Useful Information
Here is some useful information for your holiday in Madeira.
TIME TO LEAVE THE
AIRPORT
Funchal airport is generally very efficient; you can
count on around 30 to 40 minutes from the time the plane lands to
the time you go though customs.
If you have a pre-booked transfer, the driver would normally be
waiting for you as you exist Customs.
Car hire is a different matter and the time it takes to complete
the contract and receive your car will vary greatly, depending on
the rental company and the time of day. For some car hire
companies, one hour or more waiting time is normal at busy times of
the day.
TRAVELLING TIME FROM THE AIRPORT
Getting around Madeira is easy. Travellling time from the
airport to your holiday property is always shown on our website in
the appropriate villa or apartment page. To find this, all you have
to do is enter the property name in "Property Ref/name" on the Home
Page. Under the "Location Map" tab you will find distances from
your holiday property to various points, including the airport and
Funchal port. Please click here Our
Madeira website
HIGH AND LOW SEASONS IN MADEIRA
For many years the island was known as a winter
destination, with a warm climate and beautiful nature; tourism to
Madeira is now year-round.
Higher seasons are Easter and Flower Festival in the spring, June
to October, and of course, Christmas and New Years Eve.
MADEIRA'S MOUNTAINS
The island is very mountainous and hilly, and there is
virtually no level landscape. This is what makes Madeira beautiful
and provides wonderful views from almost everywhere.
This means you need to take into account the fact that weherever
you go, you will be walking or driving uphill or downhill.
SHOP OPENING HOURS
High street shops will mostly be open from 09H00 to 19H00
Monday to Friday and Saturdays until 13H00. Some close for lunch
from 13H00 to 15H00.
Large supermarkets are generally open from 08H00 to 22H00, 7 days
a week with exception only of Christmas day; smaller supermarkets
may have different opening and closing hours and will generally be
closed on Sundays.
Shopping Centres are open from 10H00 to 24H00 every day except
Christmas day.
RESTAURANT, SNACK-BAR AND NIGHTLIFE OPENING HOURS
These vary considerably, but generally, restaurants will
be open from 12H00 for midday meal and from 19H30 for evening
meals. Last orders for lunch will be around 14H30 and last
orders for the evening meal around 22H30.
Cafés and snack-bars wlll normally be open all day, but close
earlier in the evening.
Nightlife will not normally start before 23H00 and wil go onto
06H00in nightclubs; bars will close at around 02H00.
TAXES AND TIPPING
Portuguese law does not allow extra taxes to be
applied on any service. The price quoted to the consumer must
include all taxes and charges.
A service charge (gratuities or tipping)
is not included. If you consider the
service has been good, you can leave a gratuity (tip).
For cafés, small change can be left; for meals, it is normal to
leave 10% of the value of your bill.
It would also be normal to apply a 10% tip of the value shown on
the taxi meter.
Hotel Porters or Concierge should be given 1€ or 2€ for any
service they arrange.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Madeira runs at 220V-240V.
Plugs are two-pin European.
ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN
You will have received an e-mail the final details
for finding your holiday villa or apartment and for checking-in.
Please print the documents we have sent and have them with you, and
follow the detailed instructions.