What to pack for Madeira
9 Packing tips and recommendations for a trip to Madeira - Packing list for Madeira!
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Here are some important (and sometimes surprising!) items to help you be prepared for a trip to Madeira:
Tops = layers for the changing weather! Do not underestimate variation the microclimates on these islands. Be sure to bring a waterproof windbreaker of some kind and also layers so that you can peel them off or put them on depending on the temperature and sun. This Columbia Rain Coat is a reasonably priced option that is lightweight enough to stash away. This option is a little cuter and less outdoorsy, but will still protect from the wind. Especially at night, you will be happy to have appropriate protection from the wind. Bring thin sweaters like these cute cardigans for a base layer for strolling around town at night and sweaters like these or these for more chilly nights.
For warmer days you absolutely must bring at least one oversized shirt like this one or this one. This adorable top will pair easily with lots of different bottoms, and be sure to bring some basics like these t-shirts or these for a more fitted option. This loose short sleeve blouse comes in many colors and are also a great option.
Sunglasses. Self explanatory! You will be wearing them in a lot of your pictures so make sure you like them and also that they come with UV protection. If you need a sunglasses refresher these and these playful ones are great options. Finally, for any moments out on the water when you might lose your glasses, put on some Croakies!
Footwear. To enjoy the hikes the islands have to offer, be sure to bring hiking shoes. I have the Salomon Hiking Shoe and I love them because they give some ankle support and are water proof while still giving you room to breathe. And if you need to refresh your hiking socks collection, these are a lovely option!
Even if you aren’t planning to do a ton of hiking, the beautiful towns here often have small cobbled stones. To be able to explore these beautiful spaces, invest in cute white sneakers and sandals that will allow you to enjoy your walks. Whether you pick Vejas, New Balance, or Stan Smiths, be sure to break them in before your trip. Some supportive sandals like some cute colorful sandals similar to Birkenstocks will also do nicely during the day. For nicer outfits, opt for some leather sandals like these in a neutral or fun color!
Electronics. You will definitely need a European power plug adapter if traveling from outside Europe. I recommend this one because I can charge multiple things at the same time. I also recommend portable charger 2 pack like this one for any vacation. You want to be able to take photos without worrying about losing access to google on the road!
Finally, I can’t recommend a good pair of noise cancelling headphones enough. You never know what kind of noises you are in for. I am obsessed with these like these Sony WH1000XM4 which are the best on the market in my opinion (I find the M4 more comfortable than the M5).
Bottoms. Hiking pants or athletic bottoms are needed for hiking. I preferred to cover my legs to protect myself from the sun and wearing hiking pants is required for a horseback riding tour, but otherwise, you can get away with your athletic bottoms of choice as there are few brambles on the hiking trails. It doesn't hurt to be well prepared though and these Lightweight UPF 50 Hiking Pants are cute and fast drying.
For dinners or strolling through the towns, go for something that is both easy to care for and comfortable but that you can also dress up. These lightweight linen pants come in multiple colors and these are another option with fun patterns. For colder days or evenings, lightweight linen should be replaced with heavier fabrics like denim — bring your favorite jeans! Something like this or these AG jeans (if you want to splurge a bit!) will pair nicely with your white walking shoes or sandals.
A few versatile dresses. In the winter and fall, it is likely that some nights will be too chilly and windy to wear just a dress, but on warmer days, a dress is the perfect outfit for a dinner. This blue and white dress will fit right into the beautiful town scenery.
Sun protection! First thing is first — sunscreen! Elta MD Sunscreen is a great pick and they also make a tinted version which can double as foundation depending on your skin tone! Even when it is cooler and windy, the UV still presents a danger to the skin. I have entered the era where a wide brim hat is a must! I personally took the approach of using a hiking hat (like this one: SPF 50 Hiking Hat). I also brought a cute straw hat for less active moments. This foldable one is great and still has SPF: SPF 50 Foldable Straw Hat. Be careful with hats that can’t be secured to your head on windier days!
I also recently discovered shirts with UV protection and I am in love. I often forget to reapply sunscreen or can’t be bothered to apply it if I will only be out for a few minutes. Being able to throw on these SPF 50 shirts for just a little while helps me not compromise my skin.
Day pack. For hiking I have the Osprey Daylite Backpack from years ago and it is still in great shape and will be in great shape for years to come. This Hydro flask Water Bottle fits into the Osprey Daylite Backpack as well. For a cute cross body for wandering the towns this is a wonderful option.
Water gear. Chances are, you have some water based activity planned but probably underestimate how many water opportunities you will have! Be sure to bring a bathing suit with you as you head out and encounter lagoons and tucked away beaches. I recommend this one personally: Summersalt Black One-Piece. You will probably also want a pair of athletic shorts to wear over your swimsuit to maximize versatility and be able to pop in and out of the water. These shorts are super cute, fast-drying, and very similar to lululemon but less expensive.
Fast drying and small towel you want to be able to carry this around comfortably for water activities and for it to be able to dry humid air. Also great for having a little picnic blanket! I recommend this one: Dark Travel Towel.
A plastic bag for wet items and a dirty clothes bag. I just reused plastic grocery bags for this but you can also get a wet bag. This set of wet bags is very affordable and comes with two bags in a vareity of fun patterns.
The beaches can be rocky and volcanic rock in particular can be hard to walk on. I resisted buying water shoes but if you plan to spent a lot of time on the beach, you will be happy you have them. These Simple Water Shoes are a low cost entry point if you are hesitant about water shoes. If you know you are going to regularly return to a rocky beaches in the future, you might consider investing in a more expensive version like this Beach and River Water Shoe.
To help organize yourself or your family as you pack consider using this packing list tracker which is customizable and the colorful drop downs allow you to easily visualize your progression and you can sort your gsheet by what remains to be packed (also available on etsy). This format is also great for helping younger travelers get going with their packing experiences!
