Madeira, Portugal: Your Complete Island Travel Guide
When I went to Madeira, Portugal for my honeymoon, it completely exceeded all expectations. What began as a dream resort I found on Instagram turned into our new favorite destination that we can’t wait to return to again and again for many anniversaries to come. This Portuguese island gem delivers everything from luxury clifftop hotels to mystical mountain forests. Get ready for an adventure that combines world-class hospitality at the legendary Reid's Palace with thrilling jeep tours, dramatic hiking trails, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Courtesy of Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel
Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips
Book These In Advance:
Afternoon tea at Ristorante Villa Cipriani - super popular with cruise ships
Funchal Cable Car tickets online to skip the lines
Jeep tour excursions and hiking transfers
Restaurant reservations, especially for upscale dining
Transportation Made Easy: Private transfers are absolutely worth it for airport pickup, mountain hikes, and exploring the island. Madeira is compact, but the terrain is mountainous - having a driver makes all the difference for those epic viewpoints. You can rent a car for longer stays, but we felt that we didn’t need it!
Best Time to Visit: Madeira's subtropical climate means it's gorgeous year-round. Just be aware that mountain weather can change quickly! While it might be raining in the mountains, drive 20 minutes towards the shore and you’ll find warm sunshine. Madeira has micro-climates throughout the island, so be sure to pack for a variety of different weather.
Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon Tea
Where to Stay: Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel
The History: Reid's Palace has an incredible backstory and the hotel is an icon in Madeira. It was the vision of William Reid, a Scottish crofter's son who arrived in Madeira in 1836 at just 14 years old. He made his fortune in the Madeiran wine trade, then set out to build a grand hotel on the cliffs west of Funchal. Sadly, Reid died before construction was complete, but his sons William and Alfred opened the hotel in November 1891. The hotel was designed by renowned architects and has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to countless royalty over its 130+ year history.
Why I’m Obsessed: This was seriously the best 5-star service I have ever experienced, and now I'm completely loyal to the Belmond brand. The location is unbeatable - perched on clifftops with stunning ocean views, tropical gardens, and incredible pools. The hotel also offers may excursions that you can book through their concierge, as well as a stunning gym, relaxing spa, and tennis courts.
Book with me and get exclusive perks (for free!) like:
$100 USD hotel credit per stay
Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Local welcome amenity
Personalized welcome note
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Morning: Arrive at Reid’s Palace
Getting to Madeira is fairly easy out of Lisbon. We flew into Lisbon in the morning and transferred to a local airline to make the trip over to the island. Fun fact: landing in Madeira was an experience in and of itself! Due to the design of the single runway that’s perched right next to the ocean, pilots have to pass a practice landing before they can land in Funchal!
We opted for a private transfer from the airport, and we are so glad we did! I always recommend this to anyone traveling internationally. There’s nothing worse than trying to locate your hotel when you’re jetlagged. We checked in to our ocean-view room and took some time to explore this incredible property. Definitely walk through the lush tropical gardens, check out the stunning clifftop pool, visit the fitness center, and wander the historical hotel.
Afternoon: Tea at Ristorante Villa Cipriani
Portugal has strong remnants of British influence, and one of these remaining traditions is afternoon tea. The tea at Reid’s Palace is super popular and is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the island. This was such an amazing way to start our trip! The variety of finger sandwiches and pastries was incredible, and the setting on the terrace is absolutely dreamy.
Dress code: Smart casual - no tennis shoes or athletic wear.
Pro tip: Make reservations well in advance - space is limited and this is a very popular activity.
Evening: Relax and Explore
Take advantage of your first evening to fully settle in. Explore more of the hotel grounds, maybe grab a cocktail on the terrace, and enjoy dinner at one of the hotel restaurants if you're still hungry. Don't rush your first day. Reid's Palace is an experience in itself, and you'll want to savor every moment of arrival. Get to bed early - tomorrow's adventure starts bright and early!
Day 2: West Coast Jeep Tour
Morning: THE Best Breakfast of Your Life
I'm not exaggerating…the Reid's Palace breakfast was a highlight of our entire trip and we still talk about it! The buffet is absolutely insane with everything you could ever dream of: fresh fruit, honey straight from the honeycomb, daily flavors of pastel de nata and pastries, plus incredible views. Come hungry! We loved starting our morning here each day.
Private Full-Day Jeep Tour (West Coast)
Book this through the hotel's excursions - they know the best operators. Our guide was incredible! I cannot say enough good things about this adventure. You'll experience:
Coastal drives with dramatic cliff views
Madeira's natural pools - absolutely stunning
Seixal black sand beach - so unique and beautiful
Fanal Forest - this was just as mesmerizing in real life as it is in all the pictures
The tour ends with trying poncha - Madeira's traditional drink. Must try! Our guide taught us so much about the island's history and culture. Booking a private tour was definitely the way to go. We got a personalized experience and had the jeep to ourselves, so we could really get to know our guide and ask lots of questions. I would highly recommend starting your trip in Madeira this way so you can truly get a lay of the land. We were in awe of everything this island has to offer!
Evening: Return and Dinner at Villa Cipriani
Freshen up back at the hotel, then enjoy dinner at Ristorante Villa Cipriani. This restaurant is upscale and absolutely delicious - the perfect way to end your adventure day!
Day 2 Pro Tip: Bring layers for the jeep tour. The weather can change dramatically as you move from coast to mountains.
Day 3: Funchal Exploration & Local Favorites
Morning: Breakfast & Funchal Adventure
Start with another incredible breakfast at Reid's Palace, then head out to explore the capital city!
Must-See Funchal Highlights:
Funchal Cable Car - worth the wait and has incredible views. Buy tickets online in advance to skip lines.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - We weren't sure what to expect but LOVED it here! We explored for several hours. This was a trip highlight! The exotic plants and peaceful atmosphere are incredible.
Toboggan ride - MUST DO!!! So fun and totally worth the touristy vibes
Old Town - Perfect for wandering and discovering hidden gems
Lunch Options:
Funchal Farmer's Market - the local specialties are amazing
Prima Caju - healthy bowls and fresh options
Loft - more brunch-style dining
O. Giro Churros and Paninis - great sandwich spot
Alternate Afternoon Activity:
If you're feeling adventurous, consider a levada walk/hike. Levada 25 Fontes is highly recommended (3-4 hours). These ancient irrigation channels create some of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island.
Dinner: Casal da Penha
We absolutely loved this place! It’s a Michelin Star restaurant, but feels very local and not stuffy at all. Definitely book reservations in advance here - it’s a local favorite! They are known for their steak, and it’s delicious. They even brought us Madeira wine to try at the end!
Day 4: Epic Mountain Hiking & Farewell Dinner
Morning: Mountain Adventure
Another incredible breakfast at Reid's Palace, then prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Transfer to Pico do Areeiro for Hike to Pico Ruivo
WE LOVED THIS! Even though the full Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail was closed due to wildfire damage, we still got to experience the iconic "stairway to heaven" section and walk down through the beautiful nature preserve area. This was a bucket list item for me and it exceeded even my highest expectations. The views are absolutely breathtaking - you're literally walking through the clouds! We booked this transfer (commissionable link) and I would highly recommend it.
What to Bring:
Pack a lunch and plenty of snacks
Warm layers (it’s very windy and gets cold at altitude!)
Sturdy hiking shoes
Camera for those incredible summit views
Timeline: Allow 6-7 hours total including transfers
Late Afternoon: Return to Reid's Palace
Arrive back at the hotel tired but exhilarated. This is the perfect time to:
Take a peaceful walk through the hotel gardens
Enjoy the pool and that incredible ocean view
Book a well-deserved spa treatment
Simply relax and reflect on your amazing adventures
Evening: Farewell Dinner in Funchal
Start with cocktails on the Reid's Palace terrace - the sunset views are magical. Then head back into Funchal for your final dinner. Check out Informal for dinner and grab cocktails on the busy local square nearby.
Must-Try: Vinho Verde - Portugal's light, refreshing wine that's perfect for toasting your incredible Madeira adventure.
Final Madeira Tips
Hotel Experience: Reid's Palace isn't just accommodation - it's a destination. Don't rush through your time there. The gardens, pool, and overall ambiance are part of the Madeira magic.
Local Specialties: Don't miss trying poncha, Madeira wine, fresh seafood, and pastéis de nata. The local cuisine is a perfect blend of Portuguese tradition and island freshness.
Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Always bring layers, even on sunny days.
Photography: The dramatic landscapes are Instagram gold, but also take time to simply enjoy the views without a camera. Some moments are meant to be experienced first, photographed second.
Excursions: Book through your hotel when possible. Their recommended operators know the island best and provide the safest, most informative experiences.
Transportation: Private transfers are worth every penny, especially for mountain excursions. The roads can be challenging, and you'll want to focus on the scenery, not the driving.
Reservations: Popular restaurants and activities fill up fast, especially when cruise ships are in port. Book everything in advance.
Hidden Gems: Some of our best discoveries happened while exploring Funchal's smaller streets and local markets. Don't be afraid to wander!
Levada Walks: These unique irrigation channel hikes are quintessentially Madeiran. Even if you only do one, it's worth the experience.
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