Madeira by a Local

Discover the best of Madeira Island (and Porto Santo) by the eyes of a Local.

What’s New?

Bica, Garoto or Chinesa? Ordering Coffee in Madeira

Understand bica, garoto and chinesa in Madeira using real menu examples, with simple phrases for ordering coffee and milk the way you like it.

Explore Madeira from the sea

Compare three dolphin and whale-watching trips. Check departure point, boat type, accessibility and cancellation terms before booking. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book through GetYourGuide.

Read our guide to things to do in Madeira

Monte Toboggan Ride: Where You Finish and How to Get Back to Funchal

by MadeiraLocal | Guides

The Monte toboggan finishes in Livramento. Understand the ride, separate tickets and your onward journey before planning a day above Funchal.

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car: The Ride Down Is Only Half the Visit

by MadeiraLocal | Guides

Plan the Achadas da Cruz cable car around the fajã below: tickets, cultivated land, the return journey and fitting the stop into your west-coast day.

Paul do Mar Surf: Conquering Madeira’s Most Powerful Reef Breaks

by MadeiraLocal | Leisure Activities, Sea, Water

Riding the Wild Side: Why Paul Do Mar Surf is a Must-Visit Destination Welcome to the sun-drenched southwest coast of Madeira Island, a place where the ocean dictates the rhythm of life. For those passionate about the raw power of the Atlantic, the village of Paul do Mar surf has rapidly carved out a reputation as an unmissable phenomenon on the...

How to Reach Madeira Island: The Complete Travel Guide by Locals

by MadeiraLocal | Travel

Planning a trip to one of the Atlantic's most breathtaking destinations starts with one practical question: how do you actually get there? Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, understanding your options for reaching Madeira Island will save you time, money, and a fair amount of stress. At Madeira by a Local, Luis and...

Tourist Tax in Funchal, Madeira: Everything You Need to Know

by MadeiraLocal | Travel

Planning a trip to Madeira's sun-soaked capital and wondering whether a tourist tax will appear on your hotel bill? You are not alone. Since Funchal introduced its municipal tourist tax in late 2024, this question has become one of the most searched queries by visitors planning a stay on the island. The short answer is yes, there is a tourist tax...

What to Do in Madeira Island: The Ultimate Local’s Guide

by MadeiraLocal | Guides, Leisure Activities, Nature & Wildlife, Travel

Madeira is one of those rare places that defies easy categorisation. It is not a beach destination in the traditional sense, not a city break, and not just a hiking island. It is all of these things at once, layered across dramatic cliffs, ancient laurel forests, and a coastline that meets the Atlantic with raw, unfiltered energy. If you are...

How Big Is Madeira? What the Map Won’t Tell You About Driving Times

by MadeiraLocal | Other, Travel

Madeira measures about 57 by 22 km. Understand why access, parking and time at each stop matter more than the map alone.

Is Madeira Worth Visiting? An Honest Local’s Answer

by MadeiraLocal | Travel

Every year, thousands of travellers ask themselves the same question before booking their flights: is Madeira worth visiting? The short answer, from someone who lives here, is an unequivocal yes. But the more interesting answer explains exactly why this small Atlantic island consistently surprises people far beyond their initial expectations....

Madeira Swing: The Ultimate Scenic Adventure on the Island

by MadeiraLocal | Air, Land, Leisure Activities, Nature & Wildlife, Travel

Swing Over the Atlantic, The Giant Ocean Swing in Porto Moniz, Madeira Island. High above the rugged cliffs of Madeira’s north coast, a thrilling new attraction awaits adventure seekers: the Madeira Swing, officially known as the Baloiço Oceânico (Ocean Swing) at the Fajã do Barro viewpoint, in Lamaceiros, Porto Moniz. Suspended more than 20...

Living in Madeira: Pros & Cons (By Locals Who Know)

by MadeiraLocal | Life in Madeira

Thinking about moving to Madeira? Here’s what it’s really like to live here, straight from locals who know the island inside and out. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of character, but it’s not perfect. Let’s break down the pros and cons. What We Love About Living in Madeira 1. Lovely Weather Madeira enjoys mild, pleasant weather all year...

Where to Stay in Madeira: Choose Your Base Before Your Hotel

by MadeiraLocal | Accommodation, Guides

Choose a Madeira base around walking routes, evening meals, parking and transport before comparing hotels.

Sightseeing in Funchal, Madeira: Top 5 Must-See Attractions

by MadeiraLocal | Gardens & Parks, Land, Leisure Activities, Travel

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, is a city where breathtaking landscapes meet rich culture and history. From lush gardens filled with exotic plants to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, sightseeing in Funchal, Madeira, offers an unforgettable mix of nature, tradition, and charm. Whether you’re wandering through historic...

Compare guided levada walks

These are walking experiences, not interchangeable sightseeing tours. Check the route, difficulty, current access and transport arrangements with the provider.

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book through GetYourGuide.

How to choose a guided levada walk

Madeira by a Local

Madeira by a Local is where you will be able to find all the activties, recommendations and more about Madeira Island. If you are coming to madeira, read our recommendations.

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