Ultimate Solo Travel Guide for Madeira (2024)

Madeira, what a marvelous place to visit! Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic region is an archipelago of a few different islands, out of which the main Madeira island is the largest and most popular. If you are planning to visit this charming place, you’re in for a treat.

While many visit Madeira for a romantic getaway (and I do recommend Madeira for this too), I visited recently on a solo trip and I had THE best time ever.

I spent a lot of time doing research before my trip, figuring out the best places to stay, and things to do in Madeira as a solo traveler. Now that I’ve been, I wanted to sum it all up many of the reasons Madeira is worth visiting in this guide so you can easily explore this island on your own too!

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About Madeira: Basic Information

Despite being a part of Portugal (an autonomous region, to be precise), the Madeira region is closer to the African coast than the mainland country. This unique geographical location contributes to its diverse landscapes, which range from ancient laurel forests to black-sand beaches and majestic cliffs.

Sitting on top of a shield volcano, the main island of Madeira is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Porto Santo, the second-biggest island in the region, is popular among the less active tourists who may prefer to relax in a seaside restaurant or sunbathe near the hotel pool.

Other parts of the archipelago are the uninhabited Desertas Islands, where a colony of Mediterranean monk seals lives, and the Savage Islands, a designated nature reserve and home to a wide variety of bird species. Tourism focuses on Madeira and Porto Santo, where visitors flock all year round.

Is Madeira Safe for Solo Travelers?

Before we get too far into this guide, I wanted to go over the safety details for Madeira so you can feel confident booking a solo trip here! I can say from personal experience that I felt incredibly safe as a solo traveler, but here is the data incase you have any doubts!

• Health Safety- The CDC Website reports there are no current health safety concerns with Madeira
• Crime- Crime has been reported to be “Low” or “Very Low” in almost every category
• Safety at Night- Madeira is very safe at night, but be sure to exercise normal cautions, like not walking alone, and being aware of your surroundings

How to Get to Madeira

Long time a holiday favorite of many Europeans, Madeira has recently seen a surge in popularity among international tourists as well.

The only way to get to Madeira is to fly into Madeira International Airport (named after the famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, by the way!) in Funchal. There are no longer any ferries to Madeira.

Getting Around Madeira as a Solo Traveler

As Madeira is 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, there are plenty of fun things to do around Madeira. Here are the major ways to get around Madeira as a solo traveler.

• Public transportation- While there is public transportation around the island, the buses will only take you to the major villages and run only every few hours. Taking the bus is a good option if you want to get to certain parts of the island, but just be sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time!
• Rent a car- Renting a car is the best option if you want the most flexibility and control of your schedule. The highways in Madeira are well-maintained, and this would be a good option if you feel comfortable driving. Cars and road rules in Madeira are like they are in America and most of Europe, with the car driving on the right side of the street, with the car having the steering wheel on the left.
• Book tours for activities- When I was solo in Madeira, I opted to book tours that took me to activities around the island, and this worked out perfectly! I found that this was the most convenient way to get to the hidden spots on the island without having to worry about navigation. Most tours leave from Funchal, making it extremely easy if you are staying in Funchal.

Best Places for Solo Travelers to Stay in Madeira

There are lots of different options for hotels in Madeira depending on your own preference. From cute boutique hotels in Funchal to friendly hostels to meet other solo travelers, you will surely find what you are looking for.

Here are my top recommendations for the best accommodations in Madeira for solo travelers!

Things to do in Madeira as a Solo Traveler

Wondering what to do in Madeira solo? I did a lot of activities while in Madeira, and these are the top things I recommend you check out as a solo traveler!

1. Explore Funchal, the Capital City

Funchal is the largest city and the capital of the Madeira region. With a history spanning over six centuries, it is a city rich in culture and heritage. It hosts a large number of hotels, AirBnBs, and other accommodations, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the island. 

If you’re a history buff, there are many museums you can visit to learn about Madeira’s fascinating past, including the Madeira Story Centre and the Museum of Sacred Art. If you are a soccer aficionado, there is a whole exhibition dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo for you to see as well!

Explore the historic district of Zona Velha (Old Town), where the old doors of houses are decorated to show the city’s artistic side. Full of cozy cafés and lively bars, you can find a nice place to sit and unwind at any time of the day. Most of the city’s best restaurants are located there, but they may be hard to spot at first—avoid places with colorful menus full of pictures of food and instead look for simple places where the locals eat for the authentic experience.

Visit the iconic Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) to experience the vibrant local culture and indulge in fresh fruits, fish, and traditional delicacies. The market is known for its lively atmosphere and a welcoming array of colorful stalls. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local flavors and interact with friendly vendors. Take advantage of the opportunity to try some Madeira wine, a regional specialty!

Funchal is a walkable city—you don’t need to worry about renting a car to explore it. Taking a stroll from one place to another is a delightful way to discover the city’s charming streets and notice all the hidden historical gems, like old churches and traditional townhouses. Ditch the hassle of navigating traffic and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace!

Don’t forget to take a cable car ride up to Monte, where you can visit the iconic Monte Palace Tropical Garden and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The Palace is a popular attraction in the area, housing an extravagant collection of exotic plants. This beautiful green oasis is also a great place to relax with a cup of coffee. 

2. Hike Through the Scenic Trails

Madeira is perfect for hikers. With their diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty, both of the archipelago’s largest islands boast a network of scenic trails just waiting for you to explore. From leisurely forest walks to more challenging, rocky climbs, there is a trail for every level of hiker.

The levadas are trails that are unique to Madeira. These narrow pathways follow the old natural waterways that once served as irrigation channels for the island’s agriculture. You can find these almost everywhere on the main island of Madeira, but some offer more scenic views than others.

One of the most visited levadas on the island is Levada das 25 Fontes. It leads to the Lagoa do Vento (Lagoon of the Wind), a group of unbelievably scenic 25 Fontes waterfalls, and another levada where you can continue your hike. However, the narrow road passes through a dense laurel forest and may pose a challenge to less skilled hikers.

On the northern coast of the island, Levada do Furado awaits you. This trail provides breathtaking sights of green valleys and cascading waterfalls. It is a moderate-level trail that winds through dense, lush forests. Levada do Caldeirão Verde is another popular trail where the hiker shelter, Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas, is located. Constructed in the traditional regional style, the building is a charming stone cottage tucked away within the forest, available for hikers to rest and recharge. 

In the south, you can take the Vereda do Burro trail, an easy hike that offers a panoramic view of Madeira’s valleys and hills. If you walk the path, you will pass an unusual structure – the igloo-shaped Poço da Neve, a building that was used in the early 19th century to store ice and snow for later use! You can also walk the Levada do Barreiro, a scenic path that takes you through scenic heritage sites, where you can spot grapevines growing on the mountainside.

3. Go for a Water Adventure

Take a boat trip from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. With good weather and some luck, you can spot a few dozen of them during the day! Dolphin and whale-watching cruises abound, and the majority of them can be booked online. Some of them stop near the cliffs of Cabo Girão so the vacationers can take a dip in the crystal-clear and pleasantly warm waters.

There are plenty of places to rent a kayak or canoe, as the sea near the Madeira shores is usually quiet and perfect for water activities. You can explore hidden caves under the cliffs, access the spots unavailable by foot, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline. Paddleboarding also grew in popularity, with many rental shops offering paddleboards for tourists to use.

Snorkeling in Madeira? Diving, maybe? What better place to snorkel than in the beautiful waters of Madeira? With its abundant marine life and clear visibility, this activity is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler or an experienced diver, there is a spot in Madeira that will suit your skill level. Garajau Beach is an especially popular choice among divers, as it is one of the few natural beaches in the area with lifeguards present on the shore.

4. Visit Madeira’s First Capital

The historic city of Machico, the first capital of Madeira, is full of charming spots to spend time in. With only 11000 inhabitants, it is a small but peaceful town that offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rich history. It is a perfect spot for any history enthusiast or someone looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

Matriz de Machico church, built in the 15th century, is one of the town’s architectural gems, as is the aqueduct that used to bring water to the city’s mills. You can also see the fortifications that were built in the 1700s to protect the city from the pirates there! Solar do Riberinho is another notable attraction in Machico. It is a local museum that provides interactive exhibits and historical artifacts related to the town’s history.

Additionally, Machico is known for its annual religious festivals and traditional events, providing an opportunity to experience Madeira’s vibrant culture firsthand. One is the Feast of Senhor dos Milagres, which takes place in September or October (depending on the year) and attracts locals and tourists alike.

A candlelit procession is held to commemorate the chapel of Senhor dos Milagres, which was destroyed by a flood in 1803. According to local legends, a holy statue washed away from the chapel during the flood mysteriously reappeared on the shore despite its considerable weight. The locals interpreted it as a miracle and a sign of good fortune, and they continue to celebrate it to this day.

5. Visit a volcanic beach

You can spend the day swimming (or just sunbathing!) at one of Madeira’s many beautiful beaches. Praia Formosa and Porto Santo beach are the most popular choices for travelers. Both offer great sea views, but may be a bit crowded during summer. 

If you are looking for a more secluded beach experience, you can visit Calhau da Lapa. It is rocky and can only be accessed by walking down the stairs from the cliff, but it is worth the walk, as it offers a truly tranquil spot for those who wish to escape the crowds.

Praia do Porto do Seixal is also considered one of the best in the area, and it is just a 40-minute drive from Funchal. It is not big but features beautiful, dark, volcanic sand and lush green cliffs that create a picturesque backdrop. There is also a waterfall that cascades down into the ocean nearby. Especially popular among Instagram users, this beach is known for its stunning natural beauty.

For those staying on Porto Santo island, the main beach there is great for enjoying a relaxing day under the sun. This particular beach is a beautiful, cozy spot with golden sand and perfectly blue waters. It has several amenities, wellness centres, diving schools, and beach bars, so you are covered!

6. Take in the Marvelous View of Porto Santo

Miradouro das Flores is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Madeira. While it is not located on the main island of Madeira, you can conveniently access it by boat ride from there, or if you’re staying on Porto Santo island, just rent a car or a scooter. Group trips that go by bus are also available. 

The trail to the top can be challenging for beginner hikers, but the reward of stunning, postcard-like views is definitely worth it. There are rest areas along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. And trust me, the panoramic views of the island and the ocean are nothing short of breathtaking. Perfect for taking those stunning vacation selfies!

Anything Else to Know Before Your Trip?

Madeira is one of the best places to visit as a solo traveler, due to its safety and incredible activities! I recommend staying for at least a week to get to do all of the vest things while still having time to have a rejuvenating vacation.

I have a whole guide for you to help you determine how many days in Madeira you should spend! You can check it out!