Discover Madeira Island’s Landscapes, Culture and Coast

Just a mere 9 km away from Funchal, Câmara de Lobos is a historic fishing town, known for its abundant fur seals, and also as the subject of many paintings by Winston Churchill.

At an elevation of 580 m, Cabo Girão is the highest cape in Europe. It is famous for its suspended glass platform with a breathtaking view of the farmlands at the foot of the cliff, as well as a magni... Read More

If you are a football fan, this museum is a must-see. Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned superstar, was born in Funchal. In dedication to his professional career, the CR7 Museum was established to ... Read More

This 15-minute cable car journey offers magnificent panoramic views over Funchal and Monte. When you arrive at Monte, you can visit the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and the Church of Our ... Read More

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, was initially built on a bay and gradually expanded to the hill slopes. See ArrivalGuides' guide to Funchal for more tips.

Halfway between Funchal and Santa Cruz, in Caniço de Baixo, you will find one of the island's beautiful black sand beaches. Travel by cable car or venture on foot.

This ancient forest survived the ice ages–estimated to be over 20 million years old, this place is an open-air museum for botanists and nature lovers alike. The biologically diverse 15,000 hectares th... Read More

Levada Walks are walking trails along the maintenance paths beside the levadas — small agricultural water channels blended in the island forests. These channels were created in the 16th century to tra... Read More

Pé de Cabra, which in Portuguese means "goat foot" is the name of a Madeira's cocktail, said to be invented at this bar. Try it yourself and be satisfied with this recipe that has been passed on throu... Read More

Madeira Rum House's name is the literal description of what you will find there — rum from Madeira. Located in the old town, they serve rum cocktails you will find nowhere else. Prepare yourself to si... Read More

Mercearia da Poncha is the perfect place to start your pub crawl. Here you can taste many colorful variations of Madeira's preferred drink, poncha. It is impossible not to notice the unbelievably affo... Read More

Hidden in Funchal's old town, this little bar has been described by locals as having the best cocktails in Funchal or even on the entire island of Madeira. The cosy and relaxed atmosphere will make yo... Read More

Taberna Popular's charm comes from it not trying to be more than what it seems – a tiny crowded pub with cheap beer and snacks. It is perfect for a late-night drink at the end of your Pub Crawl.

This Farmers' Market, inaugurated in 1940, still carries out the functions for which it was created. All sorts of local produce (fruit, vegetable, flower, and fish) are sold in a blend of colours, sou... Read More

If filling your bags with new clothes is one of your vacation goals, then Forum Madeira is the place to go. This modern indoor-outdoor mall features 80 stores on three levels — it will be difficult no... Read More

The hand embroidery of Madeira is generally claimed to be one of the finest of its kind. Part of the history and culture of Madeira, its distinctive style is the result of the mix of many influences f... Read More

Madeira's weather is known for its unpredictability, but don't let that put you out. Madeira Shopping is the perfect family destination for a rainy day. Once you enter this retail heaven, you will fin... Read More

Madeira's unique soil and climate make the production of an even more unique wine possible. Praised by Shakespeare in his plays and admired by monarchs, princes, generals, and explorers, this nectar i... Read More

Madeira's characteristic climate makes for pleasant weather all year long. Paired with the multiple festivals, a visit at any time of the year will be worth it. Madeira is also known for its New Year'... Read More

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Can... Read More

Madeira International Airport (FNC) is located about 20 km from Funchal’s city centre — roughly a 20–25 minute drive. From the terminal, there are plenty of ways to reach the city: the Aerobus shuttle... Read More

Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is located just outside the island’s main town, Vila Baleira, around 5 km away—roughly a 7‑minute taxi ride or a 25–30‑minute journey by public bus. While the airport provide... Read More

One of the main public bus companies that operates on Madeira is Horários do Funchal, operating both city and inter-city services on the south, central, and north parts of the island. A limited amount... Read More

All trips by taxi are metered, although there are some fixed charges for certain trips. There are also some surcharges for extra luggage. You can find taxis in taxi ranks, circulating around the city,... Read More

Portugal’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F (Schuko plug) and Type C (Europlug) outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continenta... Read More

Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from pharmacies (farmácia), but if you need regular medication it is better to take supplies with you. Pharmacies are usually open Mon–Fri (9am–1p... Read More