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Around Madeira

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Madeira: Hidden Gems & Secret Tips

🎁 Special Offer: Until the end of August, with every purchase you’ll get our Madeira Travel Guide eBook (worth €27.99) as a FREE BONUS download!

Madeira stole my heart, and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can experience it to the fullest—without the stress of endless research. This guide is packed with local insights and insider tips that come from years of exploring, both as a visitor and now as a local.

✅ Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots (beyond the usual tourist routes) 🍴 Best Local Restaurants & Food Tips (skip the tourist traps!) 🚗 Essential Transport & Driving Advice (incl. car rental discounts) 🎒 Packing Guide for Madeira’s Microclimates 💡 Smart Travel Hacks & Common Mistakes to Avoid 🗺️ Planned Itineraries (5, 7 & 10 days + bus-friendly version)

💾 Download Your PDF Madeira Guide

Get your full PDF travel guide to Madeira – anytime, anywhere.

About Around Madeira

From one traveller to another – here’s our story.

1. Travel Essentials

What to Know Before You Land – Currency, Climate & Getting Around

2. Important Updates 2025

Stay updated on Madeira: trail closures, new rules, transport changes & hiking fees – all the latest info you need before your trip.

3. When to Travel to Madeira

When to visit Madeira? Discover the best times for hiking, swimming, or avoiding crowds – each season offers something unique.

4. What to Pack for Your Trip to Madeira

The Golden Rule: Layers are Your Best Friend

5. Where to Stay on Madeira

Choosing the Best Base on Madeira

6. Events and Festivals

Here’s what not to miss throughout the year.

7. Getting Around Madeira

Why Staying Still Isn’t an Option

8. Renting a Car on Madeira

Explore more, worry less — renting a car gives you the freedom to discover the island's hidden gems at your own pace.

9. Which Car Rental to Choose? And what Type of Car to Rent?

Our tried-and-tested rental tips — which company to book, what car to choose, and how to avoid common mistakes on Madeira's roads

10. Avoiding Common Roundabout Mistakes

Tips to navigate Madeira’s roundabouts like a local and avoid the most common mistakes tourists make behind the wheel.

11. General Parking Tips for Madeira

Where to park, when to pay, and how to avoid fines – practical parking tips for Funchal and top attractions across the island 🚗

12. Using Public Transport

Explore Madeira without a car – scenic, budget-friendly, and a great way to travel like a local while skipping parking and traffic stress.

13. Planning Bus Trips and Finding Schedules

How to navigate Madeira by bus like a pro – use the right apps, understand timetables, and avoid missing your ride.

14. Map of All Bus Routes on Madeira and Funchal Stops

Bus Route Map for Madeira + Where to Find Stops in Funchal

15. Top Destinations Accessible by Bus

Reach hikes, beaches, viewpoints and more without a car — here's where public transport can take you across Madeira 🚌

16. Travel Alternatives

No car? No problem. Discover stress-free ways to explore Madeira with hiking transfers, Jeep tours, or a smart combo of both 🚐🗺️

17. Must-See Places in Madeira

From dramatic peaks to coastal villages — discover Madeira’s most iconic places and hidden gems worth every detour

18. Our 17 Favourite Viewpoints

Discover the most breathtaking views in Madeira—our handpicked favourites that are absolutely worth the stop (and the photo).

19. Best Spots for Sunrise & Sunset in Madeira

From cloud-piercing peaks to golden coastal cliffs, these are the island’s most magical places to greet the day—or watch it fade away.

20. Our Favourite Beaches & Natural Pools

From black sand coves to volcanic pools—these are the places we love most for a swim, a sunbath, or a quiet moment by the ocean.

21. Hiking in Madeira: What to Know Before You Go

Find out which trails are open or closed, and avoid costly mistakes before setting out.

22. New Hiking Fees

Why and How Much?

23. Experiences & Activities with Discounts

Enjoy adventures across Madeira with exclusive discounts—from car rentals to canyoning and whale watching.

24. The FOOD GUIDE : Main dish

Discover the most iconic traditional dishes you absolutely need to try in Madeira.

25. The DRINK GUIDE

What (and Where) to Sip on Madeira

26. The FOOD Guide: Desserts

Iconic sweets to try in Madeira

27. Where We Love to Eat

Great food, warm service, and a reason to linger a little longer.

28. Must-Have Apps for Exploring Madeira

The must-have apps to navigate, hike, check buses, and predict the island’s ever-changing weather.

29. Essential Links for Exploring Madeira

Your go-to resources for trail conditions, webcams, transport, weather, events and more—all in one place.

30. Smart Travel Hacks You’ll Be Glad You Knew

From tourist traps to changing weather—here’s how to stay one step ahead.

31. Extra Tips

Quick, useful tips to make your Madeira trip smoother

32. What (Not) to Bring Back from Madeira

Authentic souvenirs you’ll love – and one tourist trap to skip!

33. Taste of Madeira: Recipes to Bring the Island Home

Recreate Madeira’s favourite dishes and drinks with these easy, traditional recipes.

34. Bonus Downloads

These official resources will help you plan and enjoy your time on the island even more. Click the links to access helpful guides