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Is 10 days too long for Madeira?

We definitely could have stayed longer, however, as there were some areas that we'd have loved to spend more time in and other areas and hikes that we would love to have seen and done. 10 days to 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get to know Madeira.



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One week is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what the main island of Madeira has to offer, allowing you to see some of the highlights that make this destination so beautiful.

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For those of you just vacationing here and truly just spending seven or so days exploring Madeira, you could certainly move around the island with a couple of nights in each corner. You could go from Funchal to Ponta do Sol to São Vicente to Porto Moniz… Or you could find yourself a home base for the week!

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Average monthly temperatures For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors.

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The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

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Visiting Madeira However, there are other means of transport available such as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycles and scooters. It is also worth mentioning the importance of the cable cars, which connect to some of the archipelago's most iconic points of interest.

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The rainy season is between November and February, during which time rolling clouds and frequent rainstorms are typical. Most days during this time will have at least one rainstorm passing through. The months between May and August are the driest of the year.

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Overall, the roads are really good. The only challenging part about driving in Madeira is when you go to some of the hikes. The incline on some of the smaller roads can be pretty crazy and something you may not be used to. It's a volcanic island so steep inclines are to be expected!

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Utility costs in Madeira are generally lower than those in mainland Portugal. Electricity prices are up to 21.8% lower than in the Algarve, and internet costs are 11.2% less expensive. The island also has a lower VAT rate than the mainland, making certain goods and services more affordable.

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For travellers on a budget Madeira isn't a cheap destination overall, but savvy travellers looking for cheap deals should look at all-inclusive properties in and around Funchal and on Porto Santo that make it easy to stay within budget.

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Past travelers have spent, on average, €33 ($35) on meals for one day and €9.87 ($10) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Madeira Islands for a couple is €103 ($109). So, a trip to Madeira Islands for two people for one week costs on average €1,334 ($1,410).

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In fact, Madeira was just voted Europe's “Leading Island Destination” in the World Travel Awards again (the sixth time in the last seven years). Less than four hours from London and with almost guaranteed sunshine, Madeira is an ideal winter break, or for that matter, anytime destination.

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Funchal – Madeira Island's capital A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,943.8€ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 542.5€ without rent. Funchal is 13.1% less expensive than Lisbon. Rent in Funchal is, on average, 32.4% lower than in Lisbon.

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Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

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Madeira is generally windy, with north-easterly trade winds bringing big swells and humidity. Caniçal and Caniço are often the recipients of such weather, while the west coast also receives wind and swells, providing good surf and windsurfing conditions and Jardim do Mar is a popular place for the latter.

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The southwest is the place to be for more guaranteed sun; Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta boast the best climates on the island followed by Funchal, Camera de lobos and Machico.

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Yes, Madeira is a popular destination and indeed some of the main tourist attractions can get quite busy. But for the biggest part, Madeira is still very quiet and undiscovered.

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Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare in Madeira and so you have little to worry about with regard to personal safety. But as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic travel safety precautions such as keeping your valuables close by and/or hidden, especially at night.

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Funchal is the most expensive place to buy property on the islands – given its higher demand and abundance of services.

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If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

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