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The Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, Madeira

No. 6 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

A green Atlantic island of cliffs, levada walks and year-round spring weather.

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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic, about 1,000 km south-west of Lisbon. Its mild climate, steep green mountains and dramatic coast make it popular all year.

Walking along the levadas, old irrigation channels, is a highlight. The capital, Funchal, has gardens, markets and the famous wine lodges.

São Martinho (Madeira, Portugal), Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda (cinematic)
São Martinho (Madeira, Portugal), Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda (cinematic). Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Nogueira valley view from Balcões, São Roque do Faial, Santana, Madeira, May
Nogueira valley view from Balcões, São Roque do Faial, Santana, Madeira, May. Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0, source
View of Madeira Airport from Santa Cruz. Portugal
View of Madeira Airport from Santa Cruz. Portugal. Photo: Ввласенко, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to visit

All year: the climate is mild. Spring and early summer bring flowers; the New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal are famous. Mountain weather changes quickly.

Highlights

  • 1

    Levada walks

    Paths along irrigation channels through forest and mountains, such as the 25 Fontes walk.

  • 2

    Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

    A high mountain trail between the island's peaks.

  • 3

    Funchal

    The old town, the Mercado dos Lavradores and the cable car to Monte.

  • 4

    Laurisilva forest

    Ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • 5

    Porto Moniz

    Natural lava swimming pools on the north-west coast.

Getting there

Madeira Airport, about 20 minutes east of Funchal, has flights from Lisbon and many European cities.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Five days to a week.

Official information: Visit Madeira (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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