What to Wear in Madeira

Top style tips for Madeira

Throughout Madeira dress is casual.
Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable; team with a sunhat, sunglasses and beach bag for a perfect daytime look.
Jeans are very popular everywhere but in the hottest months may be too uncomfortable; opt instead for lightweight natural fabrics.
Remember lots of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a hat.
Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.
Check out our seasonal advice below; in the winter months you really can experience four seasons in one day.

Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – we really like Hotter shoes, for total comfort with style.
Take your heels, but save them for evening dining. Or we love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

From November through December, January, February and into March it can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and small travel umbrella.
Dressing in layers will help you with the temperature changes.
Heavy downpours are common in the afternoons – you can almost set your watch by them. However they're usually short-lived, so your best bet is to take cover and wait for it to pass. If you're somewhere away from shelter you might want to carry a light waterproof and hat.
We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂

We would suggest that you pack a smarter outfit for more up-market restaurants and some great sparkly sandals.
A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewellery will transform any outfit.
And a pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit.
If you're going to visit any religious sites then be sure to cover your shoulders and bare legs – your pashmina or a sarong can come in handy for this too.

If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

For mountain walking you will require good walking boots or shoes and warm clothing as the weather can change rapidly. You may like to check out our trekking packing list. A packaway day bag will be useful to carry your essentials e.g. water, snacks, camera, map etc.

Take a comfy shoulder bag or day pack to carry your sightseeing essentials and keep your hands free.
If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organised.
Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Madeiran embroidery is very popular, or why not indulge in some Madeira wine – but remember you will need to pack this in your checked-in luggage unless you buy at the airport. You can even buy exotic flowers such as Orchids and Birds of Paradise; these are often packed up for you in special boxes and flown home in a cooled container, but check with your airline regarding charges.