Practical A–Z

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).

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 the mountains, tunnels, and remote levada valleys, the signal can be weak or non-existent. Tip: Download the Madeira map in Google Maps offline — essential for hikes and drives in the mountains.

Time Zone

Madeira is in the WET (Western European Time) = UTC+0 — meaning: Madeira is 1 hour behind Germany (2 hours behind Germany when daylight saving time is in effect in Germany and not in Madeira, but both have daylight saving time, so always a 1-hour difference). Note: If your flight lands at 14:00, it is already 15:00 in Germany.

Language

The official language is Portuguese — in hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities, English is spoken everywhere. German is understood in some hotels and by car rental providers (Madeira has a large German-speaking clientele). A few basic Portuguese words are highly appreciated:

• Bom dia (Good morning) / Boa tarde (Good afternoon) / Boa noite (Good evening)
• Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you, m/f)
• Por favor (Please)
• A conta, por favor (The bill, please)
• Saúde! (Cheers! — when drinking Poncha)

Packing List for Madeira

• Hiking boots — Non-slip, waterproof, broken in. The most important investment for Madeira.
• Rain jacket / Softshell — Even in summer. In the mountains and on the north side, it can rain at any time.
• Headlamp / Flashlight — For levada tunnels. Mandatory at Caldeirão Verde, 25 Fontes, and Pico Arieiro–Ruivo.
• Sunscreen SPF 30–50 — The Atlantic sun is stronger than expected, especially at altitude.
• Light clothing + warm layer — T-shirt weather at sea level, below 10°C at 1,800 m.
• Swimwear — For the natural pools in Porto Moniz, the promenades, and Porto Santo.
• Socket adapter — Not needed! Madeira has Type C/F — German plugs fit.