Madeira is a unique volcanic island featuring centuries-old levadas, imposing peaks, ancient forests, and impressive lava beaches. The locals love their island – and are delighted by tourists who feel the same way. With the goal of promoting respect for the island’s nature and traditions, Visit Madeira has committed itself to a sustainable and climate-friendly tourism concept: as a visitor today, you can choose from a variety of certified organic tour providers and eco-friendly hotels that embody gentle, considerate tourism.
Good news. You aren’t dependent on a hire car for your holiday here: the public bus network is very well developed. In 2024, it was modernised and equipped with the latest eco-friendly buses. Madeira’s efforts in environmental protection and sustainability are now recognised internationally: since 2023, the archipelago has been EarthCheck-certified and recognised as a sustainable destination.
Mindfulness in Nature
Whether you are hiking along the levadas in the laurel forest or in the Rocha do Navio National Park – you can contribute to protecting the island primarily through mindful behaviour in nature: opt for hiking trails classified by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), and book your entry via the official ‘SIMplifica’ portal. Booking early, ideally before your holiday starts, is advisable, as the government aims to prevent overcrowding on the trails through ‘SIMplifica’.
While exploring, you shouldn’t take plants, flowers, stones, or shells with you, or treat animals as attractions. Please also keep your distance – literally – from touching or feeding them. If you want to watch dolphins and whales off the coast of Madeira, you can now book tours with certified providers who focus on small boats and the protection of marine life.
Respectful Engagement with Culture and Tradition
The respect you show to nature should apply equally to local sights and traditions: this includes wearing appropriate clothing in places of worship such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and museums like the Museum of Sacred Art, as well as refraining from touching artworks, sculptures, or objects on display. Sustainability in action also means leaving no litter behind on Madeira and using energy and water resources consciously.
Madeira Tour by Open-Top Bus
Well-Developed: Public Transport Network
Madeira boasts a well-developed public transport network with urban and intercity buses. The buses in Funchal are a wonderful way to explore the city without a car. For instance, the local transit service Horários do Funchal operates in and around Funchal, running buses and minibuses that you can even hail anywhere with a wave on certain routes. It takes you to popular sights like Pico dos Barcelos or the Botanical Garden, as well as to Funchal’s suburbs, Câmara de Lobos, and Pico do Areeiro. Standing at over 1,800 metres, Pico do Areeiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak and a popular excursion destination offering breathtaking panoramic views and access to the famous PR1 hiking trail to Pico Ruivo. Some specially marked buses even allow you to bring bicycles free of charge.
If you have more time to spare, you can also explore the entire island purely by bus. Those wishing to explore Madeira and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo more extensively via intercity buses have benefited from a genuine public transport upgrade since July 2024: with the introduction of the SIGA network, a new generation of comfortable, eco-friendly buses is rolling across the islands, transporting you to picturesque coastal towns in the east like Caniço, Santa Cruz, and beyond. To make travelling easier for holidaymakers and locals alike, operators CAM, Siga Rodoeste, and Horários do Funchal have joined forces.
Fancy exploring Madeira in a relaxed and sustainable way? When planning your trip, you’ll find selected accommodation on Madeira at Secret Escapes that fits perfectly with an active, sustainable holiday.
This article was created in collaboration with the Madeira Promotion Bureau.