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Portugal · Madeira

Madeira travel guide

Spring all year, levada walks and cliff-top views

The cliffs of Madeira. Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 30mflight from London
FNCnearest main airport
23° in Augwarmest month
16° in Febcoolest month

Madeira is a green volcanic island in the Atlantic, known as the island of eternal spring, with mild temperatures all year. Its dramatic mountains, cliffs and laurel forests are crossed by levadas, irrigation channels with walking paths beside them.

Funchal, the capital, has gardens, markets and the famous wicker toboggan ride. It's a great winter-sun break with lots of walking.

Good forWalkingWinter sunSceneryGardens

What Madeira is known for

  • Levada walks

    Paths alongside old irrigation channels.

  • Laurel forests

    Ancient forests, a UNESCO site.

  • Madeira wine

    Fortified wine aged in the warmth.

  • New Year fireworks

    One of the world's biggest displays.

Top things to do in Madeira

  1. 1

    A levada walk

    Try the 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde trails.

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  2. 2

    Pico do Arieiro

    Sunrise above the clouds and the walk to Pico Ruivo.

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  3. 3

    The Monte toboggan

    A wicker sledge ride down to Funchal.

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  4. 4

    Porto Moniz

    Natural volcanic swimming pools.

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  5. 5

    Cabo Girão

    A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs.

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  6. 6

    Mercado dos Lavradores

    Funchal's market of fruit, flowers and fish.

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See all tours and tickets in Madeira

Where to stay in Madeira

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Best time to visit Madeira

Best value: Jan–Jun, Sep–Nov. All year: mild weather, between about 17°C in winter and 24°C in summer. New Year's fireworks are famous.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
16.6 C17°J16.1 C16°F16.3 C16°M16.9 C17°A18.2 C18°M20.2 C20°J21.6 C22°J22.6 C23°A22.5 C22°S21.4 C21°O19.2 C19°N17.6 C18°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Madeira, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 30m from London to FNC, and flights from most UK airports.

A hire car or tours are best. Roads are steep, with many tunnels.

Find flights to Madeira (FNC)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Bring layers: the mountains can be cold and cloudy.
  • Landing at Funchal can be windy, and flights are sometimes diverted.
  • Some levadas have steep drops: pick routes that suit you.
Portugal guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to go

Madeira FAQ

Is Madeira good for beaches?

Not really. It's mostly rocky, with lidos and pools instead.

Is Madeira warm in winter?

Yes, around 18 to 20°C by day.

More places in Portugal

Back to the Portugal travel guide + Add Madeira to your bucket list