The best way to reach the island of Madeira is via a 90 minute flight from Lisbon. Madeira Airport is reasonably well-connected to multiple cities in and around Portugal and even a few, select parts of Europe. The airport is located in the capital city of Funchal.
The fastest ferry from Madeira Islands to Portugal is from Funchal to Porto Santo, with a crossing time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Porto Santo Line offer this route with 8 sailings weekly combined.
The temperature, visibility and transparency of the water, as well as the immensity and variety of marine life, make this a unique place for swimming. On the north coast, the deep blue sea is lively and dynamic, while on the south coast you can discover a calm, transparent sea with gentle waves.
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.
Whilst cruising to Madeira is very popular, there aren't many reliable ferries that can take you to this stunning island, and certainly not for a day trip. The ferry (when it's running) from Portimao to Funchal takes twelve hours to reach its destination, so it's sadly unfeasible for the purposes of this blog.
The fastest ferry from Madeira Islands to Portugal is from Funchal to Porto Santo, with a crossing time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Porto Santo Line offer this route with 8 sailings weekly combined.
You can book a ferry in Portugal in the Azore region to or from the islands including Madeira, Porto Santo, Santa Maria, Corvo, Graciosa, Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Teceira, Flores and Faial. Porto Santo to Madeira via the Porto Santo Funchal route is popular.
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.
Funchal – Madeira Island's capitalA 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.
The archipelago of Madeira is located 520 km (280 nmi) from the African coast and 1,000 km (540 nmi) from the European continent (approximately a one-and-a-half-hour flight from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon).
Average monthly temperaturesFor 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.
The Madeira Ultra Trail is a short thru-hike that isn't actually a thru-hike at all. At around 120km long (depending on your route!), the trail is actually an ultra marathon route. But more and more hikers are walking this stunning trail which crosses the island from west to east.
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.
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.