work and travel madeira

#4 Living Expenses on Madeira are Rather Affordable  

Within the EU, the cost of living in Portugal (from a German perspective) is cheaper than at home. Restaurant visits with appetizer, main course and drink, for example, won’t have to set you back more than 12-15 euros. This is also true for Madeira . For a glass of wine I rarely paid more than 2.50 euros.  

#5 Madeira offers a pleasant work climate - literally!  

Madeira offers a mild climate all year round. In winter, the temperature does not drop far below the 20 degree mark, and in summer the thermometer rarely climbs above 30 degrees. So it is neither too cold nor too hot. Even in summer, the temperatures are pleasant to work during the day and jump into the sea or go for a hike in the evening.

Due to this mild climate, it seem that plants grow and thrive on every square inch of the island.   Their lush green and the magnificent colors of the many flowers offer a very pleasant and refreshing working atmosphere.  

Are you interested in a workation on Madeira ? Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about setting up your temporary home office in Madeira!  

 Santo de Serra - Santa Cruz - Madeira Island

Madeira Island Workation

CoLiving & CoWorking with Like-Minded Professionals

Epic CoLiving & CoWorking 

Madeira Workation ... Work Remotely from the Island of Madeira and get to explore & experience the "island magic", from breathtaking landscapes to tasty cuisine and friendly locals.

The coliving estate, Quinta do Cabeço Alto offers spacious bedrooms on the upper floor with an open-plan communal area downstairs.

The family run estate provides the ideal setting to work.  “Workspaces” are scattered throughout the estate, both indoors & outdoors.

Community Experiences

Besides our “in-house” game room and gym,  our community has the opportunity to experience epic hikes, adventure activities & more.

Island Workation Experiences

Our experiences at  are all about balance. Our motto at Quinta do Cabeço Alto is "Work Hard - Play Hard".   

The island offers an array of activities to do before and after work.  Madeira Home Office ensures that you get to experience the best Madeira has to offer.

The Coliving Villa

Quinta do Cabeço Alto is a family run estate located in Santo da Serra.  The 400m2 villa is idealically set on a 4500m2 landscaped garden.  The property is fully enclosed  ensuring privacy and security. 

We are away from the hustle and bustle and annoying distractions, yet close enough to some island highlights, such as two pristine beaches, aquapark, hiking trails and surfing stops.  Shared transport allows for you to get to these spots within 15 to 30 min.  

The Work Space

There is a dedicated "work space" area equipped with desks, office chairs, monitors and printer. There is fiber broadband internet in the workspace as well as the rest of the villa, including the bedrooms. The Work Space area is adjacent to the house.

Besides the designated work area, visitors are welcome to work from all areas in the villa, including bedrooms which are equipped with workstations.  The outdoors also offers great working areas too.

Remote Working Holiday

"Do what you love, and never work a day in your life" .   Escape the rat race and city chaos.  Join us on the island of Madeira for a Remote Working Holiday . With daily direct flights from major european cities and now from NewYork too, within 4 to 6 hours you can be on the island of Madeira.

Madeira Island has it all for an epic workation.   Breathtaking landscapes, delicious gastronomy, epic island experiences, such as hikes, surfing, snorkeling, diving to adrenalin driven activities, makes Madeira Island a must on any digital nomad or remote workers bucket list.  

Quinta do Cabeço Alto in conjunction with HomeOffice Madeira provides you with an epic workation experience.  

Make 2022 a year of adventures!

Corporate Workation Trips

A great way to boost creativity & team building.

Why Choose Us for your Corporate Workation?

We offer corporate workations in conjunction with homeoffice madeira to suit all budgets., personalized experiences.

We can provide you with a personalized package for your corporate workation.

Out & About

We prepare prepare road trips and group activies such as hiking, diving, canyoing and much more.

Stress-Free Experience

We take care of the stay & travel logistics whilst on the island, allowing you to focus on your workation mission.

Estate Accommodation

We believe in small group workation setting. We have a country villa at your disposal which is ideal for corporate team getaways.

We balance eating in and eating out. With some dinners being prepared at home by our in-house cook, and other times we dine at small family owned restaurants that offer traditional poruguese cuisine.

In-House Host

Our In-House Host ensures that corporate workation runs smoothly.

Travelling Solo?  Here’s why we are a GREAT CHOICE for your workation.

Besides the fact that Quinta do Cabeço Alto provides for a comfortable stay and work experience, our location is pretty much centralized with good access to prime places of interest.  Just minutes from us you will find a top-class golf course, epic hiking trails, beaches, surf, and diving spots, as well as other adventure activity locations.  Funchal is 35 minutes drive away, and the airport is only 20 minutes drive from the coliving/coworking retreat estate.

Want to rent the entire estate? 

Do you prefer to handle the logistics yourself? We are flexible at Quinta do Cabeço Alto country estate.  The estate is ideal for small corporate workation stays. Contact us to find out about availibility and pricing.

Estate Owner

Inhouse Manager & Host

In-house Chef & Hostess

Estate Maintenance Manager

Landscape Maintenance Manager

Your Friend Away From Home

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Want to escape the  chaos and experience an "island workation"? We give true meaning to the term " remote working holiday ".

Join us!!  Nothing beats working in paradise!

Simply send us a message requesting more info.

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Expats in Madeira: a Guide to Living, Working, and Thriving on the Island

Home | Immigration | Expats in Madeira: a Guide to Living, Working, and Thriving on the Island

by Miguel Pinto-Correia | Tuesday, 27 June 2023 | Immigration

Madeira, a captivating island in the Atlantic Ocean, is an irresistible destination for expats seeking a new chapter in their lives. Its stunning landscapes, mild climate, and welcoming community make it an ideal place to call home. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into various aspects of living in Madeira, providing valuable insights and practical information to ensure a smooth transition to this enchanting island.

Why Choose Madeira as an Expat Destination?

Madeira boasts a myriad of reasons why expats are drawn to its shores. Firstly, its pleasant climate, with mild winters and refreshing summers, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a year-round temperate environment. The island’s lush greenery, breathtaking cliffs, and pristine beaches offer an unparalleled natural beauty that will captivate expats seeking tranquillity and serenity.

Moreover, Madeira is renowned for its high standard of living and excellent quality of life. With a robust healthcare system, modern infrastructure, and a low crime rate, expats can feel secure and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The island also offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, water sports, and golf, ensuring that expats can indulge in their passions and embrace a balanced and fulfilling life on the island.

More information about why should you be Moving to Madeira Island .

Legal Requirements for Living and Working in Madeira

Before embarking on your journey to Madeira, you must familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for living and working on the island. As an expat, you will need a valid passport and a residence permit to establish yourself in Madeira. The Portuguese government offers various types of residence permits, such as the Residence Visa for investment purposes, the Residence Visa for self-employment, and the Residence Visa for work purposes.

To obtain a residence permit , you must provide the necessary documents, such as proof of income, health insurance coverage, and a clean criminal record. It is advisable to seek assistance from a local immigration lawyer or a relocation agency to navigate the application process smoothly and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Finding Accommodation in Madeira

Madeira offers a range of accommodation options to suit various tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer the vibrant city life of Funchal or the tranquillity of a coastal village, there is something for everyone on this island paradise. Rental prices in Madeira are generally lower than other popular European destinations, making it an attractive choice for expats.

To find accommodation in Madeira, you can explore online real estate platforms, consult local real estate agents, or join expat groups on social media platforms. It is advisable to visit the island before making a final decision to ensure that the location and amenities meet your preferences. Additionally, renting a property in Madeira usually requires a deposit and signing a lease agreement, so it is crucial to review the terms and conditions carefully before committing.

Healthcare System and Insurance in Madeira

Madeira boasts a comprehensive healthcare system that ensures residents and expats have access to quality medical care. The Serviço Regional de Saúde (SESARAM) is the public healthcare system in Madeira, providing a range of services, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Expats can also opt for private healthcare, which offers shorter waiting times and a wider choice of doctors and specialists.

As an expat in Madeira, it is essential to have health insurance coverage to access healthcare services. While the SESARAM is generally free, private healthcare can be more expensive. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different insurance plans and choose one that suits your specific needs and budget. Researching and purchasing health insurance coverage before your arrival in Madeira will ensure that you are well-prepared to navigate the healthcare system on the island.

Education Options for Expat in Madeira

For expat families relocating to Madeira, ensuring a quality education for their children is a top priority. The island offers a variety of educational institutions, including international schools, bilingual schools, and public schools. International schools provide an education that follows international curricula and offers a multicultural environment.

Public schools in Madeira follow the Portuguese curriculum and offer education in Portuguese. However, expat children may face language barriers when integrating into the local school system.

When choosing an educational institution, it is essential to consider factors such as curriculum, language of instruction, extracurricular activities, and proximity to your place of residence. Visiting schools, meeting with teachers, and seeking recommendations from other expat families can help you make an informed decision and ensure your children receive a quality education in Madeira.

Cost of Living in Madeira

Understanding the cost of living in Madeira is crucial for planning your budget and ensuring financial stability. While the cost of living can vary depending on individual lifestyles, Madeira offers a more affordable lifestyle than other European destinations.

Housing costs in Madeira are relatively lower, with rental prices for apartments and houses being more affordable compared to major European cities. Grocery prices are also reasonable, especially if you opt for local produce and markets. However, imported goods may be slightly more expensive due to transportation costs.

Transportation costs in Madeira are also relatively affordable. The island has a reliable and efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis, which offer affordable fares.

Dining out and entertainment costs in Madeira can vary depending on your preferences. The island offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes catering to different budgets. Local cuisine is affordable and delicious, allowing you to savour traditional Madeiran dishes without breaking the bank. Additionally, entertainment options, such as cultural events, concerts, and outdoor activities, are often reasonably priced or even free, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant social scene of Madeira without straining your budget.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Madeira may vary depending on the region and your lifestyle choices. However, Madeira offers a more affordable and cost-effective living environment compared to many other European destinations, making it an attractive option for expats seeking a balanced and financially sustainable life.

Transportation and Getting Around in Madeira

Madeira provides a convenient and accessible transportation system, allowing expats to navigate the island easily. The primary mode of public transportation in Madeira is the bus system, which covers various routes across the island, including major towns, tourist attractions, and the airport.

The bus fares in Madeira are affordable, and different ticket options are available, including single-journey tickets, daily passes, and monthly passes.

In addition to buses, taxis are readily available in Madeira and offer a convenient mode of transportation, especially for shorter distances or when travelling with heavy luggage. The taxis in Madeira are metered, and the government regulates the fares. It is essential to ensure that the taxi driver activates the meter at the beginning of the journey to avoid any potential issues.

For those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of having their own vehicle, renting a car is a popular option in Madeira. The island has several car rental companies that offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. Renting a car allows you to explore the island at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and access remote areas where public transportation may not be easily reachable.

Madeira also offers a well-maintained road network, making driving a pleasant and convenient experience. However, it is essential to note that some roads in Madeira can be steep, narrow, and winding, especially in rural areas. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules, signage, and road conditions before embarking on a road trip.

Expat Communities and Social Life in Madeira

One of the most valuable aspects of being an expat in Madeira is connecting with like-minded individuals and building a supportive network. Madeira has a vibrant expat community, with people from various backgrounds and nationalities coming together to create a warm and inclusive environment.

Joining expat groups and associations can be a great way to meet fellow expats and engage in social activities. Several expat communities in Madeira, such as the Madeira Expat Community and the British Madeira Expat Group, organize regular events, outings, and social gatherings.

Additionally, Madeira offers a diverse range of recreational activities and cultural events that provide opportunities for socializing and connecting with both expats and locals. From traditional festivals and concerts to outdoor adventures and sports clubs, there is something for everyone on this vibrant island.

Engaging with the local community and immersing yourself in Madeiran culture can also enrich your expat experience. Learning the Portuguese language, participating in local traditions, and exploring the island’s rich history and heritage can help you forge deeper connections and fully embrace the Madeiran way of life.

Working Opportunities and Job Market in Madeira

Madeira offers a variety of working opportunities for expats, particularly in sectors such as tourism, finance, and international business. The island has a thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors worldwide and creating a demand for hospitality and service-related jobs. Additionally, Madeira has become a hub for international companies and provides attractive tax incentives for international businesses, making it an appealing destination for professionals seeking career opportunities in these fields.

To work in Madeira as an expat, it is essential to have the necessary work permits and legal documentation. The Portuguese government has implemented measures to attract foreign investment and skilled professionals, making the process of obtaining work permits and visas relatively straightforward.

Networking and building professional connections can also be beneficial in finding job opportunities in Madeira. Engaging with local business associations, attending industry events, and utilizing online job platforms can help you explore potential job openings and connect with employers.

It is important to note that the job market in Madeira may be competitive, especially for specific sectors. It is advisable to research the job market, understand the local business landscape, and assess your skills and qualifications to ensure a successful job search in Madeira.

Starting a Business as an Expat in Madeira

Madeira offers a favourable business environment, making it an attractive destination for expats looking to start their businesses . The island has implemented various incentives and tax benefits to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment.

One of the key advantages of starting a business in Madeira is the International Business Center (IBC) regime, which provides tax advantages for companies operating in specific sectors, such as international services, manufacturing, and digital technologies. The IBC regime offers a reduced corporate tax rate, exemption from withholding tax on dividends, and other incentives that can significantly benefit expat entrepreneurs.

To start a business in Madeira, expats must follow the necessary legal procedures, including registering the company, obtaining the required permits and licenses, and adhering to local regulations. Seeking guidance from local business consultants or lawyers can help streamline the process and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Additionally, networking and building connections with local entrepreneurs and business associations can provide valuable insights and support in navigating the business landscape in Madeira. Collaborating with other professionals and leveraging local expertise can contribute to the success of your business venture on the island.

Exploring the Natural Beauty and Attractions of Madeira

Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of natural landscapes and attractions. From towering cliffs and dramatic coastlines to lush forests and picturesque levadas (irrigation channels), the island is a haven for those seeking unparalleled natural beauty.

One of the must-visit attractions in Madeira is the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extensive laurel forests in the world. This ancient forest is home to a rich biodiversity, including unique flora and fauna. It offers breathtaking hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in its natural splendour.

The levadas of Madeira are another iconic feature of the island’s landscape. These narrow water channels wind through mountains and valleys, providing scenic walking paths that offer panoramic countryside views. Exploring the levadas is a popular activity among locals and expats, allowing you to discover hidden waterfalls, charming villages, and stunning vistas.

For those seeking adventure, Madeira offers a range of outdoor activities, including canyoning, paragliding, and mountain biking. The island’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems provide the perfect playground for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Madeira also boasts a rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The city of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a treasure trove of history, with its charming old town, historic buildings, and museums. Exploring the colourful markets, sampling local delicacies, and attending traditional festivals are great ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Madeira.

Cultural Aspects and Traditions in Madeira

Madeira has a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in its history and traditions. The island’s inhabitants, known as Madeirans, take pride in their unique customs and celebrate them through various cultural events and festivities.

One of the most iconic traditions in Madeira is the Festa da Flor (Flower Festival), held annually in the spring. During this vibrant festival, the streets of Funchal are adorned with intricate flower displays, and locals and visitors alike dress in colourful costumes to celebrate the island’s floral abundance. The festival also features parades, concerts, and exhibitions, fascinating a captivating insight into Madeiran culture.

Another significant cultural aspect of Madeira is its traditional music and dance. The island is known for its folk music, characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as the braguinha (a small guitar) and the rajão (a larger guitar-like instrument). The Bailinho da Madeira, a traditional dance accompanied by lively music, is a popular cultural expression that reflects the spirit and joy of the Madeiran people.

Madeira also has a strong culinary tradition, with its cuisine influenced by Portuguese, African, and Mediterranean flavours. Traditional Madeiran dishes include Espetada (grilled skewered meat), Bolo do Caco (a type of bread), and the famous Poncha (a traditional alcoholic beverage). Exploring the local cuisine and indulging in traditional dishes is a delightful way to experience the cultural richness of Madeira.

Safety and Security Considerations in Madeira

Madeira is known for its safety and security, making it a peaceful and secure place to live as an expat. The island has a low crime rate, and the local authorities take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and follow basic safety precautions, as you would in any other destination. Keep your personal belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.

It is also recommended to have appropriate health and travel insurance coverage to ensure access to healthcare services and assistance in emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the local emergency services numbers, such as the police, ambulance, and fire department, to ensure prompt assistance if needed.

If you would like more detailed information about the opportunities available as an investor or expat, please do not hesitate to Book a Consultation with us .

Miguel Pinto-Correia holds a Master Degree in International Economics and European Studies from ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management and a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Nova School of Business and Economics. He is a permanent member of the Order of the Economists (Ordem dos Economistas)… Read more

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Workation in Madeira in Wonderful CoLiving Villa in Santana, Portugal

What's special.

About me! Hi, I'm Marek! Along with Figo, Kiki, and Seb, we're the passionate team behind Homeoffice Santana. As seasoned workstation enthusiasts who've often worked while traveling, we understand the essentials of a great co-living and workstation space. With this understanding, we've curated a space in beautiful Madeira that offers optimal conditions for work and play. We're a part of the larger Homeoffice Madeira network and have fostered a unique community here. While we may not always be onsite, we're always just a message away and often in the area. We're always excited to welcome new faces into our vibrant community. Can't wait for you to join us in Santana!

Details about the accommodation: The Villa’s location is truly remarkable, nestled in the heart of Madeira near the Ocean. You can enjoy the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience with access to local shops, restaurants, and other amenities. So, why not come and experience the best of both worlds for yourself? Beautiful nature estate, perfect WiFi, private bathrooms, sports area, BBQ, Pool, sun lounge, rooftop terrace, spacious kitchen, and much more… It’s all about a relaxed and stress-free experience…

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Madeira

Did you know that Europe had its own Hawaii?

Yes, that's right!

Portuguese archipelago Madeira is often compared to Hawaii and I do not wonder why anymore. During my visit in May 2018 it has surprised me so much how many similarities Madeira and Hawaii islands really had.

Madeira is such an incredible place to visit and for many reasons. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon , family vacation , if you travel for adventure or if you just wish to escape less gloomy weather . Another name Madeira has been called is the island of eternal spring, so expect pleasant temperatures and fresh air pretty much all year round.

Madeira truly is a European gem which suits to every traveller and you should visit the islands as soon as possible . Each year Madeira is experiencing more and more visitors. Whether you want to swim with dolphins, explore deep canyons, or enjoy delicious dinner at the beach, go and book your ticket now.

I spent in Madeira one week in May 2018 and wanted to share my experience and a little bit of knowledge. Let's take a look on this very detailed guide, where I share with you some of the best places to see, adventures to enjoy, how to travel around the island, where to stay, what to pack, what to eat and a few more handy tips . Are you ready with a big bowl of popcorn?

When is the best time to go to Madeira

If you want to avoid crowds

When I was searching for the best time to visit Madeira, many people were talking about how busy Madeira is at any time of the year. Honestly, that scared me a bit because as you might already know, I don't like crowded places. In fact, I love exactly the opposite. I am not looking for parties or any Eiffel Towers, or Niagara Falls, or Hollywood signs where I have to deal with too many people.

But my fear melted really quickly when we arrived to Madeira. Of course, there are crowded places like almost in any other destination, but it's very easy to avoid them if you want to. I am talking now especially about Funchal and some other places in the southern island. But nothing crazy  - and that means a lot coming from someone like me :)) Northern and Eastern part of Madeira is less crowded in general.

When you want to avoid crowds and book the best hotels without any problem, try to avoid summer holidays. In fact, try to avoid any kind of holidays in general, like Christmas or Eastern. But that's a tip for visiting almost any destination, right?

If you want the best weather... hmmm, what's the best weather?

Good news! Weather in Madeira doesn't have to play a big part in vacation planning. The temperatures are nicely stable throughout the year which makes Madeira a dream destination! Although winter can be slightly more rainy with lower temperatures in the night and early mornings.

Do you want to come when there's the most sunny and dry weather?  Then June is your best bet, but anything between March to September will work too

Are you planning to do lots of hiking and walking? Then April and May are the best months to visit. Any later might get a bit hot for walking, and winter/early spring can be rainy (can be, but not talking about rainy season like they have in Asia ,)

April and May are also the best months to go to Madeira for enjoying all the beautiful flowers ? So if you're keen to visit one of the world's most beautiful garden which is in Funchal, if you want to those iconic sceneries with flowers in the foreground, or rather flowers everywhere, April and May it is.

Madeira is also famous for swimming with whales and dolphins . If you are planning to do anything like this, then the best time to come is between April and October. That's when the highest number of mammal species are in waters of Madeira.

How to get to Madeira

Although, from one quick look at the map, it may seems that getting to Madeira is long and pricey journey, it's not really true.

Nowadays there are many direct flight from Europe which can cost you under 200 dollars return. Those flights can take only about three four hours. You can try connections from London , Amsterdam or Lisboa . But there are many more cities you can fly to Madeira. See them all here .

My go to website to find  the cheapest flights  possible is  Momondo , so definitely check that one first and go from there. If you have any doubts and questions about how to reach Madeira, feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to help you.

How long should I plan my vacation for?

I only had a spare week and even before I went to Madeira, I had a feeling that it won't be enough. And I was more than right. Yes, you can see the most beautiful/popular places in Madeira in just a week, but hands down, you will be rushing. 

If you can, I would recommend you to stay at least 10 days ! And if you have three weeks, then fine, take it slowly and soak all the relaxing vibes in!

I know, I know, Madeira seems like a tiny island, so you are probably asking now, holly molly, what would I do there for three weeks?! But trust me, there are so many hikes, adventures, culture, and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy, that you will be thanking me for those three weeks :)

What to pack?

When packing for your holidays, please remember that it's not a tropical island you're going to . Frankly, if you are looking for a tropical vacation, white sand beaches and hot hot air, then Madeira is probably not the best pick. There are not so many beaches, all of them (on the main island) are black because of their volcanic origin and water for swimming is quite cold as well.

Madeira is a diverse island and even though at the beach is 25°C or more, within half an hour driving up to 1800 meters above sea lever, temperatures can drop down to zero and wind will be so strong that you will have troubles to stand straight.

Before I will write more detailed post on what to pack and what to leave behind, here is the quick sum up (linked products are the ones I have an experience with and that I am genuinely recommending):

• day backpack
• water bottle
• comfortable walking / hiking shoes
• flip flops / sandals
• warm hoodie / sweater (some days and places are cooler than others)
• softshell jacket (you can thank me later)
• rain jacket
• headlamp (if you plant to hike some of the trails with long dark tunnels)
• waterproof camera/phone case (if you are going to do canyoning / coasteering / swimming with dolphins and whales)

How to get around

When in Madeira you will have have pretty much four options to explore this green island:

• Base yourself in Funchal and hire a taxi driver
• Base yourself in Funchal and book day tours
• Base yourself in Funchal and get around by bus

1. RENT A CAR

Definitely the most convenient way how to explore the island. I probably don't have to name all the reason why renting your own car is the best. It will save you time, nerves and very probably lots of money as well.

• The best deal we found was via rentalcars.com and we only paid around $250 USD for an economy class car for the whole week!!
• I recommend to pay extra for a full insurance , especially if you are not use to drive tight roads. I've been travelling and driving a lot in my life, but nothing was as crazy as Madeira's roads.
• Also, try to avoid renting mini cars . You will need a strong car to get you up the steep hills with no big issues. And make sure you get the most compact car possible. Especially in towns, parking spots are not very spacious and you will be sweating (at least if you're not a parking master just as me, haha).
• Over a week we drove around the island, and criss crossed it many times and one tank of gas was sufficient. We paid 75 EUR for a full tank.

2. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND HIRE A TAXI DRIVER

If you don't want to/ can't drive yourself, but still you want to stay as independent as possible, you can hire a taxi driver. 

In Madeira there are plenty of taxi operators who are offering a various taxi excursions. It will cost you around 100-120 EUR per day (60 EUR / half day) per car (4 people). If you're a bigger group of people (up to 8), it's also possible for an additional cost.

Some of the taxi companies/drivers you can look into:

• Daniel Madeira Taxis
• Madeira Island Taxis
• Manuel Taxi Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi

3. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND BOOK DAY TOURS

If you like things nicely organized and don't plan to rent a car, this could be a perfect option for you.

You can book some great tours in Madeira with Get Your Guide . They offer a wide variety of activities suitable for anyone.

4. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND GET AROUND MADEIRA BY BUS

Exploring Madeira is definitely the best option for those who seek the cheapest vacation possible. But it sure comes at a cost - you will spend lots of time waiting for buses, trying to figure out schedules and places, you won't afford to be flexible and free and most likely you will miss plenty of breathtaking places that are not on the route of the public buses. 

Yes, public transport in Madeira works well, but frankly, I don't recommend it.

There are three kinds of buses :

• orange buses - operate only within Funchal city and its surroundings, you can buy one week unlimited bus ticket for 15 Euros (buses routes and schedules Horários do Funchal )
• red buses - operate in the western part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules Rodoeste  bus service)
• green buses - operate in the eastern part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules SAM  bus service)

Tickets for all bus services can be purchased onboard.

Driving those crazy roads

I am not a scared driver and I've been driving many insane roads around the world, but Madeira is special. Please note, that the last thing I want to do is to scare you. I am writing this so you know what to expect and so you can be more conscious. And I am convinced that driving Madeira roads is part of the travel experience. 

Madeira is full of long tunnels, steep driveways and sharp curves above the cliffs. Nothing for faint hearted. Roads are often not very specious, which is something you might won't be adjusted to when coming from North Americas or so. But again, you got this! Just drive slowly and you'll be sweet.

As I mentioned above, I recommend you to rent a more powerful car and get a car insurance.

Also it can take really long time to ge from point A to B. Sometimes we were driving 15 kilometres in 17 minutes. Why? Imagine rain, thick fog, steep and curvy roads and there you go. Always count with some extra time for driving in Madeira. Especially in the mountains and on the west and north coast.

Where to stay

Since Madeira is such a small island, you can get around the island in a day. That's the reason why most of the tourists stay in Funchal and do day trips from there. I did it differently which I will describe soon.

Advantages of having an accommodation in Funchal: 

• you can choose from many delicious restaurants and vibrant bars
• you can do shopping if that's something you like to do on your vacation
• you can choose the accommodation that suits the best to your budget and other preferences
• most of tour operators are offering tours from Funchal

Disadvantages of having and accommodation in Funchal:

• because most of tourists stay there when visiting Madeira, city centre can get crowded
• since the tourism boomed, Funchal centre is less authentic than other parts of Madeira
• obviously, you will always have to drive back to Funchal after long day of touring to other sides of the island

What's my recommendation?

To each their own, but here's what I did during my one week in Madeira:

I am not a huge fan of cities and crowded in generally, but I still wanted to explore around beautiful and historical Funchal. Therefore I decided to  stay in Funchal for one night . After that I moved for three days to Ponta do Sol in the south coast of the island and last three days I was in Ponta Delgada at the north.

After our trip, me and my friend we agreed that it was the greatest plan for a week in Madeira we could have ever had. It was never too far to any places we planned to visit, therefore never too tiring to be coming back to our accommodation.

If you only have a week I wouldn't recommend to stay in more than 2-3 places as you will feel like always packing and unpacking.

Here is an interactive map of places where I stayed, so you can imagine the distances of places I stayed (and the airport) a little better:

Accommodation in Funchal

If you decide to stay in Funchal, you can choose from hundreds of different types of accommodation that suits your budget. As always, I recommend my favourite search engine  Booking.com   to find the best deals.

Since we were looking for a place just for one night, we had only a few conditions. It had to be a private room with bathroom, within a short walk to the city centre with free parking and under 50 EUR / night per room.

Free parking combined with the city centre of Funchal was the hardest one to find, but  Pensao Residencial Mirasol  seemed had it all. Free parking, in the city centre, with a private bathroom and also a cute little balcony with mountain views . We only paid 38 EUR / night per room including continental breakfast!! The owners and staff here are really friendly, so there's no wonder that budget travellers keep staying here for weeks.

Various high rated places to stay in Funchal:

Madeira Happy Hostel

Vitorina Corte Guesthouse

Monumental Apartment

Quinta Sao Goncalo

Residencial Pina

ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay

Quinta Jardins do Lago

Belmond Reid's Palace

Accommodation in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is a lovely little coastal town and probably the sunniest place on the whole island . During our three days in Ponta do Sol it was really ALWAYS sunny although there was rain or overcast in other parts of Madeira.

We were invited to stay in Estalagem do Ponta do Sol and my oh my! We've never stayed in any similar place to this. It was such a paradise with the best views you could imagine.

Since Estalagem do Ponta do Sol hotel is built on the high cliff, you need to take multiple elevators to get to the reception and your room itself.The views from our room and basically from anywhere within the hotel were nothing short of spectacular and you could watch both sunrise and sunset from the infinite pool.

Estalagem is a peaceful complex with beautiful gardens and modern exteriors and interiors. You can relax in a hot tub with sunset views, you can get your favourite cocktail bar with crazy views or play a table pool in one of the public spaces. Oh, and did I mention breakfasts? Buffet breakfast is included  in the price of the room and something we looked forward to each morning. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

During our stay there was a lack of parking spots below the hotel, but it's because there was a festival and parking spots were precious. The staff of the hotel were super helpful and when we brought our car keys to them, they were more than happy to park our car for us.

Accommodation in Ponta Delgada

Our accommoddation for last three days was up in the north coast in Ponta Delgada. North was a completely different experience than the south. There was way less tourists, and moutains forests and cute vineyards were everywhere. 

We stayed in Casa do Miradouro and if you are looking for a place to find the peace, this magical villa has it all . Mountains and vineyards behind the house and amazing ocean views in front. From the photos I knew, that sunrises and sunsets from this place are incredible. Unfortunately we did not see the sun at all during our stay, but the rainy mood was suiting this place just as much plus it was a perfect for soak in the hot tub. The villa consist of only three apartments, so we have had plenty of privacy. And I can't imagine better place for my yoga practise and everyday meditation.

We loved the design of the villa, but even more we loved that it is enviromentally sustainable building  (for example cork insulation, natural materials used in interior, solar water heating, no chemicals in the garden). 

If you stay in Casa do Miradouro, please ask Zelio to cook for you! Zelio not only takes care of the villa but he's also amazing cook and a lovely company. We spent last evening with him and he cooked the best food we've tried in Madeira. Fresh fish and limpets with a light cheese dessert were amazing and he deserves nothing less than a Michelin star! So please please please, don't miss out this once in a lifetime opportunity! :)

Live like a local

Are you looking to live like a local or always keen to have unique accommodation experience? Then definitely check AirBnB in Madeira  (if you register through this link, you will get up to 35 dollars to spend for your first stay.)

AirBnB in Madeira is very popular and the list of accommodations is full of design villas, cottages on the clifs or luxurious tents in forests . Just hop on the AirBnB website and explore. The prices are really friendly!

Live with the locals

If you are outgoing and want to meet and live with locals and also if you are a lowcost traveller, you can also try Couchsurfing .

Insider's Tip: Please don't do couchsurfing just for the sake of free accommodation. That's not what this wonderful community is about. It's about sharing. Sharing time, sharing experience and making each others life richer. If you don't feel like talking to someone when travelling, but don't have money for hotels, please look for different options like hostels :) I barely do couchsurfing lately, because after long day of travelling or exploring, I am just happy to sit on my bed and don't talk to anyone, but if I want to talk to someone I can always get out of the hotel and go exploring.

What to see?

So much to see and so much to do in Madeira, that one month wouldn't be enough to explore it all throughout. (I am working on detailed itineraries, so feel free to subscribe to my newsletter . Once it's ready I can send it to you directly into your mailbox).

Here's an interactive map of interesting places, photography spots, view points, activities and restaurants I created for my trip. Of course I didn't have time to do and see everything in a week, but thought it could help you to create your own trip :)

Tropical Garden Monte Palace

Madeira is a paradise for flora lovers. So many flowers and trees, so many colours and heavenly smells.

One of the places you can admire flora the most is Jardim Tropical Monte Palace in Funchal. You will find there some rare flora species both from Madeira and the rest of the world. The entrance fee is 12,50 EUR.

The most popular way to get to the gardens is to take a cable car from the city center . Return ticket is 16 EUR (11 for one way). If you buy just one way ticket, you can experience something truly unique and something what only in Madeira can be experienced :) You can do tobogganing in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners . It was invented by Madeirans already in 1850 as a form of transportation down the steep hills (did they have to drag it back after?). When you are at the top nearby tropical garden, look for handsome guys in white shirts holding onto the big basket sled.

Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Please, make yourself a favour, get up early and drive about 30 minutes from Funchal up to about 1800 metres above the sea level. Most likely you will be driving through the rain and clouds and will be cursing me why would I recommend you such a crazy thing. But hold on and you will eventually  get above the clouds and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. And all without any huge effort - you can get all the way to the top of the Pico do Arieiro just by your car. 

Tip: Get ready for strong winds and cold temperatures especially early in the morning. I was so happy I've had my icelandic sweater and softshell jacket with me. Wished to have a hat as well. Just be prepared, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. 

This is a must stop when you are in Madeira. I won't be taking it away from you, because with its 580m it's the tenth highest cliff that is above the sea (the highest one is Mitre Peak in New Zealand) and so the views are truly amazing. It's usually packed with lots of tourist and honestly, I enjoyed some of the views in Madeira way better. So, at the end of the day, I don't think I would miss much if I wouldn't go there. But if you are curious and have enough time, definitely give it a go.

Sugar Cane Factory Museum

In Calheta you will find this very unique exhibition , which can make a nice stop when you are driving on the south coast. You can see here how the rum is made from start to finish.

The admission is free and for a small fee you can try different rums.

Ponta do Pargo

To me, this was one of the most beautiful spots I've seen during a week of travelling in Madeira. It's the most western point in Madeira with a lovely lighthouse and absolutely gorgeous cliff views. I could have been sitting there for hours, watching the waves crashing along the shore!

This place is a perfect spot for watching sunset and you won't be sharing it with many. Very likely you'll be here alone when coming later in the evening.

Achadas da Cruz

This place must be on of the best kept secrets in Madeira! By taking a 3 EUR (return) cable car ride off the cliff, you'll get to in Fajã da Quebrada Nova. It somewhat looks like a tiny village but in real, nobody lives there. Some farmers come down from time to time and take care of their land. You can only get there by a boat or a cable car, or hike a steep trail down and back up. It's so beautiful, colourful, remote and looks like a scene from a historic/fantasy movie. It's easy and worthy to spend there at least two hours. Just so you know :) 

The cable car operates from 10am to 6pm every day unless the weather conditions like strong winds won't allow it. It happened to us, so we called them and came back two days afterwards.

The phone number is +351 291 852 951.

(During this trip, my fog was foggy inside, hens this dreamy effect on the photos bellow).

Porto Moniz

On the western part of the island you find something unique, something you might have never seen before. Beautiful lava pools filled with turquoise clear water from the ocean were converted into something we can call a spa. For a small fee 1,50 EUR (free for children under 3yrs) you can go and have a swim in several pools of different depth while enjoying waves crashing against the beautiful cliffs.

The pools are the most popular between July to September when the air temperature is around sweet 25°C and water is bearable 21°C. 

Tip: If you will walk in Porto Moniz towards the eastern part of the town, where is the Cachalote restaurant, you will find there similar lava pools . They are a bit smaller, but they are free and usually with less people.

Sao Vicente Caves

If you are a fan of geology, then you shouldn't miss these volcanic caves Sao Vicente.

A walk through the lava tubes takes about 30 minutes and admission is 8 EUR.

Traditional houses in Santana

Traditional Madeira houses are amongst the most popular attractions and nobody seems to be leaving Madeira without visiting them. It can be a nice short stop, but frankly, don't you expect more than seeing a few iconic houses that you know from the postcards and magazines. I know some people came from there disappointed and gave it bad ratings on Tripadvisor. It is nice, it is traditional and highly photogenic, so come without any expectations and enjoy. 

Ponta de São Lourenço

Situated on the eastern tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço is a great place for sunrise. This place is quite unreal and looking totally different than the rest of Madeira. You can easily spend here the whole day, walking about 8 km of trails with spectacular coastal views. I recommend to stay reserve at least two hours, so you can enjoy a bit of this place without rushing.

Tip: Ponta de São Lourenço is a popular place and also it is very easy to reach from Funchal and other nearby towns. Hence the parking lot starts to fill up early in the morning. After 11 am the line of the cars is really long and there is quite a bit of tourists and hikers on the trail. So, wake up early, enjoy the sunrise and disappear before the crowds arrive.

Things to do

For such a small island, Madeira has so much to offer in terms of adventuring and activites . Just find something that suits you the best.

Swim with whales and dolphins

There are not so many places where you can swim both with dolphins and whales in one day. But did I already said that Madeira has it all?

If you only want to do dolphin and whale watching, I highly recommend to go with Lobosonda . They are environmentally responsible family owned company and I really liked that they always put animals on first place. On our complimentary trip with Lobosonda we had an amazing guide Fatima, a very kind lady with a great knowledge of the ocean mammals and also marine ecology.

We started at 10am and boarded Ribeira Brava, the traditional fishing boat and launched towards the open ocean. After some time Fatime has pointed her finger towards the ocean where a school of dolphins appeared. Since then we saw more and more dolphins and I am sure we saw more than a hundred that day. And four different species! The water surface literally looked like a one big marine party!

When to go? The best time to watch or swim with dolphins and whales is summer. That's when the highest amount of marine mammals species are gathering in waters of Madeira. Also the waves are more gentle and water warmer. But like any other tours and activities, you can also do this at any time of the year.

Now, canyoning is a big thing in Madeira. I didn't know much about canyoning before I arrived. And surprisingly, it became a highlight of my trip.

Did you know that Madeira is one of the world's prime locations for canyoning (and there are not as many as you might would think)? Well, then put one and one together and you know you can't leave this island without trying canyoning at least once.

I did a wonderful tour with Francisco and Joao from Epic Madeira   and it was absolutely fabulous. Our Intermediate tour included rappelling down the 50m waterfall (you can try a beginner tour for the beginning if you are new to any kind of hiking or climbing). The tour took us almost five hours and I couldn't stop smiling of joy! 

Coasteering

Have you heard about coasteering? No? Then it's two of us. Till now tho :)

Coasteering is basically walking along the coastline in the wetsuit and the helmet and jumping to the ocean whenever it's possible  and also includes snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Yes, you hear me right! Doesn't it sound great? I was a little sad that we didn't have more days in Madeira as it sounds like a lots of fun (you know I love to dive to water from high cliffs :) ). I save it for the next time then!

You can do coasteering also with my friends from Epic Madeira .

Day boat trips to nearby islands

Madeira archipelago consists of four islands . If you have a little bit more time, you will love exploring some of them as they are so different from what you will see on the main island.

Porto Santo - once you start to miss sandy beaches, hop on the boat and enjoy a day on the small island of Porto Santo where you will find 9 km beach of golden sand and breath taking views

Deserta Island and Farol Island (by a catamaran) - while Madeira has black sand beaches and Porto Santo which beaches, Deserta and Farol islands are having white sand beaches , so it's a completely different world again

Kayak / SUP

You can take lessons or tours to breathtaking sea caves with Azul Diving Center .

Paragliding

Let's fly over the mountains, over the ocean with  Madeira Paragliding .

Horse riding

You can also see the island from the horseback if you want to! Check guys at  Quinta do Riacho .

Scuba diving and Snorkelling

Madeira is an outstanding scuba diving destination. And together with Azores it makes the largest whale sanctuary in the world! Scuba diving here is so diverse as you can spot anything from ship wrecks, manta rays, dolphins or the whales. Also the water visibility is amazing (talking about 20m!) 

There are a few diving centers like Atalaia Diving Center , Azul Diving Center Madeira , Explora Madeira Diving Center  (they also offer freediving).

Surfing and bodyboarding

There are some wonderful breaks for surfing. In fact Madeira is one of the best surfing locations in Europe.  All the breaks are in the west part of the island . For a beginner, there is only one sand beach to learn and it's in Porto do Cruz. Rest of the spots are quite rocky. If you want to learn surf in Madeira, then the best time is summer. In summer the waves are coming not so quickly, so you will struggle less. 

You can take classes, rent a gear with Madeira Surf Camp  or Calhau Surf School .

If fishing is something you enjoy, then you are in the right place! Madeira has some of best fishing areas in the world. Fish for Tuna and Blue Marlins! You can choose between half-day and full day fishing boat tours .

All around the island is about 2000 km of trails , many of them being popular levadas - irrigation channels. Various trails will take you along the coast, accross the mountains and through the valleys full of waterfalls and beautiful forests. Some of them are easy walks and some of them require certain level of hiking experience. But there is something for everyone.

There is a phone app for hiking in Madeira that is called  WalkMe . It includes navigation, offline maps and more than 50 hikes and is definitely worth the 5 Euros!

Remember that if you don't feel like hiking alone, you can always take a tour or hire a private hiking guide .

Some of the most beautiful and popular hikes are:

• Vereda do Arieiro (PR 1) - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route is considered to be the hardest but also the most beautiful on the island. I would say it's not as hard if you are use to do some walking and hiking. Reconsider to go if you are too scared of heights tho :). To truly enjoy this hike without unnecessary rushing, allow yourself a full day.
• Levada do 25 Fontes (PR 6)  - Probably the most famous levada, so early morning or late afternoon start is necessary if you want to avoid crowds.
• Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR 9) - Very fun hike going through a couple of long tunnels (take a headlamp with you) and it ends with fantastic 100m waterfall
• Vereda do Larano  - This hike starting at Machico will allow you to see absolutely amazing ocean views. It is recommended for experienced hikers with sturdy boots as there are some sketchy parts. And if you are unsure, you can always do the guided tour .
• Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco (PR 8)  - this very east part of the island looks like another world. There are no trees, the rock formations you will see have incredible colours and the ocean and cliff views are nothing short of spectacular!

Mountain Biking

Seriously, who would voluntarily go and ride those crazy hills of Madeira? Haha, I wouldn't, but I know some of my friends would love that! Again, you can go with the epic team from Epic Madeira .

Jeep Safari

Explore secret and hidden places in the valleys and mountains with jeep tours . This way you will get the chance to also explore famous laurissilva forests , the evergreen and believed to be primary forests on Madeira. Definitely something you should see.

Catamaran Sunset Tours

Sunsets in Madeira are absolutely spectacular and to watch them from the boat will take your breath away!

What to eat and drink

Fish and seafood is very popular food of locals and tourist. Amongst the typical fish and seafoodd that you can try in Madeira is:

• Codfish (Bacalhau)
• Tuna fish (Atum)
• Black swordfish (Espada) - my personal favourite, it has a fery soft meat which taste is very close to lobster
• Octopus (Polvo)
• Limpets (Lapas)

Important note : Before ordering a fish in restaurant, please ask them whether is the fish from a fish farm of from the ocean. Recently, in Madeira they are dealing with an ecologic disaster that are fish farms. For one kilogram of fish from the farm is needed about 12 kg of fish from the ocean - crazy, huh? Plus fish from the farm is treated with antibiotics, so not only you eat something you really don't want to eat, but also all the antibiotics go into the ocean, causing fatal problem in the ecosystem

Espetada Madeirense is another favourite meal in Madeira. It's beef cubes on skewer grilled on wood or charcoal.

Honey cake  (bolo de mel de cana) is one of the main desserts and you will be able to buy it in almost any souvenir shop. It's not made from honey but dark sugar cane molasses with nuts and sultanas in it. It is very rich, and should last long months after it's baked. Well, we ate it in two days because it was so delicious!

Probably the most popular drink on the island is wine which is world famous. Beautiful vineyards are all around the island! Also it's very cheap, be ready to pay for a bottle of wine in the store 2 - 3 euros, yay!

The most traditional drink of Madeira is poncha  and unless you are a person who never touches the alcohol, you shouldn't leave Madeira without trying it. It's made from brandy cane sugar, bee honey and lemon juice. I am a baby drinker and can't even smell rum without instantly feeling like throwing out, but surprisingly I really enjoyed drinking poncha. But be careful, it's as strong as it is delicious :) They say that the best poncha is to be found in Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água.

Useful resources whilst you are in Madeira

Accommodation - www.booking.com

Live webcams all around the island - www.netmadeira.com

Weather updates - www.vedur.is

Flight connections to Madeira (from Europe) - Airlines & Airports

Phone app for hiking in Madeira - WalkMe  (available for Android and iOS) 

Have a question? Feel free to ask in the comments below.

Wanna know what camera gear I use?

Thank you for reading and go ahead and  follow me on facebook  or instagram to explore the world with me as I publish pictures and stories along the way.

*Thank you Estalagem da Ponta do Sol , Casa do Miradouro , Epic Madeira and  Lobosonda for having us. As always the opinions are of my own.

**Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a booking using the link. It won't cost you a penny but it will help me to maintain this website and write more helpful articles in future. 

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Oh hello! Welcome to my page where we all are allowed to Dream Big and we all are encouraged to Wander Far. My name is Marti and  here you can read more about me . I am originally from Czech Republic and my story isn't different from stories of many other travellers - in 2011 I quit my well-paid job in film industry to travel the world which was always my dream. I visited 70+ countries and you can find me exploring deserted islands in South Pacific or diving with whale sharks in Philippines, prospecting for gold in New Zealand or building an igloo above the Polar Circle. Let's join me on my journey around the globe!

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Madeira Travel Guide: everything you need to know

Welcome to our ultimate Madeira travel guide, specifically written for backpackers. Ancient Greek geographers referred to the archipelago region of the Madeira Islands as Macaronesia, meaning “Islands of the Blessed”, a name that holds true to their beauty, nature, history, culture, and traditions. If the Madeira Islands were not already on your travel radar, they will be by the end of this complete guide!

What are the Madeira Islands?

The Madeira Islands are cradled i n the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Europe and Africa and are recognized as Natural Reserves. This region of Portugal is autonomous and is made up of four islands: Madeira , Porto Santo , Desertas, and Selvagens . These islands are known for rich biodiversity, impressive waterfalls, hiking routes, and landscapes.

Not all these islands are inhabited. Can you guess why? A beautiful landscape is not always a livable one. The natural landscape in Madeira and Porto Santo permit people to live on these two islands.

The names of the Desertas and Selvagens Islands are a clue as to why they are uninhabited. In English, Desertas means Deserted, and Selvagens means Savage. Their rugged and harsh natural environment makes them difficult for people to access and live on.

HIKING : With over 130 hiking trails, there’s a trail for every backpacker! The Vereda dos Balcões is a great trail for beginners, and the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is great for the well-seasoned hiker!

No question, the Madeira Islands are a hot spot. This dormant shield volcano is known for its vibrant and lush vegetation thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. With volcanic soil comes rocky and hilly terrain.

Craving the views below water? Say no more! Go diving and see the beauty surrounding the Islands. Or hit up the waves and go surfing.

Getting Around Madeira Island

There are different ways of getting around Madeira Island depending on where you begin your trip and what your budget is.

🚌 GO BY BUS ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

Busses are reliable but a bit chaotic in Madeira. Each town has its own public transportation service, while different towns are connected by different bus companies, depending on the area. You have 4 main companies: Horarios do Funchal , SAM , EACL and Rodoeste .

In Funchal and suburbs: Horários do Funchal is a company that can easily get you in and out of Funchal. Besides Funchal suburbs and Câmara de Lobos, this urban bus service will also take you to several tourist attractions, such as Pico dos Barcelos, Monte or the Botanical Garden.

A bus ticket costs €1.35 EUR ($1.53 USD) if you purchase it ahead of time, €1.95 EUR ($2.21 USD) if you buy it on board and €4.50 EUR ($5.09 USD) for a day pass. For bus times , be sure to check out the timetable for urban and interurban trips.

On the go? Download the HF Bus App to know the schedule wherever you are.

From Funchal: by using SAM and EACL bus services you can go east to Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, Santo da Serra and Porto da Cruz. Rodoeste , whose buses stop in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente, ensures transportation to the western part of Madeira. Ceck out this map to see different areas served by Rodoeste, and the relative fares. The most expensive bus ticket is 6€, and allows you to reach Porto Moniz from Funchal.

🚗 GO BY CAR ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

The most common way to get around Madeira Island is by car. The roads are in great conditions pretty much all over the island, however they may be narrow or very steep at some points. Also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.

Here is everything you need to know about getting around by car on Madeira:

TAXI: The initial fare for your average taxi ride in Funchal starts at €3.50 EUR ($4 USD) and will cost approximately €3 EUR ($3.40 USD) per 5km. You can use the Táxi Madeira App to help plan your travels.

UBER: The base price for an Uber ride in Funchal starts at €1.00 EUR ($1.13 USD).

BOLT: The base price for a Bolt ride in Funchal starts at €1.09 EUR ($1.23 USD) and will cost € 0.59 EUR/km ($0.67 USD/km) and € 0.27 EUR/min ($0.31 USD/min). The minimum fare is € 2.50 EUR ($2.83 USD) /ride.

CAR RENTAL: For a standard sedan, renting a car will cost about €25 EUR ($28 USD) /day in low season. For a larger car or during busier seasons, expect to pay closer to €40 EUR ($45 USD) /day or more. Before booking, contact the rental agency via email to learn more about prices and what cars are currently available. We recommend booking your car rental prior to your arrival or renting it directly in Funchal, not at the airport. You can always ask for a pick-up at the airport!

GAS STATIONS: Unlike other European countries where you can find different prices depending on the brand, in Madeira, the price of gas is pretty much the same across the whole island, with differences of just a couple of cents. Also, you’ll have to refill the tank on your own. How does it work exactly? First, you park your car, you tap the amount (in €) that you’d like to refill and then you put the gas. Once you’re done with the refueling you will look for the cash desk and pay.

VISITING THE DIFFERENT ISLANDS:

PORTO SANTO : To reach the largest Island, Madeira, you can arrive by air at its capital Funchal. If you wish to start your travels in Porto Santo, you can fly to its capital Vila Baleira. Ferry rides allow you to travel to and from the Islands with the Porto Santo line . A roundtrip ticket (tourist class) for 1 adult is €59.44 EUR ($67 USD) for April-September and €48.60 EUR ($55 USD) for the rest of the year. NOTE: During the low season (usually January), the connection may be suspended as the ferry undergoes maintenance.

THE DESERTAS: You can reach the Desertas Islands by boat from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The Deserta Islands are made up of Chão Islet, Bugio, and Deserta Grande. You’ll need to book a group tour to visit this island as access is restricted.

THE SELVAGENS: Visiting the Selvagens Islands can be a bit tricky. The freshwater surrounding the two Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) are filled with coral reefs that make accessing the Islands difficult. As a protected Natural Reserve, you need to obtain permission from the Madeira National Park to visit.

B est Time to Visit Madeira

The climate of the Madeira Islands is mild and people often refer to the weather as an ‘ eternal Spring ‘. Sound enticing?

If you are looking for a warm, sunny destination, the summer months June-September would be the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are around 20-25°C from May to October, while they go down to 13-16°C during winter months, with higher chances of rain.

However, while the summer months may be the most ideal for hiking and beach, waterfalls will most likely be at their minimum in terms of their water flow. Also, during the winter months you will have higher chances to find moody clouds on your hikes, and the island will be greener in general.

Top Things to Do in Madeira

• The Madeira Islands are crawling with waterfalls! Most of them are located at the end of a Levada, which are usually very well-mantained trails. Our favourites are the Levada do Caldeirao Verde and the 25 Fountains Levada.
• Looking for an epic hike? The summit with the highest peak on the Madeira Island is the Pico Ruivo (1,861m high). Don’t miss the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike!
• Did you know the largest surviving laurel forest is the Laurisilva Forest of Madeira and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its trees are over 500 years old and are found in Fanal!
• Catch dolphins and monk seals in the waters surrounding the Desertas Islands.
• Don’t miss the viewpoints! At the Cabo Girão lookout point (elevation of 580 m), you will have a breathtaking view of the coast from the glass platform known as the Skywalk. Miradouro do Juncal in Pico do Arieiro is another viewpoint you don’t wanna miss.

Where to Stay in Madeira

Choosing where to stay in Madeira is quite easy as your location doesn’t have a huge impact on what you are going to see. In fact, you can travel from either end of the island in just over an hour, making it very easy to explore.

This means that no matter what your favourite activities are, you could either choose to spend your entire stay in a single accommodation or change it up every few days.

Understanding Madeira, however, is really important. There is a major difference between the northern and the southern side .

THE NORTHERN SIDE: The northern side of Madeira receives a considerably larger amount of rain and significantly less daylight. This means that this part of the island is usually slightly colder and dominated by more lush vegetation.

THE SOUTHERN SIDE: The southern side of the island is much sunnier and slightly warmer than the northern side. Places like Ponta do Sol rarely receive rain even during the winter months, and you can expect to have a good 1.5 hours more of sunshine every day. Also, don’t forget that you get to see the sunset on the ocean from Funchal to Calheta!

FUNCHAL – Funchal is the largest city and the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira. It’s where most hostels are located, it’s convenient to the airport (which is just 20km away) and it’s dotted with bars and restaurants. It’s the best base for travellers seeking parties, connections, fun, and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Madeira.

RIBEIRA BRAVA & CAMARA DE LOBOS – These two areas are also located on the southern coast of Madeira. The coast here has the most stunning cliffs of the whole island, including the one of Cabo Girão Skywalk. Riberia Brava is also the gateway to Calhau da Lapa , a must-visit place in Madeira. Consider sleeping in one of the old caves of Calhau da Lapa !

PONTA DO SOL & CALHETA – This area is dotted with some of the best surfing spots in Madeira. Ponta do Sol , Paul do Mar , Calheta , Jardim do Mar , Madalena do Mar are all stunning places to stay. This side of the island receives a considerably lower amount of precipitations and at least 1.5 hours more sunlight each day. These towns are also quite convenient for those who want to explore the western side of the island, as well as the north-western side. Stay at Canto das Fontes for an amazing glamping experience.

PORTO MONIZ & SAO VICENTE – This part of Madeira is is all about laid-back island vibes. Like in Ponta do Sol and Calheta, here you will find some great waves if you like surfing. Porto Moniz is popular for its natural swimming pools, and the town itself is pretty nice.

SANTANA – Santana is a good base for those who want to explore the Mountain range of Madeira but don’t like the idea of living in a big city like Funchal. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Santana, Sao Jorge, or Faial.

MACHICO – Porto da Cruz isn’t Machico’s main town. However, it is a cozy town of just 2500 people on the northern coast of the island and it’s the best place to surf for beginners in Madeira. Consider staying in Porto da Cruz as a base for your daily trips to the mountain or just to stay away from the hustle of the city. Porto da Cruz is also a good option for solo travellers and backpackers: we loved the atmosphere at Jaca Hostel , a place we would definitely recommend. Also, the town of Machico is quite interesting, on the southern side of the region.

SANTA CRUZ – Santa Cruz is a calm fishing village located near the airport of Madeira, not far from the city of Funchal. The village of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest on the island, characterized by palmeras, beaches, cliffs, and a stunning view of the Deserted Islands.

Useful Apps & Websites for Madeira

• HIKING: Check out the WalkMe App for maps and tips for hiking across Madeira. The app is free but we highly recommend paying the 4.99€ for the “explorer” version to grant access to all 60+ walks in Madeira, download the offline maps and more. Maps.me is also another great app to have on your phone. It’s free and you can download the map of the island.
• WEATHER: Netmadeira.com is the go-to website for checking weather conditions on the island. The homepage features live webcams from different areas of Madeira. The island is famous for having many different bioclimates, so if you’re having back luck in one area, just visit this website and cross your fingers! Sun may shine not far from where you are! Windy is also very reliable when it comes to the weather forecast.
• BUSSES: Visit Sam Bus Website for detailed information on bus rides around the island of Madeira.
• ISLAND NEWS & TRAILS: Check out VisitMadeira.pt for updates and info on trail status. Some hiking trails may be closed in specific dates for safety reasons, so make sure to check their status before going.

Is Madeira Expensive to Visit?

This is usually one of the toughest questions to answer as the budget largely depends on one’s lifestyle. However, we tried to list here some of the most common expenses you will encounter on your trip, dividing them by category.

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Total Budget

ACCOMMODATION

Transportation.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFO: A bus ticket from the airport to Funchal only costs €5 EUR ($6 USD).

The local delights put the FUN in Funchal. Tasty, healthy, and seasonal food is what Madeira is all about. It’s also quite affordable! A one-course meal costs €10 EUR ($12 USD), and a multiple course meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and water will cost €20 EUR ($23 USD). An espresso costs anything from €0.60 EUR ($0.70 USD) to €1 ($1.15 USD). Tips are not included in the bill.

Foods to try are the renowned Espetada Pau Louro (skewered beef) €14 EUR ($16 USD), Milho fritto (corn and cabbage fried cubes), Polvo (octopus) €10 EUR ($12 USD), Lapas (limpets on a pan) €7 ($9 USD), Bolo do Caco (traditional bread with garlic butter) €3 ($4 USD), and the Prego (steak sandwich) €4 ($5 USD). Expect to pay slightly more in the Funchal area, while prices drop as soon as you go on the northern side and at some local restaurants.

Drinks to try are the Poncha , Madeira Wine, Green Wine and Licor de Ginja da Madeira (Cherry liquor).

Madeira offers a wide range of free and paid activities. The prices below are intended per person.

TOTAL BUDGET

BUDGET BACKPACKERS: If you want to stretch your dollar while still being able to explore Madeira, you should budget for about 30-40€ ($34-$45 USD) a day. This involves travelling in a group (possibly of 4) to split the costs of transportation, housing and more. Expect to rent one of the cheapest Airbnb’s on the island for 4 people ($12 USD/night per person), share a rental car for your day trips ($8 USD/day per person + gasoline), stick to the free activities and eat most of your meals at home. Total cost for 14 days: €420-€550 per person ( $480-$630 USD ).

MID-BUDGET COUPLE : Expect to pay around €60-€70 ($67-$78 USD) a day per person for a bit more comforts. For this budget, you will be sleeping in a mid-budget double room ($20-$30 USD/night per person), split the cost of a rental car ($15 USD/day per person + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD per person). Total cost for 14 days: €840-€980 per person ( $950-$1.100 USD ).

SOLO MID-BUDGET TRAVELERS: Madeira isn’t that friendly to solo travellers when it comes to budgeting. This is mainly due to transportation. A car is essential to explore the island and if you don’t have anyone to split the cost with, it can be pricy. Budget for about €70-€80 ($80-$90 USD) a day if you are on your own. Sleep in a hostel ($20-$25 USD/night per person), rent your own car ($30 USD/day + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD). Total cost for 14 days: €980-€1.120 per person ( $1.100-$1.270 USD ).

FLASHPACKER: Budget for about a similar amount as the previous 2 categories, plus add a few activities or more expensive accommodations here and there. Your daily average budget will need to be around €100-€120 ($110-$135 USD) if you are travelling solo, a bit less if you split some of the costs with others. Total cost for 14 days: €1.400-€1680 per person ( $1.580-$1.900 USD )

Is Madeira Safe?

Madeira was voted the European Safest Destination in 2021, also due to its effort to apply measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the island is very safe to travel to, even if you’re going solo.

Crime is very low in Madeira. Crimes that do take place tend not to target travellers.

Hiking dangers do exist in Madeira, mainly around waterfalls along the Levada trails and on the drops of the Veredas. These are the trails that are nearby water sources like falls and you can expect some areas to be quite wet and slippery.

Driving risks in Madeira are due to its natural mountainous landscape. Many sites to explore on the island are the easiest to get to by car. If you’re driving here for the first time and you aren’t used to mountainous roads, be vigilant and take your time as some of the roads are winding and steep.

Swimming and surfing in Madeira can be wild (both in a fun and risky way). Things to keep in mind when taking a dip: the waves can be quite strong (especially in winter) and be aware of the large rocks below your feet.

What to Eat and Drink?

Have you heard of Madeira wine ? This fortified drink is a must to try. Madeira has a huge tradition when it comes to wines. In fact, wine has been produced here for over 500 years, and ancient traditions are well preserved. On the island, everywhere you look there are terraces, where grapes grow in abundance. The harvesting starts in August all the way to October.

And that’s not all! Don’t forget to taste Poncha , a typical drink with a lemon or orange juice base made with distilled alcohol (Aguardiente) made from sugar cane.

The food will get you going too! Try fish and seafood like lapas (limpets), octopus, grilled trout, or try the espetada – beef cubes (that melt in your mouth) served on a laurel skewer or the Bolo de caco wheat bread! And don’t forget to try the tropical fruits like Anona, Guava, Passion fruit and Tabaibo among many others.

Looking for a place to eat? Check out our favourite restaurants and bars recommended by locals.

How Long Should You Stay?

While the island may seem small on a map, there is actually a lot to see. It may seem hard to believe, but there are about 200 Levadas, 30 Veredas and countless waterfalls in Madeira. So, how long should you go for? The answer is very subjective.

Plan the length of your stay depending on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider you can only do 1 “major” or 2 smaller Levadas/Veredas a day. Most of these trails, in fact, take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could spend a whole month exploring the over 60 recommended trails.

On the other hand, if you’re just coming to relax and visit a few sights, 7 to 10 days would be enough.

Recommended duration: 15 days – 20 days

Best Tips for Backpacking Madeira

• There are two groups of hiking trails in the Madeira Islands: Levadas and Veredas . The first group are the Levada s trails. These trails are quite clean and near water sources. The second group, the Veredas trails, can be more challenging. These trails are more rugged and take you along the mountains. One thing is for sure – both types of trails will blow your mind!
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes . The right clothes and being comfortable can make your trek more enjoyable. Also, even though the weather is mild all year round it can get quite cold if you hike up the highest mountains. Snow is rare, but it can fall even in Madeira. Get yourself prepared.
• Stay on the trail . This tip is for your safety and prevent dammage to local wildlife habitats and preserve the local environment. Bring a cellphone and let someone know where you’re going hiking, even someone at your place of accommodation.
• Always bring a rain-jacket with you. It’s better to be prepared when the weather turns.
• Don’t forget about electronics! The standard voltage in Madeira is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The sockets are categorized as type F , also known as Schuko. Type F (like other European countries) and is also compatible with Types C and E. Consider buying a power adapter for your electronics if the plugs don’t match that of the sockets.

Useful Covid-19 Travel Information

MADEIRASAFE.COM – When travelling during the pandemic, stay up-to-date with all the travel requirements for visiting the Madeira Islands on Madeirasafe.com . Register on this portal before flying there to speed up the process upon arrival. If you submitted valid documentation before arriving in Madeira (Green Certificate, Vaccine, Test or Recovery), you can request a free Antigen test to return to your country.

VISITMADEIRA.PT For more information about requirements of entry, testing, exceptions, and testing upon departure read more on the region’s official website visitmadeira.pt . They have a handy App, the Madeira Tourism App that will keep you informed the whole way.

MORE! You can take a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test in Funchal. You’ll see several tents advertising tests with medical staff. But if you run out of time, don’t worry, you can take a test at the airport. Just be sure to arrive well before your boarding time in case there is a queue. The rapid antigen will cost €30 EUR ($34 USD) and take 30 minutes to receive results.

Disclaimer: The availability and costs of the rapid antigen test at the Madeira airport in Funchal are based on our trip in January 2022. This may be subject to change. You can check the airport’s website to stay informed on what measures and services they offer for travellers.

You will have a memorable time exploring and chasing adventure in the Madeira Islands. Be sure to share with us your thoughts on backpacking in the Madeira Islands, what’s useful in this guide/tips to add, and tag @backpackersintheworld . The Madeira Islands are calling!

Would you like to write a blog post for backpackersintheworld.com? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram .

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Exciting Madeira: Top Tips for Trips and Activities

Explore Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago nestled in the Atlantic Ocean just north of the Canary Islands, which boasts spring-like weather throughout the year. With summer temperatures rarely exceeding 30 degrees and winter temperatures seldom dropping below 15 degrees, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking pleasant climates. While winters may bring more rain and summers less, Madeira remains an all-season vacation spot.

This island gem is more for active tourists rather than typical beachgoers, yet it offers many opportunities for relaxation at the seaside. Despite the small size of Madeira island, there’s a lot to explore. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some fascinating places and experiences, providing insights on must-visit locations and top attractions to make your Madeira adventure unforgettable.

Embark on a beautiful trek that leads you to the highest and third-highest peaks of Madeira, with the second-highest peak visible along the way. The trio of peaks includes Pico Ruivo (1862m), Pico das Torres, and Pico do Arieiro .

This trail promises a great experience, offering awesome views throughout the journey. 

8.5km |  Elevation Gain:  1100 meters of elevation gain (including Pico Ruivo summit) | Duration: 3 – 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trek

Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Achada Teixeira (accessible by taxi or guided excursion)

To view the description, click to expand:

The trail begins at the summit of Pico do Arieiro, accessible by car, taxi, or through guided hike. You will follow the path towards the hut below Pico Ruivo, where you can even purchase beer in a can! 😀 If you wish to reach the Pico Ruivo summit (highly recommended), continue upwards from the hut along the trail. AFter that head towards the Achada Teixeira parking area. The trek is moderately challenging, with a duration of 3 to 5 hours.

If you arrive by car, you can start and end your hike at the Pico do Arieiro parking area. However, be aware that this option will add a few extra kilometers, more elevation gain, and you will follow the same route back.

For the least physically and time-demanding option, you can begin at the Achada Teixeira parking area, ascend to Pico Ruivo, and then return the same way. This route is approximately 6km in length.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Located at the northeastern tip of Madeira, this trek offers a completely different perspective of the island, with breathtaking cliffs replacing the ubiquitous greenery. 

7.5km round trip | Elevation Gain: 400 meters | Duration: 3 – 4 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Starting Point: Baia d’Abra Parking Lot (accessible by SAM bus no. 113 from Funchal)

You can catch the 8:30 AM bus from Funchal, arriving at the trailhead around 9:45 AM. The return bus departs at 1:55 PM. However, if you wish to enjoy a meal at a restaurant before or after the final ascent, or take a refreshing swim, you can opt for the 4:00 PM bus back to Funchal, arriving at 5:20 PM.

Click to expand for detailed description:

Starting from the Baia d’Abra parking lot, reachable by rental car or SAM bus no. 113 from Funchal, this trail takes you to the tip of the peninsula and back. The bus stops at various locations along the route and runs quite frequently, allowing for flexible planning.

Around a quarter of the way, you have the option to descend to Praia São Lourenço beach on the right side of the path. This secluded beach offers a peaceful retreat, often with minimal crowds or even a chance to have it all to yourself.

Despite the seemingly rugged path with scattered stones, just before the final ascent to the cliff’s summit, you’ll stumble upon a restaurant where you can sit and enjoy coffee, beer, or a meal. However, outdoor seating might be crowded, so expect a slightly longer wait for service.

The trek can be completed in 3 to 4 hours.

After returning to the Baia d’Abra turning point, you can head to the beautiful Praia da Prainha beach with its black sand to cool off. It’s possible to walk there from Baia d’Abra, but the route follows a narrow road. Having a car is more convenient, and there is a spacious parking lot alongside the road.  

Levada do Furado: Ribeiro Frio – Portela, Vereda dos Balcões

Levadas are irrigation channels that bring rainwater from the mountains to the valleys. Madeira is home to over 2000 km of these levadas , many of which are accompanied by popular hiking trails. In this article, we will focus on one of the most popular routes, the Levada do Furado, and add an extra treat with a visit to the Balcões viewpoint.

11km + 3km (Balcões viewpoint) | Elevation Gain: Approximately 50m + 120m | Duration: 3 – 4 hours + 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy trek

Starting Point: Ribeiro Frio – Portela (Take Horários do Funchal bus line 56 or 103 from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio, and bus number 53 from Portela back to Funchal)

You can catch the 8:10 AM bus from Funchal, arriving in Ribeiro Frio before 9 AM. If you’re a fast walker, you can even include a visit to the Balcões viewpoint and catch the 1:30 PM bus back to Funchal from Portela, arriving at 2:45 PM. However, if you prefer a more leisurely experience, take your time at Ribeiro Frio, perhaps enjoying a meal at a restaurant, and opt for the 4:05 PM bus from Portela back to Funchal.

Click to expand for a detailed description:

The adventure begins at Ribeiro Frio, where you can take either bus line 56 or 103 from Funchal. The main trek stretches approximately 11km, with a gentle ascent of about 50 meters.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Balcões viewpoint, adding an extra 3km to the journey and offering stunning panoramic views from a 120-meter elevation gain.

If you maintain a steady pace, you can complete the trek and visit the Balcões viewpoint in around 3 to 4 hours. After reaching Portela, you can catch the bus back to Funchal, arriving at either 2:45 PM or 4:05 PM, depending on your preference.

The trail to Portela starts a short distance from the restaurant and is mostly covered by trees, making it a great choice even on hot days. This trek offers a pleasant walk through the forest, where you will come across a small lake, and at the end of the trail, you can admire majestic Eucalyptus trees towering above you.  

Most of you will probably be staying in Funchal, and even if not, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the island. We also recommend dedicating at least one day to discovering the charms of Funchal itself. You can take a cable car ride, admire tropical plants in botanical gardens, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. Funchal offers a delightful blend of experiences.

The Cable Car and Botanical Gardens

Combining the cable car ride with a visit to the botanical gardens is a fantastic idea. For 31 Euros, you will get a ticket for the cable car, taking you from the sea to the charming neighborhood of Monte. From there, another cable car ride will transport you to the expansive botanical gardens, including admission to the gardens themselves, and return tickets to descend back to Funchal. 

Once you disembark the cable car in Monte, you have the option to visit another botanical garden located right next to it. If you take a walk around this garden, you’ll arrive at a place where you can pay for a downhill ride on wooden sledges. It’s a bit of a tourist attraction, but quite interesting, so if you’re curious, why not give it a try? Keep in mind that this ride covers only part of the journey, and you’ll have to walk back down to Funchal.

If you’re not interested in the sled ride, head right from the Monte cable car station to the next cable car station. This cable car will take you to a large botanical garden, which is undoubtedly worth a visit. There, you’ll see a variety of local plants, flowers, trees, cacti, and more.

Both the botanical garden and the cable car station offer restaurant and refreshment options. For a pleasant coffee experience, we recommend the Land Food & Coffee café at the Monte cable car station. It’s challenging to find good coffee on the island, and this café is one of the few places where they serve excellent coffee. So, take the opportunity to enjoy a nice cup of coffee amid the island’s picturesque surroundings.

Mercado dos Lavradores

Exploring local markets is always an intriguing part of any country’s culture. Although Mercado dos Lavradores has become more tourist-oriented over time, the fish market remains a raw experience. If you wish to witness a variety of fish, make sure to visit in the morning or early afternoon. Apart from fish, the market offers a wide selection of fruits, plants, flowers, and seeds.

However, it’s worth noting that some visitors have found the fruit prices relatively high, and the quality of the fruits they purchased didn’t always match the samples they tried at the market. Therefore, it is generally recommended to buy fruits from other sources. 

Swimming in Funchal

In the western part of Funchal, you can enjoy swimming at the bathing complexes, Complexo Balnear do Lido or Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda , which offer access to the sea. The entrance fee is approximately 5 Euros.

Besides the bathing complexes, Funchal offers other interesting places to visit, such as the Sé Cathedral , the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum , and various city parks. Whether you’re interested in history, football, or simply relaxing in nature, Funchal has something to offer for every traveler.

Beaches and Swimming

As mentioned earlier, Madeira may not be known as a traditional beach destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find places to swim. If you’re staying in Funchal, the closest swimming spots are those mentioned before. Additionally, you can enjoy the black sand beach, Praia Formosa , located in the western part of Funchal. You can drive almost to the beach, or take a 5-minute steep walk down from the main road if you use the Horários do Funchal bus lines 1 or 2 .

Another option is to take the Aerobus from Sam company , which costs 5 Euros, to reach the beach near the Pestana Ocean Bay hotel. At Praia Formosa, you’ll find several restaurants, with the easternmost one being probably the best.

Santa Cruz also offers a nearby pebble beach for swimming and relaxation. 

Other swimming spots include Machico , which offers a city beach with imported sand, as well as another section with a pebble beach but sandy seabed. You can reach Machico from Funchal by various SAM or Horários do Funchal buses. The beach area provides restrooms and refreshment options, and there are restaurants within walking distance in the city center.

Near Ponta de São Lourenço, you can visit the black sand beach, Prainha , as previously mentioned. The nearest bus stop is Baia d’Abra, where SAM bus number 113 stops. From the stop, you’ll need to walk about 3.5km along the narrow main road. An alternative path might be available by heading north, but we haven’t tried it. Having a car would be a better option, and there is a large parking area along the road.

A beautiful pebble beach can be found in Ponta do Sol , close to Ribeira Brava, to the east of Funchal. You can reach this area by taking Rodoeste bus lines 4, 8, 80, or 146 . Further in the same direction, you’ll find Calheta, where you can enjoy a sandy beach. Refreshment options are available nearby, as usual.

Of course, there are more beaches and swimming opportunities on the island, but we’ll conclude with a different recommendation. If you make your way to Porto Moniz in the northwest of the island, indulge in a unique swimming experience in the natural volcanic pools. 

Surfing on Madeira Island offers various spots throughout the year, making it accessible for surfers of all levels. The summer sea temperature usually stays around 22 degrees Celsius. 

If you wish to learn or improve your surfing skills, several schools are available, with prices starting at around 50 euros. Many of these schools can be easily contacted and arranged through WhatsApp for a convenient and enjoyable surfing experience on Madeira. 

Whale watching and dolphin watching

Several companies provide the opportunity to go on sea excursions and observe dolphins and even whales. Some of these companies even offer a guarantee that if you don’t spot any marine wildlife during the trip, you can join them for another excursion for free.

In addition to the mentioned activities and trips, there are a few more tips to consider. You can visit the Cabo Girão viewpoint , explore the Whale Museum in Caniçal , try Canyoning , or go rock climbing . If you have the time, you can also take a trip to the nearby island of Porto Santo .

To be able to pay with euros smoothly on Madeira, we recommend getting a Revolut card, a Transferwise card , or both. You can conveniently acquire these cards here . 

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Work & Travel Portugal

Work & travel portugal.

Work & Travel Portugal is a very popular cultural exchange program around the world that brings together young international companies. Now also in Portugal, Work & Travel offers Portuguese companies a helping hand to solve the staff needs and diversify the work team with international youngsters highly motivated to live, work and travel in Portugal.

With the Work & Travel Portugal program, young people can:

• Work and self-finance the stay with accommodation, meals and pocket money.
• Improve language, social and professional skills.
• Add international work experience to resume.
• To know the Portuguese culture and the country.
• Have a unique life experience.
• We guarantee support and follow-up by the Work & Travel Portugal team and a 24 hour emergency number, throughout the entire program.

Discover Madeira Island

WORK AND BUSINESS

Madeira has a diverse job market, with opportunities in several areas, including tourism, agriculture, commerce and services.

Here is some information about the job market in Madeira, including details on growth sectors, job opportunities, business creation and support for entrepreneurship.

Growing Sectors: Tourism is Madeira's main economic driver, accounting for a large part of the island's GDP. The sector offers opportunities in areas such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and tourist activities. In addition, agriculture, especially the production of bananas, Madeira wine and flowers, is an important and growing sector. Other growth areas include information technology, renewable energy and fisheries.

Employment Opportunities: Employment opportunities in Madeira can be found in different sectors. For Portuguese speakers, the areas of customer service, education and health can offer job opportunities. For speakers of other languages, the areas of tourism, hospitality and international trade can present job opportunities. Additionally, remote work and freelancing are becoming more and more popular and can be a viable option for many professionals.

Business Creation: If you are interested in creating a business in Madeira, there are several options and support available. The creation of companies is facilitated by the "Empresa na Hora" program, which allows you to set up a company in less than an hour. In addition, the Madeira Business Center (CNM) offers an attractive and competitive environment for national and international companies, with tax benefits and a stable business environment.

Support for Entrepreneurship: Madeira has several programs and institutions that support entrepreneurship and innovation. Startup Madeira, for example, is an initiative that aims to promote the creation and growth of startups on the island, offering support, mentoring, training and access to funding. In addition, the Madeira Employment Institute offers support for business creation, including training, consultancy and financing for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

By understanding the job market and business opportunities in Madeira, you will be able to make informed decisions about your career or venture and take advantage of the opportunities that the island offers. Remember that to work in Madeira, you may need to obtain a work permit or a suitable visa, depending on your nationality and the type of work you intend to do.

A first-timer's guide to the magical island of Madeira

Jul 24, 2023 • 8 min read

Hiking on a levada trail is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Madeira © Paul Biris / Getty Images

Located off the coast of Africa but also an autonomous region of Portugal, Madeira has its own unique identity.

Rugged and subtropical, home to both tropical fruit and legendary wine, seaside resorts and remote mountain villages, misty forests and rocky beaches, it’s the kind of place that makes your head spin – in a good way.

In particular, Madeira has much to offer the independent and intrepid traveler. Hiking, swimming, diving and surfing are not only accessible but exist at a variety of skill levels. And a unique and delicious food and drink scene awaits you between pursuits.

When should I go to Madeira?

Madeira is blessed with a subtropical climate, and the island experiences an average temperature of 70°F (21°C).

January sees the most rainfall, while the waters surrounding the island are at their warmest in September. If you're seeking peace and quiet, you may want to avoid the crush of tourists in August. Otherwise, Madeira is a great vacation option virtually year-round.

Is it easy to get to and around Madeira?

Madeira is linked to the world via Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (yes, he’s a native of the island), a destination for international flights, including  direct flights from New York City .

However, getting around the island is a bit more complicated. There is an extensive public bus transport system, but if you want to hit the more remote corners for hiking routes or beaches, you’ll almost certainly need a car. Several car hire companies have offices at the airport, although rates aren’t cheap.

Driving in Madeira has its challenges. The island is incredibly hilly, and its roads can be intimidatingly steep and winding. If you don’t feel confident driving in these circumstances, be sure to rent an automatic (more expensive than the standard European manual, but worth it in this case).

How long do I need in Madeira?

Because Madeira’s highlights are found at disparate points across the island, a stay of at least four days is necessary. Consider a night in Funchal to get oriented, and supplement this with stays in one or two more destinations elsewhere on the island – dedicate a day to active pursuits and, ideally, the following day to recover on the beach. Tack on at least another two nights if you plan to hit Porto Santo, the other inhabited island that forms part of the Madeiran Archipelago.

Top things to do in Madeira

Hike a levada or a vereda.

Nearly all of Madeira’s rain falls on the island’s north shore, so to facilitate agriculture on the island’s south, its early settlers created a series of man-made aqueducts known as levadas . Madeira is home to more than 804 km (500 miles) of levadas , a feat of engineering recognized by Unesco. Today, the island’s levadas , as well as its veredas (a general word for a path) double as hiking routes, which often pass through spectacular scenery and landscapes that include waterfalls, cliffs, jungle and incredible viewpoints.

Levadas exist in varying degrees of difficulty and repair; check out  WalkMe , a regularly updated guide, to see if the levada you have in mind is open and safe.

A popular, entry-level walk is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde , on the island’s west end. The hike spans a relatively easy 11.8km (7.3 miles) round trip, which passes through diverse scenery that includes a lagoon and waterfall. Another popular walk with an entirely different feel is the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço , a 7.2km (4.4 miles) round-trip that tackles the island’s dry, rocky easternmost point and includes an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the ocean.

For those looking for more of a challenge, consider the trails that summit Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo , the latter the island’s highest point, and a route that occasionally goes above the cloudline.

Ride a cable car

Madeira’s coast is home to fajãs , areas backed by cliffs that were previously only accessible to boats. That is until a series of cable cars were built. Originally used to shift goods and crops, today Madeira’s cable cars also transport tourists and day-trippers.

The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, on the island’s northwest corner, is 600m long, lasts five minutes and is one of the steepest cable cars in Europe. The destination is a vast, crowd-free rocky beach.

Also impressive is the cable car that descends to Fajã dos Padres , a rocky beach that is home to a farm and banana plantation, a cafe/restaurant and a dock for swimming.

Swim in a natural pool

The waters that surround Madeira have both an otherworldly azure hue and a temperature that’s accessible year-round. Unfortunately, the island’s rugged geography and stone beaches mean that accessing that water isn’t always easy. Thankfully, on a few different spots across the island, locals have taken advantage of lava outcroppings to sculpt oceanside swimming pools.

The most famous natural pool is in Porto Moniz, on the island’s northwestern corner, although with its extensive handrails, bathrooms and changing rooms, it doesn’t feel so natural these days. An even more dramatically-positioned version can be found at Doca do Cavacas, on the island’s south shore. For something much more natural, consider the pools in Seixal or Cachalote, both of which also have the benefit of being free.

Taste fortified wine

Madeira’s eponymous wine was created when barrels of the stuff spent months on ships baking in the hot sun. This happy accident caused the wines to oxidize, giving them an entirely new and desirable set of flavors and aromas. Today, seven houses on Madeira make fortified wines in this style, nearly all of whom offer tours and tastings. H.M. Borges , in Funchal, was founded over a century ago and is one of the more traditional houses on the island – they offer a visit and tasting with advance notice. Barbeito is one of the more progressive houses and offers a variety of tastings daily.

Madeira also used to be the most important center of sugar production in the world and there are still six operational sugarcane mills/distilleries on the island. Today, it’s the only place in Europe that produces agricultural rum – rum distilled from sugarcane juice rather than from sugar or molasses. North Mills Distillery , on the island’s north shore, is one of the only remaining steam-powered factories in Europe. Contact the distillery to arrange a visit and tasting, including a Rum Masterclass. In the island’s south, Engenhos da Calheta dates back to 1901, offers tastings, and is also a good place to buy bolo de mel , Madeira’s signature sweet that combines molasses, citrus juice, lard, Madeira wine and spices.

Much of the local rum makes its way into poncha , a drink that combines white rum, orange and/or lemon juice and honey and/or sugar, which is then whipped to a frothy consistency with a special wooden tool. One of the most popular places for the drink is Taberna da Poncha , located in a mountain town in the island’s interior.

Visit a beach

Specifically, a rocky beach. Madeira’s particular geography and location mean that the island’s beaches consist exclusively of round stones. Buy a pair of aqua socks to traverse this relatively challenging terrain, and take note of the haunting roar of tens of thousands of rocks spinning and shifting with each wave.

If you want sand, head to the man-made beaches at Calheta or Machico, or take the ferry to Porto Santo, which has a 7.5km (4.6 miles) fine-sand beach that’s considered one of Europe’s best.

Eat an espetada

Madeira’s signature dish is espetada , chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves, skewered on a laurel branch or metal skewer, and grilled. To serve, the skewers are hung from unique contraptions, and diners pair them with bolo do caco , a type of bread made in part with sweet potato that’s toasted and slathered with garlic butter; milho frito , cubes of deep-fried polenta; and a green salad.

It’s a delicious combination of dishes, not to mention the perfect post-levada-walk meal. It’s also a fun way to eat, with espetada venues in Madeira ranging from butcher shops, where you choose your cut and grill your own skewer, to old-school restaurants.

My favorite thing to do in Madeira

I love digging into regional food and the Sunday market in Santo António da Serra, a mountaintop village in the island’s east, is Madeira’s culinary scene in miniature. Vendors assemble in the early morning and bring a huge variety of tropical fruits – bananas, of course, but also passionfruit, guava, papaya, custard apple, pitanga, tamarillo and other fruit generally more associated with South America.

There are also beautiful vegetables, baked goods, dried herbs and local honey, among other items. A handful of stalls sell simple prepared foods, and a butcher provides a grill and tables for a DIY espetada . The market has a particular emphasis on drinks, with vendors selling pitchers of poncha , local cider, and even boozy coffee drinks, all of which are paired with dentinhos –  snacks that can range from deep-fried pork rinds to a tiny salad of favas.

How much money do I need for Madeira?

Unfortunately, Madeira isn’t exactly a budget destination. Accommodation is relatively expensive, with relatively few hostels or budget options, and a rental car is needed to get to the more remote corners of the island.

That said, this is Portugal – food and drink are pretty good value.

• Hostel bed: from €60
• Basic room for two: from €120
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €120
• Public transport ticket: €1.35
• Coffee: €0.75
• Sandwich: €1.50
• Dinner for two: €40
• Glass of poncha : €2.50

Does it rain a lot on Madeira?

The north half of Madeira can be relatively wet, but the south, including Funchal, only receives between 600mm and 1000mm of rain per year. In general, and especially outside of the relatively wet period between November and February, rain is only an occasional concern on Madeira.

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Ultimate Guide to Public Transportation in Madeira

Grasp all you need to know to explore Madeira via public transportation - embark on a journey of discovery!

Beyond Rental Cars: Public Transportation in Madeira

Exploring Madeira is an experience in itself, but navigating the island should be planned ahead. With nearly 200 rental car companies available, road traffic is on the rise, causing congestion, especially in Funchal and during rush hours. Public transportation emerges as a reasonable and promising alternative to address the island's traffic issues. While a diverse selection of rental cars and tourist agencies can get you anywhere on the island, Madeira has yet to fully prioritize public transportation.

However, there is a gradual shift in this perspective, indicating positive changes in the island's approach to public transit. As of 2024, the introduction of free public transportation for both the elderly and the youth is a significant step in the right direction. This not only represents a commendable leap forward but it is also poised to serve as a catalyst for a transformative vision in Madeira's public transit system.

No Tram, No Train, No Metro.. Buses!

Madeira runs neither a tram system nor a train, also a metro is absent from its transportation offerings. However, the island does have a noteworthy alternative: buses ! Madeira’s public transportation is served by four independent bus service providers, all privately owned. Consequently, obtaining a proper ticket for each company is essential, as these tickets are not interchangeable among carriers.

Bus Service Providers in Madeira

Horários do funchal.

Horários do Funchal is based in Funchal. It is the main bus provider in Madeira. The buses are modern and come in yellow color . They operate both Urban and Inter-urban services. They provide transportation to the suburbs of Funchal and to popular attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Praia Formosa, and Monte.

🌍 Website Horariosdofunchal.pt

Single Ticket: 1,95€ Prepaid Ticket : 1,25€ - 1,35€

There are many more ticket constellations. For a full overview, see Ticket Prices Horários do Funchal

Founded in 1967, Rodoeste operates regular bus services between Funchal and various locations in the west of the island including Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Porto Moniz, S. Vicente, and Santana. They have been connecting Madeira by bus for over 56 years. Rodoeste owns ticket offices in Funchal and Ribeira Brava, but tickets can be bought from the driver. Buses operated by Rodoeste come in white and red color.

Ticket Prices: see Zones on Rodoeste Website

🌍 Website Rodoeste.pt

SAM (Sociedade de Automóveis da Madeira)

SAM is a public transportation provider in Funchal. They operate bus routes to the airport and in the east of the island, i.e., Machico and Caniço. They offer a comfortable, fast, and practical transportation service from the airport to Funchal. Buses by SAM come in white , green and yellow colors.

Ticket Prices: see Zones on SAM Website

🌍 Website SAM.pt

EACL (Empresa de Automóveis do Caniço)

The EACL bus company has been in business since 1934. It provides public transportation to Caniço and the surrounding area. EACL operates 14 bus routes in Funchal with a total of 255 bus stops. Buses operated by EACL come in white , grey and red colors.

Ticket Prices: See Tariffs on EACL Website

🌍 Website EACL.pt

Getting Around by App

Apps are a must when traveling the island. However, Google Maps does not always work reliably outside Funchal. There are other apps that you should have installed to make sure you get the best picture of how to plan your journey. Find some very useful apps below.

1️⃣ Google Maps

You can use Google Maps to easily navigate in Funchal. It will tell you where and at what time to get on the bus and where you need to change. However, real-time support can be an issue as it can happen that delays are not showing or buses are not driving without the Google app informing you about it.

▶️ Get Google Maps Now0

2️⃣ Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is providing better support than Google Maps outside of Funchal. However, schedules are not in real-time and Rome2Rio will not advise you of delays. Still, the app is indispensable for anyone traveling around Madeira using public transport.

▶️ Get Rome2Rio Now

Moovit is another app you can use when traveling outside the Funchal area. If Rome2Rio or Google Maps does not provide adequate information or if you want to double-check the results, Moovit is a great help. The app recently loads quite a few advertisements, which can be annoying.

▶️ Get Moovit Now

Public Transportation From and To The Airport

Aerobus shuttle bus.

The airport is being served by the Aerobus, a shuttle that runs back and forth from the airport to Funchal. The final stop is Praia Formosa and there are 26 stops in total. Buses run regularly every 60 minutes during working hours and less frequently in the evening and at night. The Aerobus website is easy to understand and has a reliable schedule that you can count on.

When boarding the Bus, the driver - who always speaks English - will ask you where you want him to drop you off. The best is to look it up beforehand or to simply show him your destination on Google Maps. If you stay in a hotel, just tell him the name, he will know and call you up once the bus has reached it.

The ride from the airport takes between 30 and 50 minutes , depending on where you want to get off and how many people are being transported. It seldom happens that the bus runs at full occupancy and is unable to give all people a ride. If this happens to you, you will need to wait for the next bus which should arrive according to schedule.

🌍 Aerobus Information

Aerobus Prices

In many cases, buying a return ticket makes sense. This is unless you are planning to take a Taxi or a Bolt on your way back to the airport. The prices for the Aerobus divert from normal bus prices. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.

Single Ticket: 6,00€

Return Ticket : 10,00€ Valid for 1 year

Child Ticket : 3,0€ age 6 to 12 years old Children 12 years or younger must provide proof of age (Passport, ID)

Alternative Modes of Transportation: Taxis and Bolt

If you prefer not to invest too much time in public transportation, you might want to consider Taxis or Bolts as convenient alternatives. These options are readily accessible in Funchal and most major towns along the south coast.

Taxis: Convenient On-Demand Rides

Taxis are readily available in locations such as Camara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, or Porto Moniz. In case you can't locate a taxi provider on-site, you can use the Taxiin App to call a cab to your preferred location.

Taxis in Madeira: Pro’s & Cons

Pros ✅ Rides widely available App not required XXL Taxis available (surcharge applies)

Cons 🚫 More expensive

▶️ Get Taxiin Now

Taxis are also widely available to travel throughout the island. Ask a cab driver if he is willing to drive you around for a flat/full-day excursion and show you around. The cost for such a service typically hovers at around 180€ . If you do not have a rental car or if you are 3 or more people, this is a good and flexible alternative to booking a tour.

Bolt: It’s Like Uber

There is no Uber on Madeira but Bolt does basically the same, bringing you from A to B through the intermediate of an app. If you are visiting Madeira and you are relying on public transportation: do get the Bolt app! Bolt rides are not only cost-effective compared to taxis but are also easily accessible. If you are a group and traveling short distances, taking a Bolt can even be cheaper than traveling by bus. Keep in mind that in more remote areas, securing a Bolt driver might not be feasible, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.

Bolt in Madeira: Pro’s & Cons

Pros ✅ Cheaper than Taxi Cashless transactions by default (add credit card to app)

Cons 🚫 Rides unavailable (“busy”) in remote areas Ride-Cancellations happen after waiting for rides

▶️ Get Bolt Now

Exciting Bus Trips Starting From Funchal

While exploring the entire island by bus is a challenging adventure, there are many excellent day trips you can easily take using public transport. Check out these fantastic rides that all start in Funchal and discover Madeira by bus!

Bus No 81 to Curral das Freiras

Take Bus No 81 (Horarios do Funchal) to Curral das Freiras , a hidden gem way up in the mountains and one of the most picturesque places on Madeira. This is an interurban Service by Horarios de Funchal and different prices apply. Expect to pay about 4 euros per ride . The bus starts at Teleférico-Término (4A) in Funchal and the ride officially has 69 stops. However, the bus only stops if passengers want to get off or on. Expect the ride to Curral das Freiras to take about 45 minutes.

Bus No 113 to Ponta de São Lourenço

Take Bus No 113 (SAM) to Ponta de São Lourenço and go on an unforgettable hike on the eastern tip of the island. The bus ride will take about 1h15 but it is worth the time as it will drive along the waterfront. The hike is not difficult and takes about 2h30 if you go all the way and back.

Bus No 48 to Monte

Take Bus No 48 from Sao Martinho, Funchal and head right up to Jardim Monte Palace Tropical Garden , a definitive must-see and a place full of history and culture. While the ride from downtown Funchal should take - depending where you get on - about 30 minutes, consider spending the day there as it is worth the visit. The entry fee to the garden is 15 euros.

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This Portuguese Island Is Inviting Remote Workers to a Swoon-worthy 'WFH' Setting

Digital nomads headed to this village must commit to staying there for at least one month.

Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure.

When legions of office employees were sent to work from home last year, a new generation of digital nomads was born. Countries around the world began competing for their attention by launching long-stay visa programs designed specifically for remote workers , but now, Portugal is taking things to the next level. The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is creating a "digital nomad village."

Digital Nomads Madeira is a project that will host up to 100 remote workers at a time in the town of Ponta do Sol, home to just 8,200 inhabitants.

Phase one of the project will start on Feb. 1 and last through June 30, 2021. Participants will be provided with a free working space featuring a desk and chair, access to a Slack community, and free internet from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at the John dos Passos Cultural Centre in the village, Lonely Planet reports . The experience will also include fun activities for the digital nomads, as well as other events that will facilitate connections between participants and the local community.

The project is a joint effort between the regional government of Madeira, Startup Madeira, and digital nomad Gonçalo Hall. "We have partnered with different local businesses such as real estate and rental car companies," Hall told 150sec in an interview . "The goal is to help the local community benefit from the social and economic impact that such an initiative can have."

According to 150sec, if all goes well with phase one, Hall and his partners hope to implement a second initiative in Madeira and launch similar venture in several rural areas of Portugal.

Applications for the program are currently open and anyone who plans to participate must commit to staying in Ponta do Sol for at least one month. For more information, visit the official Digital Nomads Madeira website .

Jessica Poitevien is a Travel Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but always on the lookout for the next adventure. Besides traveling, she loves baking, talking to strangers, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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I am a surfer/ artist/ entrepreneur. I have tattoo studios in Portugal and Norway. And some Holiday Homes on Madeira Island. I have been building and am renovating some old properties into two eco guest houses where i also plan to organize yoga/surf retreats when the time comes. I will also implement sustainable and organic farming in it. My team consists of friends and specialized workers. There are two houses that will comprise the project. A smaller one that is over 100 years old that will be restored, with two plots of farmable land around it, that already has some fruit trees such as Mangoes, Figs, Lime, Grape Vines. All this land needs to be cleaned and the trees nurtured for. There gardens that need tending to , flowers , fruit trees, and vegetables. And another house right next to this one that is a bigger traditonal Madeiran house. This is a bigger house which will also have renovation done. But mostly by myself and the volunteers. Such as : Restoring old furniture, painting ,decorating, gardening. Most of the specialized work i will use people that have worked with me before for the plumbing, electricity, mason work, etc. Unless of course the volunteers have these skills as well... What i need help mostly with is everday chores around the house : cleaning, shopping, cooking, gardening, organizing, restoration, some building , good vibes and inspiration.

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Beautiful beaches, Surfing, Amazing nature, great all around life experience. The region is noted for its great gastronomy and wine. Come and learn Portuguese culture and history. Madeira's temperate climate makes it an ideal escape from icy winters and the hot summers.

I will need all around help really. Just a second hand and mind helping with creating spaces. Cooking, gardening, cleaning, renovating and general maintenance.

Languages spoken English: Fluent Spanish: Fluent Portuguese: Fluent French: Beginner Norwegian: Beginner

This host offers a language exchange This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language. You can contact them directly for more information.

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You would have your own bed room, access to kitchen and living room , garden , bathroom.

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You can surf, stand-up paddle, swim, hike, whale and dolphin watch.Tons of things to do in madeira within the nature.

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Welcome to Madeira, the world’s sexiest potluck where you, too, can be its next donor.

That’s because nearly everything on this subtropical, post-volcanic island in the North Atlantic including its people (British adventurers, Vikings, Arab and Portuguese sailors), was hauled in from far off lands.

The sand on its famed Calheta and Banda d’Além beaches is from Morocco. It prized sugar cane is sourced from Sicily. There’s even a 50-plus-year-old tortoise named Colombo at the Quinta Jardins do Lago hotel (from $195) that was a stowaway from the Galapagos Islands dazzling guests. And don’t even get the locals started about the ubiquitous eucalyptus trees, whichever bozo smuggled those in; here they’re considered wretched, invasive trespassers.

Despite being closer to Africa than Europe, Madeira is the main island of the same-named autonomous archipelago belonging to Portugal (it has its own flag, but it can only be legally flown next to the motherland’s banner). And, save for blueberry plants and terrifyingly fugly yet edible fish called black scabbard, the region doesn’t have much of note that’s endemic. (Madeira is allegedly the birthplace of the ukelele, but don’t unleash that hot take around any Don Ho stans in your life).

It makes sense Madeira had to perfect the art of hospitality in order to welcome in the best of the rest of the world to do a little decorating. Here’s why and how to revel in it.

He’s super fly

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the John Wayne of Madeira — in that he is a problematic male idol with a quirky li’l airport named for him. With a relatively new sevenish-hour nonstop on Azores Airlines from JFK to the beakless kiwi-shaped island, it’s where you’ll touch down in Santa Cruz, a quick 15 minutes from the capital of Funchal.

May the pours be with you

You’ll learn about two things straight away upon arrival to the 286-square-mile island. First, despite being fortified and tasting very much the same to the lay inebriate, Madeira wine is not port — you might get shot on site for even suggesting such blasphemy. You’ll find the marvelous nutty, usually sweet grape squeeze nearly everywhere thanks to the island’s alpha-maker, Blandy’s — whose potent potables are anything but — and a handful of other vineyards. And secondly, an upcoming Leslye Headland-created series in the “Star Wars” universe, “The Acolyte,” is being or has been filmed here on the DL, thanks to the island’s extraterrestrially scenic beaches, mountains and forests. Booze paired with blasters? You can’t beat that.

Bed, bask and beyond

Escape the very Euro-style metropolitan feel of Funchal — narrow cobblestoned streets jam-packed with pedestrians scarfing down prego s (mad-yummy sammies) — and head to the altitudinal and gastronomic-focused Socalco Nature Calheta , which has an infinity of stairs but rewards those bold enough to scale them with stunning sea views and stray cats (from $158 a night). Or, embrace it and stay in Funchal’s Vine Hotel which sits above a mall where you’ll find that electrical adapter you forgot to pack (from $181 a night). That’s OK, too.

This bud’s for you

“The birds and the bees” get all the limelight for nature’s carnal urges, but “the flowers and the trees” get in on the action, too, don’t forget. This fact will not be overlooked during the 70th annual Madeira Flower Festival, running May 2 to 26, an entire month dedicated to flowers: There will be flower carpets in the streets, there’s a flower-themed garden golf classic and, of course, a flower float parade. If you still haven’t gotten your fix of petaled pomp by month’s end, there’s always the 17-acre Monte Palace Madeira Garden , frilled to the gills with exotic art and 100,000 plant species from, of course, all over the globe ($16 for adults, kids free).

And for all you anthophobes, we see you, we hear you, we stand with you: Instead, try the Madeira Classic Car Revival, running May 24 to 26. It delightfully is what it sounds like.

Tunnel vision

As if wine, soccer and chestnuts weren’t enough, Madeirans have another addiction: tunnels. Mountainous as all hell, the vast labyrinth of some 153 tunnels and the nearly litter-less roads running through them must double as an MC Escher work from space. The island is an automobiled spelunker’s dream, so either rent some wheels or jump on a tour with Discovery Island Madeira to experience them if you’re a fellow fiend.

’Cuz we sled so

Uber? … Lyft? Pft, so basic. To get from must-see Monte Church (where the last emperor of Austria is entombed, long story) to Funchal, all the cool kids call on a toboggan to traverse its downward sheerness. You just load into a wicker sled (their word, “sledge”), piloted by a duo of carreiros , i.e. super-yoked dudes dressed in all white, add a dash of gravity and boom, you’re there. Enterprising paparazzi are strategically stationed along the route — snag a snap of your 10-minute descent for a few extra bucks at the bottom (rides with Carreiros Do Monte start from $30).

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It’s a Statue of Prince Philip. Really. But Now It Has to Go.

A much-reviled faceless statue in Cambridge, England, commemorating Philip’s time as a chancellor of Cambridge University has been ordered to be removed.

By Victor Mather

The bronze statue in Cambridge, England, is 13 feet tall. The figure wears academic robes and a mortarboard. It doesn’t exactly have a face, since its head appears to be wrapped in a twisted cloth.

Who does this statue, titled “The Don,” allegedly depict? It’s, uh, Prince Philip. Sure enough, a plaque under the sculpture reads: “H.R.H. Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Chancellor, University of Cambridge, 1977-2011.”

But the artwork has not conjured up thoughts of Philip, who died in 2021 , for many who have seen it. And the statue has also not met with the international acclaim accorded to Michelangelo’s David or China’s Terracotta Army. To say the least.

In 2014, the year the statue was erected, Nadine Black, the Cambridge City Council’s public art manager, called it “possibly the poorest quality work that has ever been submitted to the council.”

Earlier this month, the council told the Unex Group, which owns Charter House, an office building in the center of Cambridge where the statue stands, that it must be removed by August.

In part it is for a lack of artistic merit: The order mentions the statue’s “harmful material impact.” But it is also because the statue was erected even though permission for it had initially been denied.

That 2014 denial said the statue’s quality “must at best be considered questionable.”

Katie Thornburrow, a Cambridge city councilor, said on her website , “I will be glad to see it gone, but remain angry that developers could just dump it in place and then force the council to spend officers’ time and money getting them to take it away.”

The Unex Group did not respond to a request for comment. Its chairman, Bill Gredley, told The Times of London : “There were people that didn’t like it, and I understand this, and there are people that love it, and I understand that as well. The piece is controversial.”

He said the statue would be moved somewhere “where it would be appreciated.”

So who is the Donatello or Brancusi responsible for this monstrosity? Oddly enough, that isn’t easy to answer.

The Unex Group credited a Uruguayan sculptor, Pablo Atchugarry . Mr. Gredley told Varsity , a University of Cambridge student newspaper, in 2014 that Mr. Atchugarry had “designed a model in marble, and thereafter we had the model enlarged and cast” in bronze.

But Mr. Atchugarry stridently denied being the creator of the work. According to the Varsity account, he told The Cambridge News at the time that he was “really astonished, worried and disappointed” at what he considered a misrepresentation of the credit. He added that he had never even seen the finished piece.

Can we safely call the Don the worst sculpture of modern times? There are formidable challengers.

A bust of the soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo that was unveiled in 2017 at the airport in Madeira, Portugal, that is named for him was widely reviled for looking less like a handsome footballer and more like Sloth from “The Goonies.” It was removed after a little more than a year.

A 2009 statue of Lucille Ball in her hometown, Celoron, N.Y., was called Scary Lucy for its distorted facial features, which conjured nightmares rather than laughter. It was replaced by a statue with a more conventional Lucy-looking face. The creator of the original piece was so rattled by the uproar that he gave up sculpting .

But the passage of time often changes art’s reputation. Rodin immersed himself in everything Balzac before sculpting that author. “Ultimately, Rodin was more invested in capturing Balzac’s creative power and vitality than in faithfully recording the author’s physical likeness,” according to the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass.

But the largely literal-minded art lovers of the time could not focus on anything except that the sculpture didn’t precisely resemble Balzac. A plaster version of the statue unveiled in 1898 was met with scorn.

As a result of the mockery, Rodin withdrew the work, and it was not cast in bronze until 1939, 22 years after his death.

Now it stands on Boulevard Raspail in Paris, near the intersection with Boulevard Montparnasse, a much loved city monument.

It may not come in our lifetimes. But perhaps there is still time for the Don or Ronaldo to be accorded similar places of honor. Maybe.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. It is in Portugal, not Spain.

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Victor Mather covers sports as well as breaking news for The Times. More about Victor Mather