Madeira · Portugal · What it costs, in plain terms
What 10 days in Madeira costs a family of four
Ten days in Madeira for a family of four costs well under a comparable Iceland trip, often about a third of it. In a typical plan, flights take about a third of the total, a Funchal apartment about a quarter, food and activities about another third, and a rental car under a tenth. The island is cheap on the ground, so flights are where you save.
Where the money goes
- 1
Flights
Flights are the biggest single line, roughly a third of the whole trip. From North America most routes connect through Lisbon, with direct options in summer on some routes. From Europe there are direct flights from many cities, and the cost drops sharply. Compare departure airports and fly mid-week to save. Funchal's airport is known for strong winds on landing, which can cause delays or diversions, so avoid tight connections on the way home and leave a buffer before long-haul flights.
- 2
Ten nights in Funchal
A two-bedroom apartment with a sea view, within walking distance of the old town, takes about a quarter of the total spend. Apartments suit families because they come with a kitchen, a washing machine and often a balcony. Funchal sits on steep slopes, so check the walking route and whether parking is included. Staying in the same base for the whole trip avoids extra costs. Booking early secures the best apartments, particularly for July, August and the New Year fireworks.
- 3
Rental car
The rental car costs the smallest slice, under a tenth of the total, and it is essential. The levada trails, Pico Ruivo, the north coast and Porto Moniz are not on regular bus routes. Roads are good, with many tunnels, but steep and winding in places, so choose a compact car with a decent engine and a clutch you are comfortable with on hills. Book early in summer, ask about child seats, and check the insurance excess, because small scrapes on narrow streets are common.
- 4
Food and activities
Food and activities together make up around a third of the total. Dinner in a local restaurant is modest, a levada hike costs little or nothing, and a cable car ride for the family is a small but regular expense. Madeiran food is simple and good: espetada beef skewers on bay-laurel sticks, fresh fish, bolo do caco garlic bread and fruit from the markets. Supermarket breakfasts and picnics keep costs down. Spend on one or two activities, such as a boat trip or a toboggan ride.
- 5
The total, and Iceland or Madeira
Add everything together and the trip comes to roughly a third of what a comparable Iceland trip would cost. Both have dramatic volcanic scenery, waterfalls and big hikes, but Madeira is warmer, greener and far cheaper to eat and sleep in. Iceland is among the most expensive countries in Europe, which is why the gap is so wide. Madeira also gives you a longer season, with mild weather from April through October. Flights and the rental car matter most for the final bill.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to October is warmest and driest, with May and June good for flowers and September for calm seas. July and August cost more. Winter is mild but wetter, and the New Year fireworks are busy.
- How long
- Ten days is enough to base in Funchal and cover the levadas, the north coast and the peaks. A week works well too, with flights as the same cost either way.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the practical choice for the levada trails, the peaks and the north coast. Funchal itself is walkable but steep. Buses serve the main roads, but not the trailheads.
Good to know
- Book flights first, as they are the largest cost. Compare routes via Lisbon and direct options from European hubs.
- Choose an apartment with a kitchen. Breakfast and a few dinners at home bring the food line down.
- Fill up on the island's cheap activities: levada walks, the botanical gardens and the sea pools cost little or nothing.
Frequently asked
Is Madeira expensive? +
No, by European standards. Accommodation, food and activities cost noticeably less than in mainland Western Europe or Iceland. Flights from outside Europe are the main expense, so book them early.
Is Madeira cheaper than Iceland? +
Yes, by a wide margin. A comparable ten-day family trip usually costs around a third as much, because accommodation and food are far cheaper. Both have dramatic landscapes, but Madeira is warmer and greener.
Do you need a rental car in Madeira? +
Yes, for most families. The levada walks, the high peaks and the north coast are not served by regular buses. Funchal can be done on foot and by bus, but the best parts of the island need a car.
How do you get to Madeira from the US? +
Most routes connect through Lisbon, with some seasonal direct options. Check the time of year, because summer has more choice. Madeira's airport can be affected by wind, so allow a buffer on the way home.
