If you’ve been on social media, you’ve probably seen Madeira everywhere!! The island, home to fewer than one million people, has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. From being the hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo to its unreal mountain landscapes, coastal cliffs, and year-round mild weather, Madeira feels like a place that shouldn’t exist in Europe… but somehow it does.

It’s dramatic, raw, and surprisingly accessible... and don't even get me started on the amazing food.

But once you start planning, you’ll realize something quickly…

Traveling around Madeira isn’t as simple as it looks on Instagram.

The roads are steep… the terrain is intense… the old town is compact... and distances are short but slower than expected… and where you choose to stay can completely shape your experience. You may even question if this is the right destination if you are traveling solo.

How To Travel Around Madeira

Where To Stay While You Travel Around Madeira 

Should You Stay In One Place While I Travel Around Madeira?

Yes! Stay in one place while you travel around Madeira. This is the biggest mistake people make when planning Madeira. It might seem like a good idea to split your stay across different parts of the island (I know, I debated this for a while too)… but in reality, that just means more packing, more driving with luggage, more waiting around for check-ins, and less time actually enjoying where you are. Remember, it's a small island!

Madeira is compact. Most key destinations are within one to two hours max.

One base… day trips… flexibility. That’s the formula.

Why Funchal Is The Best Place To Stay In Madeira

Should You Stay In Funchal?

For most travelers, yes.

Funchal gives you everything you need without overcomplicating your trip.

You get easy access to main roads… a huge variety of restaurants… grocery stores (a chain called Continente is the best) and essentials… and the best selection of accommodations.

It also puts you in a position where every part of the island is reachable without needing to relocate.

The only thing I will say about Funchal and Madeira in general, the nightlife isn't the best. But at least Funchal may have a bar that is open until midnight... but don't expect any kind of wild trip.

 

Where NOT To Stay In Funchal

Avoid Old Town (Zona Velha) If You Have A Car.

Zona Velha is beautiful… but not practical. It’s great for walking, dining, and atmosphere. But when it comes to driving and parking… it quickly becomes frustrating. The streets are narrow… busy… and not designed for easy in and out access. Also, if you are just outside of Old Town, a bus ride or uber/bolt ride is super cheap. I think the max I ever spent to get around Funchal was like $5 or $6.

 

Best Areas To Stay In Funchal

Look for accommodations in Lido, São Martinho (where I stayed), or just outside central Funchal.

These areas give you something that matters more than charm… ease. You’ll find easier parking… better road access… more modern amenities… and less congestion.

When booking, prioritize this: Parking… easy road access… comfort… views… then walkability. Most people do the opposite… and regret it.

The below (gold star) is where I stayed and it was the perfect location. An easy Uber ride to Old Town (where the green flags are) or a few minutes via the bus or a Bird scooter.

Do You Need A Car In Madeira?

Yes… If You Want Freedom

You can visit Madeira without a car… but you’ll feel limited. In fact, I'm a very social and met a lot of travelers and never met anybody who didn't rent a car on my 8 day trip to the island. The only folks who didn't were the ones who came from the cruise ship and were only on the island for the day. 

Having a car allows you to stop whenever you want… change plans based on weather… explore quieter areas… and move at your own pace.

Without one, you’ll rely on tours, taxis, or long bus routes.

And that takes away a big part of what makes Madeira special.

 

Is Driving In Madeira Difficult?

It’s Manageable… But You Need To Be Alert.

Driving in Madeira isn’t dangerous… but it’s not passive either. The highways are modern and efficient thanks to tunnels. But once you leave them, things change. You’ll deal with steep inclines… tight roads… sharp turns… and occasional fog in the mountains. The most challenging parts are usually parking… old town streets… and certain mountain sections. If you’re not confident driving manual on hills… rent an automatic (it makes a big difference). I met an Irish couple who rented a manual and regretted it deeply. As an American who only knows how to drive automatic, I saved us without even knowing.

 

What To Pack For Madeira

Madeira isn't your typical beach vacation… and it's not a full-on hiking expedition either. It sits somewhere in between. You'll be driving winding mountain roads in the morning and sitting at a coastal restaurant by the afternoon. Packing smart means being ready for both.

Here's what you actually need.

Organization

Compression packing cubes are non-negotiable here. Madeira's weather changes fast… you might be layering up in the mountains and stripping back down in Funchal two hours later. Compression packing cubes helps you pack layers of clothing without so much baggage.

Clothing

Madeira has a mild climate year-round… but don't let that fool you. The mountains are cooler and the weather shifts quickly. Pack light layers you can mix and match.

Neutral, solid colors that can be layered are your best friend. Think: a light rain jacket, a mid-layer fleece or pullover, breathable t-shirts, one pair of lightweight pants, shorts, and a versatile casual outfit for evenings out in Funchal.

Footwear

This is where most people under-pack. You need two things: a solid pair of trail shoes or waterproof sneakers for levada hikes and mountain terrain, and a casual pair for walking around town. Brands like Vessi (waterproof) are popular with the travel community and work well for both.

Flip flops are fine for around your accommodation, but don't rely on them for anything else.

Documents & Organization

This one matters more in Madeira than people think. You'll be in and out of the car constantly… stopping at unexpected viewpoints, needing cash, pulling over for photos.

A travel wallet or RFID-blocking coin pouch for your cards and euro coins is smart… especially when you're moving around a lot and stopping at paid parking areas.

Hiking Essentials

If you're doing the levadas (and you should), come prepared:

A refillable collapsible water bottle, light snacks for the trail, a small dry bag or waterproof bag cover (the levada tunnels can drip, rain is unexpected, and there are waterfalls all over Madeira), and a headlamp if you're doing any levada walks that pass through tunnels.

Waterproof Travel Gear

From rainy interior or the island that you always have to cross through to the hiking trails or wet canyons, some waterproof gear is going to be your best friend. Think to bring a waterproof phone bag or waterproof dry bag with you every time you leave your car. 

 

What Most People Don’t Tell You About Madeira: The Parking & The Plan B

This is something that catches a lot of people off guard. Madeira has gotten very popular… and many travelers rent cars. That means some of the most famous spots… especially hikes and viewpoints… can fill up completely. You can drive all the way somewhere you’ve been excited about… and not be able to park.

What I Did Before My Trip

I saved everything I wanted to see on Google Maps… and just as importantly… I added extra spots nearby each popular hike like the PR1. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. There were multiple times where we arrived somewhere popular… and there was no parking.

So we pivoted.

 

The Best Part About Traveling Around Madeira

The backup plans didn’t feel like compromises. They were just as good… sometimes even better. That’s what makes Madeira different. You take a random turn… and there’s an incredible view. You stop somewhere unplanned… and it feels like a highlight. You skip something “famous”… and still have an amazing day. Plan ahead… but don’t over-control it. Have a Plan B… then trust the process.

 

How Long Do You Need In Madeira?

Ideal: 7 To 10 Days

This gives you enough time to explore all sides of the island… adjust for weather… and actually relax. Madeira’s microclimates are real. It can be sunny in Funchal and completely foggy in the mountains at the same time. More days means more flexibility. Personally, we did 8 days and I thought it was the perfect amount of time. 

What Are Levadas in Madeira?

Levadas are irrigation channels that run across the island… and many have walking paths alongside them. They’re one of the most unique experiences in Madeira. Some are easy and flat… others more challenging… but all offer a different perspective of the island. They are definitely truly unique as I never seen anything like them outside of the island, and they are everywhere!

 

Is Madeira Expensive?

It sits somewhere in the middle. Accommodation varies… rental cars can get expensive in peak season but quite cheap during off season… food is generally reasonable. 

I'm from New York a very expensive city and we went at the end of March/beginning of April. I found it to be reasonable.

 

Can You Do Madeira Without Hiking?

Yes. You can still enjoy scenic drives… viewpoints… natural pools… food… and relaxing stays. Hiking adds to the experience… but it’s not required. When I was there I met people who were on a cruise and their ship stopped in Madeira just for a day. They weren't doing hikes but rather driving around to a handful of viewpoints. 

 

Is Parking Difficult In Madeira?

In Funchal… it can be. Outside the city… usually easier. At popular attractions… it can fill up quickly… which is why flexibility matters. There were definitely a few popular hikes that we weren't able to do because we couldn't find parking. 

 

Why Travel Around Madeira and Final Thoughts

Madeira isn’t about perfectly executing a checklist. It’s about exploring without pressure… adjusting when plans change… and enjoying the unexpected. Stay in one place… base yourself in Funchal outside Old Town… rent a car… and keep your plans flexible. Because in Madeira… the moments you didn’t plan are usually the ones you remember most. Madeira is truly a worth a visit; such a small island has something for everybody.

 

Now check out our Ultimate Guide for Travel Backpacking! Collaborating with a select group of backpacking bloggers and industry professionals, we've compiled a diverse range of knowledge, essential hacks, and insider tips to meet you wherever you are on your backpacking journey.