don’t hesitate – it’s one of Madeira’s most unforgettable experiences. See our list of natural pools.
Just be aware that volcanic rock can be sharp in places.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Is it dangerous to drive in Madeira?
You may read horror stories on the Internet, but remember that the millions of visitors who have driven carefree haven’t taken the time to write about it on the web.
Yes, these are winding mountain roads and not very wide, but on the whole the roads are in good condition, with one lane in each direction, and protective walls. Take your time and you’ll be fine.
Read more in our article on driving in Madeira (coming soon).
How dangerous is Funchal?
Funchal is a lively tourist town. It’s one of the cities in Europe where we felt most comfortable visiting.
It’s very pleasant with smiling people. However, we don’t recommend trying to get around the city by car, as parking can be tricky. Once in the old town, it’s easy to explore on foot.
As in all tourist towns, thieves can happen, so take care of your belongings. However, as the island is more difficult to access, there are far fewer of them than in the major European cities or on the Canary Islands.
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
