Madeira holidays

Essential information for your Madeira holiday

Madeira, the lush subtropical gem floating in the Atlantic, is a favourite for Irish holidaymakers thanks to its jaw-dropping scenery, year-round mild weather and laid-back charm. Whether you're heading off for hiking trails or a peaceful coastal break, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

How to reach Madeira

• Flight time: Direct flights from Dublin to Madeira take around 3 hours 45 minutes. There are also connecting options through mainland Portugal.

• Transfer time: Madeira’s main airport is about 20km from Funchal, the island’s capital. The Aerobus shuttle takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre, while a taxi gets you there in about 20 minutes.

• Price: The Aerobus costs roughly €6 one way. A taxi will typically set you back around €25 to €30, depending on your final stop.

Best time to visit Madeira

With its pleasant weather all year, there’s never really a bad time to visit Madeira – but here’s what to expect depending on the season:

• March to May: Spring brings a burst of colour with the famous flower festivals. It’s perfect for walking, with average temperatures around 16°C to 20°C, and 6 to 8 hours of daily sunshine.

• June to August: If you’re after long, sunny days and warm temperatures between 23°C and 26°C, summer is ideal. Rain is rare, and it's the best time to explore the coast or take a boat trip.

• September to November: Autumn stays warm (22°C to 24°C) and is a bit quieter, making it perfect for laid-back sightseeing and vineyard visits. You might get the odd shower, but sunshine still dominates.

• December to February: Winter here is much milder than back home – think 16°C to 20°C – and while there’s a bit more rain, you still get 5 to 6 hours of sun most days. Come at this time to catch the spectacular New Year’s fireworks or join in the Carnival fun.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the local language, but English is widely spoken in Funchal and tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: People are warm and welcoming. A friendly “bom dia” goes a long way. Dress respectfully, especially when visiting churches or local villages.

• Currency: Madeira uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to find and most places take cards, but it’s worth carrying a bit of cash for markets or small shops.

• Getting around: Public buses in Funchal are efficient and good value – a single fare costs about €2. If you want to explore the island’s more remote spots, hiring a car is the way to go, but be prepared for winding mountain roads.

• Electricity and plug types: Like most of Europe, Madeira uses 230V with Type C and F plugs. Don’t forget your travel adaptor.

• Time zone: Madeira is on the same time as Ireland, so there’s no need to adjust your watch.

With everything from spectacular cliffs to tranquil gardens and volcanic pools, Madeira is a brilliant mix of relaxation and adventure – and now you're all set for a brilliant trip.

Best things to do in Madeira

Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline, sunbathing or strolling through Funchal's charming streets, holidays to Madeira promise endless discoveries. Discover more about the best things to do in Maderia during your trip.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cabo Gir√£o Skywalk: Cabo Gir√£o is one of Europe's highest sea cliffs from which you'll enjoy heart-stopping views over the Atlantic and the island's coastal villages below.

• Miradouro das Neves: This viewpoint just above Funchal offers sweeping panoramas of the capital and the ocean. For an ardent photographer, it's an ideal spot for capturing Madeira's famous sunsets.

• Pico do Arieiro: At 1,818m, this mountain viewpoint offers an experience like no other. Take in the views over Madeira's volcanic peaks and lush valleys, which are particularly stunning in the early morning light.

The best districts

• Funchal Old Town: Stroll through the cobbled streets of Funchal's historic centre, where colourful doors and quaint cafés set a welcoming scene, and visit the famous Rua de Santa Maria, which is filled with street art.

• Monte: A scenic hillside district above Funchal, Monte is famous for its lush gardens and historic buildings, but today it's perhaps best known for the famous Monte Toboggan run.

Parks and gardens

• Madeira Botanical Garden: Located in Funchal, the island's main botanical garden occupies steep terraces which are filled with nearly every plant that grows on Madeira and exotic plants from other regions of the world. The lovely views over the city and harbour are a great bonus.

• Monte Palace Tropical Garden: This peaceful Monte garden is beautifully laid out, with serene ponds, oriental statues, and a rich collection of plant species. A lovely place for a relaxed stroll with excellent views over Funchal.

Historical monuments

• Sé Cathedral: Funchal's key landmark is the 15th-century Gothic-style cathedral. The exterior of the Sé is quite plain, topped by a granite clock tower, but its interior is a sight to remember, with an intricate wooden ceiling and ornate altarpieces.

• Fortaleza de S√£o Tiago: This fort in Funchal was built to protect the island from pirate attacks in the 17th century. Today, it houses a contemporary art museum and, as it always did, offers good views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Regional highlights

• Camara de Lobos: Just west of Funchal, this little charmer of a village has an authentic Madeiran atmosphere and is quite photogenic, with a harbour full of gaily-painted boats. It's easy to see why it was one of Winston Churchill's favourite painting spots.

• Porto Moniz: Famous for its natural lava pools, Porto Moniz on the northwest coast of the island is ideal for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters amidst dramatic scenery.

• Santana: Traditional A-frame houses, palheiros, painted in bright colours are the greatest attraction of this scenic village which is a popular spot to experience Madeira's rural charm.

Activities for families in Madeira

Madeira is a fantastic destination for families, with a multitude of exciting options to choose from.

• CR7 Museum: The CR7 Museum in Funchal, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo who was born there, is a must for football fans of all ages, showcasing memorabilia and highlights of the famous footballer's career.

• Whale watching: Take the family on a whale-watching tour from Funchal's marina, where sightings of dolphins and whales are common. If you can, choose a tour led by a marine biologist who can offer fascinating insights into the sea life around Madeira.

• Cable car rides: Children will be delighted to take a thrilling ride on the cable car from Funchal to Monte and see the island from above. Once at Monte, you can even take the famous toboggan run down the hill.

• Parque Temático de Madeira (Madeira Theme Park): This park in Santana is one of Madeira's best attractions for children, with a large playground, mini train, maze and boating lake. Beside all that, the park offers educational insights into historical and cultural aspects of the region as you can watch craftsmen at work and visit the typical thatched Santana houses.

Free things to do in Madeira

Madeira has a plethora of free activities that let you experience the island's culture and natural beauty.

• Free events: Madeira hosts many festivals throughout the year, some of which are free. The annual Flower Festival, with many free events celebrating the island's famous blooms, is a must and the New Year's Eve spectacular fireworks in Funchal are also free to watch.

• Levada walks: Madeira's unique network of irrigation channels, or levadas, offers some of the best hiking trails in Europe. Popular routes include Levada do Rei and Levada dos Balc√µes and are a great cost-free way to spend a rewarding day.

• Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market): The Mercado dos Lavradores is an excellent fruit, vegetable, flower and fish market in Funchal. You don't have to buy anything but just wander through the stalls and soak in the local atmosphere without paying a cent.

Discovering the best beaches on your Madeira holiday

Madeira, an island renowned for its dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes, also boasts beautiful coastlines and unique beach experiences. While Madeira's beaches may differ from the traditional sandy shores found elsewhere, they offer a variety of settings, from volcanic rock pools to tranquil pebble beaches, each with its own charm.

The best public beaches in Madeira

• Calheta Beach: One of the few sandy beaches on the island, artificially created with golden sand imported from Morocco, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters, sunbeds, and parasols for hire.

• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: Formed by volcanic lava, these natural saltwater pools are surrounded by stunning scenery and equipped with essential facilities, making them a unique swimming experience.

• Praia de Machico: Another sandy beach, albeit with finer, darker sand, provides a sheltered bay ideal for swimming, with good facilities including sunbeds and watersports equipment for hire.

Exclusive experiences at private beaches in Madeira

Madeira does not have many private beaches in the traditional sense, but several hotels and resorts offer exclusive access to seafront areas, pontoons, and swimming platforms, including:

• Cliffside sea access: Resorts built on cliffs often provide private lifts down to the ocean, offering secluded swimming spots and sunbathing areas.

• Hotel swimming platforms: Equipped with sun loungers and direct sea access, these platforms offer a serene ocean experience away from the more popular public spots.

Hidden gems of Madeira's coastline

• Prainha de Canisal: A small, secluded black sand beach near Canisal, offering a quiet retreat and a more traditional beach day out.

• Faj√£ dos Padres: Accessible only by cable car or boat, this hidden beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers fertile land rich in tropical fruits and a peaceful pebble beach.

• Gorgulho Beach: A lesser-known spot near Funchal, known for its clear waters and pebbly shore, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Beaches for water sports enthusiasts

Madeira's diverse coastline and sea conditions cater to a wide range of water sports:

• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: The crystal-clear waters and rich marine life make the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.

• Surfing: The north coast, particularly around Porto da Cruz, offers excellent waves for surfing enthusiasts of all levels.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking: The calm waters of the south coast, especially around Ponta do Sol and Calheta, are ideal for SUP and kayaking, allowing for relaxed exploration of the coastline.

Nearest beaches to explore

• Ponta do Sol Beach: A picturesque pebble beach located in the charming village of Ponta do Sol, known for its stunning sunsets and welcoming atmosphere.

• Lido Bathing Complex: Located in Funchal, this complex offers saltwater pools, sunbeds, and access to the sea, along with a variety of facilities and dining options.

Your holiday in Madeira promises an intriguing blend of beach experiences, from the unique natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz to the serene sandy shores of Calheta. Each beach and bathing complex offers a different way to enjoy the island's spectacular natural beauty, making your Madeira holiday an unforgettable escape to paradise.

Local dishes in Madeira

During your Madeira holidays you'll be spoiled for culinary choice, from fresh seafood to tropical fruits, and the island's famous wine.

Some typical dishes

• Tomate e Cebola Sopa: Soup is always on the menu in Madeira. One of the local favourites is the simple yet delicious tomate e cebola sopa, made from tomatoes and onions, very often served with a poached egg floating on top.

• Milho Frito: When in Madeira why not try the local staple consisting of fried cubes of cornmeal seasoned with garlic and herbs? It's pleasantly crunchy on the outside and soft inside and you'll most often find it served as a side dish with meat or fish.

Meat dishes

• Espetada: Skewers of marinated beef are grilled over an open flame, traditionally on laurel wood for extra flavour, making a juicy and tender dish. Eat like a local and enjoy espetada with garlic butter and the traditional bolo do caco bread.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Espada com Banana: This unique dish features the local black scabbard fish, topped with fried banana. It complements the fish's flavour surprisingly well so the dish is really worth a try.

• Lapas: Grilled lapas (limpets) are usually served in Madeira fresh with garlic butter and lemon. They're often enjoyed as a starter and make a perfect pair with a glass of Madeiran white wine.

Sweets and desserts

• Bolo de Mel: This traditional dessert, made with molasses and spices, is a rich-texture honey cake. Most often baked for Christmas or other special occasions on Madeira, it may be an appetising souvenir to bring home.

• Queijadas da Madeira: Queijadas are small, sweet cheese cakes. Made from a blend of local cheese and eggs, they're a light and fluffy beloved local treat.

Local drinks

• Madeira Wine: Madeira's fortified wine has been produced here for centuries and comes in four varieties: Sercial (a light, dry aperitif), Malvasia (sweet, heavy dessert wine), Vermelho (a sweeter version of Sercial) and Boal or Malmsey (drier and heavier versions of Malvasia). Madeira pairs well with both savoury and sweet dishes.

• Poncha: A traditional Madeiran drink, poncha is made with aguardente (sugarcane rum), honey and citrus juice. Perfect for warm evenings!

• Coral Beer: Try Madeira's locally brewed beer, Coral. It's a light, refreshing lager that pairs well with the seafood dishes.