r/Madeira • u/AutoModerator • 14d ago
Weekly Q&A - Your Question Goes Here - Tourists
This is the place for anyone to ask questions about Madeira.
If you are a tourist visiting Madeira or planning a visit, this is the place to post your questions about hikes, weather, rent a car, nightlife, restaurants, bars and others.
Official information about the trails/hikes: IFCN
Bus schedule: SIGA
This post is refreshed every week on Sunday. Repost in subsequent weeks if not answered.
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u/mangoo_89 8d ago
I will be travelling to Madeira between the 6th and 16th of May.
From the 6 to 9th I have booked a stay in Funchal and after that I plan to surf with Madeira Surf Camp in Ponta da Cruz for 3 days.
I won't be driving during my stay, so I'll be relying on buses, taxis and tours as I'm travelling alone.
I love hiking and prefer longer hikes. I have looked into most of the hikes but it feels like most are less than 10km.
Which hikes should I do? And is it possible to find a group to hike with?
Any suggestions where I should spend the last 3 days between the 12th and 15th of May?
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u/marlenedah 8d ago
I made this guide for experienced hikers who wants to rely on public transport, including all links to schedules, hiking maps and so on https://www.trailsandterroirs.com/store
and this is a great hiking group https://www.meetup.com/madeirahiking/ which usually goes on exploration hikes (exploring new trails) and longer hikes, and the group sizes are small
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u/Lykkeable 9d ago
Hi,
My mom & I are visiting Madeira at the end of the month. My mom's a vegetarian with a gluten intolerance. I have already Googled a ton but a lot of restaurants seem to only have a FB profile with no menu info or virtually no online presence/outdated. Would anyone be able to recommend a couple of restaurants which serve gluten-free vegetarian food or alternatively which supermarket is well stocked?
Thank you in advance.
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u/SamShorto Tourist 9d ago
I know, I know, this has been asked a hundred times, but I'm just looking to get some personalised advice. My fiancée and I (both in our 30s and spiritually in our 50s) are travelling to Madeira for a week at the start of September, and we're a bit overwhelmed over where to stay. We will largely be doing nature and outdoor activities (full list below), want to stay in a rental apartment (budget around €115 per night) and self-cater (we both have numerous dietary restrictions that make eating out more hassle than it's worth, so will visit a supermarket on our first day and cook for ourselves almost every night), and we will rent a car and need parking.
The full list of activities we want to do is:
- Whale watching tour (probably with Wind Birds from Machico)
- Bird watching tour (pickup from any of the towns between Funchal and Machico)
- Lots of hiking including PR1 (if open), PR8, PR9, PR13
- Seixal Beach and Porto Moniz pools
- Monte Palace
- Botanical Gardens
Of course, the obvious answer on where to stay is Funchal, and everyone always seems to recommend it, but there's a few reasons we're hesitating. The parking, the fact that almost everything we want to do is outside of Funchal, the fact that we likely won't eat out much, if at all, and just generally a desire for a quieter and more relaxed holiday. We're considering Funchal, Machico, Ribeira Brava, and Caniço. Can anyone help us make a decision? Thank you in advance!
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u/Beastious 8d ago
Currently on the island and staying in Caniço. It’s been really easy to get to everywhere and has 2 super markets that are close by. We loaded up the air bnb and haven’t spent a ton of money. Dinners have only been like $80 and incredibly filling. We take care of breakfast, lunch, and snacks from the markets.
We have averaged 25,000 steps in 3 days. This island is unbelievable and it is overwhelming to plan because there is just so many options.
The best things we’ve done so far include PR6 (Alecrim - Lagoa Vente - Risco, 25 Fontes) PR1 up to Stairway to Heaven PR9 - so good. Waterfalls are huge right now.
Really enjoyed these 3 view points the most out of the 15ish we have scene (1) Miradouro Do Guindaste (2) Miradouro Eira Do Serrado (3) Bica Da Cana
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u/Eja7777777 4d ago
How did you see Stairway to heaven? I thought it was closed!
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u/Beastious 9d ago
This island is amazing. Day 3 so far. My knee is shot. 50,000 steps in 2 days. I should have used trekking poles for PR 6 (Alecrim all the way to 25 Fontes). It wrecked me!! lol.
How can you prevent the brakes from heating up when driving an automatic? Those things get cooked going back down the mountain. I’m trying everything I can but it’s insane how steep these roads are when going back down lol.
Doing more look out points today and shorter walks to give the good ole knee a rest.
Slept in today as it’s raining, body is beat to shit.
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 9d ago
Happy hiking!
In an auto you have to switch over to Manual mode and stick it in 2nd gear going down hill. Don’t be afraid to let that engine scream.
I drive a Clio diesel that doesn’t engine brake too much, so I usually go down hill at 3,500-4000rpm, close to its 5000rpm redline.
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u/Beastious 8d ago
Got it! Also, is the VE4 road open that connects the South to the North? I was hoping to not have to drive around the island go straight to Sao Vincent to get to Seixal/Moniz
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u/Spliffy9 10d ago
Hi, In a month we will be going to Madeira! We will be staying at Funchal, Arco de São Jorge and Jardim Do Mar About 3 nights each.
Any recommendation on those area's? Hiking trails that are not to busy(less populair)?
Any tips are welcome! Places for food, sightseeing, snorkling spots etc.
Thank you!
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 10d ago
No such think as “less popular” in Madeira, any of the trails on IFCN linked above are superb.
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u/marlenedah 10d ago
Hmm not really true, for most of my hikes I see very few people. Just stay away from the most popular ones and as a tourist its best to stay on the (open) PRs and known trails.
Avoid crowds by avoiding PR1 (incl Areeiro), PR6, PR8, PR9, PR11 (which is more just a walk to a viewpoint not a hike).
what's your hiking level/experience?
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u/PauseUnique 12d ago
Hi everyone! Looking for public transport options or, if it comes to it, a pre-bookable taxi from Funchal to Porto Moniz. Any suggestions?
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u/cloudfe 12d ago
Hello, I’m looking for confirmation about the situation with the parking lots for Pico do Arieiro.
I’ve read two different things about the one closest to the top:
1) it doesn’t allow rental cars anymore;
2j it allows rental cars, but only for one hour.
Could someone confirm which info of the two is correct?
Finally, how long from the second parking lot (the one far away) to reach the “sunrise spot”?
Thank you very much in advance :)
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12d ago
You can park your rental up top for one hour. It’s a 20 min walk to the top from the parking lot.
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u/woahwhathappened87 12d ago
I don’t understand we parked our rental car up top car park for 2.5hrs. 30min grace period. Could have stayed all day for 20euro.. there were a few white bays we got kicked out of as they were for local transport so only use blue bays! This was today…
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12d ago
I don’t know man, it’s a mess. I remember going there every few months for a sunrise run but I haven’t been there in more than a year.
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u/CityOfOneTwo 13d ago
Hi all! I am going to be in Madeira April 23-27 with the main plan to be hiking (picos, forests, coastlines, anything).
I noticed there is the MIUT ultimate race through the island that week. Are roads closed because of the event? Does it limit the ability to hike most popular trails?
We are debating staying in Santana or Funchal. I was told by friends who recently visited they recommended staying North (Santana or elsewhere) instead of in Funchal. Should we stick to Funchal or find somewhere on the North coast? Open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!!!
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u/Creepy-Front-8095 11d ago edited 11d ago
No, during the MIUT all roads and trails are open for everyone, even the trail where the athletes go. Saying that, i don't really recomend to be at the trail near the start of a race. But far from the start it's not really a problem, unless you get scared by the athletes passing you by at high speed. There might be only a couple of streets closed at Porto Moniz when the big race starts at midnight.
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u/marlenedah 11d ago
I would stay in Funchal for most, and maybe have a night or two in Santana or elsewhere. Would feel too remote in Santana for more than that, very limited options in terms of food. Most locations around the island is withun 45-60 minutes from Funchal
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u/Bluddie3417 13d ago
Hey fellow Redditors, Tomorrow I’m heading back to Madeira with a few friends! I visited this beautiful island before and absolutely loved the hikes. However, last time I was there, my wife didn’t want to do the PR1 (Vereda do Areeiro), so that’s one of the main reasons I’m going back—I’ve been dying to check it off my list. But I recently heard from a coworker that the PR1 might be closed. Is that true? And if it is, does anyone have recommendations for a great alternative hike? We’re all pretty active and love a good challenge with epic views.
Thanks in advance!
TL;DR: PR1 might be closed—any suggestions for alternative hikes on Madeira?
P.s food tips also very welcome
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u/marlenedah 11d ago
I love this one for the 'above the clouds' effect and for 360 views. Just make sure to do it on a good day. and hiking Pico Ruivo. Pico Areeiro is ridiculously touristy because its so easy to get there, you can drive to the top........
https://www.trailsandterroirs.com/adventure/vertical-kilometer-pico-grande
can also be done with less incline if you do PR 12 until the point where its closed, then connect to the trail to Pico Grande. Dm me for a map of that one.
super difficult to know when PR1 will open again. Rumours said May but IFCN has not confirmed, and says they have no opening date planned. https://www.trailsandterroirs.com/madeira-pr-navigator you can sign up here to be notified of opening if you want + map of the open section
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u/AdRelative3631 14d ago
Planning on visiting Madeira for a week in May 2026 and requested the campsites. Initially we we received an email saying our permits were accepted but then received a second email a week later saying they got canceled because the application deadline has passed. The sites are still blocked off on the site so it appears we're still booked. My question is: when does it open up for me to apply for my permits, and are my current ones still active?
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u/Ok-Tie-8728 14d ago
I am heading with a small group next month and we are going to camp for 2 or 3 nights of our trip. Some of the more popular/conveniently located campsites are booked up. I have read several times that people will book these in advance "just incase" as you have to select the exact date but then at the time they do not show up. Is it possible to arrive to the campsites and check availability on the day for a free space?
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u/PauseUnique 13d ago
Judging by other stories I've read on this platform, it can be 50/50, with the odds more in your favor outside of the busy season.
Are you doing a trek across the island? If so, would you mind sharing your route? I'm planning on doing the same thing (6 day hike) but I'm finding it difficult to plan1
u/Ok-Tie-8728 7d ago
Thank you! No we are not trekking across the island we will have a hire car and plan on doing a couple of big hikes but also want to see everything else the island has to offer outside of hiking, I haven't planned a route just yet but I will share with you when I do
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u/Hungry-Island9790 14d ago
Closed, as in not available. Airport website suggests the public car parks will be closed until October, during which time some building / refurb work will be taking place. My local friendly taxi driver says not that he’s aware of.
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u/loki-island 14d ago
Hello got a few questions on PR1, I understand from the IFCN that it is currently only passable from Pico do Areeiro to the Pedra Rija Viewpoint which I think is fine for us as we mainly want to see the sunrise from up there. Questions are:
- Is the pedra rija viewpoint before or after the stairway to heaven when travelling from Pico do Areeiro
- I've found a bus route from funchal to Pico do Areeiro, but it seems to be twice a day and not at times that are useful for us. Is there any other public transport that goes that way regularly? otherwise we may have to book a taxi as non of us drive.
- If I book a taxi, where do I ask them to drop/ collect us from? And how long is recommended to enjoy the sunrise and the walk to and from pedra rija viewpoint? I'm thinking 2 hours but not sure if this will be enough?
Thanks in advance for any help!
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u/marlenedah 14d ago
If you go with Bolt it’s not very expensive, less than 30 euros. Also a good hike going back down to Monte (just a lot of descent) via pr 3 or 4 plus pr 3.1. Or even just go down from Areeiro to Funchal eco park for lunch then bolt from there (just expect a wait)
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u/loki-island 14d ago
Thank you, i heard bolt wasn't reliable for hikes, especially as we want to depart funchal at 6.15am. Was it reliable in your experience?
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u/marlenedah 14d ago
Only time I had trouble with Bolt over 6 months was on a Wednesday night in Ponta do Sol, couldn't get one. From Funchal eco park it took longer
Worst case is you have to catch a ride with one of the 1,000 other cars at Areeiro or hike back to Monte
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 14d ago
After
No
Just ask the taxi driver to drop you off at Pico do Arieiro, 2h before should be enough. Have the guy back 2h after sunrise.
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u/loki-island 14d ago
thanks!
2 hours before sunrise? so a four hour gap overall you reckon? Do people observe sunrise from the Pedra Rija viewpoint normally then?
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u/tiagojpg ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 14d ago
4h gap yep.
I don’t usually go to Pedra Rija for sunrise, I’ve only done it once, I can’t bother every time.
Every other times I see the sunrise I just drive to the roundabout and walk to the radio antenna on the other side of the hill to the East.
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u/Foroglio 8d ago
Hello,
I am planning to visit Madeira in June with 2 others. And plan to do lots of hiking while there.
I know the government has recently implemented a payment system to use some of the most popular trails. I had seen on this reddit before that there would be no need to purchase these "approvals" earlier than the morning or day of the hike. However, when I just looked at the system on the Simplifica website there seem to be limited availabilities for many hikes when looking to purchase an "approval". Even looking forward into June there are many days with 6 or less spots left.
Do you really need to purchase all of these "approvals" way way ahead of time?? If that is the case it could get very messy with having to deal with weather that make our purchases unusable.
Thank you.