Madeira – Our Do’s & Don’ts for a Carefree Trip

What to do (and what to skip) on Portugal’s flower island.

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Madeira had been on our radar for a while. And honestly? TikTok totally got us – but in the best possible way.

We were flooded with videos of dramatic cliffs, storybook hikes, and views that leave you speechless. Nature, sunshine, ocean, good food... you name it, Madeira’s got it.

So when we finally set foot on the island, our expectations were sky-high.

Luckily, Madeira didn’t just meet them – it exceeded them.

To help you make the most of it, we’re sharing our personal do’s and don’ts – straight from experience, with hiking boots on and a pastel de nata in hand.

Do’s – What You Absolutely Should Do

1. Rent a car

The best way to explore Madeira? On your own four wheels. The island’s true gems rarely sit inside the city limits. The most jaw-dropping views, epic hiking trails, and hidden spots are tucked high in the mountains, deep in valleys, or along rugged cliffs where no bus dares to go.

We rented our car with SunnyCars, and the whole process was seamless. Everything was arranged in advance, no surprise fees, no insurance drama – just pick up the keys and hit the road. And trust us: having a car in Madeira is the definition of freedom.

Stop when you want. Linger where it’s beautiful. And yes – drive that winding cliff road one more time just because the view took your breath away.

💡 Pro tip? Consider getting an automatic.

The roads are well-maintained, but Madeira is anything but flat. Think: steep streets, hairpin turns, and roads that seem to lead straight into the clouds. With an automatic, the drive is way more relaxed – no stress about shifting gears while stopped on a slope.

Some moments we drove with no destination at all – just between sea and sky.Windows down, sun on our faces, playlist on... and go. Madeira felt like one slow-motion road trip – and we’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

2. Lace Up Your Hiking Boots

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do on Madeira, it’s this: go hiking. Even if you’re more of a café-sitter than a stair-climber back home, trust us – the island’s nature pulls you straight into the mountains.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who loves a scenic route with jaw-dropping views, the island’s levadas (ancient irrigation channels) and mountain trails are pure magic. You’ll wander through misty forests, dramatic cliffs, gentle streams, and viewpoints that photos only half do justice.

Our favorites?

• PR1 – Vereda do Arieiro: like walking through the clouds – literally.

• PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes: a fairytale path of waterfalls and ferns.

• PR8 – Ponta de São Lourenço: wild, dry, ruggedly beautiful.

We loved starting our days with a good hike – and ending them on a sunny terrace, pastel de nata in one hand, poncha in the other. Check out our dedicated blog on Madeira’s most stunning hikes for tips, routes, and photos that'll get your boots itching.

3. Taste the Local Food (Like, Really Local)

Get ready to surprise your taste buds – because Madeira’s menu is full of unexpected delights. Skip the usual tourist plates and go for something a little more adventurous, like espada com banana – that’s black scabbardfish paired with fried banana. Sounds strange? Maybe. But trust us – it works. Soft, sweet, salty, and somehow perfectly balanced.

Or try lapas – grilled limpets in garlic butter, served sizzling hot. Honestly, you’ll want to order it for the smell alone. And of course, there are the local favorites: garlic bread fresh from the oven, and espetada – giant beef skewers grilled over wood fire, served on bay leaf sticks and irresistibly tender.

💡 Pro tip: 

You’ll often get a side of fries or milho frito – golden-fried cubes of cornmeal. Yes, you need to try that too.

And what do you drink with all that? Poncha, naturally.Madeira’s traditional drink made with rum, honey, and lemon.Zesty, fruity… and sneakily strong.We had a glass of poncha after hiking the PR1 trail – and let’s just say it hit us like we climbed one more mountain 😅.A moment to sit, breathe… and then slowly stand up.

4. Venture Inland – and Meet the Real Madeira

Funchal is a lovely home base – with charming streets, cozy eateries, and a lively vibe.But the real Madeira? You’ll only find it once you leave the city behind.

The moment you head into the mountains, the landscape transforms into a dramatic mix of rugged peaks, sleepy villages, and breathtaking viewpoints.Picture Pico do Arieiro, where you walk above the clouds like you’ve stepped into another world. Or Curral das Freiras, a hidden village nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by towering cliffs – as if the island itself is pausing to catch its breath.

And then there’s Fanal Forest – hands down one of the most magical places we've ever visited.With its ancient, twisted trees, mist curling over moss, and a silence so deep it almost feels solid.We secretly hoped to spot a few grazing cows between the fog-draped branches – you know, like the iconic photos you see online – but no luck that day.Just stillness, mystery, and a kind of atmosphere that clings to you long after you’ve left.

Maybe you’ll have better luck.But even without cows, Fanal is the kind of place that stays with you.

5. Four Seasons on One Island? Absolutely.

If you're heading to Madeira, get ready for a weather experience of epic proportions.The island may look small on the map, but trust us – the weather can change dramatically from one region to the next.

We started our day in sunny in Funchal, only to find ourselves less than an hour later at the top of Pico do Arieiro, wrapped in fog and wind. At first, we thought it was a joke – until we couldn’t feel our fingers anymore. 😅

So here’s the deal: layers are everything. Pack a T-shirt, sweater, rain jacket, and a scarf in your daypack. And don’t forget your trusty hiking shoes – the trails can be wet, slippery, or rocky.

💡 Pro tip:

Check the live webcams before you go

Each morning, we built our own little weather strategy by watching live footage from different spots across the island. It helped us find the sunshine and avoid the cloud-covered peaks – keeping our plans spontaneous and our socks dry.

That’s how you get to experience Madeira at its best – and driest. 😉

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Don’ts – What to Skip (or Handle Smartly)

1. Overestimating Your Hiking Superpowers

The hikes in Madeira? Absolutely stunning. But don’t be fooled – they also demand a bit of fitness, prep, and respect for nature.

Some trails (hello, PR1!) lead you across narrow mountain ridges, endless staircases, dark tunnels, and steep sections where it’s better to keep your eyes on the path than on the view (tempting as it may be).

We learned quickly: don’t just start walking without doing your homework. We used the AllTrails App to check out hikes in advance – it gives you the difficulty level, distance, duration, and reviews from other hikers. Super helpful.

And be honest with yourself: How do you feel about heights, slippery paths, or tunnels without lights? Always head out early – the earlier you start, the cooler the temps, the quieter the trails, and the higher your chances of watching the sunrise above the clouds. (Truly magical.)

2. The Toboggan Ride in Monte? Not for Us.

The famous wicker sled ride in Funchal – also known as the toboggan – might be a classic on paper, but to be honest? It just wasn’t our thing. It lasts only a couple of minutes, felt overpriced for the experience, and didn’t exactly wow us when we saw it in action.

Instead, we opted for the cable car back down to the city – much calmer, with gorgeous views and a peaceful moment to take it all in after a day full of impressions.

3. Thinking You've "Seen" Madeira by Only Visiting Funchal?

Funchal is a lovely place to start your journey – charming streets, cozy cafés, bustling markets, and a laid-back vibe. But if you stay only in the capital, you’re missing out on what truly makes Madeira magical.

Because the real Madeira… it lives in the winding mountain roads, the misty forests, and the miradouros where the only sounds are the wind and your own breath. It’s in the tiny villages where time slows down, and in that quiet backstreet where an old lady sells fresh fruit from her doorstep.

Dare to stray from the well-worn path.Take that random turn. Let yourself be surprised by views no filter could ever do justice. Madeira isn’t an island to “check off” – it’s one to get lost in.And that’s exactly where the magic begins.

4. Expecting a Beach Holiday?

Sure, Madeira is an island, but don’t let that fool you:If you're coming for white sandy beaches and a cocktail under a straw umbrella, you might end up a little… surprised.

Sand here is rare – aside from a few man-made beaches – and instead, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, lava pools, and natural rock basins like those in Porto Moniz.

But honestly? That’s exactly what makes Madeira so unforgettable.This island invites you to move, explore, hike, look closer, and most of all: taste.

It’s a destination where adventure and rest go hand in hand:A morning hike above the clouds, a float in volcanic pools in the afternoon, and a dinner table full of local flavors come evening.

No all-inclusive sun loungers – just pure, immersive experience. And for us? That’s the kind of travel that feeds the soul.

5. Last-Minute Planning Without the Panic

One thing you’ll quickly notice in Madeira: the most beautiful places are often the most popular. Some hikes – like PR1 or 25 Fontes – fill up fast, and certain sights (like scenic viewpoints or natural pools) only truly shine in the right weather or light.

So yes, a little prep goes a long way.We had a neat little Excel plan (shout-out to Larissa 🙌) with daily suggestions and optional stops. At the same time, we gave ourselves the freedom to switch things up on the fly. Madeira’s weather is a whole mood in itself: sun in the south, fog in the mountains, rain up north – all in one day.

So yes, sometimes we joyfully tossed the schedule aside and chased the sun (or just our own cravings). That sweet spot between planning and spontaneity turned out to be perfect for us.We saw a lot, but never felt stuck in a rigid itinerary.

Our tip? Plan smart – but leave space for magic. Madeira will show you the way.

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Our final tip?

Leave room for wonder.

Madeira isn’t a place to simply check off your list.It’s an island you need to feel, breathe, hike, and taste.

Whether you're here for the trails, the nature, or the food – Madeira pulls you in and lingers in your mind long after you’ve left.

We’ve definitely lost our hearts to this island.

- Savory Roads