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Madeira

Madeira is a captivating archipelago that lies in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal, luring tourists around the year with its natural scenery and pleasant climate. This Portuguese gem comprises four islands, with Madeira Island being the largest amongst them. Known as the 'Garden of the Atlantic,' Madeira boasts exotic floral landscapes, lush vineyards, and the unique Laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The islands also feature awe-inspiring volcanic geological formations, scenic hiking paths, particularly the levada walks, and the bustling marketplaces 'Mercados dos Lavradores' in the capital city, Funchal. Renowned for its New Year's fireworks display, one of the world's largest, and the fortified Madeira wine, the island is also the birthplace of the football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. This idyllic archipelago offers a blend of natural enchantment and cultural fascination.

Madeira is currently ranked #45 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.3 /5

Based on 10 experiences

4.1 /5

Based on our research

4.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Very safe

Madeira is widely recognized for its safety and is a popular destination for solo female travelers. The crime rate is very low and local people are welcoming and friendly. It is especially safe for walking around during the day and night. However, it is always advised to exercise normal precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding remote areas at night and not leaving valuables unattended. The local police are also approachable and helpful.

Transport:Easy

Madeira is fairly easy to navigate. The island is compact, which makes it quite straightforward to explore different areas. However, some parts involve steep hills or unpaved paths, which might be challenging for some. Public transportation such as buses and taxis are available extensively, making traveling shorter distances convenient. Rented cars are recommended for more flexibility and would allow you to visit at your own pace and time.

Things to do:Interesting

Madeira is brimming with natural beauty and adventure. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can bask in the stunning beauty of Ponta de Sao Lourenço or embark on thrilling levada walks. For beach lovers, the pristine black sand beaches are a unique experience. Exploring the Pico Ruivo mountain and the enchanting Laurisilva Forest is bound to take your breath away. Funchal, the capital, is full of charming architecture, historical sites such as the Santa Clara Monastery and Town Hall, beautiful gardens like the Tropical Garden of Monte Palace and delicious seafood cuisine. Madeira offers a multitude of activities and experiences, though might be less satisfying if you usually enjoy buzzing nightlife and extensive shopping opportunities.

Food:Excellent

The cuisine in Madeira is incredibly varied and delightful. You'll find a range of options from fresh seafood dishes to meat-based specialties, diverse in preparation methods and flavor profiles. There are plenty of exotic fruits and vegetables unique to this region as well, making Madeira's gastronomic landscape quite admirable. The local street food and gourmet dishes can offer something exciting for each foodie visiting there. Desserts are noteworthy as well, and the local wine, Madeira, is internationally celebrated and a must-try. Overall, expect a rich culinary journey when visiting Madeira.

Budget:Moderate

Madeira provides a medium-cost travel experience. The accommodation and food prices vary significantly, allowing a flexible budget. Local transportation and sightseeing can be quite affordable; however, special activities like guided tours, boat trips, or wine tasting can add to your budget. To assure a cost-effective trip, plan your expenses wisely and enjoy the local cuisine and habits.

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 10 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Karolina

Poland

Group travel experience

My experience from Madeira I spent there great time with 4 girls. We lived there for one month. The island is safe, people were so nice, food delicious. It’s a lot activities to do. I just love this island!

Posted: November 7, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

I went to backpaking on the island with a friend. It was amazing, all the landscapes, mountains and views. We could camp for free to many places and we’ve seen so many stars. The food was good and we met some interesting people.

Posted: November 5, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone and fell in love with Madeira. It's very safe there, the food is amazing, locals are friendly, and most people speak English.

Posted: September 24, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Madeira was wonderful. I was there for 4 days, so I rented a car and drove around the entire island, very calmly, because it's quite small. The mountains are spectacular, the beaches are pristine. I felt completely safe all the time. People were friendly and helpful.

Posted: August 1, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Marlina

Australia

Family travel experience

Madeira is a beautiful island of Portugal. People are friendly. Lovely atmosphere to feel safe while visiting the island. Delicious food. A great place for a winter gateway. I took a day trip tour to go around the island because I didn’t drive. I stayed near the city centre and walked most of the time.

Posted: July 12, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to Madeira last year. It's a wonderful place and very cheap. I didn't have a car, but I definitely recommend it. Renting a car there was very expensive, so I used the bus. Mainly I stayed in Funchal and Porto Da Cruz.

Posted: March 11, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Madeira is wonderful. I spent 7 days in Funchal. For me, it was the perfect starting point to visit all the places I wanted to see. The buses were cheap, but not all routes were available by public transport. I booked a tour for myself to see things I wanted to, but couldn't reach by car.

Posted: December 16, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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