Traveling To Madeira Island Portugal

October 16, 2023

Madeira Island is a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. It is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush subtropical vegetation, and mild climate. Madeira is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests, including hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, golfing, and wine tasting.

Traveling To Madeira Island Portugal travelanycountry

How to get to Madeira Island

The best way to get to Madeira Island is by plane. There are direct flights to Madeira Airport (FNC) from major cities in Europe, including London, Lisbon, Paris, and Frankfurt. The flight time from London is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Once you arrive at Madeira Airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to your hotel. There is also a car rental desk at the airport.

When to go to Madeira Island

Madeira has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C. However, the best time to visit Madeira is during the spring (April to June) or the fall (September to November), when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are fewer crowds.

Things to do in Madeira Island

There are many things to do in Madeira Island, depending on your interests. Here are a few suggestions:

Hiking: Madeira is a great place for hiking, with trails of all difficulty levels. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the PR1 Levada das 25 Fontes, the PR9 Vereda do Areeiro, and the PR13 Vereda do Pico Ruivo.
Biking: Madeira is also a great place for biking, with a variety of bike paths and trails to choose from. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can try biking up the Serra do Areeiro mountain pass.
Swimming: Madeira has a number of beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Some of the most popular beaches include Praia Formosa, Praia da Calheta, and Praia do Porto Novo.
Surfing: Madeira is a popular surfing destination, with waves for all levels of surfers. The best time to surf in Madeira is during the winter months, when the waves are larger and more consistent.
Golfing: Madeira has several world-class golf courses, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most popular golf courses include the Palheiro Golf Course, the Santo da Serra Golf Club, and the Machico Golf Course.
Wine tasting: Madeira is known for its sweet fortified wine, which is produced on the island. There are a number of wine cellars on Madeira where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample different wines.

Where to stay in Madeira Island

There are a variety of accommodation options available on Madeira Island, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few suggestions:

Budget: Santa Maria Hostel, Funchal
Mid-range: Hotel Madeira, Funchal
Luxury: Reid’s Hotel, Funchal

Food and drink in Madeira Island

Madeira has a delicious and varied cuisine, influenced by Portuguese and African flavors. Some of the most popular dishes in Madeira include:

Espetada: Beef skewers grilled over an open fire
Lapas: Grilled limpets
Bolo do caco: Flatbread with garlic butter
Poncha: A traditional Madeiran drink made with rum, honey, and orange juice

Getting around Madeira Island

The best way to get around Madeira Island is by car. This will give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. However, there is also a public bus system that connects the major towns and villages.

Tips for traveling to Madeira Island

Here are a few tips for traveling to Madeira Island:

Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season.
Bring a variety of clothes, as the weather in Madeira can be unpredictable.
Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases, as this will be appreciated by the locals.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a great trip to Madeira!