Camping in Madeira — the essentials
Madeira is a small, mountainous island with limited flat land and a large portion protected as UNESCO World Heritage laurisilva forest. As a result, there are only four official campsites on the entire island. Wild camping (pitching a tent wherever you choose) is not permitted — but the official sites are beautifully located and genuinely worth booking.
All four campsites are managed by the Secretaria Regional de Ambiente e Alterações Climáticas (the regional parks authority) and must be booked in advance during the summer season (June–September). Outside peak season, some sites accept walk-ins, but it is always safer to book ahead.
💡 Book early: Madeira campsites — especially Porto Moniz and Fanal — fill up weeks in advance during July and August. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
The 4 official Madeira campsites
Porto Moniz Campsite
📍 North-west Madeira · GPS: 32.8675, -17.1870The most popular campsite on the island, Porto Moniz sits at the north-western tip of Madeira within walking distance of the famous natural lava rock pools. The campsite has toilet and shower facilities, electricity hookups for campervans, and a small café nearby. The setting — green cliffs dropping to a volcanic coastline — is extraordinary.
Price: approximately €6–9 per person per night. Best for: lava pools, north coast scenery, families.
Ribeiro Frio Campsite
📍 Central Madeira (laurisilva) · GPS: 32.7354, -16.8878Located in the heart of Madeira's UNESCO laurisilva forest at around 860m altitude, Ribeiro Frio is the most atmospheric campsite on the island. It sits beside a trout farm and is the starting point for the Levada do Balcões trail — one of the most spectacular levada walks on the island. Nights can be cool (bring a warm sleeping bag even in summer) and mornings are often misty and magical.
Price: approximately €5–8 per person per night. Best for: levada walks, forest atmosphere, birdwatching.
Fanal Campsite
📍 North-west plateau · GPS: 32.8024, -17.1415Fanal is arguably the most dramatic campsite location on Madeira — a high plateau in the Laurissilva forest famous for its ancient twisted til trees draped in mist. At 1,100m altitude, it is frequently cloud-covered, giving the landscape an otherworldly atmosphere that photographers come from across Europe to capture. It is a 4km walk from the nearest road access, so you are camping in genuine wilderness.
Price: approximately €5–8 per person per night. Best for: photography, solitude, experienced campers.
Ponta do Pargo Campsite
📍 Westernmost tip of Madeira · GPS: 32.8181, -17.2644Ponta do Pargo is the westernmost point of Madeira, and the campsite here offers some of the best sunsets on the island — over an open Atlantic horizon with nothing between you and North America. The area is quiet and rural, with a lighthouse nearby and a relaxed local café. This is the least visited of the four official sites, which means it is often the easiest to book.
Price: approximately €5–8 per person per night. Best for: sunsets, tranquillity, avoiding crowds.
How to book Madeira campsites
All four official campsites are managed by the regional parks authority. Bookings must be made in advance — walk-ins are not guaranteed and are rarely possible in July and August.
- Search for "parques naturais madeira reservas" to find the official booking portal
- Select your campsite, dates and number of people
- Payment is usually made on arrival (cash or card depending on site)
- Confirmation email serves as your entry permit — print it or save it
💡 No booking confirmation? Try booking via email to the parks authority directly — the online system is occasionally down. Contact: parquesnaturais@gov-madeira.pt
What to expect at Madeira campsites
Madeira campsites are relatively basic compared to mainland European camping grounds — they are nature-focused rather than resort-style. Expect:
- Toilet and shower facilities (cold or lukewarm water at most sites)
- Tent pitches (sometimes designated, sometimes open ground)
- Basic electricity at Porto Moniz only
- No on-site shop — bring all food and supplies
- No pool, entertainment or glamping facilities
If you prefer more comfort, renting a campervan gives you a self-contained base that can be parked overnight at many of the same scenic locations — with a proper bed, kitchen and bathroom.
Campervans in Madeira — the flexible alternative
Many visitors choose to rent a campervan rather than (or in addition to) using official campsites. Campervans can be parked overnight at viewpoints, trailheads and quiet car parks across the island — giving you the freedom to sleep exactly where you want, without booking in advance.
Campervans on Madeira start from around €130/night and include everything you need: bed, kitchen, hot water, storage. For two people travelling together, the cost is often comparable to two campsite pitches plus gear hire.
Practical camping tips for Madeira
- Weather: Even in summer, Madeira's mountains can be cold and wet at night. Always bring a warm sleeping bag, waterproof jacket and rain cover for your tent.
- Altitude: Fanal and Ribeiro Frio are above 800m — night temperatures can drop to 8–12°C even in August.
- Insects: Mosquitoes are not a major issue, but bring repellent for warmer coastal nights.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink at all official sites. Bring a refillable bottle.
- Car: A rental car or campervan is essential — public transport does not reach any of the four campsites reliably.
- Leave no trace: Madeira's forests are protected UNESCO World Heritage land. Take all rubbish with you and stay on marked paths.