Madeira
Madeira is a stunning Portuguese island known for its dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, scenic coastal roads, and year-round spring-like weather. It’s a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and road trip enthusiasts.
Best time to visit Madeira
Summer: May - September
Spring and Autumn: October - April
The best time to visit Madeira depends on what kind of experience you're after. For the best overall weather, plan your trip between May and October. These months are warm and mostly dry, which makes them perfect for hiking, road trips, and swimming in natural pools.
Summer
Summer is the warmest and driest time of year. Days are long, sunny, and great for swimming, snorkeling, or exploring natural pools. The sea is at its warmest, and it rarely rains. It’s also the busiest time, so expect more people at popular spots.
Spring and autumn
These are the best months for hiking and sightseeing. The weather is mild, the trails are quiet, and the island is green and blooming in spring. Autumn brings golden light and fewer tourists. Swimming is still possible on sunny days, though the sea is cooler than in summer.
Best places to visit in Madeira
Interesting facts about Madeira
Laurel forest and highest cliffs
Madeira has one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe – Cabo Girão stands at 580 meters and offers a glass skywalk with breathtaking ocean views.
The island is home to the world’s largest laurel forest – Laurisilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with endemic plants and unique hiking trails.
Volcanic island
Madeira was created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago – The island rose from the Atlantic Ocean through powerful volcanic activity, and you can still see dramatic cliffs, lava rock formations, and black sand beaches that tell the story.
Know before you go
Plug type
In Madeira, you'll find plug type C - two round pins.
Time zone
Madeira uses the GMT +1 time zone.
Visa
EU or EFTA citizens only need a valid ID or passport. Some nationalities also need visas for stays shorter than 90 days. Check the visa requirements on the government website or via ivisa.com.
Tipping
Tipping in Madeira isn’t required, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, it’s common to round up or leave 5–10% for good service
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