Your First Trip to Madeira
Welcome to the "Pearl of the Atlantic"! This guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable first visit — from when to come and what to see, to how to get around and which tours to book.
22°C
Avg. Temperature
4h
From London
EUR
Currency
GMT
Time Zone
No Visa for EU/UK/US
Part of Portugal/EU, so same visa rules apply
Safe Destination
One of the safest islands in Europe for tourists
English Widely Spoken
Tourism is well-established, communication easy
When to Visit
Madeira has a mild subtropical climate year-round. The best time depends on your priorities — weather, crowds, or special events.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | High | Peak | New Year celebrations |
| Feb | 17°C | Medium | High | Carnival season |
| Mar | 18°C | Medium | Medium | Flower Festival prep |
| Apr | 18°C | Low | High | Flower Festival |
| May | 20°C | Low | Medium | Great weather, fewer crowds |
| Jun | 22°C | Low | High | Atlantic Festival fireworks |
| Jul | 24°C | Very Low | High | Peak summer |
| Aug | 25°C | Very Low | Peak | Wine Festival |
| Sep | 24°C | Low | Medium | Excellent month to visit |
| Oct | 22°C | Medium | Medium | Nature Festival |
| Nov | 19°C | High | Low | Quieter, good deals |
| Dec | 18°C | High | Peak | Christmas & NYE famous |
Our Recommendation
May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of weather, fewer crowds, and good prices. Avoid December/January if you don't like crowds (but the festivities are spectacular!).
Must-See Attractions
These are the absolute essentials that every first-time visitor should experience.
Monte Cable Car & Toboggan
Iconic cable car ride to Monte with panoramic views, tropical gardens, and the famous wicker toboggan ride down
Cabo Girão Skywalk
Europe's highest sea cliff with a glass-floored viewing platform 580m above the ocean
Mercado dos Lavradores
Funchal's vibrant farmers' market with exotic fruits, flowers, and local products
Pico do Arieiro
Madeira's third-highest peak with breathtaking sunrise views above the clouds
Santana Traditional Houses
UNESCO-listed triangular thatched houses representing Madeira's cultural heritage
Levada Walks
Walk along Madeira's historic irrigation channels through laurel forests
Suggested Itineraries
How long are you staying? Here are our recommended itineraries based on trip length.
3 Days
Essential Highlights
- Day 1: Funchal city, Monte Cable Car, Toboggan, Old Town
- Day 2: West tour - Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz
- Day 3: Levada walk + Whale watching afternoon
5 Days
Complete Experience
- Day 1: Funchal exploration, markets, wine tasting
- Day 2: West coast - Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz
- Day 3: East coast - Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro
- Day 4: Levada walk (25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde)
- Day 5: Whale watching + Monte + farewell dinner
7 Days
Full Island Discovery
- Day 1: Funchal city, Monte Cable Car, Old Town
- Day 2: West coast full day tour
- Day 3: Whale watching + afternoon at leisure
- Day 4: Santana, Faial, north coast drive
- Day 5: Levada walk (longer route)
- Day 6: Jeep safari or canyoning adventure
- Day 7: Wine tour + sunset cruise
Getting Around
Options for exploring the island, from rental cars to guided tours.
🚗 Rental Car
Best for flexibility. Roads are good but winding. From €25/day.
Recommended for 5+ day stays
🚐 Guided Tours
Expert guides, no driving stress. Half-day from €45, full-day from €60.
Best value for first-timers
🚌 Public Bus
Budget option but limited routes. Good for Funchal area only.
Best for budget travelers
🚕 Taxi/Transfer
Convenient for airport transfers and point-to-point. €25-80/trip.
Good for specific trips
Weather Tip
Madeira has many microclimates. It might be sunny in Funchal and rainy in the mountains. Always bring layers and a rain jacket, even in summer. Check webcams before heading to viewpoints!
Top Tours for First-Timers
These tours offer the best introduction to Madeira's highlights.
Full Island Tour
See all highlights in one day: Cabo Girão, Santana, north coast, and more.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Eco-friendly boat trip to spot dolphins (guaranteed!) and whales.
Levada Walk
Walk through UNESCO laurel forests along historic irrigation channels.
Need Help Planning Your First Visit?
Our local team knows Madeira inside out. Tell us your dates and interests, and we'll create a personalized itinerary just for you.
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