You can start preparing your trip to Madeira today. We've got all the information you'll need to make your trip to this Portuguese island simply perfect.

 

WHEN TO VISIT MADEIRA

Madeira's mild and subtropical climate means that you can enjoy fascinating getaways at any time of the year. Average annual temperatures that range between 18°C and 24°C, clear blue skies and low rainfall mean that Madeira is always verdant, lush, and covered in abundant flora.

Spring and autumn are great times to discover this stunning island and its privileged natural environment dotted with characterful attractions. If you'd prefer to bask in the sun on its magnificent lidos, the best time to visit the island is in summer.

 

VISITING MADEIRA AT A GREAT PRICE

If you're looking to discover Madeira at a great price, it's best to go in autumn and winter. Prices tend to rise on specific dates such as Christmas, Easter and in high season, which usually coincides with the summer months.

 

TIME ZONE

The Portuguese time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that Madeira has the same time zone as the UK.

 

ELECTRICITY

Madeira operates on 220-volt electricity. Plugs are the same as in Europe.

 

To enter Madeira, a region belonging to the European Union (EU), you only need to show their National Identity Document, which is essential for travelling. Don't forget your driving licence if you plan to rent a car. If you travel with your own vehicle, you must also take your car insurance certificate. Always travel with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will cover most cases in which healthcare is required. If you have a student card, take it with you everywhere for discounts and special rates. Always check what type of identification is required with your airline or travel agency before travelling.

 

DISCOUNTS IN MADEIRA
With the European Youth Card you can get various discounts at museums and landmarks, while the International Student Card (ISIC) offers discounts for transport and festivals. In both cases, you'll need to prove your age with your ID card or student card.

BY PLANE
Madeira Airport, or Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (named after Madeira’s biggest world star), offers regular air connections directly to major European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Porto. The duration of the flight is short, from 1 hour 30 minutes to Lisbon to ap-proximately 3/4 hours to Paris, London or Berlin.

 

ORGANISED TRIPS AND PACKAGE TOURS
Charter flights are another option for getting to Madeira. Remember that with these types of tickets you can't change the date or time. Some travel agencies like ours offer organized trips and package tours that, in addition to the flight, include half-board or full-board accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. On arriving at Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo or Porto Santo International Airport, there are bus stops and taxi ranks to make your trip more comfortable.

 

CAR RENTAL
 To explore the diverse landscapes of Madeira it's best to rent a car at the airport. Some agencies like ours offer packages that include flights and car rental in the price.

 

TOURS
 More and more tourists are choosing tours as a great option to discover the island's main landmarks, cultural attractions and culinary delights in a short time. Our agency offers fascinating tours such as Madeira Al Completo Plus and Madeira Funchal Esencial, so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.

Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects all parts of the island. However, the best way to explore Madeira is by renting a car. Check out our car rental deals and find the car that best suits your needs, always at the best price.

 

TAXI
Taxi fares from Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo vary depending on the time of day and the number of suitcases. There’s also a supplement for trips to the hotel area.

 

BUSES
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects almost all most parts of the island.. In the centre of Funchal there are wheelchair-adapted, environmentally friendly minibuses that take you to the most stunning corners of the island. These provide direct services from A to B and without designated stops, so you can catch them anywhere in the city. They have a limited timetable and do not run on Sundays and public holidays.

 

FERRY
To travel from the island of Porto Santo to the capital of Funchal, the ferry is the most reasonable alternative. The trip takes about two-and-a-quarter hours.

Madeira has plenty of hotels, including major domestic and international chains. Check our year-round promotions and our low-season deals and package tours with hotel and flight included. In Madeira, you can choose between luxury hotels, small urban hotels, hostels and boutique hotels, located in iconic buildings and close to the most central streets and the main nightlife and shopping areas. For couples and romantic getaways, Madeira boasts a select network of properties where the service, the atmosphere, the culinary selection, the activity programmes and the facilities and services are tailored to this type of guest. And as staying in a hotel isn't just about sleeping, in Madeira you'll also find a whole host of spa hotels where you can unwind like royalty.

 

OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS...

Pousadas
 These properties are the equivalent of the luxury paradores in Spain. They are iconic buildings, always found in unique locations or privileged natural settings. You can find pousadas in monasteries, convents, castles, etc. Other, more modern ones have prime locations in cities and command stunning views.

 

Estalagem
These properties are located in buildings perfectly integrated into the local urban landscape and blessed with spectacular views, providing guests with first-class services and facilities.

 

Turismo de Habitação  
This Portuguese term describes small guest houses in rural settings.

 

Pensão  
This type of accommodation is something like a hostel. They don't tend to have on-site restaurants.

Since the the escudo was replaced in 2002, the euro has been the official currency in Portugal. You can find ATMs at most banks in the main towns on Madeira. Most credit and debit cards are accepted.

 

TIPS
As in the UK, there's a custom of leaving tips in Portugal. The amount is at the customer's discretion.

 

CREDIT CARDS
 Credit cards can be used to buy things and to withdraw cash from ATMs. Just make sure that the ATM you're going to use displays your card symbol. Bank fees may apply.

 

PHONE NUMBERS FOR CANCELLING BANK CARDS

• 4B (Visa Electron - MasterCard - Visa): (+34) 902 114 400 / (+34) 913 626 200
• Servired (Visa - Visa Electron - MasterCard): (+34) 902 192 100
• American Express: (+34) 902 375 637
• Red 6000: (+34) 915 965 335

You can take out an insurance policy that covers healthcare during your trip. There are travel insurance policies that, in addition to covering medical expenses, also cover cancellation of your trip as well as theft.

 

TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATION
 Madeira has a very good healthcare system, but there are a few things to bear in mind before travelling to the island. If you're travelling with medication, keep it in its original container, clearly labelled, along with your doctor's prescription.

 

PHARMACIES IN MADEIRA
In pharmacies you can buy a wide range of products over the counter, but many others need a prescription from a local doctor. If during your stay in Madeira you're going to need a specific medication, make sure you take a prescription with the generic name of the medication.

 

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC)
European citizens have the right to receive medical assistance in Madeira if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can get an EHIC online through the NHS. Make sure to inform the healthcare centre where you have been treated that you have this card. As in most western European countries, vaccinations are not required to visit Madeira.

The Madeira Tourism Board has nine Tourist Information Offices. Three of them are in Funchal, four in other locaties of Madeira and one in Porto Santo island. The Madeira Tourism Board also has one tourist information desk office in Lisbon.

 

For more information on Madeira Islands, you can also contact our tourist information personel through the following telephone numbers: +351 966 765 802 and 966 765 718. This service is available daily, between 9am and 8pm.

 

AIRPORT TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Madeira International Airport - Cristiano Ronaldo, 9100-105 Santa Cruz

+351 291 524 933

Daily: 9am to 9.30pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 | +351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

AVENIDA ARRIAGA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Avenida Arriaga nº16, 9004-519 Funchal

+351 291 145 000 (Extension. 408304/408305/408306)

Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 3.30pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 | +351 966 765 718 Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

ESTRADA MONUMENTAL - TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Estrada Monumental, 175, 9000-100

+351 291 620 028

Monday to Sunday and Public holidays: 9.30am to 4pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

PORTO MONIZ TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Rua dos Emigrantes, nrº2 9270-156, 9270 Porto Moniz

+351 291 853 075

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm | Saturday and Public holidays: 10am to 12.30am | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

PORTO SANTO TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Av. Dr. Manuel Gregório Pestana Junior

+351 291 985 244

Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm | Saturday: 10am to 1pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 / +351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

RIBEIRA BRAVA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Rua Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral, Forte de São Bento, 9350 -217 Ribeira Brava

+351 291 951 675

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm | Saturday and Public holidays: 10am to 12.30am | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm

 

SANTANA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

Rua do Sacristão, Sítio do Serrado 9230-116

+351 291 575 161

Monday: 2pm to 4.30pm | Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 4pm | Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm | HELPDESK: +351 966 765 802 |+351 966 765 718 - Daily: 9am to 8pm