Madeira, an archipelago within Portuguese territory, consists of four exquisite islands near Africa. Madeira is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes forests, beaches, and mountains. The weather there is usually hot, making it perfect for outdoor activities. One exciting thing about Madeira is their special Madeira wine, which people love due to its uniqueness. While in Madeira, you can go hiking or visit colourful gardens; alternatively, you can relax on the beach. The main city on these islands is Funchal, where you can find exciting places to explore, vibrant markets, and tasty foods representing the local tastes.

Flights To Madeira Guide

Beautiful Madeira Island is one of the world’s most popular islands in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its scenic views. Upon arrival in Madeira, you will touch down at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Santa Cruz is located about 13 km from Funchal. Arrival at the airport will be easy since shops, restaurants, car hire companies, and lounges are in the terminal.

At Woking Travel, we understand the importance of a seamless travel experience. That’s why we offer direct transfer services to your hotel from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). There is no need to worry about finding transportation upon arrival—book your transfer with us and enjoy a comfortable ride to your accommodation. For more information and to book your transfer, visit the Woking Travel Transfers Page. We look forward to making your stay in Madeira as enjoyable as possible!

At Woking Travel, several hotels in Madeira cater to every pocket. Go to Hotels and see what we offer, or check Packages for our holiday packages. There is no lack of delightful hotels in Madeira.

  1. Reid’s Palace: With a rich history and beautiful gardens, Reid’s Palace is an iconic Belmond Hotel. Impeccable service and breathtaking ocean views are some of the things the place offers.

  2. Savoy Palace: Its magnificent facilities make it stand out as a modern and elegant hotel. These include luxurious rooms, lavish spa treatments, and amazing dining places.

  3. The Vine Hotel: Great services characterise The Vine, which has a contemporary design and rooftop pool. It also has panoramic views that combine luxury with comfort.

  4. Les Suites at The Cliff Bay: This is another excellent hotel option in Madeira. This luxurious hotel offers an exclusive experience with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  5. Porto Mare Hotel: Beyond the comfort and style of Porto Mare Hotel lies its beauty. It has beautifully landscaped gardens that offer stunning views over the ocean. Guests can use several swimming pools, restaurants, and spa facilities.

  6. Quinta Jardins do Lago: This peaceful hotel has spacious rooms inside lush gardens that give it tranquillity and elegance. Furthermore, there is an outdoor pool and fine dining options outside.

  7. Suite Hotel Eden Mar: This hotel provides all-around suites besides good food joints where one can eat well, ensuring that clients’ money is considered when designing this place. This accommodation is part of a resort complex, meaning guests have plenty of other things to do besides just staying here.

  8. Pestana Royal Premium All-Inclusive Ocean & Spa Resort: Several activities are available at this family-oriented resort. It also offers several dining options and a full-service spa.

  9. Quinta da Casa Branca: The serene atmosphere, outdoor pool, and fine dining restaurants characterise this boutique hotel. The gardens are equally beautiful, while the rooms provide high levels of cosiness.

  10. Hotel Madeira: This budget option offers cosy rooms in the Funchal city centre. Breakfast is available on the rooftop terrace, and the hotel is near all local amenities, so you will not require any transport if you book this place.
  1. Telefericos da Madeira: The island views across the unforgettable Telefericos of Madeira cable cars. For those who fear heights, do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience; the modern and safe cars will take you right above the landscape.

  2. Botanical Garden Cable Car: This cable car provides access to beautiful gardens. Riders can ride over lush gardens and leafy trees with stunning views.

  3. Teleferico do Rancho: A Peaceful Spot Cable Car with a Stunning View On Serene Drive through the countryside at Madeira. It may be ideal to use this cable car.

  4. Teleferico da Rocha do Navio: It is one of the oldest cable cars in Madera. It provides fast but exciting trips for tourists on a budget. It is a cheap way to make a quick scenic trip around town.

  5. Madeira Green Train: Madeira Green Train is an interesting way of travelling that is different from all other trains. It gives you access to skywalk up top before taking you down again in Câmara de Lobos, giving such a delightful passage through lovely landscapes.

  6. Taxi-Madeira Miguel Pereira: Miguel Pereira’s taxis provide personalised service with friendly drivers. They are known for their excellent service and insider tips, and these taxis ensure a pleasant travel experience.

  7. Santana Cable Car: While it does not just ferry people for tourism purposes like most cable cars, it is also used to carry goods. It offers a glimpse into local life and provides a unique way to travel.

  8. Ernesto Taxi Calheta Team: Ernesto Taxi Calheta Team offers reliable comfort. Travellers praise their services for being very helpful for airport transfers or tourism across the island.

  9. Private VipTours: Private VipTours offers exclusive bus tours for small groups with an intimate touch. If you want to see the island in style and comfort, go for this tour.

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located off the northwestern coast of Africa. It is an enchanting destination offering myriad experiences for nature and culture seekers. This article will describe ten of its most important tourist attractions, manifesting its singularity while highlighting its stunning beauty and bustling communities.

  1. Funchal: Visit the vibrant capital city, which features ancient cobblestone streets, historic sites like Sé Cathedral and a bustling farmers’ market called Mercado dos Lavradores.

  2. Laurisilva Forest: Take a walk in this forest, recognised by UNESCO for being rich in flora and fauna, such as various types of birds; there are also hiking trails here, indicated by Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

  3. Levada Walks: These are walks along old irrigation channels called levadas, with picturesque villages and green valleys throughout their length.

  4. Santana: Immerse yourself in traditional Moroccan life at this village known for its triangular thatched houses. The Santana Theme Park also exhibits handicrafts dedicated to rural life.

  5. Cabo Girão: Be stunned by some of Europe’s highest sea cliff views. Either hike along trails clinging to precipices or visit the glass-floor observation point.

  6. Camara de Lobos: Enjoy a scenic harbour where colourful boats bob on it and narrow café-lined streets where ferrule music concerts occur annually while dancing festivals frequently occur throughout year-round music, dance food, and celebrate local festivals.

  7. Porto Santo Island: Bask in the sun at beautiful sandy beaches and swim in crystal clear waters; the best way to see the island is through hiking, diving, or horse riding tours.

  8. Monte Palace Madeira: The 70.000 square metre Monte Palace Madeira, which has been open to the public since 1991, is home to a sizable collection of exotic plants from across the globe along with swans, ducks and koi fish.

  9. Pico do Arieiro: Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest mountain in Madeira at around 6,000 feet, is one of the greatest places to see the dawn in the city.

  10. Madeira Botanical Garden: Upon visiting the Botanical Gardens, one may learn the names and origins of the astounding array of exotic flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other practical plants that can be found in Madeira.
  1. Indian Palace Restaurant: If you enjoy Indian food, you should visit this place, especially since it has 2,479 reviews and is considered a local favourite. Ensure that you try samosas, lamb saag and naan.

  2. Calhau De São Jorge Restaurant: It is a restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine with European influences that also overlooks the ocean. The staff members in this restaurant are very caring, too; therefore, eating there will be an even better experience, and there will be 170 reviews.

  3. Sabor da India: This is among the hidden Indian treasures in Madeira and has been reviewed 3,071 times. According to most people who have eaten at this establishment, it serves delectable dishes from India and other parts of Asia.

  4. Bistrot Des Anges: With its cosy atmosphere (201 reviews), salmon tartare and beef medallions are among their recommended dishes.

  5. Lido’s Tavern: As a casual dining option (187 reviews), this international eatery provides an easy meal like hamburgers or tuna sandwiches. Another famous item on their menu is their beef sandwich.

  6. La Vaca Negra: I could never think that any steakhouse could score thousands of review points as two thousand four hundred thirty made by visitors across the globe to satisfy their appetites for meat. They serve salad or baked potatoes together, so taste it as soon as possible!

  7. Alta Vista: Their bar and Mediterranean restaurant have been reviewed 1,400 times, proving their popularity. Their homemade fish, meat, or omelette dishes garnished with a side salad differentiate them from all others.

  8. Peixaria no Mercado: Over nine hundred visits have been made, during which clients have looked at various restaurants in Madeira specialising in seafood cuisine, all looking for the best one. But where exactly does one get cod croquettes or cannibal toast? What makes them unique is that they serve excellent Portuguese wine and have the best fresh seafood that goes well with it.

  9. Restaurante Calhau De São Jorge: Come and enjoy this little paradise made up of three swimming pools (one of them for children) and a century-old natural freshwater lagoon. The gastronomy is in charge of Chef Hugo Dória with a welcome from Head Chef José Manuel Ferreira.

  10. The Muralha Restaurant: It is located in the prime area of ​​Vila Da Ribeira Brava, more specifically next to the beach above the parking lot. Their specialty is traditional Portuguese Grill-Based Cuisine.
  1. Discover Funchal: Funchal is the capital of Madeira, and it is alive and active in history. Fresh produce is at Mercado dos Lavradores, or you can walk peacefully around the botanical gardens.

  2. Go up the Monte Cable Car: The cable car ride from Funchal to Monte offers breathtaking views. While in the region, visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte.

  3. Levada Trails: The Levadas are one of Madeira’s most popular tourist destinations—do not miss this! To name a few, there are Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada das 25 Fontes; walk along them while enjoying the beauty of nature.

  4. Cabo Girão Skywalk: This is Europe’s highest sea cliff glass skywalk at Cabo Girão, which offers amazing views over the ocean and coastline.

  5. Porto Moniz Natural Pools: Swim in natural volcanic pools. These pools’ clear blue waters mix with rocky outcrops to create stunning natural scenery.

  6. Explore Laurisilva Forest: This ancient UNESCO World Heritage site abounds with rare vegetation— perfect for tranquil nature walks!

  7. Eat Local Food: Espetada (marinated beef skewers), Bolo do Caco (a type of garlic bread) or even their famous wine; if you eat at local restaurants where locals themselves enjoy customary dishes made from scratch, there will be no shortage of delicious traditional meals.

  8. Whale and Dolphin Watching: Let’s go on a boat trip to see these beautiful creatures in their habitat. Many marine species live in Madeira waters, and they’re waiting for you on this exciting trip!

  9. Visit the Madeira Story Centre: Located in Funchal, The Madeira Story Centre provides an interactive journey into the past. Through various exhibits, visitors can learn about the history and culture of this beautiful island.

  10. Madeira Mystery Tour: Take off on a unique journey with Madeira Insideout, where you get to design the day of your dreams.

The weather conditions in Madeira are as follows:

  • Summer (June to September): Madeira has warm summers with mean temperatures ranging between 22°C and 27°C. This is the best time for beach holidays, hiking trips, or exploring islands. Rainfall is insignificant, making outdoor activities possible all day long. Book cheap flights to Madeira this season and have a sunny holiday.
  • Winter (December to February): The winter on Madeira Island is not cold, as the average temperatures range between 16°C and 20 °C. Moreover, winter is a bit cooler than other months. It’s also a good time to go hiking in this place when there are fewer people. The island remains green and beautiful, with occasional rainfall.

For more weather information, please see the local weather guide.

  • GMT: Same time zone (GMT+0)
  • BST: Madeira is 1 hour behind BST.

Currency:

  • Euro (€) is the official currency used in Madeira—This currency is widely accepted for cash transactions and card payments.

Language:

  • Portuguese is the official language spoken here; however, English language knowledge among locals, especially those working within the tourism industry, including hotels & restaurant staff

Local Customs

Madeira has a long history of cultural diversity, and guests are asked to dress modestly – particularly within religious settings. You must show respect for local customs and traditions. Informal wear is acceptable; however, swimming outfits should only be worn on beaches or pools.

Laws

  • UK Government Travel Advice: Please visit the UK government website for up-to-date travel advice and information about domestic regulations.
  • Local Government Tourist Information: Please check the tourist page run by the Madeira government for information regarding local laws and regulations applicable to tourists.

The Portuguese archipelago of the Madeira Islands includes the island of the same name, Madeira. Funchal, the nation’s capital, was founded in the fifteenth century and is home to a vibrant array of parks, historical buildings, and oddball tourist destinations like the Madeira Story Centre with a thatched roof. Reaching the peak of Pico Ruivo will give you the impression that you have ascended into the clouds. Relax with a glass of Madeira wine, a legendary fortified wine that is somewhat sweet and musky.

Book your flight to Madeira with Woking Travel and enjoy a truly magical travel experience!