Travel Budget for Madeira Islands Visit Madeira Islands on a Budget or Travel in Style

Madeira Islands, Portugal

Madeira Islands is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Madeira Islands?

A typical traveler spends $58,442 (€49,816) per day on a trip to Madeira Islands. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Madeira Islands based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $19,834 (€16,907) on meals
  • $5,613 (€4,784) on local transportation
  • $55,852 (€47,608) on hotels

A one-week trip to Madeira Islands for two people costs, on average, $818,190 (€697,424). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $58,442
    49,816
  • One Week Per person
    $409,095
    348,712
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $818,190
    697,424
  • One Month Per person
    $1,753,264
    1,494,480
  • One Week For a couple
    $818,190
    697,424
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,636,380
    1,394,848
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,506,528
    2,988,960
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Madeira Islands cost?

A one week trip to Madeira Islands usually costs around $409,095 (€348,712) for one person and $818,190 (€697,424) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Madeira Islands on average costs around $818,190 (€697,424) for one person and $1,636,380 (€1,394,848) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Madeira Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Madeira Islands on average costs around $1,753,264 (€1,494,480) for one person and $3,506,528 (€2,988,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Madeira Islands expensive to visit?

In Madeira Islands, budget travelers spend $16,882 (€14,421) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $58,321 (€49,816) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $237,229 (€202,636) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Madeira Islands.

Madeira Islands is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

You may find Madeira Islands to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Madeira Islands is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Madeira Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Madeira Islands Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Madeira Islands?

The average Madeira Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Madeira Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Madeira Islands cost?

Madeira Islands on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$8,197
(6,987)
$27,926
(23,804)
$111,938
(95,416)
Local Transportation1 $1,647
(1,404)
$5,613
(4,784)
$22,511
(19,188)
Food2 $5,623
(4,793)
$19,834
(16,907)
$82,408
(70,245)
Entertainment1 $5,224
(4,453)
$16,364
(13,949)
$59,463
(50,686)
Alcohol2 $657-1,972
(560-1,681)
$2,056-6,167
(1,752-5,257)
$7,454-22,362
(6,354-19,061)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Madeira Islands. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $16,882 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

So, are you average?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Madeira Islands will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $58,321 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $237,229 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.



Accommodation Budget in Madeira Islands

Hotel prices in Madeira Islands can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $. Budget accommodations range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Madeira Islands for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $55,852 (€47,608). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27,926 (€23,804) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27,926
    23,804
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $55,852
    47,608

Hotels in Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Madeira Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Madeira Islands

Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.



Transportation Budget in Madeira Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $5,613 (€4,784) per person, per day, on local transportation in Madeira Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Madeira Islands is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5,613
    4,784

You can fly into Madeira through the Madeira International Airport in Funchal. From here, you can take a bus to downtown Funchal, a boat to one of the smaller islands, or rent a car. To really explore the area, you may want to rent a car which will allow you access to more remote areas. Otherwise, buses and taxis are readily available to get you from one city to another. The cities in Madeira are fairly small, meaning you can easily get around on foot.

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.



Flights to Madeira Islands
How much does it cost to go to Madeira Islands? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Madeira Islands
The price of renting a car in Madeira Islands will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Madeira Islands

Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Madeira Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Madeira Islands is $19,834 (€16,907) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $19,834
    16,907

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Madeira Islands is around $19793 (€16907) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5611 to $82236. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Madeira Islands are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1979 to $5938
  • Lunch: $2969 to $7917
  • Dinner: $5938 to $13855
  • Coffee: $1583
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $2969

Madeira is most famous for their namesake wine, which is a very robust and unique wine that is either dry and served as an aperitif or sweet and served with dessert. You can easily find Madeira wine throughout the area as it is sold in nearly every restaurant.

Due to the location, fresh fish is phenomenal, and is incorporated into traditional dishes like lapas and espada com banana. Lapas is a type of fish that lives in seashells which is then fried in garlic and butter and served with beer wile espada com banana is a scabbard fish with banana and served with potatoes.

The city of Machico is one of the best places to find restaurants serving traditional cuisine, along with Paul do Mar where you'll find some of the best seafood. For more information, see this amazing guide to food and dining in Madeira.

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Madeira Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Madeira Islands typically cost an average of $16,364 (€13,949) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $16,364
    13,949

Madeira is all about natural beauty, especially in Funchal where you'll find the Jardin do Palherio, a huge garden full of lush vegetation and indigenous plants. There is plenty to explore at Palherio, as there are multiple gardens including a French Garden, Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and even more. Funchal is also home to the Monte Palace, and old hotel with a Chinese Garden and lake for visitors to enjoy. In Paul do Mar, you can walk along the beaches or take a boat ride to catch a glimpse of the dolphins and whales. You can also find the Caminho Real do Paul do Mar, a trek that runs through the valley ending with a view of a beautiful waterfall. Or, head to Cabo Girao, one of the world's highest ocean cliffs for incredible views of the area.

Cities
Funchal: The capital city of Madeira home to plenty of tourist attractions and accommodation, it is also considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

Santa Cruz: Close to the airport and home to historical churches and pebble beaches.

Santana: Home to the Queimadas Forest Park and the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.

Camara do Lobos: A traditional fishing village with a sensational bay and home to the Cabo Girao

Ribeira Brava: A small town with a black sandy beach, great views of the surrounding area, and a church from the 16th century.

Machico: Often used as a starting point to some of the best beaches and treks through the mountains.

Calheta: A traditional fishing and agricultural village with great beaches and amazing seafood restaurants.

Paul do Mar: A popular fishing village with lovely beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.



Madeira offers some of the most thrilling activities, like paragliding, mountain biking, and Jeep safari tours which show you the hidden gems of Madeira from unpaved tracks. Other things to do in the Madeira Islands include scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic or take surf lessons at Paul do Mar where the 2001 World Surfing Championship was held. For something a little more relaxed, take a cable car ride in Funchal where you'll see amazing views of the city below and end up at the Monte Palace Gardens. If you happen to be around during New Years, Madeira puts on a truly stunning fireworks show to celebrate. Or, if you're here in August, check out the food festival in Machico.



Nightlife Budget in Madeira Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $4,112 (€3,505) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Madeira Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $4,112
    3,505
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 12, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Madeira Islands

  • By taking a slower approach to travel, you can enjoy the local beauty while saving money. When you jam-pack your schedule with activities, your expenses can skyrocket. But if you allow yourself to relax and take in the sights, you might find you're spending less overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in Madeira Islands, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • Madeira Islands isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.
Traveling in Madeira Islands
Madeira Islands Madeira Islands, Portugal

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

Madeira offers lovely weather year round, with the warmest weather in the 70's Fahrenheit from June-September. Temperatures rarely dip below 60° F, even during winter which runs from November-March, making it the ideal destination any time of the year.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.