Most travelers fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) on Madeira's south side, then transfer to Funchal or Canico for diving. Porto Santo has its own small airport (PXO) and is also reachable by ferry from Funchal, making it a realistic add-on for a sandy beach day and wreck dives.

There is no typical short ferry from mainland Portugal for everyday travelers, so plan your trip around flights and (optionally) the Madeira to Porto Santo sea connection.

Best all-around: Rent a car if you plan to combine diving bases with levada trailheads and sunrise viewpoints. Roads are steep and parking can be tight in popular areas, so choose a car you are comfortable driving on inclines.

There is no typical short ferry from mainland Portugal for everyday travelers, so plan your trip around flights and (optionally) the Madeira to Porto Santo sea connection.

Best all-around: Rent a car if you plan to combine diving bases with levada trailheads and sunrise viewpoints. Roads are steep and parking can be tight in popular areas, so choose a car you are comfortable driving on inclines.

Madeira

Plan your stay

Getting there

Getting around

Plan your stay

Getting there

Getting around