Madeira makes for an incredible vacation for anyone who loves both mountains and the coast. This Portuguese island is known for its epic hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, gnarly hills and rocky beaches.
If you’re planning a trip to Madeira and are wondering what to pack, this guide is for you.
Read my guide to the best things to do in Madeira to continue planning your trip!
What is the weather like in Madeira?
Madeira has relatively mild weather, making it beautiful to visit year round!
The hottest month of the year is usually August, with an average high of 66 °F (19°C) and low of 55°F (13°C). The coolest month of the year tends to be February, with an average high of 53°F (12°C) and low of 43°F (6°C).
There is also a bit of a rainy season in Madeira, which tends to be from October to December. However, this doesn’t mean that it rains everyday, just that it’s more common.
If you’re hoping to swim in the ocean and take advantage of the natural pools, it’s best to visit during the summer. But if you’re planning to do a lot of hiking and would like to avoid the worst of the crowds, the best times tend to be fall and spring (October to December, or April to May).
Personally, I visited at the end of November and thought it was a great time for cooler weather and hiking. Really, you can’t go wrong when it comes to when to visit Madeira.
What to Pack for Madeira
Hiking Gear
There are so many epic trails in Madeira, so you’ll want to pack your hiking gear. This includes a hiking backpack, the 10 essentials for hiking, and hiking boots and socks. A few hiking essentials that I especially recommend are a reusable water bottle, a headlamp (especially if you’re wanting to hike at sunrise or sunset), a first aid kit and extra layers, such as a raincoat.
Read my full day hike packing list.
Swimming Gear
Be sure to bring a bathing suit, reef safe sunscreen and a packable towel if you’re planning on swimming. This packable towel is super lightweight!
Sun Gear
Stay protected from the sun with sunglasses and a hat.
A GoPro
If you’ll be swimming and/or canyoneering, a GoPro or water camera is great to have on hand!
A Light Jacket
Make sure you stay cool in the evenings with a light jacket or a raincoat.
Clothing
Of course, your clothing options depend on what you’re planning on doing and your style! A few ideas I recommend are tennis shoes and sandals, a flowy dress, breathable hiking clothing and enough underwear for your visit.
A Power Bank
Don’t get caught with a dead phone! It’s always best to carry a power bank while traveling. While they’re a bit pricey, I love how lightweight this backpacking power bank is.
Power Adaptor
Madeira uses the same plugs as much of Europe, type C and type F. If you’re coming from the United States, you’ll need an adaptor like these on Amazon.
Passport
Don’t forget your passport!
Tips for Visiting Madeira
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I recommend renting a car to get around the island. And renting a manual vehicle tends to be much cheaper than an automatic. However, make sure you have experience driving manual, because there are some very steep hills to navigate. You can compare rental car prices at discovercars.com.
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Expect large crowds on the popular trails, such as PR1. Go early and be patient.
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Tipping is not necessary in Portugal, but it’s fairly common. If you receive good service at a restaurant, you may want to leave about 10%.
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Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, so it helps to know some basic Portuguese. However, many locals are also able to speak English. Do not try to speak Spanish here.
Final Thoughts
I hope this easy packing list helps you prepare for your trip to Madeira! From incredible hiking trails to scenic vistas to unique natural pools, it’s a stunning island to explore.
For More Europeon Travel Guides, check out these articles:
- The Best Things To Do in Madeira
- How to Spend 2 Days in Lisbon
- A Guide to Visiting Tromso, Norway in the Winter
- The Perfect Iceland Winter Itinerary
- How to Spend One Day in Oslo, Norway
Thanks for Reading!
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