Planning a self-guided tour of Madeira can sometimes be complicated, as you might not know where to start. To help you create the perfect tour of Madeira, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about this Portuguese island in this section. You will find all the answers from our travel experts and unforgettable experiences.
How long does it take to visit Madeira?
To fully enjoy the magic and beauty of the island of Madeira, we recommend planning a vacation of between 7 and 10 days. This period is perfect for exploring the capital, Funchal, and taking advantage of the many hiking trails, lush nature, and beautiful beaches of the island. Some travel guides even go so far as to recommend 10 to 15 days for a deeper immersion. This is especially recommended for hiking enthusiasts who want to enjoy the incredible trails on the island while also having a few lazy days on the beach once the exploration is over.
What is the most beautiful part of Madeira?
It’s hard to choose which part of the island to focus on, as Madeira boasts various landscapes, each more beautiful than the last. Therefore, a tour of Madeira is the best way to enjoy the entire island. For nature lovers, the northwest of the island is the ideal area, with its lush forests and nature walks. The west coast is perfect for enjoying the beauty of the beaches and natural pools, such as those of Porto Moniz. Finally, the south of the island is perfect if you want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the island’s capital while still having easy access to all the island’s attractions.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
One of Madeira’s nicknames is the island of eternal spring, easily explained by the mild, sunny temperatures year-round. The months of March to October are recommended to enjoy maximum sunshine and the island’s mild temperatures. However, the best time to visit the island is in spring. Between April and May, nature is in full bloom, and Madeira’s landscapes transform into a parade of dazzling colors. You can also enjoy the famous flower festival organized all over the island, which you shouldn’t miss. To give you a better idea of the island’s temperatures when planning a tour of Madeira, here is a table summarizing the monthly averages recorded on the island:
Certainly! Here is a table showcasing the average temperatures in Madeira throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (°C) | 19° | 18° | 18° | 19° | 20° | 21° | 23° | 24° | 24° | 23° | 22° | 20° |
This table provides a clear and concise view of the average monthly temperatures in Madeira, helping you plan the best time for your visit.
How to Get to Madeira
If you want to visit Madeira for 7 days, you need to take a flight to reach this enchanting island in the Atlantic Ocean. Most flights involve a stopover in Lisbon (and sometimes Porto) before taking a second flight to Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, near Funchal. Here are detailed travel times and routes from major airports in France:
From Paris to Madeira
- Airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY)
- Direct Flights: There are direct flights from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports to Madeira. The direct flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.
- Connecting Flights: If you choose a flight with a stopover in Lisbon, the total travel time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.
From Lyon to Madeira
- Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
- Direct Flights: Direct flights from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Madeira take about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Connecting Flights: Flights with a stopover in Lisbon take approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes in total.
From Bordeaux to Madeira
- Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
- Direct Flights: Direct flights from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport to Madeira take about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
- Connecting Flights: There are also flights with a stopover in Lisbon, which may have a slightly longer total travel time depending on the duration of the layover.
From Marseille to Madeira
- Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
- Connecting Flights: There are no direct flights from Marseille Provence Airport to Madeira. Flights typically include a stopover in Lisbon, with a total travel time of about 8 hours and 50 minutes.
Additional Tips
- Booking in Advance: It’s advisable to book your flights well in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak seasons.
- Airline Options: Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, EasyJet, and Ryanair offer various flight options to Madeira from these French airports.
- Flexible Tickets: Consider purchasing flexible or open-ended tickets, especially if you’re gifting the trip to a loved one, allowing them to choose their preferred travel dates.
Now that you have detailed flight information, you can better plan your week-long tour of Madeira. If you need more information or other travel ideas for planning a trip to Madeira or other parts of Portugal, feel free to consult our travel guides.
Treat Your Loved Ones to an Unforgettable Trip to the Island of Madeira
If one of your loved ones is an unconditional lover of vibrant nature and hiking, then Madeira is certainly one of their favorite destinations to visit. If you want to help them fulfill one of their most cherished dreams, why not give them an open-ended plane ticket so they can book their flight to the Flower Island on the dates that suit them best? Now you have the perfect itinerary for organizing your own week-long tour of Madeira. If you want more information or other travel ideas for planning a trip to Madeira or another part of Portugal, feel free to consult our travel guides.
