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Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Atlantic", this island of 740 km² surprises with its many plantations, tropical botanical gardens and the abundance of its flowers. How can you not fall in love with these exceptional landscapes or cliffs, forests and white sandy beaches?
Anxious to respect these natural wonders, Madeira has classified two thirds of its islands' surface as a nature reserve. It has a very rugged terrain and the highest point is Pico Puivo (1862 m); it is the 3rd highest point in Portugal. In the northern region, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the high cliffs and to the west you will find a plateau area, the Paul da Serra, with altitudes between 1300 and 1500 m.
The hospitality and friendliness of the people, the pleasant climate throughout the year, the richness and variety of the natural, historical and cultural resources are just some of the many reasons to come and discover this corner of paradise.
Surface area: 741 km2
Temperature: 25ºc in the summer, 15-17ºc in the winter (average temperatures)
Tourism: a million visitors per year
Population density: 267,785 inhabitants /Km²
STROLL IN THE CITY OF FUNCHAL
Funchal is a wonderful city to stroll in, straddled between the sea and mountains. The centre is characterised by beautiful avenues, a cathedral built by the Knights of the Order of Christ in the late 15th century and also many museums, including that of Decorative Arts (Quinta das Cruzes) where you can appreciate charming furniture.
In the evening visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk in the beautiful gardens of the west of the city. Succumb to the charm of the authentic and tasty gastronomy of one of the many restaurants in Funchal, accompanied by a glass of poncha, whilst admiring the ocean.
WALKING THOUGH THE LEVADAS
Levadas are small irrigation canals that can be found on the island of Madeira and on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. On the island of Madeira, Levadas are used to carry large quantities of water from the north to the south of the island and were built between the 16th and the end of the first half of the 20th century. Extending around 3,000 km they can be walked on foot, allowing you to reach the heart of the island where you will encounter breathtaking landscapes. The "Levadas" of Madeira are part of the protected natural sites as are the Natural Park of Madeira and the Ecological Park of Funchal.
VISIT FREDERICO DE FREITAS HOUSE MUSEUM
This building located in the heart of the hold quarter of the city is one of the symbols of Funchal. Commonly called "Casa da Calçada", this building, with its pink facades, was the residence of the Counts of Calçada, and their ancestors since the early seventeenth century.
Today, this museum gathers valuable collections of sculptures, paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, crystals and copper objects dating back from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century.
ENJOY POPULAR FEASTS
The Flower Festival (early May)
The Madeira Flower Festival is one of the islands most important events. Each year between April and May, thousands of people gather in Madeira to celebrate and marvel at the many exhibitions, flower carpets and shows. The highlight of this colourful show is the grand parade of "The Cortejo Alegorico".
The Atlantic Festival (June)
This festival marks the beginning of the summer festivities on this island. Throughout June Funchal's streets become even more vibrant with art displays, cultural events, classical music shows, street performances and nightly fireworks.
New Year's Eve fireworks display (December)
In Madeira they take their end-of-year celebrations very seriously. Indeed, every year many events are organized to commemorate the outgoing year and start the new one in the best possible way. A rich and diverse program of cultural and artistic events awaits you. In order to mark the transition to the New Year, the sky of Funchal lights up with a gigantic ten minute display of fireworks. This event is a breath-taking major tourist attraction, so visitors can enjoy a unique and magical moment.
DISCOVER THE ISLAND OF PORTO SANTO
Discovered in 1418 by Portuguese sailors, the Madeira archipelago includes the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo but also two uninhabited island, Selvagens and Desertas.
Porto Santo is the smallest of the inhabited islands of the Madeira archipelago, located 500 km from the African coast. The island of Porto Santo, bathed by turquoise waters, is characterized by a long beach of fine, golden sand which streches over 9km. In addition to the beach, the city of Vila Baleira is full of history and landmarks, such as the house where Christopher Columbus once lived for a time. The security, the quality of welcome from the inhabitants, the abundant nature, the splendid beach of fine sand and the calm waters of the ocean make of the island of Porto Santo a privileged destination which enchants all the travellers who cross the paths of the island on foot or by bike.
TRY MADEIRA’S FAMOUS TOBOGGAN RIDE
If you are looking for a fun and truly original activity to try in Madeira, then look no further. Invented in the 19th century, the main aim of this unusual sledge ride is simple: it is to slip inside a wicker basket mounted on wooden carts and race down the 2 km descent from Monte to Funchal in 10 minutes.
Passengers are in the safe hands of drivers, who push and pull from behind, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. The toboggans run daily from the stairs leading to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church.
SAVOUR MADEIRA'S LOCAL SPECIALITIES
Thanks to its geographical location in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the islands of Madeira a wonderful selection fresh catches and are rich in flora and fauna too. Fish and seafood are a must in Madeiran gastronomy with traditional recipes like the famous tuna steak. Thanks to an exceptional climate all year round, Madeira enjoys a wide variety of crops, including sugar cane, bananas and pineapples.
Madeira's wome is known worldwide for its unique taste and you must take the time to enjoy a good glass of wine with its various flavours. Whether dry or soft, blended or dated, any wine fans cannot fail to enjoy this delicious tipple, especially if it is accompanied by the traditional "mel bolo" (gingerbread made from sugar cane).
During your stay in Madeira, do not forget to taste the typical "queijadas" (fresh cheesecakes) which best enjoyed hot.
Flights to the island can vary between 3 hrs 45mins for a direct flight (airlines include Easyjet, BA and TAP) and around 6 hours connecting via Lisbon. Once in Madeira, you have several easy options to get to your hotel, and the Pestana Hotels are all around 25 minutes from the airport by car.
There is a taxi rank at Arrivals. Regardless of your destination, on weekdays, the prices of trips from the airport begin at €6.00, with a 20% increase for trips made between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., as well as all day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. When travelling with baggage or animals, additional fees may apply.
Taxi from the airport to Funchal city : Time: around 20-30 minutes - Average Price: €35*
You can also catch on of the Aerobus shuttle from the Arrivals area towards the Formosa beach, with stops near several key hotels in the city.
Shuttle from the airport to Funchal : Time: around 40-50 minutes - Average Price: €6*
Alternatively you can rent a car and enjoy more freedom to explore the island as you please (although be prepared for some steep drives!)
*Prices in September 2025
