about Madeira

About Madeira

Madeira is not just a haven for nature lovers; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. The island’s festivals, such as the colorful Carnival and the spectacular Flower Festival, bring the streets of Funchal to life with music, dance, and elaborate parades. Madeira’s cuisine is another highlight, with local delicacies like espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana) and bolo do caco (a traditional flatbread) delighting food enthusiasts.

For adventure seekers, Madeira offers paragliding over breathtaking landscapes, canyoning through lush valleys, and exploring volcanic caves. The Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the island’s unique biodiversity. Whether you’re wandering through botanical gardens, sipping Madeira wine at a vineyard, or simply soaking in the sunset over the Atlantic, Madeira promises unforgettable experiences. It truly is a gem of the Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira Through the Lens

The mountainous landscapes of Madeira are a true testament to nature’s artistry. Towering peaks, such as Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro, pierce the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s lush valleys and rugged cliffs. These mountains are crisscrossed by an intricate network of levadas—ancient irrigation channels—providing scenic hiking trails for adventurers of all levels. Along these paths, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, dense laurel forests, and vibrant wildflowers. The misty atmosphere often shrouds the peaks, creating an almost mystical ambiance. Whether trekking along narrow ridges or resting at serene mountain viewpoints, the raw beauty of Madeira’s highlands leaves an indelible impression. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility amidst unspoiled nature.

Tourist Information

Madeira International Airport

Madeira International Airport has a modern infrastructure that welcomes its passengers with the highest levels of safety and comfort.
Located 20 minutes away from the capital city of Funchal, the airport has all the essential transportation services. A bus shuttle service runs to the city approximately every one or two hours

Public Transport

One of the main public bus companies that operates on Madeira is Horários do Funchal, operating both city and inter-city services on the south, central, and north parts of the island.
A limited amount of the island’s attractions can be reached by bus, while certain areas (such as the popular hiking route between Madeira’s two highest peaks) are only accessible by private transfer, or as part of a guided tour.

You can find more information at www.horariosdofunchal.pt

Best Time to Visit

Madeira’s characteristic climate makes for pleasant weather all year long. Paired with the multiple festivals, a visit at any time of the year will be worth it. Madeira is also known for its New Year’s Eve and Carnival celebrations, making these seasons a must-go for those who cannot miss a festive event

Passport / Visa

Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Taxi

All the trips by taxi are metered, although there are some fixed charges for certain trips. There are also come surcharges for extra luggage. You can find Taxis in taxi ranks, circulating around the city, or you can also call one taxi to your location.
Taxis will often wait at locations frequented by tourists (such as starting/finishing points of levada walks); teaming up with other travellers is a common practise – a cab will often fit in 4+ passengers and drop each one off at their requested location. The split fare adds up to not much more than a sing public bus trip.

Pharmacy

Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from pharmacies (farmâcia), but if you need regular medication it is better to take supplies with you. Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Friday (09am–13pm and 3pm–7pm). There are some pharmacies that are open beyond this schedule but in only some specific points. To find out which pharmacies open all day, you can check the information posted in every pharmacy.

Electricity

In Madeira Islands:
220 volts AC with two-pronged round-pin plugs.

Post

Post offices or Correios de Portugal (CTT) are usually open Monday–Friday 08.30am–8pm and Saturday 09.am–12.30pm. You can find them in different locations around the island, but the main offices are located in Funchal.

Telephone

  • Country code: +351
  • Area code: 291
Madeira on map

FAQ's

What is the best time to visit Madeira?

Do I need a visa to travel to Madeira?

What activities can I do in Madeira?

Is Madeira suitable for families?

What is Madeira famous for?

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