Madeira Accommodation Checklist: What to Check Before You Book

Introduction — Why a strict checklist before booking accommodation in Madeira

Madeira is an island of contrasts: sheer cliffs, UNESCO-listed laurel forests, levadas carved into the mountains, and coastal villages with brightly painted houses. For the savvy traveler, booking a place in Madeira is about more than choosing the best balcony photo with an ocean view. Microclimates, topography and island infrastructure can drastically change your experience: hot water might come from a small tank, access could be via a narrow hairpin road, and internet speed can drop from 200 Mb/s to 2 Mb/s just 300 m up. A practical, comprehensive checklist — not a vague list of general tips — will save you time, money and frustrations on site.

This article is a step-by-step practical guide to checking a property in Madeira before you hit “book”. You’ll find detailed checklists, numbered steps to follow, useful addresses to check the surroundings, indicative prices (nightly rates, cleaning fees, local tax, transfers), and exact service hours that affect your stay. Every tip is designed to be immediately usable: how to judge water pressure from a photo, where to check street slope in Google Street View, what to ask the host, and how to estimate real travel time from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) or Funchal.

We anchor everything in island reality: if you want an afternoon-sunny balcony, you need to know the property’s orientation; if you’re coming for levada hikes, check drying space for muddy boots and the ability to wash dirty clothes; if you travel with a stroller, ask about elevators (or their absence) and steps. You’ll also find precise addresses for Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Santana, Porto Moniz and other reference points so you can quickly place the property and plan logistics and travel time.

Make this checklist part of your booking routine: reading it takes about 20 minutes, following it before booking will save you hours (or days) of frustration. The level of detail goes down to prices: sample taxi fares, average nightly costs by accommodation type, common cleaning fees, and opening hours of tourist offices where you can verify local information. By the end you’ll have a clear roadmap, ready to print or paste into a message to the host.

1) Check location and access — concrete steps to take

Before booking, pinpoint the property on a map and verify road access, slopes and proximity to key spots. In Madeira, some parts of Funchal are flat and easily walkable (downtown), while others are terraced up the hillside with stepped streets. Rural houses in Santana or São Vicente might sit along narrow roads unsuitable for large vehicles. Here are the steps to follow, with immediate actions:

Get the exact address: insist on the full address (street + number + postal code + locality). For example, if a host tells you “Funchal, Estrada Monumental,” ask for the exact number. Don’t book without a precise address. Note: some hosts only give the address after payment — refuse that condition.
Open Google Maps and Street View: enter the address. Check road width (two-way? single-lane?), sidewalks, tight bends and parking. Example: Rua do Mercado (near Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua dos Lavradores, 9000-308 Funchal) has pedestrian streets and limited parking — ideal if you plan to walk everywhere.
Measure travel time to key points: check time by car (Waze/Google) and by public transport (local timetables) to Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC — Aeroporto da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo), Marina do Funchal, Mercado dos Lavradores (Rua dos Lavradores, 9000-308 Funchal) and the natural pools of Porto Moniz (Estrada Regional 101, 9270-069 Porto Moniz). Example: FNC → Funchal center = 20–30 min by car (taxi ~€25–35 as of 2025 depending on luggage).
Check slope of access: use Google Maps’ terrain or elevation tool to view contours and altitude. Areas overlooking Funchal can have 10–20% slopes; ask whether access roads are paved and passable in winter.
Parking: ask “Is private parking included? Free or paid public parking nearby?” In Funchal, surface parking can cost €1.20/hour or more; private secure parking can be €5–10/night. In Porto Moniz, parking near the natural pools is often free but limited in high season.

Local tip: if you plan to rent a car, book a compact vehicle (Renault Clio or similar). Secondary access roads to rural houses (e.g. Caminho dos Areeiros) can be narrow — avoid wide SUVs. If you arrive late (after 21:00), arrange a precise meeting point with the host — street lighting can be sparse in villages.

2) Vet the property from photos and the listing — technical checklist

Photos are chosen to sell feelings, not reality. Here’s a systematic method to analyze listing photos (Airbnb, Booking, VRBO or private site) and the right questions to ask.

Check visual metadata: do a reverse image search (Google Images) to see if photos are reused from other listings. If the same images appear under different addresses, suspect a scam.
Check lighting and orientation: if the listing promises “sunset from the balcony,” ask the orientation (south, west). Example question: “Is the balcony southwest-facing?” A north-facing balcony gets little afternoon sun.
Photos of the water heater and electrical panel: ask the host for recent photos of the boiler and the fusebox. In Madeira many houses use electric instant heaters; check whether there’s a hot-water tank (cylinder) — that affects the ability to supply hot water for several consecutive showers.
Zoom in on practical details: kitchen photos (fridge size, oven, ceramic or gas hob), photos of sockets (230 V, type F), bathroom layout (shower type, curtain or screen), and photos of bedding/towels.
Internet presence: request a screenshot of a speed test (speedtest.net) performed from the apartment. Ask for upload >5 Mb/s if you work remotely; 30–200 Mb/s if you need multi-user 4K streaming.
Seasonal equipment: for winter ask about heaters and insulation; for summer ask about A/C and blinds. In Madeira temperature varies with altitude: coastal Funchal is mild (avg. 18–26 °C in summer), while Monte at 500 m can be cooler.

Sample specific questions to copy-paste to the host:

“What is the exact address (street, number, postal code)?”
“Can you send a recent photo of the fusebox and the water heater?”
“Can you run an internet speed test from the apartment (speedtest.net) and send the screenshot?”
“Which direction does the balcony face (N/S/E/W)? What time does it get direct afternoon sun?”
“Is private parking included? If not, where to park and what’s the cost?”

3) Safety, regulations and hidden fees — must-do checks

Safety and regulatory aspects aren’t a formality. In Madeira, good practice includes checking the tourist registration (AL — Alojamento Local) number, fire safety standards (especially in older houses), and any extra fees some hosts tack on after booking.

Ask for the Alojamento Local registration number (AL): tourist rentals should, in principle, be registered. Demand this number and verify it on the relevant Câmara Municipal website (Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Santana). Example: Câmara Municipal do Funchal, Praça do Município 5, 9000-069 Funchal (opening hours roughly 09:00–17:00).
Insurance and liability: ask whether the property has insurance covering tenant-caused damage. Without insurance you could be charged full repair costs at check-out.
Explicitly request extra fees: cleaning fees (often €20–50 for studios, €40–100 for 2+ bedroom apartments), tourist tax if applicable (some hosts add €1–2/person/night), security deposit (refundable €150–500). Insist on exact amounts and refund conditions.
Cancellation and refund policy: ask for the written cancellation policy. Prefer moderate to flexible terms if your plans might change.
Fire safety and escape routes: ask about extinguisher locations, smoke detectors and evacuation plan (especially for high-floor apartments or wooden houses). If the answer is vague, consider another property.

Practical transport costs (averages):

Taxi Airport FNC → Funchal center: ~€25–35 (depends on luggage and traffic). Taxis available 24/7.
Buses (TUI/Robico/public schedules): Funchal central station (Avenida Arriaga) — check Setra or Horários do Funchal schedules; generally 06:00–22:00 depending on the line.
Small car rental (Renault Clio or equivalent) from ~€25–35/day in low season; high season expect €40–70/day.

4) Daily comfort — water, electricity, laundry, noise and balcony

Everyday comfort determines whether a stay is enjoyable. Here’s a concrete checklist to verify these elements and actions to take if the listing is silent on them.

Hot water: ask whether hot water comes from a cylinder (tank) or instant heater. Example: “If two showers are taken back-to-back, is there enough hot water?” A 100 L cylinder can supply 2–3 successive showers; a poorly sized instant heater can limit flow. If you’re four adults, demand confirmation.
Water pressure and flow: request a short video of the shower and a tap being turned on. In Madeira water pressure can be low at higher altitudes; this affects showers and washing clothes.
Electricity: ask the voltage and whether there are enough sockets (minimum three per bedroom for laptops/chargers). If the A/C and water heater are electric, ask if there’s any usage limit (some hosts have separate meters).
Laundry: is there a washing machine? Dryer? In Madeira a dryer is a luxury; you’ll often find an outdoor line for drying clothes. Ask whether a drying line or enclosed drying space is provided.
Noise: ask the property’s orientation relative to the street (main road = more noise) and whether windows are double-glazed. Example: places near Avenida do Mar in Funchal can be noisy at night in summer because of bars.
Balcony and view: insist on a full photo of the balcony taken from the accessible angle to check safety (guardrail height >1 m), usable surface and furniture (table, chairs). For a true “sunset view,” the host should specify “sunset visible from balcony between 19:30 and 21:00 in July.” Demand precision.

Family tip: ask for childproof socket covers, presence of a travel cot or highchair, and whether the floor is tiled (slippery) or wood (warmer). Ask for a photo of the cupboard where sheets and towels are stored — sometimes the advertised quantity doesn’t match reality.

5) Arrival/departure procedures and local contacts — organise the welcome

A smooth arrival starts before you land. Here’s a clear 10-step procedure and a checklist of useful contacts and addresses in Madeira to prepare your arrival and departure.

Confirm your arrival time: send the host your landing time and flight number. Example: TAP TP 1658 arriving at 13:20 at Aeroporto da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC).
Clear meeting point: if building access is restricted, ask for a photo of the gate, any code and step-by-step instructions. In Funchal, use Avenida Sá Carneiro as a common nearby landmark.
Request flexible check-in: if you arrive early and the place isn’t ready, ask if you can leave bags (free or for a €5–10 fee).
Pre-book transport: reserve an official airport taxi (tele-taxis FNC) or a private transfer. Indicative cost: €30–45 for private transfers FNC → Câmara de Lobos / Funchal center. Ask the host if they offer a meet-and-greet service (often €15–30 for key handover).
Key handover procedure: insist on a quick walkthrough (photos) of the property at the start of your stay; this protects you at checkout from damage claims.
Inventory and condition check: take photo inventory on arrival (every room, appliances, furniture). Send it to the host within 24 hours to avoid later charges.
Check-out time: confirm the departure time (often 10:00–11:00). Ask about late check-out options (typical cost €20–50).
Local emergency contact: request a neighbor or local manager’s number. Local police (PSP) in Funchal: Policia de Segurança Pública – Posto Territorial de Funchal, Praça da Sé, 9000-080 Funchal (24/7). For medical emergencies: HUCS – Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Estrada Monumental 156-158, 9000-026 Funchal (24/7 emergency).
House rules: ask for a written list (waste sorting, quiet hours, no-smoking, pets). Waste sorting is practiced in Madeira but varies by municipality.
Local services: get contact details for useful services: on-call pharmacy, bakery, supermarket. Examples: Continente Modelo Funchal, Avenida Zarco 20, 9000-027 Funchal (opening hours 08:00–22:00), Farmácia Portuguesa Funchal, Rua 5 de Outubro 12, 9000-065 Funchal (hours vary).

Final tip: print or download a PDF version of this checklist to your phone and send it to the host before booking to get written confirmations. A reliable host will reply within 24 hours and provide proof (photos/speed test/AL number), which is a good sign of trustworthiness.

Conclusion — Printable checklist and final decisions

In short, booking accommodation in Madeira deserves as much attention as booking your flight: the island’s specificities (terrain, microclimate, narrow roads) make some properties perfect for one type of trip and totally unsuitable for another. Before you book, systematically follow the steps outlined: verify the address, scrutinize photos, demand proof of internet and heating/hot water, ask for all extra fees and the Alojamento Local registration number, and set up a clear arrival procedure.

To make it easier, here’s a quick printable checklist to tick off before payment:

Complete address received and verified on Google Maps/Street View
Photos checked with reverse image search / extra photos requested (fusebox, water heater, balcony)
Internet speed test requested and received (screenshot)
Balcony orientation and sun exposure confirmed
Parking confirmed (private or noted cost)
List of extra fees (cleaning, deposit, tax) received in writing
AL number or proof of tourist registration provided
Arrival procedure and check-in confirmed by message
Local contact number and evacuation plan explained
Photo inventory plan for arrival

Finally, if you’re torn between two places, always choose the one that provides the most documented proof (recent photos, technical tests, AL number). A slightly higher price but clear communication and confirmed services will save you stress and surprise expenses. Madeira is a generous destination: if you prepare your stay thoroughly, you’ll fully enjoy the landscapes, levada walks, the natural pools of Porto Moniz (Estrada Regional 101, 9270-069 Porto Moniz) and the flavors of Mercado dos Lavradores (Rua dos Lavradores, 9000-308 Funchal) — with no unpleasant surprises.

Have a great trip to Madeira: use this checklist, print it or save it to your phone, and head out with peace of mind to levadas drenched in light and unforgettable sunsets from a properly vetted balcony.