MADEIRA
We have gathered some useful information to help you plan and best prepare for your next adventure to Madeira Browse through the information below or visit our travel bonanza for more stories and tips!
ABOUT MADEIRA
Situated about 400 km off the coast of Morocco and 850 km southwest of Lisbon, the Autonomous Region of Madeira is, besides the Azores, the second autonomous region of Portugal. Madeira is an archipelago consisting of 8 islands and various small islets. Only Madeira and its neighboring island Porto Santo are inhabited. The island of Madeira is about 57km long and 22km wide and its highest point is Pico Ruivo (at 1,862m). Madeira is known for its natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, lush greenery, and scenic mountain views. The island has a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures and is often referred to as the ""Island of Eternal Spring”.
Madeira is home to mix of mountains, canyons, valleys and forests with a huge variety of flowers and plants and a pre-historic laurel forest which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a true paradise for nature lovers and any kind of outdoor adventure like canyoning, kayaking, coasteering, and or exciting whale-watching tours. Also, Madeira has a network of trails that offer breathtaking views. The Levada walks are particularly popular, following the island's ancient irrigation channels.
The North coast of Madeira is rugged with cliffs, secluded bays and coves and here you find natural pools (the most famous in Porto Moniz) which are created in lava formations by the ocean, absolute amazing places for swimming surrounded by a wonderful landscape.
Funchal is the capital and the largest city on the island Madeira. Funchal is a vibrant city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, inviting you to visit its museums, beautiful gardens, charming streets and historic landmarks and also its famous Lavradores market where you find Madeira’s local products including colorful excotic fruits. Don't forget to try the famous Madeira wine on a vineyard tour.
Apart from Funchal, Madeira has several charming towns and villages, each with its unique character and history. Some notable examples include Santana, Camara de Lobos, and Machico. Here you might join local festivals, listen to folklore music or watch the traditional “bailinho“ dance, and other authentic experiences.
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WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel Madeira is from April to October. During these months it is mostly dry with temperatures around 25 degrees. However during the summer Leste - a hot dry wind from the Sahara - can affect the island and might bring temperatures up, but rarely over 32 degrees. The rain period kicks in from November and is most prevalent throughout January and February with temperatures around 17 degrees. The Atlantic Ocean reaches a temperature between 18 degrees in the winter and 22 in the summer. Some activities such as canyoning for example is only possible during the winter months in some places as there won‘t be enough water or none at all during the warmer months. Hence adventurers should plan carefully what they are intending to do in Madeira and what the best time for it is to avoid disappointment.
How to travel
The easiest and quickest way to reach Madeira is by plane arriving into Madeira International Airport in Santa Cruz, about 20 minutes from the capital Funchal on the south coast of the island. Funchal is also a good base for exploring the island as distances to most sites and natural highlights are short and comfortable to reach. Funchal has a harbour as a starting point for boat trips around the island or whale and dolphin watching trips. Within Madeira you can choose between many different means of transport. There are plenty of private companies offering jeep safaris, tuk-tuk tours or even cable car rides. There is also a public bus services that connects the rural areas and caters most of the major tourist attractions. The most convenient way to get around and discover the remote places on your own is to hire a car. The taxi company “Bolt“ offers rides that are cheaper than the traditional taxi services and can easily be hired by an app through your smartphone.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Madeira is a great destination for families with children. Due to its variety of activities it has to offer, short travel distances and moderate temperatures, even younger children will enjoy the island. There are many hikes through Madeira‘s amazing nature that are suitable for children and where they can learn so much about nature and endemic species. Watching dolphins and whales in their natural habitat or camping in the wild are only two of the thrilling adventures that are enjoyed by the whole family. There are also several special interest museums such as the Volcanism Centre & Caves at São Vicente. It might not be the fun park-type of vacation, but definitely the best of both worlds to enjoy for adults and children alike.
WHAT TO BRING
No matter if you are big into hiking or not, during your stay in Madeira you will eventually walk some of the paths through Madeira‘s forests or along rock formations. Therefore bring good hiking or walking equipment:
- hiking shoes/boots
- walking sticks (might come in handy on longer walks on uneven terrain)
- warm jacket for walking the mountains (frost and snow can occur during the winter); even in the sommer months temperatures drop with altitude
- rain gear (like on every small island weather can change quickly from sun to rain or vice versa)
- sun screen, sun cover/hat and shades
- swim gear
- snorkel gear (on most organised trips it is provided though)
Obviously don‘t forget your camera/phone with extra storage as you will be taking lots of incredible photos!
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Madeira with its capital Funchal is considered a very safe place with a pretty much non-existing crime rate. Popular for hiking and several adventure activities, appropriate gear and local guides are strongly advised to be safe in Madeira‘s mountains with their quickly changing weather conditions. There are many medical centers with English-speaking doctors located on the island of Madeira and one on the neighbouring island Porto Santo. We recommend a travel insurance even though most travellers from Europe can claim costs through the EHIC form on return. There are no special vaccinations required and there is no record of native cases of mosquito-spread diseases. The tap water is safe to drink and of good quality.
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