Madeira

This isn't just another Portuguese island; it's a vibrant, green rock bursting with life in the middle of the Atlantic. The island's striking drama is immediately apparent—towering cliffs, lush forests, and the charming, gentle chaos of its capital, Funchal. The vibe is a unique mix of relaxed island life and rugged adventure; one moment you're sipping coffee in a sunny plaza, the next you're hiking above the clouds.

There are three standout reasons to visit Madeira. First, the nature is absolutely off the charts. The levadas (historic irrigation channels) offer some of the most unique hiking experiences, taking you through ancient laurel forests and alongside staggering cliffs. Second, the food and drink scene is a real highlight. You can't leave without trying espetada (beef skewers grilled on bay leaf sticks) and, of course, a glass (or three) of the local poncha. Lastly, it's a year-round destination. The "Island of Eternal Spring" consistently delivers, whether it's for the vibrant flower festivals or a winter sun escape.

Madeirans are generally welcoming, but like anywhere, respect for local customs goes a long way. A simple 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) will always be appreciated, even if English is widely spoken in tourist areas. They are immensely proud of their beautiful island, so avoid littering – there are bins everywhere. When driving, especially on winding mountain roads, be mindful of local drivers who are used to the challenging terrain; driving too slowly can be an annoyance. Tipping isn't mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is a common and appreciated gesture in restaurants.

The food in Madeira is hearty, fresh, and delicious. You absolutely have to try Espetada, beef skewers seasoned with garlic and salt, and grilled on a bay laurel skewer, which gives it a unique flavor. Another must-try is Bolo do Caco, a fluffy sweet potato flatbread served warm with garlic butter. For seafood lovers, try the grilled Lapas (limpets) or the unique Espada com Banana (black scabbardfish with banana) – it sounds weird, but it really works! A meal at a local restaurant is very affordable, and you can get a fantastic bottle of Portuguese wine at the supermarket for just a few euros.

The infrastructure here presents a tale of two realities. In Funchal, you'll find modern amenities, reliable (and fast) internet in most cafes and hotels, and a stable power supply. The main road network is impressive, with a series of modern tunnels that make getting around the island surprisingly quick. However, once you venture onto the secondary roads, things become far more "adventurous." Expect steep, narrow, and winding roads that demand your full attention. It's part of the island's charm, but certainly not for the faint of heart.

Most travelers will fly into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), which is well-connected with daily flights from Lisbon, Porto, and other major European cities. From the airport, the easiest way to get to Funchal is the Aerobus, which is cheap and efficient, costing around €6.40 for a 30-45 minute journey. Taxis are also readily available just outside the arrivals terminal; expect to pay about €25-€35 for the same trip, which takes around 20-30 minutes.

While Funchal's city center is very walkable, to truly explore the island, renting a car is almost a necessity. The public bus system can be impractical for tourists wanting to reach hiking spots and viewpoints due to infrequent schedules. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are available, but often have very few drivers, making them spotty and unreliable, especially outside of Funchal. If you do rent a car, my advice is to get a smaller, but powerful, model to handle the steep hills and narrow parking spots.

Madeira is an incredibly safe place to visit, with a very low violent crime rate. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, so maintain standard city smarts. The biggest safety concerns here aren't crime-related, but nature-related. The roads are no joke; they are steep and winding, so drive with caution. When hiking the levadas, be aware that some trails have very steep drop-offs without railings, and weather can change in an instant, so check conditions before you go and wear proper footwear. Always consider comprehensive travel insurance, especially if planning adventure activities. Also, in case of medical emergency, there is very limited medical facilities outside of the main areas; the primary public hospital is Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça in Funchal. Be aware of a high risk of wildfires during the summer season (April to October). Additionally, be prepared for potential airport disruptions due to ground handling strikes, which have affected Portuguese airports (including Madeira) during peak seasons in 2025.