Are you considering or planning a trip to Madeira in 2026? I’ve summarized everything that’s changing and everything you need to know about this year: access, openings, closures, tourism in general, new hotels, and more.
Here’s everything that’s changing for your trip to Madeira in 2026.
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Essential information for traveling to Madeira in 2026
Madeira is undergoing a profound transformation. I have been closely following developments on this Portuguese island that I love.
On the one hand, the archipelago is welcoming a record number of visitors, with 2.23 million people in 2024 and growth of 9.7% in 2025. On the other hand, the island is positioning itself as a European laboratory for sustainable tourism with its EarthCheck Silver certification and the ambition to achieve Gold level in 2027.
The island is seeking a balance between hospitality and preservation.
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here are the key points you need to know:
- Since January 1, 2026, all hikes require a mandatory online reservation.
- The legendary PR1 Pico Areeiro-Pico Ruivo trail is set to reopen in April after the fires of 2024.
- The Funchal cable car will be closed from January to April for renovation (but Monte will remain accessible by bus).
- A Nick Faldo-designed golf course will open in 2026.
- Madeira Carnival takes place from February 11 to 22.
Don’t miss my article: Best things to do in Madeira, which gives you lots of options for your stay.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching
My favorite excursion from Funchal: 4×4 tour of East Madeira
MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal: Les Suites at the Cliff Bay (Luxury) – Sé Boutique Hotel (4 stars) – Market Place by Storytellers (apartments)
My favorite places to stay outside Funchal: Saccharum Resort near a beach (Luxury) – Estalagem da Ponta do Sol (4 stars) – Engho Velho Hotel (mid-range)
Attractions: New additions, reopenings, closures, and renovations
Reopenings
The legendary PR1 Pico Areeiro-Pico Ruivo trail will reopen in April 2026. This iconic trail, closed since the fires of 2024, is set to reopen on April 25-26, 2026, during the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT). This is not a simple return: 17 kilometers of trails are currently undergoing restoration work supervised by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN). The trail will reopen with a controlled reservation system and specific rates.
Major renovation: The Funchal cable car
If you are visiting between January and April 2026, please note that the Funchal cable car will be closed for its most extensive renovation since its creation in 2000. The closure will begin on January 5, 2026, and is expected to last approximately three months (reopening in early April 2026). A €4 million investment will allow for the installation of larger cabins, complete replacement of the cable, reinforcement of the pylons, and technological upgrades.
Don’t be disappointed: Monte remains fully accessible by bus (lines 20/21, approximately €2) or by car during this period. After April 2026, you will enjoy a modernized experience with greater comfort and safety.
Closures continuing in 2026
The São Vicente caves remain closed.
Closed since March 2020 for maintenance work, no reopening date has been confirmed. These 890,000-year-old volcanic caves fascinated visitors, but patience will be required.
Beaches and marine environment
Madeira does not have traditional sandy beaches (only Calheta and Machico have artificial ones). With regard to marine environmental changes, there has been no significant increase in health problems or risks.
Jellyfish remain rare, and no major algae alerts have been documented for 2026.
The natural pools of Porto Moniz and the rocky coastal areas remain safe. The cold water in winter (around 63-68°F) may limit comfortable swimming, but this is a constant rather than a recent change.
See my article on Madeira’s beaches and natural pools.
Ponta do Pargo Golf Course – Sir Nick Faldo Design
A major development for 2026: the opening of the Ponta do Pargo golf course, designed by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo. Located at the westernmost point of Madeira (Ponta do Pargo), this par-72 course will be perched on the cliffs at an elevation of over 600 feet, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Where to stay in Madeira?
My favorite places:
- Funchal, for a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car – see best-rated accommodations
- Funchal Lido, for luxury resorts – see best-rated hotels
- Machico, for a sandy beach – see best-rated accommodations
- Porto da Cruz, for a quiet village in beautiful scenery – see best-rated accommodations
- Ribeira Brava, for a practical location to explore the island – see best-rated accommodations
- Porto Moniz, to enjoy the natural pools – see best-rated accommodations
Hiking: reservations required – the big change in 2026!
The big change in January 2026
Since January 1, 2026, access to Madeira’s 42 official trails requires an online reservation. This is not a simple recommendation, it is mandatory. The system is based on the SIMplifica platform.
Each trail has 30-minute slots from sunrise to sunset, with a maximum capacity based on scientific studies conducted by the University of Madeira.
I recommend booking 2 to 3 days in advance to be sure of getting your preferred slots, especially for popular trails.
See my article on the most beautiful hikes in Madeira.
The new price list
Here is what you will pay to hike in Madeira in 2026:
- €3 per person: if you are with an accredited guide who has an agreement with the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation
- €4.50 per person: for independent hikers without a guide
- €7 or €10.50: special rates for the PR1 Pico Areeiro-Pico Ruivo (depending on your situation)
- Free: for registered residents of Madeira, children under 12, and people with a disability rating of 60% or more (but reservations are still required)
All revenue generated will be reinvested in trail maintenance, conservation, and enforcement.
Six sensitive areas managed as parks
Six particularly fragile sites will now be managed as parks with limited capacity and strict rules: Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio, Queimadas, Ponta de São Lourenço, Fanal, and Rabaçal.
Parking will also be gradually reorganized to reduce environmental impact, with priority given to authorized operators transporting more passengers per vehicle.
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
Getting to Madeira in 2026
Airport and connectivity
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) surpassed a historic milestone in 2025: 5 million passengers, a first in the airport’s history. This reflects a continuous increase in air capacity and growing confidence among airlines in the destination.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: airlines, prices, schedules, and availability.
New route: Nice-Funchal with easyJet starting in June 2026
Starting in June 2026, easyJet will launch a new direct Nice-Funchal route with two flights per week. This route complements an already dense air network: 67 direct destinations from Funchal.
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport also surpassed a historic milestone in 2025 with 5 million passengers, a first in the airport’s history.
Be aware of the Madeira-Porto Santo ferry
Important if you want to combine Madeira and Porto Santo: the Lobo Marinho ferry will experience a major interruption in early 2026. The last trip will take place on January 5, 2026, followed by five weeks of annual maintenance (until approximately mid-February).
If you plan to visit both islands, schedule your trips before January 5 or after mid-February.
or See a full-day excursion option from Funchal.
Getting around Madeira
Uber and Bolt are back
In January 2025, Uber resumed operations in Madeira after an absence, joining Bolt, which was already operational. These services cover Funchal and the south coast, including the airport.
I really appreciate the convenience of being able to book directly through the app.
Renting a car and driving in Madeira
No major changes identified in 2026 regarding roads or traffic rules. The road infrastructure remains stable, although increased tourism-related traffic creates congestion during rush hour, particularly when leaving Funchal for hiking spots.
I still think it’s really worth renting a car to explore the whole island!
See my article on driving in Madeira.
And I’ve updated my article on renting a car in Madeira in 2026, with my agency recommendations.
Buses and Taxis
Buses remain reliable and economical: trips to Monte from Funchal cost around €2.
Official taxis are still available at the airport and hotels, with standard meter rates.
Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for steep roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
New hotels: two Editory hotels opened in 2025
Two new The Editory hotels opened their doors in 2025, enriching Funchal’s hotel offering:
The Editory Ocean Way Funchal is located in the prestigious Ajuda area, facing the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by lush gardens. It is ideal if you are looking for a modern retreat with ocean access, just minutes from the Lido and Funchal’s attractions.
See photos and availability
The Editory Garden Carmo Funchal is located in the heart of the city and offers a green urban retreat with a garden. Perfect for exploring Funchal’s historic streets, local markets, and cultural life from a quiet base.
See photos and availability
Pestana Quinta Perestrello, now under the Pestana brand
See photos and availability
No major hotel openings have been confirmed for 2026, although high demand continues to drive investment.
See my full article: Where to stay in Madeira
Or my article on the best hotels in Funchal.
State of tourism
Historical visitor numbers
In the first nine months of 2025, 1.9 million visitors came to the archipelago, representing an increase of 9.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
Revenue per available room increased by 18% between January and September 2025.
See my article: When to go to Madeira
EarthCheck Silver certification and Gold certification target in 2027
Madeira has received EarthCheck Silver certification, positioning the island as a certified sustainable tourism destination. The 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is based on six pillars: nature and active sports tourism, sea and nautical tourism, lifestyle and new trends, awareness and sustainability, cultural heritage and gastronomy, destination management and human resources.
The goal is to achieve gold level by 2027. Madeira would thus join the Azores as the first archipelagos in the world with this certification.
European recognition
At a conference at the European Parliament in December 2025, Madeira was recognized as Europe’s laboratory for sustainable tourism innovation. Islands face the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and dependence on air transport more intensely than mainland regions, pushing them to innovate more quickly.
The island implements continuous scientific monitoring of emissions, water and energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the circular economy. This data-driven approach justifies new trail restrictions and capacity-limited areas.
Boom in cruise tourism
The cruise sector has exploded. In 2025, Madeira welcomed more than one million cruise passengers (1,024,442 to be exact), generating an increase of 2.5% and 331 ship calls (+4.74%). This segment represents €62.9 million for the regional economy.
Major events in 2026
Madeira Carnival (February 11-22)
Grand samba parade on Saturday evening, humorous “Trapalhão” procession on Tuesday, costumes and parties throughout the island.
Madeira Rum Festival (April 14-18)
Producers’ stands, agricultural rum and cocktail tastings, live music on Avenida Arriaga in Funchal. Ideal for combining city life and gastronomic culture.
Flower Festival (April 30-May 24)
71st edition of the Flower Show with flower pavilion, floriculture competition, floral installations throughout the city. The gardens and green spaces are particularly spectacular at this time of year.
On May 17, flower group show at the Heliport (free tickets but limited capacity, available from the tourist office on Avenida Arriaga).
Atlantic Festival (June 5-28)
Pyromusical fireworks every Saturday, international fireworks competition (June 6, 13, and 20), cultural and musical entertainment. Perfect for an early summer getaway.
Madeira Wine Festival (August 27-September 13)
Tastings, concerts, parades, reenacted grape harvests, workshops in Funchal and the wine-growing areas. One of the cultural highlights of late summer.
And also sporting events
– January 17 – Funchal Marathon
– April 25/26 – Madeira Island Ultra Trail
– May 1 and 2 – Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic
Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?
- 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip – read article
- Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
- The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
- Tips to drive around Madeira – read article
- 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
- 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives) – read article
- 7 best Madeira boat tours & trips – read article
Planning a trip to Madeira?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
