HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO MADEIRA? - SAMPLE TRAVEL BUDGET
Weekly cost of stay for one and two persons
For one person, the cost of a 7-day stay in Madeira in the economy version is around £2,000-2500 (flights, accommodation, food, transport and attractions). For two people, the budget is around 1000-1300 €.
Differences according to season and travel style
Prices go up by up to 50% during the summer season (June-September) and at Christmas, especially for accommodation and car hire. In the low season (November-March), you can hunt great bargains - cheaper flights and accommodation. Travel style (cheap backpacking vs comfortable city-break) also makes a big difference.
ACCOMMODATION IN MADEIRA - PRICES OF HOTELS, FLATS AND HOSTELS
Examples of prices for accommodation in Funchal and outside the capital city
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Hostels: from €15-25/night
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Airbnb flats: 40-80 €/night
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Hotels 3-4*: 60-150 €/night outside Funchal prices are slightly lower
Where to look for the cheapest accommodation options?
The cheapest options can be found on sites such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Hostelworld.
Cheap accommodation is available in Machico, Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, among others.
EATING OUT IN MADEIRA - RESTAURANTS, BARS AND SHOPPING IN THE SHOPS
Average prices in typical tourist restaurants and cafés
(e.g. in the centre of Funchal or in Porto Moniz):
- Main course with fish or meat: €15-30
- Coffee €0.80-1.50 - Dessert: €5-7
- Beer (0.33 l) - €1.80 - €3
- Bottled water - €1.5 - €2.50.
Madeira prices in (local) restaurants are still affordable, especially outside the typical tourist establishments.
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Lunch of the day (prato do dia) €7 - €15
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Espresso (bica) - €0.80 - €1.20
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Small snack of the "bolo do caco" type. - from €2.50
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Bottle of local wine in the restaurant - from €8.00
Grocery shopping costs (example shopping basket)
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1 l milk - €1.15
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1 wheat bread (500 g loaf) - from €1.70
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1 kg Madeira bananas - from €1.39
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1 kg local tomatoes - from €2.60
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Water (1.5 l): approx. €0.50
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Eggs (12 pcs.): € 2-3
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Local beer (0,33 l): 1-1,5 €
Where to eat cheaply in Madeira?
It is worth looking for cheap Snack-Bars, especially in Funchal and smaller towns. Great local cuisine at a good price.
TRANSPORT IN MADEIRA - PUBLIC TRANSPORT, CAR HIRE, TAXIS
Bus and public transport fares
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Single ticket: from €1.95
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Aerobus ride from airport to Funchal: €6.40
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Day pass (for tourists): 4,50-6 €
Madera ceny transportu są niskie, szczególnie w komunikacji miejskiej.
Więcej informacji w naszym przewodniku: Komunikacja publiczna na Maderze
Cost of car hire and fuel
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Car: from €30-60/day
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Fuel (1 l): approx. €1.65-1.85
Taxis and other means of transport
Taxis are convenient but more expensive - it's worth agreeing the price before the fare. Alternatively, you can use Bolt or hire a scooter/electric bike.
MADERA ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES - HOW MUCH DO TOURS AND ENTRANCE FEES COST?
Prices of popular tourist attractions
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Entry by cable car to Monte: €14.5 (one way), €20 (round trip), children (7-14 years) 50%, free for children under 6
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Monte Palce Tropical Garden (Funchal): €15 (adults), children under 14 free admission
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Madeira Botanical Garden: €12.50 (adults), children under 15 free entry
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CR7 Museu (Funchal) - €5 (adults), children and teenagers free entry
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Blandy's Wine Lodge (tasting for 1 person 18+): standard €15, vintage €54
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"Santa Maria de Colombo" cruise/tour: €40 adults, children (4-11 years) €20.00
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Dolphin and whale watching cruise (3h): €30-80 (adults), children usually pay half the adult ticket price
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Porto Moniz - natural lava pools (private bathing area with sunbeds, changing room and bar): for an adult from €3, for children over 3 from €1.50, children under 3 enter for free.
Madeira tours - prices depend on several factors, such as:
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season - prices of accommodation, cruises and attractions increase in high season from May to September
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operator and form of tour - organised (with guide and transport) vs 'on your own'
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accommodation
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transport - car hire, local bus or taxi
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trekking - fixed fee + potential parking charges
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operator considerations - reputable operators/car hire companies charge higher rates.
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Price also depends on insurance or equipment packages - attractive additional options
Fees for trekking routes and optional excursions
As of 1 January 2025, there is a fee per person over 12 years of age for access to all official trekking routes marked as PR. The fee must be paid online ('Simplifica' wallet). failure to confirm risks a €50 fine. In addition, parking fees may apply at some car parks along popular routes: €2-4/hour.
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Entry to PR trails: €3 per adult, children under 12 free
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Guided tours vary in form and scope: € 45-300 - If you are looking for reliable, intimate tours with a multilingual guide - check out our offer - comprehensive organisation, flexible programmes and local passion
Free attractions on the island
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Levada Walks - list of free walking trails
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Viewpoints (Miradouros)
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Walk through the historic centre of Funchal
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Porto Moniz - natural lava pools, the so-called wild ones on the eastern side of the city - free entry
EVERYDAY EXPENSES ON MADERA - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE ON THE ISLAND?
Examples of prices for everyday products and services
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City bus ticket (1 journey) - €1.95
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Bottle of water (1.5 l) - €0.70
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Coffee in a café - €0.80 - €2
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Sunflower oil (1 l) - from €2.80
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Bar soap - €1.50
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Toothpaste: €1.5-2
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Shower gel: €2-3
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Cinema ticket: €7-8
PAYMENTS IN MADERA - CASH OR CARD?
Where is it better to pay by card and where is it better to pay in cash?
In Madeira, it is possible to pay with both cash and card. Most shops, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations accept cashless payments. Even small local eateries such as pastelarias or kiosks often accept debit or credit cards. In some places, the minimum card payment is €5-10.
Cash can come in handy mainly:
- in village markets (mercado)
- in mountain huts or "snack bar" type bars in the interior of the island.
- when tipping, buying fruit from local vendors
- during excursions or using private carriers
ATMs and currency exchange
ATMs (Multibanco, Millennium, Santander or Novo Banco) are widely available in cities and larger towns. Most of them do not charge additional fees, although your bank's fee in Poland may apply. Beware of private ATMs (Euronet), which charge high fees and unfavourable conversion rates. It is best to use multi-currency cards (e.g. Revolut, Visa). Madeira, as part of Portugal, uses the euro (€). Currency exchange locally is not popular - exchange offices are almost non-existent and rates in hotels are very unfavourable. It is best to bring euros or use a multi-currency card.
FAQ
How many euros to take for a week?
For a budget trip: €300-500. For a comfortable holiday: 600-1000 €
Is Madeira expensive for the tourist?
No - Madeira's holiday prices are moderate, especially in low season.
What is the most expensive thing to do in Madeira?
You will spend the most on accommodation during peak season and some organised tours. The cost of excursions in Madeira depends on your itinerary - you can spend a week for €1,000 - €1,500.
Do I pay by phone?
Yes - Google/ Apple Pay works in most places.
Where is the cheapest place to shop?
W supermarketach: Pingo Doce, Continente.
Is tipping compulsory?
No, but welcome - usually 5-10% in restaurants and for transport services.
SUMMARY
Holidays to Madeira do not have to strain the budget - it all depends on how you plan and your individual choices. The island offers a wide range of possibilities: both for tourists looking for economical solutions and for those who opt for comfort and convenience. Knowing the local prices allows you not only to avoid unforeseen expenses, but above all to maximise the potential of an extraordinary place. Wise organisation is the key to a satisfying and stress-free holiday.
EXPENSES AND PRICES IN MADERA - HOW MUCH DOES A HOLIDAY REALLY COST?
Wondering how much a Madeira holiday costs? This guide will help you plan your budget - whether you're going for a week or longer. You'll check the costs of accommodation, transport, food and attractions. You'll also find out where to save money and what to plan ahead.
National Tourist Register - licence RNAVT n° 11932
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