Madeira, as a tourist attraction, has the whole range of accommodation options. This applies to Funchal, the island's capital with its diverse cultural offerings, as well as to the eleven island counties with picturesque towns such as Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz or Santa Cruz. Private accommodation such as private rooms, apartments and cottages are available all over the island in all price categories.
The right accommodation:
Compared to hotel accommodation, they offer the advantage of free daily scheduling. What would be a Madeira vacation planning without determining the vacation program? The corresponding Madeira travel tips are based on the ambitions of the travelers. For those who do not want to miss out on urban ambience, the island's capital Funchal is a good choice. Countless sights such as the Market Square, the Se Cathedral or the Botanical Garden with its aviaries combine with the urban center.
Your arrival
Entry regulations on Madeira
Since 1986 Portugal and Madeira is an official member of the EU. According to the statutes of the country, the archipelago forms the "Autonomous Portuguese Region of Madeira". Based on this status, the following regulations apply to German nationals. For them, the stay in Madeira is a visit to an EU member country. As travel documents valid German passport or identity card are to be carried along.
The children's passport is also valid without restrictions. Parents who have their children under 16 years old in their passport can enter with family. As a signatory of the sog. "Schengen Agreement" Portugal waives regular border controls for incoming EU citizens. Madeira can be reached by sea and air. Accordingly, the Madeira tips on how to get there: The airport of the island's capital Funchal is approached from German airports, by boat you can reach the port of the city. The national language is Portuguese, but communication in English is also unproblematic.
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Funchal airport on Madeira
Vacation with dog in Madeira
Special regulations apply for owners of dogs and pets. You are guided by the "EU regulation on import/export of pets", according to which a pet passport and the obligatory proof of rabies vaccination must be presented when crossing the border. The regulations on the movement of goods have a calming effect, as there are no restrictions on the import/export of goods for personal use for EU citizens.
Tips for the travel season
Specific Madeira travel tips can be formulated if Madeira vacation planning is oriented around attractive dates in the annual calendar of events. Some apply to the time before Christmas until New Year's Eve. Then the catholic Funchal is "dressed" in a splendid Christmas decoration. Streets, alleys and squares glitter and sparkle with Christmas spirit. On New Year's Eve Madeira impresses with its spectacular fireworks, known by the "Guinness Book of Records. New Year's Eve cruise ships give the port a festive feel at the turn of the year. For spring, special tips, such as the internationally known "Fasta da Flor", the flower festival held at the end of April / beginning of May. At Easter time it impresses with opulent flower decorations. It absolutely belongs in the travel planning for the spring stay.
On the way in Madeira
In the urban area of Funchal it is recommended to use public transport like the "Yellow Bus" line. Cabs are available for more individual transportation. Much can be done – Madeira tips for walkers – on foot. Those planning island tours are best served by rental car. This way, trips can be organized through the interior of the country or along the old coastal roads with spectacular views of the wide sea, but also extensive hikes along the water channels called "Levadas". Natural rock pools near Porto Moniz invite to a special bathing pleasure. Madeira tips include a visit to the cliff "Cabo Girao" and a visit to the western tip of the island with the lighthouse of "Ponta do Pargo". The plateau "Paul da Serra" and "Pico Ruivo", the highest mountain, are considered Madeira tips for hikers.