Madeira

Beach Coastal Beaches

Population: 266k

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Dramatic landscapes, Levada walks, Madeira wine

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (SAM, Horários do Funchal)

Madeira is a lush Atlantic island destination that blends dramatic scenery, mild weather, and a relaxed but refined travel experience. Travelers come for the island’s steep green mountains, volcanic cliffs, and ocean viewpoints, but they often stay for the variety of experiences packed into a relatively small place. Funchal, the capital, offers a lively waterfront, historic streets, colorful markets, and botanical gardens, while the rest of the island opens into a landscape of terraced hillsides, laurel forest, waterfalls, and scenic coastal villages. One of the most memorable ways to explore Madeira is by walking the levadas, the island’s famous irrigation channels that double as hiking trails and lead through tunnels, ridges, and forested valleys with constant views of the mountains and sea. Outdoor travelers can also enjoy canyoning, whale and dolphin watching, cable car rides, and drives to viewpoints such as Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The island’s beaches are more about dramatic scenery and swimming platforms than long sandy stretches, though natural volcanic pools in places like Porto Moniz are a major draw. Food is another highlight, with fresh seafood, black scabbardfish, tuna, espetada grilled on skewers, bolo do caco bread, and the island’s famous Madeira wine and poncha drink. Dining ranges from simple family-run taverns to elegant restaurants overlooking the harbor, and many meals are enhanced by local produce and tropical fruit. Cultural experiences include the Mercado dos Lavradores, museums, churches, and traditional villages where visitors can see embroidery, wickerwork, and local crafts. Madeira also has a strong reputation for flower displays, gardens, and festive atmosphere, especially in spring and around the New Year. Whether visitors want scenic drives, challenging hikes, relaxed coastal walks, or a food and wine escape, Madeira offers a memorable mix of nature, culture, and island hospitality.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning Your Trip to Madeira

Weather: Madeira has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year, and the weather is generally warm and temperate.

Festivals: The Madeira Flower Festival is one of the island’s most famous events, filling Funchal with floral displays, parades, and performances. The New Year fireworks in Funchal are also world-renowned and draw visitors from around the globe.

Best Things for Kids to Do: Kids enjoy the cable car ride in Funchal, the Madeira Theme Park in Santana, and swimming in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. Boat trips to spot dolphins and whales are also a family favorite.

Hidden Gem: The village of Curral das Freiras offers a dramatic mountain setting and a quieter glimpse of Madeira’s interior away from the busiest tourist spots.

Accessibility: Madeira can be manageable for older travelers in the main areas of Funchal, where promenades and central streets are relatively easy to navigate. However, the island’s steep hills, stairs, and uneven historic streets can make some sights more challenging.

For the Runner: The Funchal seafront promenade is one of the best places for easy walking and running, with ocean views and a mostly level route. For more scenic exercise, the levada trails and the coastal path near Câmara de Lobos offer beautiful routes, though some are hilly or uneven.

Restaurants in Madeira

Madeira offers a diverse culinary scene with restaurants such as Il Gallo d'Oro, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet cuisine in a luxurious setting. For mid-priced options, Restaurante Do Forte provides a unique dining experience with a blend of local and international dishes. On the more casual and budget-friendly side, Taberna Ruel serves traditional Madeiran food in a relaxed atmosphere, while O Tasco offers delicious seafood in a cozy setting.

Where to Stay

Madeira has a variety of hotels catering to different preferences and budgets. The luxurious Belmond Reid's Palace sets the standard for elegance and has a storied history of hosting distinguished guests. For a more contemporary experience, the Vine Hotel offers modern design and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Funchal. The Pestana CR7 Funchal, co-owned by the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, provides a stylish and sporty ambiance for guests.

Best Hotels: Belmond Reid's Palace,The Cliff Bay,Pestana Carlton Madeira

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Pestana Carlton Madeira,The Cliff Bay,Pestana CR7 Funchal