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Madeira

A subtropical island of levada walks, dramatic peaks and flower-filled valleys.

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Overview

Why go to Madeira

Madeira is a green Atlantic island of steep mountains, hand-cut irrigation channels called levadas, and cliff-hugging roads. It is wonderful for walking, whale-watching and gardens, with a mild climate all year round.

Madeira is an island, so places are spread across roughly 60 km of mountainous roads. A hire car or organised tours make it far easier.

Nature & outdoorsCouplesFamilyCity breakFood & drink

Where
Madeira Islands, Portugal
Recommended stay
5–8 nights
Best time to go
Year-round mild weather; April–October is driest, while spring brings peak flowers.
Approx. daily budget
£55–115 a dayPer person, excluding flights. Indicative.

What does Madeira cost?

Full cost guide
  • Budget traveller£50–70a day
  • Mid-range traveller£105–150a day
  • Luxury traveller£205+a day

Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.

Things To Do

Top picks in Madeira

See all 12
ViewpointsFree

Pico do Arieiro Sunrise

Pico do Arieiro

A mountaintop above the clouds, famous for sunrise and the start of a dramatic ridge trail.

  • Suggested time: 4 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Open-air; sunrise draws crowds

Viewpoints~£2

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Câmara de Lobos

A glass-floored platform on one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.

  • Suggested time: 45 min
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Daily, roughly 9:00–19:00

Hidden GemsFree

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Queimadas

A walk along a water channel through laurel forest to a waterfall, with a few tunnels.

  • Suggested time: 5 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Everyone

Open-air; best in dry weather

Beaches~£3

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Porto Moniz

Seawater pools formed in volcanic rock at the island’s north-western tip.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Families · Couples

Daily, roughly 9:00–19:00 in season
Hidden Gems

Beyond the checklist

See all 5
Hidden GemsFree

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Queimadas

A walk along a water channel through laurel forest to a waterfall, with a few tunnels.

  • Suggested time: 5 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Everyone

Open-air; best in dry weather

Hidden GemsFree

Ponta de São Lourenço Walk

Caniçal

A dry, dramatic peninsula with orange cliffs, sea stacks and clear water.

  • Suggested time: 3h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Beach lovers · Photographers

Open-air; check heat before setting off

Hidden GemsFree

Santana Triangular Houses

Santana

Thatched, triangular cottages painted in red and blue, a symbol of the island.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples

Open-air; small paid park nearby

Hidden GemsFree

Fanal Laurel Forest

Fanal

Ancient twisted laurel trees wreathed in mist on a high plateau, dreamlike in fog.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Open-air; visibility varies with cloud
Food & Restaurants

Where to eat

Food guide

  • Espetada

    Beef skewers grilled over laurel wood

  • Bolo do caco

    Warm garlic-butter flatbread from the mountain villages

  • Poncha

    A local drink of sugarcane spirit, lemon and honey

A suggested Madeira itinerary

3 nights Couple

Madeira · Highlights

Madeira in 3 nights

A balanced first-visit plan built from our Madeira picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.

  1. Day 1 · Santana Triangular Houses, Porto Moniz Natural Pools
  2. Day 2 · Pico do Arieiro Sunrise, Cabo Girão Skywalk
  3. Day 3 · Câmara de Lobos Fishing Village, Ponta de São Lourenço Walk
Use this itinerary : Madeira in 3 nights

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