Is Madeira expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Madeira is moderately priced, cheaper than most of Western Europe and similar to mainland Portugal, though Funchal's seafront hotels and tourist restaurants charge more. A budget traveller needs about €80 a day, mid-range about €180 and comfort about €450 per person. Rooms, car hire and guided levada tours take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €80 | €250 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €40 | €80 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €35 | €80 |
| Local transport | €15 | €25 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €80 | €180 | €450 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Madeira day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso (bica) | €1–1.50 |
| Bolo do caco garlic bread | €3–5 |
| Espetada (beef skewer) in a restaurant | €15–22 |
| Poncha in a bar | €2.50–4 |
| Cable car Funchal to Monte, one way | about €15–20 |
| Monte toboggan ride for two | about €30–40 |
| Trail access fee for non-residents on some routes | a few euros |
| Mid-range double in Funchal's Lido or old town | €120–220 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, from Funchal guesthouses at €60–110 a double to sea-view hotels at €120–220 and grand hotels such as Reid's Palace from €300. A rental car is the easiest way to reach trailheads and the north coast, and guided walking tours with transport add up. Food is fair value away from the Funchal waterfront, with fish, espetada and local wine cheaper than in most of Europe. Funchal and other municipalities charge a small tourist tax per person per night.
When it is cheaper
November to February (outside Christmas and New Year) and early spring are usually cheaper, while Christmas–New Year, Easter, the Flower Festival in spring and July–August are the most expensive. Savings on rooms can be noticeable in late autumn.
How to spend less
- Eat the prato do dia (dish of the day) at local cafés, often €8–12 with a drink.
- Use the yellow Horários do Funchal buses around town instead of taxis.
- Walk down from Monte instead of taking the toboggan if your budget is tight.
- Hike the free levadas near Funchal on your own instead of paying for guided tours.
- Buy fruit, cheese and bread at the Mercado dos Lavradores early in the day, away from the tourist-priced exotic fruit stalls.
- Rent a car for only one or two days to cover the trailheads and north coast.
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Common questions
Is Madeira expensive?
Moderately. It is cheaper than most of Western Europe, at about €80 a day on a budget and €180 mid-range, though Funchal's seafront can be pricier.
How much is the Monte toboggan?
About €30–40 for two people, plus the cable car up (about €15–20 one way).
Do you have to pay to walk the levadas?
Many levadas are free, but several popular trails charge non-residents a small access fee, often a few euros.