Your Mini Travel Guide To Madeira

How do you feel about getting off the beaten track and visiting the island of Madeira? How many of you are familiar with this island I wonder…Madeira is probably most famous for its history, flora and fauna, unique volcanic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, local wines, gastronomy, and embroidery art. There are so many exciting things to see and do on the island!

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and is part of an archipelago of four islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Madeira is the main island. The capital city of Madeira is Funchal, which makes for the perfect place to stay while going out to explore the rest of the island. The island is a very green island. It has volcanic scenery, rugged high cliffs, and pebbly beaches. The small villages along the deltas of the Fajã River are charming, colorful, and very picturesque!

On a personal note; football is and always has been a very big deal at my house. My son plays football ever since he turned 4 years old, he is 15 today. Real Madrid is his favorite club which is where Cristiano Ronaldo played, he is his idol. When we were talking about where our next trip should be, Madeira came up. Frankly, we didn’t know much about Madeira apart from the fact that it is where Ronaldo grew up. We decided to go and explore what this island is all about, thanks to Ronaldo.

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What is the best time to visit Madeira?

I love hot temps so if you are anything like me, the best time to visit Madeira is between late July and September. The subtropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year. Springtime is the next best thing, from April to mid-June.

How long should you spend in Madeira?

The island is not that big, having said that, there is still a lot to see. I would recommend staying between 1 week to 10 days, so you can enjoy this place to the max.

How to get around Madeira?

I think that renting a car is the best way to discover the magic of Madeira. There are tunnels, fast roads, and good signage making it an easy task. In Funchal, you can easily explore on foot, or use Uber. You can also choose an organized daily tour with a local guide to visit sites outside of the capital.

GetYourGuide is my go-to company when choosing an organized tour or activity at my destination.
They are reliable, they offer great value for money and offer a good variety of tours to choose from.

Click below to explore and reserve your activities and island tours

Madeira ocean views — Gorgeous views on Madeira

Pssst before getting on the plane for your next travel adventure; check out my in-depth packing guides to make sure you are well prepared and that you have not overlooked anything!

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Where to stay in Madeira?

I recommend staying in the capital of Funchal and taking day trips from here.
When choosing a hotel, for us, it was a no-brainer! We chose to stay at Ronaldo’s hotel ~ The Pestana CR-7 Hotel and it didn’t disappoint! The Pestana CR-7 in Funchal is situated on the water by the cruise ship terminal. From here you’ll have easy access to Funchal’s highlights, and anywhere else on the island that you wish to visit. The rooms as well as every area of the hotel are stylish and filled with Ronaldo’s touches such as framed football shirts, fitness tips, and memorabilia.

The hotel is so cool with sophisticated decor touches throughout. It has a gym on the rooftop based on the training regime of Ronaldo, a fabulous swimming pool and bar overlooking the city, and when breakfast is served, healthy eating tips from Ronaldo are displayed on the table.

The CR-7 Pestana Hotel in Funchal — The Pestana CR-7 Hotel in Funchal

The CR-7 Hotel in Funchal — The Ronaldo touches at the Pestana CR-7 Hotel in Funchal

PRO TIP ~ You will get free tickets as a guest to the CR7 Museum next door, and it will blow you away! Whether you are a fan or not, once you walk through this ‘Hall of Fame’ and see all that he has achieved and against all odds might I add, you can not, not admire how far he has come and just how unique his talent it.

More great hotels in Funchal for you to choose from ~

Hotel Madeira

NEXT - by Savoy Signature

Pestana Casino Studios

Hotel Porto Mare - PortoBay

Three House Hotel

Top 10 Things To Do In Madeira

Enjoy wandering around Funchal. Go for a walk on the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Funchal's funkiest street is Rua de Santa Maria which is a car-free zone, Funchal's best restaurants, and bars are also located in this area. Don’t miss visiting Arte de Portas Abertas where hundreds of colorful paintings are painted on the doors. Look at the beautiful architecture around you and the different museums you can explore. Go inside the 17th-century Capela da Boa Viagem, Cathedral, and Capela do Corpo Santo. There is a small park right at the center of town where local artists sell their goods during the day. History is all around you!

Visit Mercado dos Lavradores ~ This is the main market of Funchal where you can find flowers, fruit, and souvenirs.

Visit the CR7 museum.

Enjoy Funchal’s waterfront. We did that using the SitWay which is like the Segway only you sit down. It was really good fun! You can find them along the boulevard.

Don’t miss going up the mountain using the Teleférico-cable car! The views of the seafront and the city are sensational! Go to Monte Palace Tropical Garden while you’re up there.

Theeee BEST way to come back down the mountain is in a BASKET, yes that’s right I said basket! It was crazy fun! They are called toboggan rides.

Going down the mountain in Funchal in a basket! — One of the most fun activities I have ever done ~ Flying down the mountain in a basket!

NOTE: The basket rides don’t go all the way to the bottom of the hill. From the endpoint, you can either walk down to the center which takes around 35 minutes or take a taxi. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter. The taxi ride should cost you around €8-€10 euros.

Visit Cabo Girao ~ The 580-meter-high cliffs offer splendid views of the ocean and the towns of Camara De Lobos and Funchal. A unique way to take in the views is by walking the glass skywalk on top. It took a couple of minutes to get used to it but then the views around you take over and you forget all about it.

Cabo Girao, Madeira — Cabo Girao ~ Views from the glass skywalk

Visit Sao Vincente ~ Here you’ll find 700 meters of volcanic caves you walk through, these were created almost a million years ago. The countryside leading here is gorgeous too!

A place NOT TO BE MISSED- Porto Moniz ~ Towering mountains and views over the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean create quite the dramatic vibe. The biggest attraction here is the seawater-filled lava pools. Close to Porto Moniz is the Levada da Ribeira da Janela, one of the finest areas to hike in Madeira.