Madeira Holidays

Towns and hotspots

Holidays to Madeira are ideal for hopping around towns, hiking in the hills and chilling at a bar with a view. The pretty landscape of Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village that’s 10 minutes’ drive west of Funchal, became a muse for Winston Churchill – turns out he loved to paint. And Santa Cruz, in the east, is a big hit with families, thanks to its pebbled beach and bustling pavement cafés.

The ultimate Madeira experience

Madeira is obviously the home of Madeira wine, so fill at least one of your days here exploring one of the local vineyards. But that’s not the island’s only famous export… Legendary footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo was born in the island’s capital, Funchal, and he still owns a massive mansion there. Real fans can visit the CR7 museum – it’s only €5.

Best time to visit Madeira

The best time to visit Madeira is during the shoulder seasons, so April to June and September to October. There are loads of amazing hiking opportunities, which means you probably don’t want it to be too hot. Summer is the busiest time of year and the peak season for whale-watching. Then, winter is much cooler and wetter, although there are some fun festive events to look out for.

Healthcare – Madeira has great healthcare services, especially in Funchal. Pharmacies (farmácias) are easy to find, and most staff speak English. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is also always a good idea, just in case.

Water – Tap water in Madeira is safe to drink, although many visitors prefer bottled water, especially when out hiking or on daytrips.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Madeira. English is widely spoken in Funchal and in popular tourist areas, so getting around is pretty easy. In smaller villages and more remote spots, English might be less common, but locals are super friendly and usually happy to help you out.

Basic phrases

Here are some helpful Portuguese phrases to sprinkle into your trip:

• Hello! How are you? – Olá! Como está?
• Thank you! – Obrigado! (if you’re male) / Obrigada! (if you’re female)
• Excuse me, do you speak English? – Desculpe, fala inglês?
• How much does this cost? – Quanto custa isto?

Social norms and etiquette

Tipping – Tipping isn’t mandatory but is definitely appreciated. In restaurants and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5–10% for good service is common. Tour guides and taxi drivers also appreciate small tips if you’re happy with the service.

Dress code – Madeira is super relaxed when it comes to dress codes. Casual and beachwear are fine in tourist areas, but it’s good to dress modestly if you’re visiting churches or attending traditional events — think covered shoulders and no beachwear inside historic sites.

Money

Currency – Madeira uses the Euro (€), just like mainland Portugal, so it’s super convenient if you’re already travelling around Europe.

Exchange – You’ll easily find banks, ATMs and currency exchange offices in Funchal and major towns. ATMs generally offer good rates, and credit cards are widely accepted. But you can lock in your rates with our Travel Money service and order your cash ahead of your holiday, too.

Mobile payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit cards are widely accepted, especially in touristy areas and bigger shops. Some smaller cafés and rural spots might prefer cash, so it’s still good to carry some on you.