What should I pack for Madeira?

What should you pack for your trip to Madeira?
  • Suncream, sunglasses and a sun hat for the summer months; a raincoat and warm layers of clothing for winter.
  • Comfortable shoes: You'll most likely undertake scenic hikes, so you'll want to take care of your feet.




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Throughout Madeira dress is casual. Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable; team with a sunhat, sunglasses and beach bag for a perfect daytime look. Jeans are very popular everywhere but in the hottest months may be too uncomfortable; opt instead for lightweight natural fabrics.

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A thin, light waterproof and windproof jacket will be very handy to take for hiking in Madeira because, being a coastal nation with a mountain range right in the centre, the wind can often be quite aggressive here!

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Currency. Madeira uses the Euro, though major credit cards will work and ATMs are widely available. If you're flying direct to Madeira, currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels.

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Most places in Madeira do take cards, but you'll need some cash for buses, and I've heard that some of the cable cars only take cash too (the cable car from the promenade in Funchal does take cards). The small shops and cafes I visited all took cards but it's best to have some money just in case.

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The currency unit for Madeira has been the EURO (€) since 2002. The import and export of foreign currency is unrestricted.. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted as means of payment almost everywhere.

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On some walks you will also find a torch useful, as some of the levada walks pass through tunnels. You may also need to carry sun cream. It is essential that walking boots are worn for all walks.

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Many of the beaches around Madeira are rock beaches with rock bottoms in the ocean so water shoes are recommend in Madeira. To experience beautiful golden sand beaches it's worth taking the ferry and making a day trip to the island of Porto Santo.

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There is plenty of water in Madeira and it is all drinkable and of excellent quality. Porto Santo uses desalinated water, which is perfectly safe to drink.

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Funchal is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

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The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites.

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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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Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

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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.

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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 airport was once infamous for its short runway of only 1,600 m (5,249 ft), which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a difficult and technically demanding landing for even the most experienced pilots.

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Madeira & Air Because of the decades they spend in the oxygen-rich environment of a barrel, Madeiras respond to air unlike other wines. They tend to shut down when bottled, and the longer they're in bottle, the more air they need to open up again.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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