Best Time to Visit

Madeira

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Best Time to Visit

Madeira's characteristic climate makes for pleasant weather all year long. Paired with the multiple festivals, a visit at any time of the year will be worth it. Madeira is also known for its New Year's Eve and Carnival celebrations, making these seasons a must-go for those who cannot miss a festive event.

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Madeira Airport International Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC)

Madeira International Airport (FNC) is located about 20 km from Funchal’s city centre — roughly a 20–25 minute drive. From the terminal, there are plenty of ways to reach the city: the Aerobus shuttle runs regularly and drops you in central Funchal in around half an hour, local buses crisscross the island, taxis are plentiful, and there’s also the possibility of renting a car if you’d like the freedom to discover Madeira on your own time.

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Porto Santo Airport (PXO)

Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is located just outside the island’s main town, Vila Baleira, around 5 km away—roughly a 7‑minute taxi ride or a 25–30‑minute journey by public bus. While the airport provides direct access to Porto Santo, most visitors either fly first into Madeira International Airport and take a short 15‑minute inter‑island flight, or travel by ferry from Funchal, a scenic 2‑hour‑plus crossing that allows passengers to bring vehicles on board. Once on the island, travellers can hire a taxi, use the regular public bus service, or rent a car to explore at their own pace.

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Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

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Public Transport

One of the main public bus companies that operates on Madeira is Horários do Funchal, operating both city and inter-city services on the south, central, and north parts of the island. A limited amount of the island's attractions can be reached by bus, while certain areas (such as the popular hiking route between Madeira's two highest peaks) are only accessible by private transfer or as part of a guided tour.

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Taxi

All trips by taxi are metered, although there are some fixed charges for certain trips. There are also some surcharges for extra luggage. You can find taxis in taxi ranks, circulating around the city, or you can also call one taxi to your location. Taxis will often wait at locations frequented by tourists, such as starting/finishing points of levada walks. Teaming up with other travellers is a common practice - a cab will often fit in 4+ passengers and drop each one off at their requested location. Or you can request a ride in the Uber app.

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Post

Post offices or Correios de Portugal (CTT) are usually open Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm and Sat 9am–12:30pm. You can find them in different locations around the island, but the main offices are located in Funchal.

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Pharmacy

Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from pharmacies (farmácia), but if you need regular medication it is better to take supplies with you. Pharmacies are usually open Mon–Fri (9am–1pm and 3pm–7pm). There are some pharmacies that are open beyond this schedule but in only some specific points. To find out which pharmacies are open all day, you can check the information posted in every pharmacy.

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Phone

Country code: +351 Area code: (0)291

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Electricity

Portugal’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F (Schuko plug) and Type C (Europlug) outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.

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