How Much Does a Trip to Madeira Cost? Real Weekly Budget for 2026
A week's trip to Madeira costs, on average, between €500 and €1,200 per person depending on your choices. A traveller on a tight budget can get by on €500-650, a well-organised mid-range trip is around €800-950, and a comfortable week with a car, a good hotel and local restaurants sits between €1,100 and €1,400. These ranges include flight, 7 nights' accommodation, rental car, food and main activities. No surprises.
Flights to Madeira: how much they cost
The flight is, alongside accommodation, the expense that varies most depending on when you book. The destination airport is Madeira International Airport (FNC), in Funchal.
| Departure city | Low season (Oct-Mar) | High season (Jun-Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| London | €70 - €130 | €130 - €210 |
| Lisbon | €50 - €90 | €90 - €150 |
| Paris | €90 - €140 | €140 - €210 |
| Dublin | €90 - €150 | €150 - €230 |
| Berlin | €80 - €140 | €140 - €220 |
The airlines operating most frequently are easyJet, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal and Jet2. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead usually cuts the price by 20-35%.
Accommodation in Madeira: prices by type
Madeira has options for every budget, but supply concentrates in Funchal and areas like Caniço, Calheta and Porto Moniz.
| Accommodation type | Price per night (mid-season) |
|---|---|
| Hostel / shared room | €25 - €40 |
| Apartment with kitchen | €60 - €90 |
| 3-star hotel | €80 - €120 |
| 4-star hotel | €130 - €200 |
| 5-star hotel / resort | €220 - €400 |
For 7 nights, accommodation cost ranges from €175 (hostel) to €1,400 (4-star hotel). If travelling as a couple, an apartment is usually the best value: cooking a few dinners at home cuts the total budget significantly.
Car hire in Madeira: the expense that pays off the most
Renting a car in Madeira isn't a luxury, it's the smartest decision of the trip. Public transport on the island is limited outside Funchal, and taxis to cover the viewpoints, levadas and northern villages add up fast.
| Category | Price per day |
|---|---|
| Small economy | €18 - €25/day |
| Compact | €22 - €32/day |
| SUV or automatic | €30 - €45/day |
For 7 days, car hire costs between €126 and €315 depending on category and season. Compared to the time and money cost of relying on public transport or taxis to cover the island, the value is clear.
Food and restaurants: how much to spend per day
Madeira's food is one of the trip's most affordable pleasures. Neighbourhood restaurants offer a full daily menu for €10-14.
| Profile | Estimated daily spend |
|---|---|
| Budget | €15 - €25/day |
| Mid-range | €35 - €50/day |
| Comfortable | €60 - €90/day |
For 7 days, the food budget ranges from €105 (tight budget) to €630 (comfortable). A realistic average for a traveller eating out twice a day is between €245 and €350.
Tickets and activities: what it costs to visit the main spots
| Attraction | Price |
|---|---|
| Madeira Botanical Garden | €7.50 |
| Monte Palace Tropical Garden | €12.00 |
| Porto Moniz Natural Pools | €1.50 |
| Funchal Cable Car (return) | €15.00 |
| Boat tour (dolphins and whales) | €45 - €55 |
| Canyoning or guided hiking | €40 - €65 |
Notable free attractions: Levadas, Cabo Girão, Mercado dos Lavradores, Pico do Arieiro (just the drive), Prainha and Seixal beaches.
A reasonable activities budget for 7 days ranges from €30 (basic entry tickets only) to €150-200 if you include a boat trip.
Summary table: total budget by traveller profile
Estimated costs per person for 7 days in Madeira (return flight included):
| Item | Budget profile | Mid-range profile | Comfortable profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flight | €90 | €130 | €160 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | €210 | €525 | €1,050 |
| Car hire (7 days) | €130 | €175 | €245 |
| Food (7 days) | €140 | €280 | €490 |
| Tickets and activities | €30 | €80 | €160 |
| Contingency (5%) | €30 | €60 | €105 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | €630 | €1,250 | €2,210 |
As a couple sharing accommodation and car, the mid-range profile drops to around €950 per person.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of travelling to Madeira
How much money do I need for a week in Madeira?
Depending on your travel style, between €630 (budget) and €1,250 (mid-range) per person, including flight, accommodation, car, food and activities. As a couple sharing costs, the mid-range budget drops to around €950.
Is Madeira expensive compared to other Atlantic islands?
Madeira has similar or slightly lower prices than comparable Atlantic island destinations for accommodation and dining. The main difference is that Madeira is more vertical and less crowded, which makes a rental car essential.
When is it cheapest to travel to Madeira?
October, November, February and March offer the lowest flight and accommodation prices. Avoid the New Year period (December-January), when prices spike up to 80-100% above the annual average.
Is it worth renting a car in Madeira?
Yes, without a doubt. Public transport only covers Funchal and one or two coastal routes with acceptable frequency. To access the levadas, the northern viewpoints, Santana, São Vicente or Fanal, a car is essential.
Is car hire included in holiday packages?
Most holiday packages don't include car hire. It's booked separately. Booking ahead in high season guarantees availability and better prices.
Before booking your trip, compare car prices in Madeira and make sure you leave with the vehicle confirmed: it's what makes the difference between a free-roaming itinerary and depending on bus timetables.