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Madeira, the practical bits
Madeira is steep, green and on the same time as Lisbon. Mountain weather changes fast, roads are full of tunnels, and Funchal is the base for most visitors.
From the airport
Airport bus. An Aerobus service runs from the airport to Funchal in about 30 to 40 minutes, and regular buses also stop near the airport. Fares changed in 2026 and published figures differ, so check the current price at the airport. Source: Madeira Airport (ANA) · checked 6 Nov 2026
Tourist tax
€2 per person per night in Funchal
€2 per person per night, up to 7 nights; guests under 13 pay nothing. The council approved €4 on 1 Oct 2026, expected from January 2027 once the municipal assembly votes.
Source: DNoticias, 1 Oct 2026 · checked 6 Nov 2026The phrase you'll use
Uma poncha, por favor
A poncha, please (Madeira's rum, honey and lemon drink)
🗣 OO-muh POHN-shuh
Open the phrasebook →Weather and warnings
Warnings for Madeira
Loading from IPMA…Yellow: be aware. Orange: dangerous weather, take care. Red: extreme, follow official advice. Official live map: ipma.pt. Civil protection: prociv.gov.pt.
Source: IPMA open data · checked 6 Nov 2026Good to know
Levada walks
Levadas are irrigation channels with paths beside them, some with long drops and tunnels. Bring a torch for tunnels, check that the trail is open before you go, and turn back in heavy rain: landslides and closures are common.
Mountain weather
It can be sunny in Funchal and cold, windy and foggy at Pico do Arieiro an hour later. Check the IPMA warnings for the "mountain areas" region below.
Health line
Madeira has its own health line, 800 24 24 20, instead of the mainland's SNS 24 number.
Tourist tax
Funchal and most Madeira municipalities charge €2 a night. Funchal has approved €4, expected from January 2027.
Emergency
Police, fire and ambulance. For health advice that isn't an emergency, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 (Madeira: 800 24 24 20). Pharmacy on duty: farmaciasdeservico.net. More on health, beaches and lost property →
