Getting Around

Holidays by Destination Europe Portugal Madeira Getting Around 

Membership of the EU has brought money to Madeira, much of which has been spent on road building. This means that getting around the island is rather faster than it used to be, particularly along the southern coast, opening up new areas of tourist development.

Once these main roads have been left however, progress can be much slower than the distances alone would indicate.

Driving yourself is an option, or if you feel less than enthusiastic about facing some of the hairier roads and local driving, it might be worth negotiating with one of the local taxi drivers for tailormade outings which will come with a bit of guiding thrown in.

Buses, although available, are timetabled for the locals so are of limited use outside Funchal.

The whole island is criss crossed by streams and rivers along the mountainsides. (Waterfalls are reasonably common.) The levadas, as they are known, were built to channel water and make for good walks. However, you need to choose appropriately. While some are wide and level, others are just 40cm across with a steep drop at one side, in some cases with spectacular sea views but waves pounding immediately below. The Rough Guide details those suitable for less determined walkers but even on these you should be as prepared for bad weather as you would be in the UK, with appropriate gear, especially footwear, and informing someone where you will be going before you set off.

In addition to flights to Porto Santo up to six times a day, there is a new two-hour ferry link.