# 🇵🇹 Madeira — Portugal

> Madeira is a lush, dramatic Atlantic island made for levada walks, sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro and swims in Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools, rather than a classic beach holiday. Israeli travelers will love combining a refined Funchal hotel with scenic drives, village stops, Madeira wine tastings and dolphin-watching cruises in a mild, springlike climate.

## Quick facts

- **Country:** Portugal
- **Currency:** EUR (€)
- **Time zone:** שעתיים פחות מת״א בחורף ובדרך כלל שעתיים פחות בקיץ
- **Language:** פורטוגזית
- **Power plug:** C / F · 230V
- **Visa for Israelis:** אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום באזור שנגן
- **Safety:** בטוח מאוד בדרך כלל; במסלולי הרים חשוב לבדוק מזג אוויר, סגירות שבילים ולהצטייד בנעליים מתאימות
- **Main airport (IATA):** FNC
- **Trips from:** ₪4,290 / 5 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.8/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** April, May, June, July, August, September, October

## Weather by month

Measured in Madeira.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 19°C | Recommended |
| פבר | 19°C | Recommended |
| מרץ | 20°C | Recommended |
| אפר | 21°C | Excellent |
| מאי | 22°C | Excellent |
| יונ | 24°C | Excellent |
| יול | 25°C | Excellent |
| אוג | 26°C | Excellent |
| ספט | 26°C | Excellent |
| אוק | 24°C | Excellent |
| נוב | 22°C | Excellent |
| דצמ | 20°C | Recommended |

## Where to stay

- **Funchal** — Best for: Couples, families, and travelers who want restaurants, bars, and easy access to tours. The most convenient base for Israeli travelers, with Old Town lanes, a marina promenade, Mercado dos Lavradores, and evening energy along Rua de Santa Maria.
- **Lido and São Martinho** — Best for: Families, couples, and travelers who enjoy resort hotels with pools. Funchal's polished hotel district offers an oceanfront promenade, the Lido bathing complex, restaurants, and sunset views a short ride from the center.
- **Calheta** — Best for: Families, couples, and travelers seeking a relaxed seaside stay. A sunny resort town in the island's southwest, with one of Madeira's most accessible sandy beaches and an excellent base for western levadas and viewpoints.
- **Porto Moniz** — Best for: Couples, nature lovers, and travelers who prefer quiet. A small, remote town facing natural lava pools and Atlantic waves, ideal for a peaceful night after exploring the wild north coast.
- **Santana** — Best for: Hikers, outdoor travelers, and nature-seeking couples. A cool, green northern base near the famous triangular houses, laurel forest trails, and mountain routes.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** Cristiano Ronaldo Airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from Funchal. The Aerobus costs roughly ₪25-30 per person, while a taxi or Bolt generally costs ₪80-120; reaching Calheta takes about an hour and costs considerably more.
- **Do you need a car?** Yes, if you want to experience the island properly. You can stay in Funchal without a car and book day tours, but a car gives you flexibility for Paul da Serra, Fanal, Porto Moniz, and levada trailheads; expect steep gradients, tunnels, and narrow roads.
- **Transport tips:** In Funchal, use buses, taxis, or Bolt rather than searching for central parking. For one-way hikes such as Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, check trail status in advance and book a shuttle that drops you at the trailhead and collects you at the endpoint.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪1,500-3,000 (usually connecting)
- **Mid-range hotel nightly:** ₪450-850 (double room)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪55-110 (per person)
- **Local beer:** ₪10-18
- **Cup of coffee:** ₪5-11
- **Short taxi ride:** ₪25-50
- **Rental car daily:** ₪120-260 (excluding fuel)
- **Daily budget per person:** ₪350-650 (excluding flight)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** Madeira does not have a permanent Chabad center offering daily prayers and meals like major Israeli destinations, nor a permanent kosher restaurant. Funchal has the Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue and a Jewish cemetery, but community activity is limited, so do not rely on a minyan or Shabbat meals without arranging them in advance.
- **Kosher food:** Kosher-observant travelers usually book an apartment with a kitchenette and bring sealed staples; Continente and Pingo Doce supermarkets stock fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, and vegan products, though imported items still require certification checks. Travelers comfortable with kosher-style food can choose vegetarian dishes or permitted fish, request preparation without meat or mixing, and remember that kitchens and cookware are not kosher.

## Attractions

- **Pico do Arieiro** (Duration: 2 to 5 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (5,857 reviews) · Address: Pico do Arieiro, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3304280350673897309)
- **PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço** (Duration: 3 to 4 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (14,241 reviews) · Address: 9200-044 Caniçal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11576510234802708758)
- **Cabo Girão Skywalk** (Duration: 45 to 75 minutes) — Rating 4.5/5 (32,129 reviews) · Address: Estrada do Cabo Girão, 9300-351 Câmara de Lobos, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=708365783944871076) · [Website](http://www.visitmadeira.pt/pt-pt/explorar/detalhe/cabogirao)
- **Monte Palace Madeira** (Duration: 2 to 3 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (97 reviews) · Address: Largo das Babosas 4 A, Monte, 9050-288 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8709542047794854611) · [Website](https://montepalacemadeira.com/museu/)
- **Monte Toboggan Rides** (Duration: 10-minute ride, about 1 hour with queues) — Rating 4.4/5 (4,442 reviews) · Address: Caminho do Monte, Entrada 151, Porta 4, Monte, 9050-288 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12243120533801093350) · [Website](https://www.carreirosdomonte.com/v3/pt/index.php)
- **Fanal Forest** (Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (7,615 reviews) · Address: פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16009319534908301808)
- **Praia Formosa** (Duration: 2 hours to half a day) — Rating 4.4/5 (1,666 reviews) · Address: Praia Formosa, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2253061409098375709)

## Restaurants

- **Armazém do Sal** (מרכז פונשל, ₪₪₪) — A popular restaurant in a historic salt warehouse, serving polished Portuguese fish and vegetable dishes. Kosher-observant guests should order carefully; it is not certified kosher. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,876 reviews) · Address: R. da Alfândega 135, São Martinho, 9000-059 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10353367964372497990) · [Website](https://armazemdosal.com/)
- **Akua by Chef Júlio Pereira** (מרכז פונשל, ₪₪₪) — Modern Madeiran cooking known for fish and seasonal produce. Ask for a kosher-species whole fish or vegetables without unclear sauces. — Rating 4.7/5 (2,703 reviews) · Address: R. Dos Murcas 6, São Martinho, 9000-058 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2634904016671054343) · [Website](http://akuafunchal.pt/)
- **Kampo by Chef Júlio Pereira** (מרכז פונשל, ₪₪₪) — A lively chef-led restaurant with an open kitchen and strong vegetable dishes. It is not kosher, but staff are accustomed to dietary requests. — Rating 4.7/5 (2,454 reviews) · Address: R. da Alfândega 74, São Martinho, 9000-059 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16034383452934810913) · [Website](https://kampo.pt/)
- **Casal da Penha** (פונשל, ליד אזור המלונות, ₪₪) — A longstanding favorite for fresh fish, potatoes and salads, with a pleasant terrace. It is not kosher certified. — Rating 4.7/5 (3,182 reviews) · Address: Beco da Ataíde 1, São Martinho, 9000-604 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3959406767695544502) · [Website](http://www.casaldapenha.com/)
- **Terra Food Concept** (פונשל, ₪₪) — A convenient vegan and vegetarian choice with bowls, vegetables and colorful plates. Better suited to simple ingredient requests, but not kosher certified. — Rating 4.7/5 (1,124 reviews) · Address: R. Câmara Pestana 32 2 andar, São Martinho, 9000-043 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13023959471962051410) · [Website](http://terrafoodconcept.pt/)
- **Prima Caju** (מרכז פונשל, ₪₪) — A popular brunch spot for açaí bowls, toast, salads and coffee. Handy for families and vegetarians, without kosher certification. — Rating 4.6/5 (1,084 reviews) · Address: Rua da Carreira 108, São Martinho, 9000-042 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5637060486924983108) · [Website](https://www.primacaju.pt/)

## Nightlife

- **Revolucion Rock Bar** — Rock bar — Rating 4.9/5 (1,248 reviews) · Address: R. do Sabão 82, São Martinho, 9000-056 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16679516697849708017) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/revolucioncocktailbar)
- **Venda Velha** — Poncha bar — Rating 4.3/5 (1,430 reviews) · Address: Rua de Santa Maria 170, 9060-291 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2802489294948208261) · [Website](https://www.grupocafedoteatro.com/)
- **Barreirinha Bar Café** — Sunset bar — Rating 4.6/5 (4,319 reviews) · Address: Largo do Socorro 1, 9060-305 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11578272072745646173) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/barreirinhabarcafe/)
- **Three House Rooftop Bar** — Rooftop bar — Rating 4.6/5 (329 reviews) · Address: Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot 2 6th floor, 9060-209 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13611250459816412137) · [Website](https://linktr.ee/three.house)
- **Galáxia Skybar** — Sky bar — Rating 4.4/5 (634 reviews) · Address: Av. do Infante 25, São Martinho, 9004-542 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10240060025029099293) · [Website](https://www.savoysignature.com/savoypalacehotel/pt/restaurants/galaxia-skyfood/)
- **Dubai Club Madeira** — Club — Rating 3.7/5 (468 reviews) · Address: R. do Favilla 3, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15498908239571923870)
- **Doca do Cavacas** — Oceanfront bathing complex and bar — Rating 4.4/5 (3,073 reviews) · Address: Rua da Ponta da Cruz 66, 9000-250 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11230089281699115607) · [Website](https://m.facebook.com/rdocadocavacas/)

## Casinos

- **Casino da Madeira** (In hotel Pestana Casino Park) — Madeira’s main and only casino is in Funchal, about a 5-minute drive from the Lido hotel district, offering roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines, with admission from age 18 upon presentation of a passport and smart attire expected. — Rating 4.1/5 (3,557 reviews) · Address: Av. do Infante, São Martinho, 9004-513 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16008346771699420299) · [Website](https://www.casinodamadeira.com/)

## Shopping

- **Forum Madeira** (Mall, Area: São Martinho, Funchal) — The main mall near the hotel district, with fashion, a supermarket, food and cinema. — Rating 4.4/5 (12,765 reviews) · Address: Estrada Monumental 390, São Martinho, 9004-568 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5465211065762877349) · [Website](http://www.forummadeira.com/)
- **MadeiraShopping** (Mall, Area: Santo António, Funchal) — A large, convenient rainy-day mall with broad choice and parking. — Rating 4.4/5 (9,548 reviews) · Address: Caminho Santa Quitéria 45, 9024-501 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17235022754531773855) · [Website](http://www.madeirashopping.pt/)
- **Zara - Forum Madeira** (Brand store, Area: Forum Madeira, Funchal) — The sought-after branch for checking euro-priced collections. — Rating 4.2/5 (502 reviews) · Address: Estrada Monumental 390, São Martinho, 9004-568 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2661902338431157614) · [Website](https://www.zara.com/pt/es/stores-locator/zara-funchal-forum-madeira-s3428)
- **Bershka - Forum Madeira** (Brand store, Area: Forum Madeira, Funchal) — Youth fashion and quick shopping close to the hotels. — Rating 4.3/5 (145 reviews) · Address: Estrada Monumental 390, São Martinho, 9004-568 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=260180737001746699) · [Website](https://www.bershka.com/pt)
- **Pull&Bear - Forum Madeira** (Brand store, Area: Forum Madeira, Funchal) — A reliable stop for denim, tops and casualwear. — Rating 4.1/5 (93 reviews) · Address: Estrada Monumental 390, São Martinho, 9004-568 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1458722060265006887) · [Website](https://www.pullandbear.com/pt/pt/stores-locator/funchal/forum-madeira-s5229)
- **Mango - Forum Madeira** (Brand store, Area: Forum Madeira, Funchal) — Polished, accessible fashion in an easy stop before an evening in Funchal. — Rating 4.3/5 (123 reviews) · Address: Rua Dos Ferreiros 74, São Martinho, 9000-082 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12826111031053961956) · [Website](http://www.mango.com/)
- **Stradivarius - Forum Madeira** (Brand store, Area: Forum Madeira, Funchal) — Especially popular for young fashion, shoes and accessories. — Rating 4.2/5 (53 reviews) · Address: Estrada Monumental 390, São Martinho, 9004-568 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4217806574672930170) · [Website](https://www.stradivarius.com/pt/store-locator/funchal/estrada-monumental,-390-s2714.html)
- **Mercado dos Lavradores** (Market, Area: Funchal Old Town) — The iconic market for tropical fruit, flowers and souvenirs; confirm prices before buying. — Rating 4.1/5 (28,839 reviews) · Address: Largo dos Lavradores, 9060-158 Funchal, פורטוגל · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10185172634968657507)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: Funchal and Monte** — Start at Mercado dos Lavradores, then wander through Zona Velha and the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria. Ride the cable car to Monte, visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and, for a dose of excitement, descend part of the way in a traditional wicker toboggan.
2. **Day 2: Madeira's Peaks** — Leave early for sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, then continue on a mountain route suited to current trail openings and weather. If the trail to Pico Ruivo is closed or too demanding, combine accessible ridge viewpoints with Ribeiro Frio and the short walk to Balcões.
3. **Day 3: Levadas and Ancient Forest** — Hike Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco, one of the island's classic nature days, filled with irrigation channels, waterfalls, and dense greenery. Continue in the afternoon to Fanal Forest, where ancient laurel trees look almost otherworldly when the mist rolls in.
4. **Day 4: North Coast and Porto Moniz** — Drive through São Vicente and along the dramatic north coast to Porto Moniz's lava pools, swimming only when sea conditions allow. On the return journey, stop at Véu da Noiva waterfall and Seixal, known for its black beach beneath steep green cliffs.
5. **Day 5: Cabo Girão and Calheta** — Begin on the glass platform at Cabo Girão, then continue to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Finish in Calheta with a swim at the sandy beach or a dolphin- and whale-watching cruise, then return to Funchal for dinner and a final marina stroll.

## VAYULOR tips

- 🚗 Reserve a small automatic car with broad insurance coverage, as village roads are steep, parking spaces are tight and hill starts in a manual can be stressful.
- 🏨 For a first visit, stay in Funchal, particularly around Lido or near the Old Town, and confirm that your hotel has parking if you are renting a car.
- 🥾 Before any levada hike, check the official Madeira trail status that morning and reserve entry when required, as closures caused by landslides, fires or maintenance can change quickly.
- 🌦️ Do not cancel a day out because Funchal is cloudy: check webcams at Pico do Arieiro, Fanal and Porto Moniz, since conditions can be completely different across the island.
- 🌊 At Seixal and the natural pools, enter the water only when the sea is calm and the swimming area is open, because Atlantic swells can intensify even on a sunny, peaceful-looking day.
- ✡️ Kosher-observant travelers should arrange meals in advance with Chabad Madeira in Funchal and favor an apartment with a kitchen, as organized kosher options are extremely limited outside the capital.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do Israelis need a visa for Madeira?**

Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in Madeira, subject to Portugal and Schengen entry rules and a valid passport.

**When is the best time to visit Madeira?**

The best period for Madeira is April through October, with May and June offering lush blooms, pleasant weather and fewer crowds than July and August.

**How many days should you spend in Madeira?**

Allow at least 6 to 8 days in Madeira to combine Funchal, levada walks, mountain peaks, Porto Moniz and the eastern coast without rushing.

**Are there direct flights from Israel to Madeira, and how long is the journey?**

There is usually no regular direct route from Tel Aviv to Madeira, so most journeys connect through Lisbon or another European city and take about 8 to 12 hours in total.

**How do you get around Madeira, and is a rental car necessary?**

A rental car is the easiest way to explore Madeira, but the steep roads, narrow lanes and parking in Funchal make a small automatic car the smartest choice.

**How much does a vacation in Madeira cost?**

A couple in Madeira will typically spend about ₪900 to ₪1,500 per day excluding flights, including a good hotel, rental car, meals and one activity.

**Is Madeira safe, and is it better for families or couples?**

Madeira is considered very safe and suits both nature-loving couples and families drawn to dolphin cruises, the Funchal cable car and Porto Moniz natural pools.

**Does Madeira have beaches, nightlife and kosher food?**

Madeira offers pebble and black-sand shores, sandy Machico Beach and lively bars in Funchal’s Old Town, but no permanent kosher restaurant, so kosher travelers should bring supplies and book a kitchen-equipped apartment.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to Madeira](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/portugal/flights/madeira)
- [Vacation packages to Madeira](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/portugal/packages/madeira)
- [Hotels in Madeira](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/portugal/hotels/madeira)
- [eSIM data for Madeira](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/portugal/madeira)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/portugal/madeira.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-06_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._