Back to Insider
Travel Tips
What to pack for Madeira: essentials for every traveller
Not a big suitcase. A clever one.
Madeira does not ask for a big suitcase, it asks for an intelligent one. The golden rule is layers: on the same day it can be 25°C by the sea and 12°C with wind at Pico do Arieiro. The three things nobody should forget, in any season: a light waterproof, footwear with grip, and a swimsuit.
In short
Madeira does not ask for a big suitcase, it asks for an intelligent one. The golden rule is layers: on the same day it can be 25°C by the sea and 12°C with wind at Pico do Arieiro. The three things nobody should forget, in any season: a light waterproof, footwear with grip, and a swimsuit.
The layer rule
Forget the question "is it hot or cold in Madeira?" The answer is yes. The island rises from sea level to 1,862 metres in a few kilometres, and every 100 metres of climb steals temperature. The system that works: t-shirt, a mid layer (thin fleece or sweatshirt) and a waterproof windbreaker that fits in a daypack. In winter, add a warm jacket for the peaks. In summer you probably will not use the third layer on the coast, but you will be grateful for it up top.
For the trails
- Footwear with grip. They need not be mountain boots for the easy levadas, but smooth soles on wet stone are a recipe for a fright.
- A head torch, or a charged phone. Several levadas pass through tunnels carved into the rock.
- Water and something to eat. There are no cafés halfway along a trail.
- Sun protection and a hat. Altitude deceives; you burn faster than you expect.
- Offline maps downloaded. Mobile signal fails in the valleys, and GPS in Madeira is less reliable than you think: trails that appear to connect on a map do not always connect on the ground. Always confirm the official route before setting out.
For the sea
Much of the Madeiran coast is rounded pebble and natural pools of volcanic rock, beautiful but hard on bare feet. A cheap pair of water shoes changes the experience entirely. On Porto Santo, with its 9 km of sand, you can leave them in the case.
Technology and documents
- Sockets are European (type F, 230 V), so visitors from the UK, the US and elsewhere need an adapter.
- A power bank for long days of photos and maps.
- European health insurance card (EU visitors) or travel insurance.
- Some small cash: useful at summer village festivals, in village shops and at some viewpoints with local vendors.
What you do not need to bring
A large umbrella (the wind on the levadas laughs at it, and a waterproof works better), formal clothing (Madeira is elegant but relaxed), and any fear of the cold: even in January, a good jacket is enough for most days on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need mountain boots?
For the classic flat levadas, good trail shoes are enough. For mountain routes such as Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, boots with ankle support are a good investment.
Should I bring insect repellent?
In summer, yes, especially for the end of the day on the south coast. It is not a danger, it is an avoidable nuisance.
And for New Year's Eve?
An extra elegant layer for the evening: the party is outdoors and the December Atlantic breeze makes itself felt after midnight.
Can I buy all this on the island if I forget?
Yes, Funchal has well-stocked sports shops and supermarkets. But grippy soles on your first day of hiking cannot be improvised: bring those from home.
Hiking with us? We send a checklist tailored to the route and the season before every experience, so the only surprise of the day is the scenery.
See Nature & Wellness