Choose your dates
Weather, ocean temperature, crowds and prices change radically from one month to the next. May-June and September-October remain the best compromise.
When to visit Madeira, month by month
Madeira guide
Plan a trip to Madeira:the four-step method
Everything you need to decide before you go: the period, the places, the map, then the itinerary. Each step links to a detailed guide, and I can take over whenever you'd rather delegate.
The four decisions that make the trip
List what you want to see
Levadas, Pico do Arieiro, Fanal forest, natural pools, Funchal: each site has its best time to visit and its real time on the ground.
What to do in Madeira: the must-seesPlace the sites on a map
Madeira is 57 km long but the mountain roads deceive everyone. Seeing the places geolocated stops you spending your days in the car.
The interactive Madeira mapPut together a coherent itinerary
Group visits by area, plan a weather Plan B for each day and book what needs booking: this is where it all comes together.
My custom Madeira itineraryThe pointers to know before booking
- How many days
- 7 days for the essentials, 10 to relax and include the north and Porto Santo.
- Car hire
- Essential. Choose a small category: the roads and car parks are narrow.
- Where to stay
- Funchal for the south and flights, plus one or two nights in the north or west.
- Budget
- Flight + car + accommodation in low season often start under €700 per person.
- Walking level
- Many levadas are flat; the peaks require genuine physical fitness.
- When to book
- 2 to 3 months ahead in summer, 1 month out of season. New Year should be booked a year in advance.
Reviews and feedback
What's said by those who have already gone
Public Google reviews, left after a trip prepared with Lulu Travel.
5,0/5 · 50 Google reviewsLire les avis sur Google
Avis Google
“Très heureuse d’avoir travaillé avec Lucie pour la planification de notre voyage à Madère. Je m’y suis prise un peu tard et malgré le peu de temps pour préparer un carnet de voyage, Lucie m’a procuré un excellent produit. Un itinéraire bien rempli, où découvertes, randonnées, restaurants , paysages étaient bien présents. Lucie nous a trouvé un guide fantastique pour visiter le Nord de l’Ile. Ce que j’ai apprécié, c’est l’appel téléphonique avant le processus. Lucie a ciblé nos désirs, a posé les bonnes questions pour créer un itinéraire parfait pour nous. Sa carte interactive fut fort utile et ses recommandations précieuses. Je n’hésiterai pas à utiliser ses services à nouveau.”
Avis Google
“On rentre d'un voyage à Madère organisé par Lulu Travel et franchement, pas déçus : elle a répondu à toutes nos attentes. Le carnet de voyage, la carte interactive, tout était fluide et bien organisé au jour le jour. On a juste eu à profiter des vacances sans se soucier de l'organisation. Je la recommande à mille pour cent, elle s'investit à fond. Un grand merci à elle, et rendez-vous au prochain voyage !”
Avis Google
“J'ai contacté Lulu pour faire mon carnet de voyage pour ma première expérience solo à Madère. Elle a été super enthousiaste, m'a écoutée et m'a aidée à éviter trop de touristes pendant les randonnées. Je reviens avec beaucoup de souvenirs et j'ai vraiment apprécié son accompagnement.”
Avis Google
“J'ai choisi la formule Lulu à la rescousse pour faire analyser mon planning et rectifier les incohérences. Lucie m'a donné un road trip optimisé qui nous a fait gagner du temps, avec plein de conseils pour améliorer notre séjour.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you plan a trip to Madeira from start to finish?
In order: choose the period based on weather and budget, list the sites that really matter to you, place them on a map to group days by area, book the flight then the car, and finally arrange accommodation by area rather than one hotel for the whole stay. A custom itinerary does this work for you and avoids wasted days on the road.
How many days should you plan for Madeira?
Seven days let you see the south, one or two major levadas, the plateau and the north without rushing. Ten days open the door to Porto Santo, the eastern point and genuine rest days.
Do you need to book hikes in Madeira?
Some trails, including the PR1 between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, require a paid access ticket to be booked online. Others mainly require arriving early to find a parking spot.
Can you visit Madeira without a car?
It's possible by staying in Funchal with organised excursions, but you'll miss the north, the plateau and most of the levadas. For a first trip, a car remains the best option.
What budget should you plan for a week in Madeira?
Out of season, allow often €600 to €800 per person for a week: flight from France, a small hire car, accommodation in an apartment or small hotel, petrol and meals. In July-August, the same week can easily climb to €1,000-1,300 per person, especially if you book late. Visits remain inexpensive: most levadas are free, and only a few hikes such as the PR1 require an access ticket.
What is the best time to plan a trip to Madeira?
May-June and September-October offer the best balance of stable weather, pleasant ocean temperatures, moderate prices and manageable crowds. Winter is still very workable if you base your stay in the south of the island, which is sunnier than the north.
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