4-Day Solo Retreat to Unexplored Madeira: Relaxation & Shopping Adventure
Madeira, Portugal
4 days
About Madeira, Portugal
Experience the enchanting beauty of Madeira, Portugal, a subtropical paradise known for its lush landscapes, vibrant gardens, and stunning coastline. Explore the capital city, Funchal, with its charming streets, historic sites, and bustling farmers' markets. Venture into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a hike or a picnic amidst ancient trees. Savor the local cuisine, particularly the famous Madeira wine and honey cake. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the traditional toboggans from Monte to Funchal. Visit the picturesque fishing villages and indulge in water sports like diving and sailing. Madeira's year-round mild climate makes it a perfect destination for any season. Discover the magic of Madeira, the 'Pearl of the Atlantic'.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Discovering Madeira's Natural Beauty
Morning
Take a guided tour of the Levadas, the historic irrigation channels of Madeira. This is a unique way to explore the island's stunning natural beauty.
Lunch
Have a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Levadas.
Afternoon
Visit the Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third highest peak. The views from here are breathtaking.
Dinner
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Madeira is known for its fresh seafood, especially Tuna and Scabbardfish.
Evening
Take a leisurely stroll along the Funchal Marina, a beautiful waterfront area with stunning views of the sea.
Day 3
Historical Journey and Old Town Exploration
Morning
Visit the Santa Maria de Colombo, a replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship. You can even take a short cruise around the coast.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try the 'Milho Frito' (fried cornmeal), a popular side dish in Madeira.
Afternoon
Explore the Old Town of Funchal, with its narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and vibrant street art.
Dinner
Have dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Madeiran cuisine. Try the 'Picado', a popular dish made with beef or pork.
Evening
Relax in a local bar with a glass of Poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink made with sugar cane spirit, honey, and lemon.
Day 4
Botanical Garden Visit and Scenic Coastal Drive
Morning
Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden with a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants.
Lunch
Enjoy a light lunch at a local café. Try the 'Pastel de Nata', a popular Portuguese custard tart.
Afternoon
Take a scenic drive along the coast to the village of Camara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill's paintings.
Dinner
Have your last dinner in Madeira at a restaurant offering local cuisine. Try the 'Lapas', a type of shellfish that is a delicacy in Madeira.
Evening
End your trip with a relaxing walk along the Funchal Promenade, a beautiful waterfront area with stunning views of the sea.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1Mercado dos Lavradores
This lively farmers' market in Funchal offers a wide range of local produce, from fresh fruits and vegetables to fish, meat, and flowers. It's also a great place to try local delicacies and buy souvenirs.
2Monte Palace Tropical Garden
This beautiful garden in the hills above Funchal is home to a wide variety of plants, as well as koi ponds, Chinese-style pagodas, and a museum showcasing African and Zimbabwean stone sculptures.
3Levadas
A network of irrigation channels that double as scenic walking paths across Madeira.
4Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is Madeira's third highest peak, offering stunning views over the island. It's a popular spot for hiking, with a challenging trail leading to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo.
5Santa Maria de Colombo
A replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship for his first voyage across the Atlantic, offering tours around the coast of Madeira.
6Old Town of Funchal
The historic heart of Funchal, filled with narrow, winding streets, traditional houses, and charming cafes. It's a great place to explore Madeira's history and culture.
7Madeira Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden boasts a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world. It also offers panoramic views over Funchal.
8Camara de Lobos
A traditional fishing village known for its picturesque bay, local cuisine, and the world's largest concentration of thatched houses.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Espetada
A popular dish in Madeira, Espetada is a skewer of beef rubbed in garlic and salt, marinated in Madeira wine, then grilled over wood or charcoal.
Bolo do Caco
A traditional Madeiran bread made with sweet potatoes, Bolo do Caco is typically served with garlic butter and is a staple at local meals.
Poncha
Poncha is a traditional alcoholic drink of Madeira, made from aguardente de cana (rum made from sugar cane), honey, sugar, and lemon or orange juice.
Peixe Espada Preto
A unique fish to Madeira, Peixe Espada Preto is a black scabbardfish often served with banana and passion fruit sauce.
Milho Frito
A popular side dish in Madeira, Milho Frito is deep-fried squares of polenta, often served with Espetada.
Picado
Picado is a popular Madeiran dish, typically made with beef or pork, served in a wine and garlic sauce, often accompanied by fries.
Madeira Wine
Madeira Wine is a fortified wine produced in the Madeira Islands, known worldwide for its unique winemaking process and distinctive flavors.
Lapas
Lapas, or limpets, are a popular seafood dish in Madeira, typically grilled and served with a garlic and butter sauce.
Pastel de Nata
A famous Portuguese dessert, Pastel de Nata is a creamy egg tart pastry that is also popular in Madeira.
Sandes de Atum
A typical Madeiran sandwich, Sandes de Atum is made with local tuna, often served with a salad.
Broas de Mel
Broas de Mel are traditional Madeiran honey cookies, often enjoyed during Christmas season.
Nikita
Nikita is a popular Madeiran drink made with beer, ice cream, and pineapple, often enjoyed on hot summer days.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Madeira, Portugal, is generally between April and November. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and beach visits. However, if you're interested in the famous Madeira Flower Festival, you should plan your visit in April or May. For wine enthusiasts, the Madeira Wine Festival takes place in late August to early September. Despite this, Madeira enjoys a mild climate year-round, so it's a great destination any time of the year.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
February 13 | Tue | Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day |
March 19 | Tue | St. Joseph's Day (Santarém) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 16 | Tue | Our Lady of Mércoles (Castelo Branco) |
April 25 | Thu | Liberty Day |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day (Beja) |
May 12 | Sun | St. Joana's Day (Aveiro) |
May 20 | Mon | Azores Day (Azores) |
May 22 | Wed | Leiria Day (Leiria) |
May 23 | Thu | Portalegre Day (Portalegre) |
May 30 | Thu | Corpus Christi |
June 10 | Mon | Portugal Day |
June 13 | Thu | St. Anthony's Day (regional holiday) |
June 24 | Mon | St. John's Day (regional holiday) |
June 29 | Sat | St. Peter's Day (Évora) |
July 1 | Mon | Madeira Day (Madeira) |
July 4 | Thu | St. Elizabeth's Day (Coimbra) |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
August 20 | Tue | Our Lady of Sorrows (Viana do Castelo) |
August 22 | Thu | Our Lady of Graces (Bragança) |
September 7 | Sat | Faro Day (Faro) |
September 15 | Sun | Birth of Bocage (Setúbal) |
September 21 | Sat | St. Matthew's Day (Viseu) |
October 5 | Sat | Republic Day |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
November 27 | Wed | Foral of Sancho I (Guarda) |
December 1 | Sun | Restoration of Independence |
December 8 | Sun | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Madeira, especially for those who want the freedom to explore the island at their own pace. There are several car rental companies available at the airport and in the city centre. Remember, driving is on the right side of the road in Portugal.
Public Buses
Madeira's public bus system, known as Horarios do Funchal, services Funchal and its surrounding areas. There are also SAM buses that cover the eastern part of the island and Rodoeste buses for the western part. Buses are reliable and relatively frequent, but routes can be complex and may require transfers.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout Madeira, especially in Funchal. They are metered, but it's also possible to negotiate a fixed price for longer journeys or tours of the island. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from taxi ranks.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Madeira, particularly in Funchal. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group. However, availability can be limited in more remote areas of the island.
Cable Car
The cable car in Funchal is a popular way to get up to the Monte area, offering stunning views over the city and the bay. From Monte, you can also take the traditional toboggan ride down to Funchal.
Foot
Many of the attractions in Funchal are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot. However, be prepared for steep hills. For hiking enthusiasts, Madeira offers a network of 'levadas' (irrigation channels) with paths alongside, providing access to the island's beautiful and rugged interior.
Ferry
A ferry service operates between Funchal and the nearby island of Porto Santo. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. This is a great option if you want to explore the beautiful beaches of Porto Santo.
Tour Operators
There are numerous tour operators in Madeira offering a variety of tours, from city sightseeing and wine tasting to off-road adventures and whale watching. This can be a convenient way to see the sights, especially if you're short on time or prefer not to drive.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC 0
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Madeira, Portugal as a first time visitor
1
Madeira is an archipelago, consisting of the main island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands.
2
The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
3
The currency used in Madeira is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.
4
Madeira has a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 64°F (18°C) in winter to 75°F (24°C) in summer.
5
Madeira is in the Western European Time Zone (WET, GMT +0; GMT +1 in summer).
6
The island is known for its unique levada walks. Levadas are irrigation channels or aqueducts specific to Madeira.
7
Madeira has a rich culinary scene. Try local dishes like 'espada com banana' (black scabbard fish with banana) or 'bolo do caco' (a traditional sweet potato bread).
8
Madeira wine is a must-try. This fortified wine comes in several varieties, from dry to sweet.
9
Public transportation is reliable and affordable. Buses are the main form of public transport, but taxis and car rentals are also available.
10
Madeira is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
11
The island is mountainous, so pack comfortable shoes if you plan on hiking or walking a lot.
12
Madeira has a rich tradition of festivals and events, such as the Madeira Wine Festival and the New Year's fireworks. Check the local calendar for events during your visit.
13
Tipping is customary in Madeira. It's common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and round up to the nearest Euro for taxi drivers.
14
Madeira has a unique flora and fauna, with many species that are endemic to the island. Respect the environment during your visit.
15
The island has a strong tradition of embroidery and wickerwork. These make for great souvenirs.
16
Madeira has a good healthcare system. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders can access necessary healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost.
17
The electrical current in Madeira is 230 volts, 50 Hz, and the plugs are Type F (two round pins). If your devices use different plugs, you'll need an adapter.
18
Tap water is safe to drink in Madeira, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.
19
Madeira is not a beach destination. While there are a few pebble and black sand beaches, the island is more known for its mountains and nature.
20
The dress code is generally casual, but it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Olá | O-la | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Adeus | Ad-ey-oosh | Leaving someone |
Please | Por favor | Por fa-vor | Making a request |
Thank you | Obrigado | Ob-ree-gah-doo | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Sim | Seem | Agreeing with someone |
No | Não | Nown | Disagreeing with someone |
Excuse me | Desculpe | Desh-kool-peh | Getting someone's attention |
I'm sorry | Desculpe | Desh-kool-peh | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Fala inglês? | Fala in-glesh? | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Não entendo | Nown en-ten-doo | Expressing confusion |
Where is...? | Onde está...? | Onde es-ta? | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Casa de banho | Kaza de ban-yo | Looking for a bathroom |
Help | Ajuda | A-ju-da | In need of assistance |
Food | Comida | Ko-mee-da | Looking for food |
Water | Água | A-gwa | Looking for water |
Beer | Cerveja | Ser-ve-ja | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vinho | Vin-yo | Ordering wine |
Check, please | A conta, por favor | A con-ta, por fa-vor | Asking for the bill |
How much does it cost? | Quanto custa? | Kwan-to kus-ta? | Asking for the price |
Good night | Boa noite | Bo-a no-i-te | Saying goodnight |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Socks
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Sunglasses
Hat
Light jacket or sweater
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Makeup and makeup remover
Personal hygiene items
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and car rental reservations
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone and charger
Headphones
Camera and charger
Travel adapter
Portable power bank
Laptop and charger (if necessary)
Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook
Snacks
Bottled water
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Reusable shopping bag
Umbrella or raincoat
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Weather Conditions
Madeira, Portugal, is known for its mild, subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. However, there are some weather-related tips and guidance that can enhance your visit. The island experiences its warmest weather between May and October, with average temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). This is the best time for beach activities and water sports. However, it's also the busiest tourist season, so be prepared for crowds. From November to April, temperatures slightly drop to an average of 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). This is the rainy season, especially from November to February, so pack a raincoat or umbrella. Despite the rain, this period is excellent for hiking and exploring the island's lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes. Madeira's mountainous terrain can cause significant temperature variations across the island. The north tends to be cooler and wetter than the south, so pack layers if you plan to explore different areas. The island is also known for its strong winds, especially on the coast. If you're planning on doing any boating or sailing, keep an eye on the weather forecast and sea conditions. Lastly, remember that Madeira is known for its "four seasons in a day" weather. It's not uncommon to experience sun, rain, clouds, and wind all in one day. So, always carry a light jacket or sweater, even if the day starts off warm and sunny. In conclusion, Madeira's weather can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, it's a fantastic destination any time of the year.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 19° / 13° | January is the coldest month in Madeira, but it's still quite mild with temperatures ranging from 13 to 19°C. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. |
February | 19° / 13° | February is similar to January with temperatures between 13 and 19°C. It's the perfect time for indoor activities like wine tasting and exploring local museums. |
March | 20° / 14° | In March, temperatures start to rise slightly, ranging from 14 to 20°C. It's a great time for hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Madeira. |
April | 21° / 15° | April sees temperatures between 15 and 21°C. The island starts to bloom, making it a wonderful time for nature lovers. |
May | 22° / 16° | May is pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging from 16 to 22°C. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities like whale watching and diving. |
June | 24° / 18° | June marks the beginning of summer with temperatures between 18 and 24°C. It's a great time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor festivals. |
July | 26° / 20° | July is one of the hottest months in Madeira with temperatures ranging from 20 to 26°C. It's perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the sea. |
August | 27° / 21° | August is the peak of summer with temperatures between 21 and 27°C. It's the busiest time of the year, so book your accommodations in advance. |
September | 27° / 21° | September remains quite warm with temperatures ranging from 21 to 27°C. It's a great time to visit if you prefer a less crowded time with still great weather. |
October | 25° / 19° | October sees temperatures between 19 and 25°C. It's a good time to visit for those who prefer milder weather and fewer tourists. |
November | 23° / 17° | In November, temperatures start to drop slightly, ranging from 17 to 23°C. It's a good time for hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty. |
December | 21° / 15° | December is a festive time in Madeira with temperatures between 15 and 21°C. It's a great time to experience the island's Christmas and New Year's celebrations. |
Did you know?
Places near by Madeira, Portugal
Porto Santo Island
Known for its sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. It's a perfect place for relaxation and water sports.
Desertas Islands
A group of three uninhabited islands, known for its wildlife, particularly the endangered monk seals.
São Vicente Caves
A series of lava tubes and caves formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
Pico do Arieiro
Third highest peak in Madeira, offering stunning panoramic views of the island.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
A beautiful and adventurous hiking trail through the lush greenery of Madeira.
Santa Cruz
A charming town known for its beautiful churches and beachfront promenade.
Camara de Lobos
A traditional fishing village known for its picturesque bay and Winston Churchill's favorite viewpoint.
Curral das Freiras
A small village located in a deep valley, also known as the 'Nuns Valley'.
Porto Moniz
Known for its natural volcanic rock pools that are filled by the tide with crystal clear water.
Ponta de São Lourenço
The easternmost point of Madeira, offering a beautiful hike with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
