Budget Trip to Madeira – Why I Chose This Island Getaway & How I Booked It on a Budget

I’m officially counting down the days until my trip to Madeira (1 week to go!!!), and I couldn’t be more excited! After months of being drawn to its stunning scenery and chilled-out vibes, I’ve finally locked it all in—and I thought I’d share a bit about why I chose Madeira in the first place and how I managed to book the whole thing without blowing the budget.

Why Madeira?

Madeira has been calling to me for a while. It’s one of those destinations that ticks all the boxes—lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, warm weather, and a reputation for amazing food (hello fresh seafood and pastel de nata). I was looking for somewhere that felt like an escape but still had plenty to explore, and Madeira just stood out.

It’s often described as the “Hawaii of Europe,” which sold it instantly. I’m a fan of anywhere that blends natural beauty with a relaxed pace. Plus, the idea of exploring mountain roads, levada walks, and picturesque coastal towns feels like the perfect balance of adventure and rest.

I’ll be staying for a week with my partner—long enough to unwind but also pack in a bit of exploring. I’m hoping to get a good mix of nature, local culture, and food… with plenty of photo opportunities, of course.

Black Sand Seixal Beach

How I Booked a Budget Trip to Madeira - The Breakdown

I’m all about getting the best value, so I spent a fair bit of time searching and comparing prices before booking anything. Here’s how it came together:

Flights – £119.96 (Total for 2 People Return)

I found our flights using Skyscanner, which I highly recommend if you're flexible with dates. It lets you search across a whole month to spot the cheapest options—which is exactly what I did. I looked at all of June and picked out the best deal: return flights from Manchester to Funchal for £119.96 total for both of us. Bargain, right?

…Except it’s Ryanair, so of course that price includes literally nothing. Not even a whisper of luggage (apart from a small bag that has to fit under the seats). 😂 We added a 20kg bag for the two of us which cost £99.98 return—nearly the same as the flights! But we decided it was worth it. Since we’re hiring a car, we won’t be dragging it around, and it means we can pack liquids, outfits comfortably, and not faff about at security with mini shampoos.

And now, let me let you in on our secret Ryanair hack…We never pay to sit together. Never have, probably never will. Here’s why: Ryanair only lets you check in 24 hours before your flight if you haven’t paid for seat selection, which sounds like a nightmare—but stick with me. We always wait until the very last possible moment to check in. By then, most of the terrible middle seats have already been given out, and what’s left? The pricey seats—extra legroom, window seats, the ones they thought they could upsell.

We’ve often ended up with a window and aisle seat next to each other, or even extra legroom without paying a penny. If you're not panicky about last-minute check-ins and don’t mind the odd chance of sitting separately, I’d say give it a go. It’s the kind of small rebellion against airline upselling that just feels right.

Car Hire – £222.42 (with Full Protection)

We’re hiring a car to make the most of exploring the island at our own pace—public transport is a bit limited for getting to those off-the-beaten-path spots. The total cost came to £222.42, which includes full protection cover (because you just never know...).

We’ve booked a cute little Opel Adam, but after a bit more research (read: YouTube/TikTok spiralling), I realised Madeira’s roads are steep. Like, no-joke steep. A slightly bigger engine might have been wise, but I’m staying optimistic—it should be fine. I’m more nervous about the narrow roads and driving on the right to be honest.

Heads up if you’re hiring a car: most companies will ask you to put down around £1,200 deposit when you collect it. Not ideal, but pretty standard for island rentals.

Train to Manchester Airport – £27 (Return for 2)

We’re travelling by train from Preston to Manchester Airport, which is much easier than parking. Our return tickets cost £27 total—super reasonable, and a much more relaxed start to the trip.

Accommodation – £647.74 (7 Nights)

We booked our stay through Airbnb, and it was easily the biggest part of our budget. But honestly? I think we got excellent value for what we’re getting.

We’ll be staying in a cozy one-bedroom apartment in São Martinho, a lovely part of Funchal, with easy access to the city centre, beach areas, and shops. The location is fab—quiet but connected—and it’s in an apartment complex with a communal pool (yes please!). The apartment itself features a bright, spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and everything we need to relax or cook at home if we feel like keeping it low-key.

To give you an idea of the value: when I checked Booking.com, the cheapest (not very nice) hotel in Funchal was £966 for 7 nights—and hotels started at £1000. So at £647.74 (forgot to mention this includes insurance as well), we’re saving over £300 and getting more space, a kitchen, and a pool. No contest really.

Total Trip Cost (for 2 people)

Item	Cost
Flights (Ryanair)	£119.96
Luggage (20kg)	£99.98
Car Hire + Protection	£222.42
Train Travel (Return)	£27.00
Accommodation (7 nights)	£647.74
Total	£1,117.10

That works out at just over £558 per person for a week in Madeira, including everything—flights, luggage, car hire, transport, accommodation and partial insurance. Not bad at all for a full summer getaway!

Next up: the itinerary plan, a little shopping haul (spoiler: SHEIN and Sainsbury’s came through), and what I’ll be packing for this sunshine escape. Let me know if you've been to Madeira and have any hidden gems or tips—I'd love to check them out!