Exploring Madeira Island: A Travel Guide

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago off the coast of Africa, is a popular destination for travellers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. With its rugged terrain, subtropical climate, and diverse attractions, it offers something for everyone, from hikers exploring the Levada trails to those seeking relaxation on its golden beaches. Getting to Madeira is easy, with international flights arriving at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, and cruise ships docking at the Port of Funchal. However, navigating the island itself can be challenging due to its mountainous roads and limited public transportation options outside of the main bus system. To access the more remote corners, renting a car is recommended, although driving in Madeira requires caution due to steep and winding roads. So, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a beachgoer, a foodie or a culture seeker, Madeira Island awaits with open arms, offering a memorable travel experience in a breathtaking setting.

Getting to Madeira Island

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, located off the coast of Africa. The archipelago is made up of several islands, including the main island of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of Desertas and Selvagens.

The two main access points to the island of Madeira are by air or sea.

By Air

The Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, located in Santa Cruz, is the primary gateway to the island. The airport accommodates international flights from major European cities, with journey times averaging three to four hours. Flights from Lisbon take just 90 minutes. Direct flights are also available from New York City.

By Sea

The Port of Funchal, located on the island, is a popular stop for major international cruise ships.

Once on the island, there are a few transport options to get around.

By Car

Driving in Madeira can be challenging due to its mountainous terrain and narrow, winding roads. However, a car is recommended to reach the more remote areas of the island, such as hiking trails and beaches. Car rental companies are available at the airport, but rates can be expensive. It is advised to rent smaller cars as many roads are narrow and parking is often on the streets.

By Bus

Madeira has an extensive public bus transport system, with the main bus service being SAM. However, the bus system can be confusing, with a lack of clear information at bus stops and outdated websites.

By Taxi

Taxis are also available on the island, but it is recommended to negotiate the price before getting in to avoid scams.

Getting around the island

Madeira is linked to the world via Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, which offers direct international flights, including from New York City.

The island's public transport system is a little confusing. There is an extensive bus network, but the bus stops often don't have the name of the line or timetables on them, and the bus company websites may not be up-to-date. A one-way ticket costs €1.95, or €1.35 if you pre-pay.

If you want to explore the more remote parts of the island, you'll probably need to hire a car. Several car rental companies have offices at the airport, but rates aren't cheap. Driving in Madeira can be challenging due to its hilly terrain and steep, winding roads. If you don't feel confident driving a manual car, it's worth renting an automatic car, although this will be more expensive.

When driving, it's best not to blindly follow your GPS, as this may lead you down some of the island's sketchier roads. Instead, stick to the main roads, which will still get you to your destination safely. Be aware that local people often park their cars on the roads, which can make driving on narrow streets more difficult.

If you're planning to take a taxi, it's a good idea to negotiate the price first to avoid getting scammed.

Hiking trails

Madeira is an excellent destination for hiking, with a variety of trails catering to hikers of all skill levels. The island's unique terrain offers an array of landscapes to explore, from mountains and oceans to green forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. Here is a selection of some of the best hiking trails in Madeira:

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

This trail, also known as Pico a Pico or "peak to peak," takes hikers between the two tallest peaks on the island, Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. The route offers stunning views of jagged peaks and dramatic landscapes. It is considered challenging due to its narrow and steep sections, with an elevation gain of about 2,700 feet. The trail is well-engineered, with tunnels, handrails, and stone steps, providing a memorable hiking experience.

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Dragon's Tail)

The Dragon's Tail is a popular and picturesque trail that follows the winding coastal features of the island's easternmost point. The trail offers panoramic views of contrasting red rock, green ground cover, and blue water. It is approximately 4.6 miles long (out and back) with an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet. The trail can feel crowded at times, but hikers naturally disperse along the route. It is recommended to arrive early to secure parking, as the lot fills up quickly.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is an 8.6-mile (out and back) trail that showcases the beauty of the island's west end. It is considered one of the more moderate trails, following irrigation infrastructure that brings water from rainier parts of the island to drier areas. The route passes through the Queimadas Forest Park, offering lush scenery and the option to visit the Caldeirão do Inferno. The trail features stone walkways, hard-packed dirt, and dripping, moss-covered rock walls, with a waterfall as its highlight.

Vereda do Pico Ruivo

The Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail provides hikers with clear views of the central mountainous massif and several other points of interest. It is the highest point in Madeira and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.

PR 13 - Vereda do Fanal

The Vereda do Fanal trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the vast green expanse of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, known for its biodiversity and UNESCO protection.

PR 14 - Levada dos Cedros

With a length of 7.2 km and an estimated duration of 3 hours, the Levada dos Cedros trail allows hikers to immerse themselves in the island's natural heritage and enjoy close contact with its flora and fauna.

PR 15 - Vereda da Ribeira da Janela

The Vereda da Ribeira da Janela is a trail of medium difficulty, mostly downhill. With a length of 2.7 km and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this trail offers a pleasant hike through diverse landscapes.

PR 18 - Levada do Rei

The Levada do Rei trail takes hikers on a journey to discover the island's exuberant nature, leading to a singular place considered a natural sanctuary.

PR 21 - Caminho do Norte

The Caminho do Norte trail follows the traces of an old path that once connected the south and north areas of Madeira, allowing hikers to explore the Madeiran forest area and immerse themselves in nature.

PR 22 - Vereda do Chão dos Louros

The Vereda do Chão dos Louros is a circular trail that allows hikers to explore the surroundings of the Chão dos Louros forest park, offering a peaceful and scenic hiking experience.

Madeira's diverse hiking trails, including levadas (man-made aqueducts) and veredas (paths), provide a unique opportunity to discover the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is recommended to rent a car to access the more remote trails and to check trail conditions and difficulty levels before embarking on your hiking adventure.

Things to do

Madeira Island is a haven for hikers, swimmers, divers, and surfers, with activities catering to a variety of skill levels. Here are some things to do when visiting:

Explore the Great Outdoors

Madeira's rugged and subtropical landscape offers a range of outdoor activities. The island is home to over 804 km of levadas, man-made aqueducts created by early settlers to facilitate agriculture. These levadas, along with the veredas (paths), offer spectacular hiking routes through waterfalls, cliffs, jungles, and incredible viewpoints. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is an entry-level walk spanning 7.3 miles, while the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offers a dry, rocky trail with the opportunity for a refreshing ocean dip. For a challenge, consider the trails summiting Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point.

Sun, Sea, and Pebbles

Madeira's beaches consist of round stones rather than sand, so bring aqua socks for a more comfortable experience. Porto Moniz, on the island's northwest corner, is home to the most famous natural swimming pools. For a more dramatic setting, visit Doca do Cavacas on the south shore, or head to Seixal or Cachalote for free, more natural pools. Praia do Almirante Reis in central Funchal and Praia Formosa offer pleasant dips and swimming, while Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha, a beach club near the hotel zone, provides sunbeds and sea access for a small fee.

Adventure Activities

For an adrenaline rush, try the Monte toboggan run, where wicker sledges carry you down steep roads from the village of Monte to Funchal. Or, take a cable car ride to Fajã dos Padres, a rocky beach with a farm, banana plantation, cafe, and swimming dock. If you're seeking a unique swimming experience, visit the natural rock pools in Seixal.

Immerse Yourself in Culture and History

Explore Zona Velha, Funchal's historic city centre, with sights such as Quinta das Cruzes, the Madeira Photography Museum, and the Church Igreja do Colegio. Don't miss the painted doors! Take a walking tour with Madeiran Heritage's History Tellers to delve deeper into the city's history. Visit the CR7 Museum, dedicated to native son Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Funchal Farmers Market, where you can sample local produce and crafts.

Indulge in Food and Drink

Taste the local specialty, espetada, chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves, grilled on a laurel branch or metal skewer. Pair it with bolo do caco, a type of bread made with sweet potato and toasted with garlic butter. Wash it down with poncha, a traditional drink made with white rum, orange and/or lemon juice, honey, and sugar. For coffee lovers, explore the specialty coffee shops in the city centre, such as Bolo do Caco, Gelados.

When to visit

Madeira is a year-round destination, with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C). However, there are some key things to consider when planning your trip. January is the wettest month, so if you're looking to avoid the rain, this may be a month to skip. The island also experiences its highest tourist numbers in August, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, you may want to avoid this month.

September is a great month to visit if you're looking to take advantage of the warmer sea temperatures. And if you're interested in experiencing the local culture, the Madeira Archipelago celebrates Carnival from February 26 to March 9 with revelry and extravagance filling the city's streets.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, so it uses the Euro as its currency and Portuguese as its primary language. However, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Frequently asked questions