Madeira is one of Europe’s most extraordinary islands — a place where volcanic cliffs rise from the Atlantic, waterfalls cut through mountains, and subtropical forests surround peaceful villages. This complete 2025 Madeira travel guide covers everything you need to know: top attractions, hiking routes, the best places to stay, transportation, costs and practical travel tips.
- Why visit Madeira in 2025?
- Best places to visit in Madeira
- Funchal — the capital and perfect base
- Cabo Girão
- Pico do Arieiro
- Porto Moniz Natural Pools
- Santana
- Seixal Black Sand Beach
- Best levada walks and hiking trails
- Levada das 25 Fontes
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- Where to stay in Madeira
- Best for first-time visitors: Funchal
- Best for hikers: Santana & Ribeiro Frio
- Best for luxury and relaxation: Calheta
- Best for digital nomads: Ponta do Sol
- Best for nature: São Vicente & Seixal
- How to get around Madeira
- Madeira costs in 2025
- Best food to try in Madeira
- Best day trips from Funchal
- Travel tips for Madeira in 2025
The island is known as the “Hawaii of Europe” thanks to its dramatic landscapes and year-round warm climate. Whether you’re visiting for adventure, relaxation or digital nomad life, Madeira offers unforgettable scenery and experiences.
Why visit Madeira in 2025?
- Stable year-round temperatures between 18°C and 26°C
- Some of Europe’s best hiking trails and levadas
- Spectacular viewpoints, cliffs and coastal roads
- Rich culture, wine production and traditional villages
- Great infrastructure for digital nomads and long stays
- Safe, clean and easy to explore
In 2025, Madeira continues improving hiking paths, road signage, and nature conservation, creating even better travel experiences.
Best places to visit in Madeira
Funchal — the capital and perfect base
Funchal is the heart of Madeira, offering markets, gardens, cable cars, museums and a lively marina. Start your trip here before exploring the island.
Cabo Girão
One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, featuring a stunning glass platform overlooking the Atlantic. A must-see viewpoint.
Pico do Arieiro
The third highest peak in Madeira and the starting point of the famous hike to Pico Ruivo. Sunrise here is unforgettable.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Lava rock pools filled with crystal-clear ocean water. Safe, beautiful and perfect for swimming.
Santana
Known for its traditional triangle-shaped houses and lush landscapes. A great stop for culture and photography.
Seixal Black Sand Beach
One of the most scenic beaches in Madeira, with black sand, green mountains and dramatic cliffs behind you.
Best levada walks and hiking trails
Madeira’s levadas are irrigation channels that create some of the world’s most unique hiking paths.
Levada das 25 Fontes
An iconic hike through laurel forests leading to multiple waterfalls. Moderate difficulty; very popular.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
One of Europe’s top mountain hikes. Steep climbs, tunnels, ridges and breathtaking views.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
A long but rewarding trail leading to a huge waterfall inside a canyon. Perfect for nature lovers.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
A coastal hike offering volcanic cliffs, ocean panoramas and dramatic scenery. Best on a sunny day.
Where to stay in Madeira
Madeira offers a mix of resorts, boutique hotels, apartments and nature lodges. Choose your base depending on what you want to explore.
Best for first-time visitors: Funchal
Central, lively, close to restaurants, markets and day tours. Good public transport.
Best for hikers: Santana & Ribeiro Frio
Stay close to forests, levadas and mountain trails.
Best for luxury and relaxation: Calheta
Home to modern hotels, calm beaches and stunning sunsets.
Best for digital nomads: Ponta do Sol
Warm, quiet and home to one of Europe’s top digital nomad villages.
Best for nature: São Vicente & Seixal
Dramatic cliffs, green mountains and coastal beauty.
How to get around Madeira
- Car rental: the best way to explore freely, especially for levadas and remote spots.
- Buses: reliable but slower; best for Funchal and major villages.
- Taxis/Uber: available but more expensive for long distances.
Driving tips:
- Mountain roads can be narrow and steep — drive slowly.
- Use parking areas rather than stopping on the road for photos.
- Weather can change quickly in higher altitudes.
Madeira costs in 2025
- Coffee: €1.20 – €1.80
- Lunch: €10 – €15
- Dinner for two: €35 – €70
- Cable car ticket: €12 – €19
- Full-day island tour: €40 – €75
Daily budget:
- Budget: €50 – €80/day
- Mid-range: €90 – €150/day
- Comfort/luxury: €170 – €350/day
Best food to try in Madeira
- Espetada: skewered beef cooked over wood fire
- Black scabbard fish: unique seafood dish served with banana
- Bolo do Caco: traditional bread with garlic butter
- Poncha: Madeiran sugarcane liquor cocktail
Don’t miss Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores for fruit tasting and local snacks.
Best day trips from Funchal
Câmara de Lobos
A picturesque fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings.
Curral das Freiras
A valley surrounded by mountains with stunning viewpoints.
Porto Moniz
Visit the natural pools and enjoy dramatic coastal views.
Garajau
Cliffside viewpoints and a scenic cable car to the beach.
Travel tips for Madeira in 2025
- Bring layers — weather changes between coast and mountains.
- Book levada tours early if hiking with a guide.
- Rent a car with good horsepower for steep roads.
- Use official parking at popular viewpoints.
- Sunsets are exceptional on the west coast — plan at least one evening there.
With its volcanic landscapes, breathtaking hikes, warm climate and friendly atmosphere, Madeira is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations in 2025. Whether you’re exploring levadas, enjoying ocean views, tasting local cuisine or relaxing in a mountain lodge, the island offers a magical escape you’ll want to revisit again and again.
