Health & Safety
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 Central do Funchal (Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça) is a modern, well-equipped hospital with an emergency room. For tourists, initial treatment is usually free with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
- Pharmacies (Farmácias): Recognizable by the green cross, available in every town. Open Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–13:00. Night pharmacies rotate.
- Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance is recommended — it covers private treatments, helicopter rescue in case of hiking accidents, and repatriation.
Hiking Safety
The greatest real risk in Madeira is hiking accidents: steep descents, slippery levada trails, unsecured cliffs, and rapid weather changes in the mountains.
- Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots (non-slip!), rain jacket (even in sunshine), headlamp for tunnels, plenty of water and snacks.
- Check the weather: In the mountains, the weather can change within minutes — from sunshine to fog and rain. Check the webcams at Pico do Arieiro and the weather forecast before each mountain hike.
- Levada Safety: Some levada trails are narrow (less than 1 meter wide), wet, and on steep slopes without railings. Those with a fear of heights should inform themselves beforehand. The Levada das 25 Fontes and Caldeirão Verde are the best secured.
- Hiking alone: No problem on popular levadas (25 Fontes, Caldeirão Verde). On remote trails: Let someone know where you are going, take a phone (with offline map).
