Is Madeira a nice holiday?

Is Madeira a nice holiday? Madeira is renowned for the kindness of its people. The locals are extremely welcoming and always try to create a friendly atmosphere, where all visitors feel at home. This sees many tourists returning to the island multiple times, having been made to feel so comfortable and welcomed by the locals.

Does Madeira have beaches?

On the island of Madeira there are some golden sand beaches, such as Calheta and Machico on the south coast, created artificially and now very popular recreational areas. Although uncommon, the dark sandy beaches of volcanic origin are natural to the island.

Is a week in Madeira too long?

7 days are certainly enough time to get a good taste of the island and enjoy some of its most popular sights and experiences. During a seven-day itinerary, you can explore Madeira's stunning landscapes, from its rugged coastlines and lush forests to its towering peaks and charming villages.

How long is the ferry from Portugal to Madeira?

The fastest ferry crossing to Madeira Islands is via the Porto Santo to Funchal ferry, in approximately 2h 30m.

Is Madeira a party island?

Most of Madeira's nightlife is found in its capital, Funchal, the only city of any size on the island. Outside of Funchal, Madeira has small towns or villages that are totally unlike tourist resorts. So, if you want to go out partying, Funchal is where you need to be.

How much is the average meal in Madeira?

You can easily pay €40 a head in Madeira. There are several fine dining restaurants where you can pay much more than that but you can have an evening meal in many (or perhaps even most) restaurants (with wine) typically for no more than €20 to €30 a head.

Why Millennials are flocking to Madeira?

For them the island has everything: safe towns and cities, good food, happy people. The locals themselves confirm this. “It's hard to be sad when the sun is shining... very few people in Madeira are depressed,” says Peter, our high-energy canyoning guide from Epic Madeira.

How many days in Madeira is enough?

Madeira is a pretty small island, and so luckily you don't need very long to see all of the incredible things that this destination has to offer. If you're looking to experience the must-dos then a short four-day break would be fine. However, a week is the perfect amount of time to really make the most of the island.

What is so special about Madeira?

Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

Is it safe to walk around Madeira?

Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare in Madeira and so you have little to worry about with regard to personal safety. But as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic travel safety precautions such as keeping your valuables close by and/or hidden, especially at night.

What food is Madeira famous for?

Delicious dishes in Madeira include espetada, a beef brochette; battered black scabbard fish, which is similar to sword fish; bolo do caco, bread with butter and garlic; grilled limpets; and bolo de mel, a dense sponge cake with nuts and spices.

Why do people like Madeira?

Natural Beauty: Madeira is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush green valleys, rugged coastlines, and majestic mountains. The island's diverse scenery offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a high quality of life for nature enthusiasts.

Is it hard to get around Madeira?

Finding Your Way Around Madeira Island. Getting around on Madeira Island is a breeze with its well-connected network of roads, buses, and taxis.

Is Madeira a cheap holiday destination?

For travellers on a budget Madeira isn't a cheap destination overall, but savvy travellers looking for cheap deals should look at all-inclusive properties in and around Funchal and on Porto Santo that make it easy to stay within budget.

Do you need a car to get around Madeira?

Madeira is a super easy island to get around – with or without a car! There are buses that can take you almost everywhere and anywhere on the island. There are also lots of awesome tours to all the Levada hikes that pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation (especially if you're staying in Funchal).

Is it worth going to Madeira?

I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.

Is Madeira cheap or expensive?

Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

Is Madeira too touristy?

Yes, Madeira is a popular destination and indeed some of the main tourist attractions can get quite busy. But for the biggest part, Madeira is still very quiet and undiscovered.

What time of year is cheapest to fly to Madeira?

Find the best deals Airfare to Madeira Island (FNC) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You'll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to FNC in December and in December for one-ways.

Do they speak English in Madeira?

Portuguese is the official language in Madeira. It is worth picking up a few key phrases if you want to be polite, such as 'please', 'thank you,' etcetera, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas. People who have visited the Portuguese mainland may notice a thicker accent in Madeira.

Which part of Madeira is most beautiful?

One of the greatest aspects of life in Madeira are its coastal villages. And Ponta do Sol is arguably the most beautiful.

Why is Madeira so cheap?

The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

What is the best month to visit Madeira?

Average monthly temperatures For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors.