Travel and accomedation

How to get to Madeira?

There are several routes to Madeira, but many include layovers.

We've looked into some options from Norway:

• Oslo – Madeira (Tuesdays with Norwegian)
• Oslo – Frankfurt – Madeira (Thursdays and Mondays)
• Oslo – London – Madeira (Wednesdays, Fridays)
• Oslo – Lisbon – Madeira (Daily flights, but they always arrive late in Madeira unless you stay in Lisbon for a day or two)

Where should I live?

There are plenty of possibilities! Ultimately, it comes down to how long you want to stay, your budget, and what you want nearby. Here are some hotels we recommend checking out.

If none of the options below suit your tastes, here are some useful tips to keep in mind during your search:

• Madeira is known for its various microclimates, so it's best to stay on the south side where there's more sun and less wind and waves.
• There can be waves on Madeira, so it might be beneficial to stay somewhere with a pool or a sheltered area nearby, like a tidal pool or pier.
• The further away from the beachfront promenade, the more hilly the terrain becomes. You can check out the landscape on Google Maps to see the terrain.

We will be staying in Ponta do Sol, where the wedding will take place. It would be lovely if you stayed there too!

PONTA DO SOL

"Ponta do Sol" means "Sun Point" because it's where there's the most sun on Madeira, and it's located on the sunset side of the island. The benefit of staying in Ponta do Sol is the proximity to the beach, the intimate, quiet atmosphere, and relatively few tourists. Around 8,000 locals live here. The area stretches up into endless banana plantations with small streams throughout the landscape. From here, a few levada trails begin (levada trails are unique hiking paths that follow the island's irrigation channels, known as "levadas" on Madeira), and there are waterfalls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.

Having a car here is an advantage—there is plenty of free parking in the streets and in the tunnels along the promenade. Public transport is limited (buses run three times a day to Funchal), and it's about a 20-minute drive to Funchal.

Accomedation

- Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
- Casa minami eco guesthouse
- Enotel Sunset Bay
- Villa Ponta do Sol Apartment
- Outsite Madeira

FUNCHAL

Funchal is the capital, home to around 105,000 people. The advantage of staying in Funchal is the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping opportunities, lively nightlife, and easy access to public transport. From Funchal, you can join guided tours around the island, including diving trips, boat tours, bus tours, and mountain hikes. There are also botanical gardens, fruit markets, and a few swimming spots. You can swim at Praia Formosa, Lido, Doca do Cavacas, and Praia da Barreirinha (the last three with an entry fee of 5-10 euros per person). There are many tourist areas in Funchal, but you can also stay in the old town or other local neighborhoods.

Accomedation

- Okulus Madeira
- NEXT - by Savoy Signature
- Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
- Castanhiro boutique hotel
- Quinta da Bela vista

CAMARA DO LOBOS

Câmara de Lobos is located between Funchal and Ponta do Sol, with a population of around 32,000 locals. This charming, old fishing village offers access to several restaurants and cafés. Shopping is limited, but there is some nightlife. You can swim in the harbor from the dock among the boats. A bus to Funchal runs every 30 minutes.

Accomedation

- Casa da Praia II
- Pestana churchill Bay
- Vila Afonso