Madeira is accessible only by plane or cruise ship — there is no ferry connection to the Portuguese mainland (the distance is over 1,000 km). The Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) is located in the east of the island near Santa Cruz, 18 km from Funchal. Direct Flights from the DACH Region Condor, Eur

Rental Car — The Best Option A rental car is almost indispensable on Madeira — the island is only 57 km long and 22 km wide, but the topography is extremely vertical, and the best Levada starting points, viewpoints, and beaches are off the bus routes. The driving pleasure is enormous: winding mounta

Madeira is a very safe travel destination — crime against tourists is extremely rare, medical care is good, and the island is free of dangerous animals (no snakes, no poisonous spiders). The main risks: hiking accidents, sunburn, and one too many Ponchas. Medical Care Hospital: The Hospital Centra

Communication & Practical Tips

Madeira is well-connected and excellently developed for tourism — but there are a few peculiarities you should be aware of: Mobile & Internet Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German phone in Madeira without additional costs. Network coverage is good in Funchal and along the coast (4G/LTE). In

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Travel Guide Madeira

Your complete travel guide for Madeira

Capital:Funchal

Language:Portuguese

Currency:Euro (€)

Best Travel Time:May–Jun / Sep–Oct (year-round)

Flight Time:4–4.5 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (EU/Schengen)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 35 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Grand Madeira Tour

10–14 days

The complete Madeira experience: Explore Funchal, hike on Levadas through laurel forests, stand above the clouds on Pico do Arieiro, swim in Porto Moniz, visit Santana's straw-roofed houses, and relax on the beach in Porto Santo. Best with a rental car and good hiking shoes.

FunchalMonteCabo GirãoCâmara de LobosLevada das 25 FontesPorto MonizSão VicenteSantanaCaldeirão VerdePico do ArieiroPico RuivoPonta de São LourençoPorto Santo

Hiking Week

7–8 days

For hikers: The five best hikes in Madeira in one week — from the Levada through the laurel forest to the royal hike on the summit ridge to the coastal hike at the eastern tip. In between: Porto Moniz for swimming and Funchal for enjoyment. Fitness level: medium to challenging.

FunchalLevada das 25 FontesCaldeirão VerdePico do ArieiroPico RuivoPonta de São LourençoVereda dos BalcõesPorto Moniz

Gourmet Short Trip

4–5 days

Funchal and surroundings in 4–5 days: Mercado, toboggan ride, Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos (Poncha!), Madeira wine tasting, a Levada hike (25 Fontes), tropical gardens, and every evening in a different restaurant in Zona Velha. Perfect for those who prefer culture and cuisine over nature — or as an extension of a Lisbon trip.

FunchalMonteCabo GirãoCâmara de LobosBlandy's WeinkellerMercado dos LavradoresLevada das 25 Fontes

Madeira & Porto Santo

8–10 days

The perfect combination: 5–7 days active on Madeira (hiking, culture, nature), then 2–3 days relaxing on Porto Santo (beach, sun, peace). The contrast between the green, vertical main island and the flat, golden beach island is the key to a balanced trip.

FunchalLevada-WanderungenNordküstePico do ArieiroPorto Santo (3 Tage)

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Madeira

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

2 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

2 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Funchal & Surroundings

5 Sections

Chapter 5

The North — Santana, Porto Moniz & Laurel Forests

4 Sections

Chapter 6

Levada Hikes & Mountains

5 Sections

Chapter 7

Porto Santo — The Beach Island

3 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

2 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Funchal & Surroundings

The island capital with its amphitheater by the sea: tropical gardens, the lively Mercado dos Lavradores, historic Madeira wine cellars, the toboggan ride from Monte, Cabo Girão, and a growing gastronomy scene. Funchal is the cultural and culinary heart of Madeira.

Mercado dos LavradoresBasket sled MonteCabo Girão (580 m)Jardim Tropical Monte Palace+1

Funchal

The North — Santana & Porto Moniz

The wild, green side of Madeira: UNESCO laurel forests, the natural pools of Porto Moniz, the straw-roofed houses of Santana, the volcanic caves of São Vicente, and some of the most spectacular coastal roads in Europe. The north reveals Madeira's original, untamed face.

Natural Pools Porto MonizCasas de Colmo SantanaLaurissilva Laurel ForestVolcanic Caves São Vicente+1

Madeira

Levada Hikes & Mountains

Madeira's unique hiking network along the historic irrigation channels. From the mystical Levada do Caldeirão Verde to the waterfall hike to the 25 Fontes and the royal hike Pico do Arieiro–Pico Ruivo above the clouds. Hiking in Madeira is an experience found nowhere else.

Levada do Caldeirão VerdeLevada das 25 FontesPico do Arieiro–Pico RuivoPonta de São Lourenço+1

Madeira

Porto Santo — The Beach Island

What Madeira lacks, Porto Santo has in abundance: a 9-kilometer-long golden sandy beach, warm sea, and a tranquility that slows you down. The small neighboring island is accessible by ferry or short flight and offers the perfect contrast to the green main island.

9 km Sandy BeachColumbus MuseumPico do FachoBasalt Columns Pico de Ana Ferreira+1

Porto Santo

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