Welcome to our ultimate Madeira travel guide, specifically written for backpackers.
Ancient Greek geographers referred to the archipelago region of the Madeira Islands as Macaronesia, meaning “Islands of the Blessed”, a name that holds true to their beauty, nature, history, culture, and traditions.
If the Madeira Islands were not already on your travel radar, they will be by the end of this complete guide!
What are the Madeira Islands?
The Madeira Islands are cradled in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Europe and Africa and are recognized as Natural Reserves. This region of Portugal is autonomous and is made up of four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens. These islands are known for rich biodiversity, impressive waterfalls, hiking routes, and landscapes.
Not all these islands are inhabited. Can you guess why? A beautiful landscape is not always a livable one. The natural landscape in Madeira and Porto Santo permit people to live on these two islands.
The names of the Desertas and Selvagens Islands are a clue as to why they are uninhabited. In English, Desertas means Deserted, and Selvagens means Savage. Their rugged and harsh natural environment makes them difficult for people to access and live on.
HIKING: With over 130 hiking trails, there’s a trail for every backpacker! The Vereda dos Balcões is a great trail for beginners, and the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is great for the well-seasoned hiker!
No question, the Madeira Islands are a hot spot. This dormant shield volcano is known for its vibrant and lush vegetation thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. With volcanic soil comes rocky and hilly terrain.
Craving the views below water? Say no more! Go diving and see the beauty surrounding the Islands. Or hit up the waves and go surfing.
Getting Around Madeira Island
There are different ways of getting around Madeira Island depending on where you begin your trip and what your budget is.
🚌 GO BY BUS ON MADEIRA ISLAND:
Busses are reliable but a bit chaotic in Madeira. Each town has its own public transportation service, while different towns are connected by different bus companies, depending on the area. You have 4 main companies: Horarios do Funchal, SAM, EACL and Rodoeste.
In Funchal and suburbs: Horários do Funchal is a company that can easily get you in and out of Funchal. Besides Funchal suburbs and Câmara de Lobos, this urban bus service will also take you to several tourist attractions, such as Pico dos Barcelos, Monte or the Botanical Garden.
A bus ticket costs €1.35 EUR ($1.53 USD) if you purchase it ahead of time, €1.95 EUR ($2.21 USD) if you buy it on board and €4.50 EUR ($5.09 USD) for a day pass. For bus times, be sure to check out the timetable for urban and interurban trips.
On the go? Download the HF Bus App to know the schedule wherever you are.
From Funchal: by using SAM and EACL bus services you can go east to Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, Santo da Serra and Porto da Cruz.
Rodoeste, whose buses stop in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente, ensures transportation to the western part of Madeira.
Ceck out this map to see different areas served by Rodoeste, and the relative fares. The most expensive bus ticket is 6€, and allows you to reach Porto Moniz from Funchal.
🚗 GO BY CAR ON MADEIRA ISLAND:
The most common way to get around Madeira Island is by car. The roads are in great conditions pretty much all over the island, however they may be narrow or very steep at some points. Also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.
Here is everything you need to know about getting around by car on Madeira:
TAXI: The initial fare for your average taxi ride in Funchal starts at €3.50 EUR ($4 USD) and will cost approximately €3 EUR ($3.40 USD) per 5km. You can use the Táxi Madeira App to help plan your travels.
UBER: The base price for an Uber ride in Funchal starts at €1.00 EUR ($1.13 USD).
BOLT: The base price for a Bolt ride in Funchal starts at €1.09 EUR ($1.23 USD) and will cost €0.59 EUR/km ($0.67 USD/km) and €0.27 EUR/min ($0.31 USD/min). The minimum fare is €2.50 EUR ($2.83 USD)/ride.
CAR RENTAL: For a standard sedan, renting a car will cost about €25 EUR ($28 USD)/day in low season. For a larger car or during busier seasons, expect to pay closer to €40 EUR ($45 USD)/day or more. Before booking, contact the rental agency via email to learn more about prices and what cars are currently available. We recommend booking your car rental prior to your arrival or renting it directly in Funchal, not at the airport. You can always ask for a pick-up at the airport!
GAS STATIONS: Unlike other European countries where you can find different prices depending on the brand, in Madeira, the price of gas is pretty much the same across the whole island, with differences of just a couple of cents. Also, you’ll have to refill the tank on your own.
How does it work exactly? First, you park your car, you tap the amount (in €) that you’d like to refill and then you put the gas. Once you’re done with the refueling you will look for the cash desk and pay.
VISITING THE DIFFERENT ISLANDS:
PORTO SANTO: To reach the largest Island, Madeira, you can arrive by air at its capital Funchal. If you wish to start your travels in Porto Santo, you can fly to its capital Vila Baleira. Ferry rides allow you to travel to and from the Islands with the Porto Santo line. A roundtrip ticket (tourist class) for 1 adult is €59.44 EUR ($67 USD) for April-September and €48.60 EUR ($55 USD) for the rest of the year.
NOTE: During the low season (usually January), the connection may be suspended as the ferry undergoes maintenance.
THE DESERTAS: You can reach the Desertas Islands by boat from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The Deserta Islands are made up of Chão Islet, Bugio, and Deserta Grande. You’ll need to book a group tour to visit this island as access is restricted.
THE SELVAGENS: Visiting the Selvagens Islands can be a bit tricky. The freshwater surrounding the two Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) are filled with coral reefs that make accessing the Islands difficult. As a protected Natural Reserve, you need to obtain permission from the Madeira National Park to visit.
Best Time to Visit Madeira
The climate of the Madeira Islands is mild and people often refer to the weather as an ‘eternal Spring‘. Sound enticing?
If you are looking for a warm, sunny destination, the summer months June-September would be the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are around 20-25°C from May to October, while they go down to 13-16°C during winter months, with higher chances of rain.
However, while the summer months may be the most ideal for hiking and beach, waterfalls will most likely be at their minimum in terms of their water flow. Also, during the winter months you will have higher chances to find moody clouds on your hikes, and the island will be greener in general.
Top Things to Do in Madeira
- The Madeira Islands are crawling with waterfalls! Most of them are located at the end of a Levada, which are usually very well-mantained trails. Our favourites are the Levada do Caldeirao Verde and the 25 Fountains Levada.
- Looking for an epic hike? The summit with the highest peak on the Madeira Island is the Pico Ruivo (1,861m high). Don’t miss the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike!
- Did you know the largest surviving laurel forest is the Laurisilva Forest of Madeira and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its trees are over 500 years old and are found in Fanal!
- Catch dolphins and monk seals in the waters surrounding the Desertas Islands.
- Don’t miss the viewpoints! At the Cabo Girão lookout point (elevation of 580 m), you will have a breathtaking view of the coast from the glass platform known as the Skywalk. Miradouro do Juncal in Pico do Arieiro is another viewpoint you don’t wanna miss.
Want to know more about it? Check out our ultimate guide Best things to do in Madeira
Where to Stay in Madeira
Choosing where to stay in Madeira is quite easy as your location doesn’t have a huge impact on what you are going to see. In fact, you can travel from either end of the island in just over an hour, making it very easy to explore.
This means that no matter what your favourite activities are, you could either choose to spend your entire stay in a single accommodation or change it up every few days.
Understanding Madeira, however, is really important. There is a major difference between the northern and the southern side.
THE NORTHERN SIDE: The northern side of Madeira receives a considerably larger amount of rain and significantly less daylight. This means that this part of the island is usually slightly colder and dominated by more lush vegetation.
THE SOUTHERN SIDE: The southern side of the island is much sunnier and slightly warmer than the northern side. Places like Ponta do Sol rarely receive rain even during the winter months, and you can expect to have a good 1.5 hours more of sunshine every day.
Also, don’t forget that you get to see the sunset on the ocean from Funchal to Calheta!
Are you on a budget? Check out the Best Hostels in Madeira
Looking for a unique stay? Don't miss our detailed post about the Best Airbnbs in Madeira
FUNCHAL – Funchal is the largest city and the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira. It’s where most hostels are located, it’s convenient to the airport (which is just 20km away) and it’s dotted with bars and restaurants. It’s the best base for travellers seeking parties, connections, fun, and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Madeira.
RIBEIRA BRAVA & CAMARA DE LOBOS – These two areas are also located on the southern coast of Madeira. The coast here has the most stunning cliffs of the whole island, including the one of Cabo Girão Skywalk. Riberia Brava is also the gateway to Calhau da Lapa, a must-visit place in Madeira. Consider sleeping in one of the old caves of Calhau da Lapa!
PONTA DO SOL & CALHETA – This area is dotted with some of the best surfing spots in Madeira. Ponta do Sol, Paul do Mar, Calheta, Jardim do Mar, Madalena do Mar are all stunning places to stay. This side of the island receives a considerably lower amount of precipitations and at least 1.5 hours more sunlight each day. These towns are also quite convenient for those who want to explore the western side of the island, as well as the north-western side. Stay at Canto das Fontes for an amazing glamping experience.
PORTO MONIZ & SAO VICENTE – This part of Madeira is is all about laid-back island vibes. Like in Ponta do Sol and Calheta, here you will find some great waves if you like surfing. Porto Moniz is popular for its natural swimming pools, and the town itself is pretty nice.
SANTANA – Santana is a good base for those who want to explore the Mountain range of Madeira but don’t like the idea of living in a big city like Funchal. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Santana, Sao Jorge, or Faial.
MACHICO – Porto da Cruz isn’t Machico’s main town. However, it is a cozy town of just 2500 people on the northern coast of the island and it’s the best place to surf for beginners in Madeira. Consider staying in Porto da Cruz as a base for your daily trips to the mountain or just to stay away from the hustle of the city. Porto da Cruz is also a good option for solo travellers and backpackers: we loved the atmosphere at Jaca Hostel, a place we would definitely recommend.
Also, the town of Machico is quite interesting, on the southern side of the region.
SANTA CRUZ – Santa Cruz is a calm fishing village located near the airport of Madeira, not far from the city of Funchal. The village of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest on the island, characterized by palmeras, beaches, cliffs, and a stunning view of the Deserted Islands.
Useful Apps & Websites for Madeira
- HIKING: Check out the WalkMe App for maps and tips for hiking across Madeira. The app is free but we highly recommend paying the 4.99€ for the “explorer” version to grant access to all 60+ walks in Madeira, download the offline maps and more.
Maps.me is also another great app to have on your phone. It’s free and you can download the map of the island. - WEATHER: Netmadeira.com is the go-to website for checking weather conditions on the island. The homepage features live webcams from different areas of Madeira. The island is famous for having many different bioclimates, so if you’re having back luck in one area, just visit this website and cross your fingers! Sun may shine not far from where you are!
Windy is also very reliable when it comes to the weather forecast. - BUSSES: Visit Sam Bus Website for detailed information on bus rides around the island of Madeira.
- ISLAND NEWS & TRAILS: Check out VisitMadeira.pt for updates and info on trail status. Some hiking trails may be closed in specific dates for safety reasons, so make sure to check their status before going.
Is Madeira Expensive to Visit?
This is usually one of the toughest questions to answer as the budget largely depends on one’s lifestyle. However, we tried to list here some of the most common expenses you will encounter on your trip, dividing them by category.
ACCOMMODATION
| Price Range ($ USD / night) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels | $20 – $25 | (Prices per bunk bed) You can find a bunk bed for as little as $20 USD in Funchal or in Porto da Cruz. Hostels in Madeira are beautiful and have a nice atmosphere, but sadly there aren’t that many across the island. |
| Moderate | $40 – $120 | (Prices per room of 2) In this range, you can find anything from a nice double room in a hostel to a standard double room with a shared pool in a guesthouse or an entire two-bedroom house. Renting your own house may be the best budget option if you are travelling in a group. |
| Unique Airbnb | $40 – $180 | (Prices per room/house) Madeira has a wide range of unique Airbnbs where you can spend an amazing time. They range from an old cave in Calhau da Lapa to an Eco Glamping on the southern cliffs, to Mountain Eco Shelters and more. |
| Luxury | $120+ | (Prices per room/house) The island of Madeira offers a wide range of luxury hotels and villas. Check out booking.com for the latest offers. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Price Range ($ USD) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | $1.50 – $7 | Public transportation is very reliable in Madeira, however, it isn’t always easy to understand and it doesn’t go everywhere. |
| Rental Car | $28+/day | Renting your own car is the most common way to explore the island. The cheapest options in the low season, including insurance and taxes, are priced at around €25 ($28 USD). Remember you have to add the cost of gasoline. |
AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFO: A bus ticket from the airport to Funchal only costs €5 EUR ($6 USD).
FOOD
The local delights put the FUN in Funchal. Tasty, healthy, and seasonal food is what Madeira is all about. It’s also quite affordable! A one-course meal costs €10 EUR ($12 USD), and a multiple course meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and water will cost €20 EUR ($23 USD). An espresso costs anything from €0.60 EUR ($0.70 USD) to €1 ($1.15 USD). Tips are not included in the bill.
Foods to try are the renowned Espetada Pau Louro (skewered beef) €14 EUR ($16 USD), Milho fritto (corn and cabbage fried cubes), Polvo (octopus) €10 EUR ($12 USD), Lapas (limpets on a pan) €7 ($9 USD), Bolo do Caco (traditional bread with garlic butter) €3 ($4 USD), and the Prego (steak sandwich) €4 ($5 USD).
Expect to pay slightly more in the Funchal area, while prices drop as soon as you go on the northern side and at some local restaurants.
Drinks to try are the Poncha, Madeira Wine, Green Wine and Licor de Ginja da Madeira (Cherry liquor).
ACTIVITIES
Madeira offers a wide range of free and paid activities. The prices below are intended per person.
| Price Range ($ USD) | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Canyoning Tour | $60 – $120 | Canyoning tours are the perfect mix of adrenaline, fun and adventure. We did this tour with EPIC Madeira and it was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip. (It’s called EPIC for a reason!) |
| Go Whale Watching | $50 – $60 | Whale watching is one of the main activities on the island, especially during the summer months (June to August), however, these animals can be spotted all year round off the shores of Madeira. |
| Hike with a Local Guide | $40 – $70 | Take the chance to do one of the most epic hikes in Madeira with an expert local guide. Madeira Wonder Hikes took us to the highest peaks of the island for an unforgettable experience. |
| Paragliding | $90 | See Madeira from above with one of the paragliding tours on the island. |
| Off-Road Tour | $130 – $140 (for 3 people) | There are several companies offering 4×4 off-road tours with an expert guide in Madeira. This is a great way to discover the lesser-known areas of the island. |
TOTAL BUDGET
BUDGET BACKPACKERS: If you want to stretch your dollar while still being able to explore Madeira, you should budget for about 30-40€ ($34-$45 USD) a day. This involves travelling in a group (possibly of 4) to split the costs of transportation, housing and more. Expect to rent one of the cheapest Airbnb’s on the island for 4 people ($12 USD/night per person), share a rental car for your day trips ($8 USD/day per person + gasoline), stick to the free activities and eat most of your meals at home. Total cost for 14 days: €420-€550 per person ($480-$630 USD).
MID-BUDGET COUPLE: Expect to pay around €60-€70 ($67-$78 USD) a day per person for a bit more comforts. For this budget, you will be sleeping in a mid-budget double room ($20-$30 USD/night per person), split the cost of a rental car ($15 USD/day per person + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD per person). Total cost for 14 days: €840-€980 per person ($950-$1.100 USD).
SOLO MID-BUDGET TRAVELERS: Madeira isn’t that friendly to solo travellers when it comes to budgeting. This is mainly due to transportation. A car is essential to explore the island and if you don’t have anyone to split the cost with, it can be pricy. Budget for about €70-€80 ($80-$90 USD) a day if you are on your own. Sleep in a hostel ($20-$25 USD/night per person), rent your own car ($30 USD/day + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD). Total cost for 14 days: €980-€1.120 per person ($1.100-$1.270 USD).
FLASHPACKER: Budget for about a similar amount as the previous 2 categories, plus add a few activities or more expensive accommodations here and there. Your daily average budget will need to be around €100-€120 ($110-$135 USD) if you are travelling solo, a bit less if you split some of the costs with others. Total cost for 14 days: €1.400-€1680 per person ($1.580-$1.900 USD)
Is Madeira Safe?
Madeira was voted the European Safest Destination in 2021, also due to its effort to apply measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the island is very safe to travel to, even if you’re going solo.
Crime is very low in Madeira. Crimes that do take place tend not to target travellers.
Hiking dangers do exist in Madeira, mainly around waterfalls along the Levada trails and on the drops of the Veredas. These are the trails that are nearby water sources like falls and you can expect some areas to be quite wet and slippery.
Driving risks in Madeira are due to its natural mountainous landscape. Many sites to explore on the island are the easiest to get to by car. If you’re driving here for the first time and you aren’t used to mountainous roads, be vigilant and take your time as some of the roads are winding and steep.
Swimming and surfing in Madeira can be wild (both in a fun and risky way). Things to keep in mind when taking a dip: the waves can be quite strong (especially in winter) and be aware of the large rocks below your feet.
What to Eat and Drink?
Have you heard of Madeira wine? This fortified drink is a must to try. Madeira has a huge tradition when it comes to wines. In fact, wine has been produced here for over 500 years, and ancient traditions are well preserved. On the island, everywhere you look there are terraces, where grapes grow in abundance. The harvesting starts in August all the way to October.
And that’s not all! Don’t forget to taste Poncha, a typical drink with a lemon or orange juice base made with distilled alcohol (Aguardiente) made from sugar cane.
The food will get you going too! Try fish and seafood like lapas (limpets), octopus, grilled trout, or try the espetada – beef cubes (that melt in your mouth) served on a laurel skewer or the Bolo de caco wheat bread! And don’t forget to try the tropical fruits like Anona, Guava, Passion fruit and Tabaibo among many others.
Looking for a place to eat? Check out our favourite restaurants and bars recommended by locals.
How Long Should You Stay?
While the island may seem small on a map, there is actually a lot to see. It may seem hard to believe, but there are about 200 Levadas, 30 Veredas and countless waterfalls in Madeira. So, how long should you go for? The answer is very subjective.
Plan the length of your stay depending on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider you can only do 1 “major” or 2 smaller Levadas/Veredas a day. Most of these trails, in fact, take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could spend a whole month exploring the over 60 recommended trails.
On the other hand, if you’re just coming to relax and visit a few sights, 7 to 10 days would be enough.
Recommended duration: 15 days – 20 days
Best Tips for Backpacking Madeira
- There are two groups of hiking trails in the Madeira Islands: Levadas and Veredas.
The first group are the Levadas trails. These trails are quite clean and near water sources. The second group, the Veredas trails, can be more challenging. These trails are more rugged and take you along the mountains. One thing is for sure – both types of trails will blow your mind! - Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. The right clothes and being comfortable can make your trek more enjoyable. Also, even though the weather is mild all year round it can get quite cold if you hike up the highest mountains. Snow is rare, but it can fall even in Madeira. Get yourself prepared.
- Stay on the trail. This tip is for your safety and prevent dammage to local wildlife habitats and preserve the local environment. Bring a cellphone and let someone know where you’re going hiking, even someone at your place of accommodation.
- Always bring a rain-jacket with you. It’s better to be prepared when the weather turns.
- Don’t forget about electronics! The standard voltage in Madeira is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The sockets are categorized as type F, also known as Schuko. Type F (like other European countries) and is also compatible with Types C and E. Consider buying a power adapter for your electronics if the plugs don’t match that of the sockets.
Useful Covid-19 Travel Information
MADEIRASAFE.COM – When travelling during the pandemic, stay up-to-date with all the travel requirements for visiting the Madeira Islands on Madeirasafe.com. Register on this portal before flying there to speed up the process upon arrival. If you submitted valid documentation before arriving in Madeira (Green Certificate, Vaccine, Test or Recovery), you can request a free Antigen test to return to your country.
VISITMADEIRA.PT For more information about requirements of entry, testing, exceptions, and testing upon departure read more on the region’s official website visitmadeira.pt. They have a handy App, the Madeira Tourism App that will keep you informed the whole way.
MORE! You can take a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test in Funchal. You’ll see several tents advertising tests with medical staff. But if you run out of time, don’t worry, you can take a test at the airport. Just be sure to arrive well before your boarding time in case there is a queue. The rapid antigen will cost €30 EUR ($34 USD) and take 30 minutes to receive results.
Disclaimer: The availability and costs of the rapid antigen test at the Madeira airport in Funchal are based on our trip in January 2022. This may be subject to change. You can check the airport’s website to stay informed on what measures and services they offer for travellers.
You will have a memorable time exploring and chasing adventure in the Madeira Islands. Be sure to share with us your thoughts on backpacking in the Madeira Islands, what’s useful in this guide/tips to add, and tag @backpackersintheworld.
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