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Madeira Island's complete tourism destination guide!

Exciting Madeira… a holiday destination with so much to offer!

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Madeira Island is one of Europe's most beautiful travel locations with many thousands of tourists returning year after year. Why?

It offers not only an all year round summer climate, as well as wonderful fauna and flora, but it is also virtually crime-free and one of the safest holiday destinations in the world!

Our award winning up-to-date Madeira guide has hundreds of pages of essential information on where to go, when to go, what to do, how to get there and where to stay, including maps , detailed reports about the weather, geography and history , plus the lowdown on nightlife , people, places and culture… This is definitely the first 'SITE SEEING' you should do!

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

You'll find all the information you need to plan and prepare for your holiday, plus a wealth of related material.

THINGS TO DO

In addition to the stunning views, Funchal’s famous cuisine and relaxing promenades, for the more adventurous and energetic the opportunities are endless with so much to choose from: levada walking, mountain walks, hiking, sailing, dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving, big game fishing, canyoning, surfing and paragliding.

Book a table for the Ritz Madeira's traditional English afternoon tea between 13:00 and 16:30 every day of the week.

Discover the new look of Guindaste Viewpoint in Faial, Santana.

Shopping in Madeira

Eating out in madeira, madeira levada walking and hiking, whale & dolphin spotting safaris, scuba diving, madeira leisure activities, gardens of madeira island, beaches and pools of madeira.

This web-site is updated daily with new articles and photos from around the island. One of our most popular pages is the ' Live Web Camera ', which shows current views over the harbour and surrounding areas of the city and our ' People Cam ' where you can see family and friends on the Internet. Take a look at our videos for that extra-special experience, browse through our extensive dynamic image libraries for stunning photos , or visit our Madeira Island News page for the most recent TOP stories on tourism and activities around the island.

PLACES TO SEE

Whatever your taste, you'll find something that interests you! From wonderful parks and gardens with exotic flowers, seascapes with blue ocean and towering cliffs to rustic villages in quiet valleys to seriously good views and sheer mountains whose lofty peaks are higher than Scotland's — we show you all the places to go!

Funchal – Europe’s most picturesque and cleanest capital

Calheta municipality, municipality of porto moniz, câmara de lobos municipality, machico municipality.

Get away from the cold grey skies! Leave winter behind and enjoy a fabulous short break in the stunning all year round summer destination of Madeira.

WEATHER & CLIMATE

Check out the current weather in Madeira, the forecast, satellite images and annual averages for this year-round destination.

WHERE TO STAY

If you are looking for a holiday accommodation in Madeira, we show you our top recommended Hotels , Apartments, Resorts, Villas and Hostels, which you can book online. Plus, a car hire will help you get around.

Book your Madeira airport transfer with us and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with our convenient and reliable services. Explore Madeira with peace of mind and comfort.

LIVE WEBCAMS

Discover our great selection of madeira-web live HD Webcams — Funchal Marina , Funchal city (São Roque), The Ritz and the newly added webcams in Câmara de Lobos , Machico , Doca do Cavacas , Praia Formosa Beach , Caniçal , Porto da Cruz , Santana , Madalena do Mar , Paul do Mar , Porto Moniz , Calheta , Ponta Delgada and the Porto Moniz Natural Pools . We also have live cameras in mainland Portugal , namely in Lisbon and Porto . And if you want to travel the world, Webcamtaxi offers you live cams all around the globe.

Our NEW additional WebCams are located along the oceanfront and provide views of the fantastic Fortim/Jardim do Lido , Lido Swimming Complex , Ponta Gorda Beach , Barreirinha Beach Complex ,  CR7 Museum in Funchal, and Praia dos Reis Magos in Caniço de Baixo.

Funchal Marina LiveCam 1

The people cam, av. do mar livecam, ritz livecam, funchal city livecam, funchal marina livecam 2.

Enjoy your visit to our website and find out for yourself why this small island in the Atlantic Ocean really is where Europe blends with the Tropics! We hope you choose this paradise isle as one of your future holiday destinations.

Madeira Web's design team also publishes a ' daily digicam image ' with stunning photos from around the island and the capital, Funchal.

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

From the exciting Carnival , the beautiful Flower Festival and the stunning colourful light effects of the Atlantic Festival to the Christmas and New Year’s festivities, as well as many other parades, festivals, cultural and sports events — there is always something going on!

Images & Videos

Your photos, christmas festivities, madeira carnival, madeira videos.

Check out our Images and Videos for a true taste of Madeira.

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Geologically dramatic, bursting with exotic colour and warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun, Portugal’s most enchanting island is a place that keeps all its subtropical holiday promises. Pearl of the Atlantic, island of eternal spring…Madeira well deserves its fanciful nicknames and the affection visitors and locals alike feel for this tiny volcanic island that offers so much.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Quinta das Cruzes

Now a museum, the Quinta das Cruzes is a quintessential old Madeiran manor house complete with gardens and a private chapel. Originally the home of João…

Mercado dos Lavradores

Built in 1940 by architect Edmundo Tavares, Funchal's art deco market is one of its top attractions as well as still serving as the island's best fresh…

Once a run-down area between the Mercado dos Lavradores and the Fortaleza de Santiago, in recent years the 'Old Zone' of merchant's houses and 19th…

Funchal's 16th-century cathedral once oversaw the world's largest diocese – all of Portugal’s overseas territories from Madeira to Brazil to Angola – and…

Praia Formosa

Anyone who says Madeira has no beaches should hop on bus 1 or 43 to the boulders and browny-black sand of this wild strand in Funchal's western suburbs…

Jardins Botânicos da Madeira

One of the island's top tourist attractions, Madeira's famous botanical gardens are a must for most visitors. Extending over 80,000 sq metres, the gardens…

Pereira D'Oliveira

Run by the fifth generation of the D'Oliveira family, this is Funchal's most easily accessible wine experience. Anyone can enter the strongly aromatic…

Curral das Freiras

Dramatically set at the bottom of a mammoth cauldron of rock, the village of Curral das Freiras is one of the most popular daytrips from Funchal. Some…

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Madeira and beyond

Madeira Travel Guide: 20 useful Things To Know Before You Go

Have you got some questions about travelling to Madeira? In this ultimate Madeira travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for planning your trip to the Portugese island.

We’ll take a look at how to make the most of all that Madeira has to offer, the logistics of your trip and the sensible planning stuff. So read on for the full Madeira travel guide plus 20 things to know before you go…

Madeira is a Portuguese island situated off the west coast of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands. The volcanic island’s striking terrain makes it an incredibly unique place. Its dramatic slopes are densely populated with green vegetation and a skyline of jagged mountain peaks beckon you to explore.

Madeira is known by many as the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’ for many reasons including a constant subtropical climate, exotic fruits, spectacular coastlines and extraordinary landscapes .

Madeira’s skyline of jagged mountain peaks makes it a hiker’s dream destination

The island’s staggering geological formations are down to it essentially being a plate of a volcano that once thrusted up out of the Atlantic Ocean. Its basalt rock crags, coastlines and mountain peaks have shaped much of its tourism and visitors are encouraged to discover its history.

One of the island’s main charms is its web of walking trails . From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles , there are routes for every hiker. The trails are found on most good navigation apps which means there is scope to get creative and plot your own route.

For such a small island, it has a mighty amount to offer tourists, especially for adventure-seekers . The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings making Madeira one of the best places in the world for canyoning. 

Madeira’s elements also provide a playground for rock climbing , surfing, snorkeling, cycling, paragliding… the list goes on…

Cynthia and I took two weeks to explore Madeira in January, but we needed far more time! The island has such a peaceful energy and while there’s so much to physically do, it’s also a place to relax. 

We wanted to pass on everything we learned from our trip and help you have just as much fun. So please read on for our ultimate Madeira travel guide!

Tip: See our  Madeira Travel Page  for a complete overview of all our travel guides about Madeira!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Madeira experiences & travel resources

Top experiences.

• Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
• Walking Tours in Madeira
• Whale watching & Sunset sailing tour
• Canyoning Adventures in Madeira

Madeira Travel Resources

• Rent a car in Madeira
• Book your stay in Madeira
• Travel Insurance for outdoor adventures in Madeira
• Madeira Hiking Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visiting Madeira: Madeira entry requirements

Schengen zone citizens Schengen zone citizens can travel visa-free to Madeira.

Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, or any other short-term purposes.

US citizens US citizens are allowed to travel to Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa.

2. When is the best time to visit Madeira?

This totally depends on what you want to get out of your adventure but Madeira is a superb destination anytime of year. Thanks to its subtropical climate, Madeira gets sunshine all-year round with warm temperatures ranging around 18C-22C in winter, spring/autumn 20-24C and around 24C-28C in summer.

What I loved about Madeira was that it had diverse microclimates .

In the southern town of Ponta Do Sol, you’ll get sun all-year round. The east of Madeira, which was the first to thrust up out of the Atlantic as a shield volcano, is the driest. Meanwhile the central mountainous part can get more changeable weather because of the higher elevation. The northern area is more green, more humid and more likely to have rain. 

2.1) What is the best month to go hiking in Madeira ?

During our trip in late January to early February, we had average temperatures of 22°C which was pleasant for hiking. Some of the trails had little shade, but in those temperatures it was just lovely to be out in the sunshine without any serious risk of heat stroke/dehydration. 

Hiking in summer would make for a sticky time and it’s not easy schlepping up a mountain with the sun bearing down on you. You’d also probably have to go on your adventures in the morning and evening which makes it a little harder to plan. If you want to explore the best of Madeira’s mountains and trails, organize your trip for winter, early spring or autumn.

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hike

2.2) What is the best month to go canyoning in Madeira?

With about 128 canyoning openings in Madeira, you can do it all year round. The water temperatures in the water runs don’t vary too much, but the air temperature will make a difference especially if you’re spending hours in the water.

If you’re travelling to the island purely for canyoning, I’d recommend booking a trip in spring/summer/autumn when it will be over 25C outside.

Canyoning in Madeira: everything you need to know

Madeira is known for being one of the best destinations in the world for canyoning

2.3) When is the tourist season in Madeira?

As a result of its alluring all-year round sunshine, Madeira is popular with tourists throughout all seasons. Locals have told me that Madeira gets incredibly busy in July .

If you want to head to some of the popular trailheads, it’s important to plan your activities earlier or later in the day due to parking and busy coach-loads of people (even in winter!).

2.4) What is the hottest month in Madeira?

The hottest month in Madeira is August, with an average temperature of 27°C. July also hits a similar temperature. If you’re planning to do some hiking during this time, I’d stick to other months. The levada walks are very sheltered by the forests, but the mountainous region is very exposed to the sun .

2.5) Should I visit Madeira in winter?

Cynthia and I traveled to Madeira in the height of winter and we both agreed it was a brilliant time to be out there. We both would love to come back again in this time of year.

I live in England and Cynthia lives in Belgium . In January, gloomy gray clouds hog the sky and it’s miserable… we were both desperate for some sunshine and beautiful surroundings. Madeira gave us more than enough vitamin D and was such a good tonic for the winter blues . 

Practically, we found that the winter temps in Madeira were ideal for hiking and exploring the island. The sea was around 20C (very warm for that time of year) but I was told it is usually a little cooler at 18C in winter. If you’d like to swim in warmer waters, hold off booking a trip until the autumn when the sun has heated up the sea.

3. Travel insurance for Madeira

‘Oh, I won’t need insurance’. Stop it. Yes you do. Accidents happen when you least expect it and if you don’t have insurance you can get in all sorts of sticky situations. 

Funnily enough, on our trip in Madeira, we were staying with a friend of Cynthia’s. For context, she had explored some really remote parts of the Earth and hadn’t had any accidents. When we were there, she severely sprained her foot just by walking to the shop and she couldn’t walk for weeks! 

It just goes to show that anything can happen at any time so spend a few quid and get yourself insured. We recommend HeyMondo as a reliable all-round insurer.

Need  Travel Insurance for Outdoor Activities in Madeira ? I use and highly recommend   HeyMondo Travel Insurance .  As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

4. What is the best way to get to Madeira?

The only way to get to Madeira is by flying into its airport (Aeroporto do Funchal). The airport is 13km away from Madeira’s capital Funchal. 

Although the airport is commonly known as Aeroporto do Funchal, it was officially renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2016. Ronaldo was born in Funchal and grew up in the nearby parish of Santo António.

The architecture of the runway is pretty spectacular as the structure is a huge platform supported by hundreds of pillars! 

The airport mainly hosts flights from Europe, so if you’re flying outside of Europe you may have to consider transfers into your journey. The most important thing to mention is Madeira has one of the only airports in the world with wind limits in place .

This means if there are strong winds, flights will be diverted or canceled . It does happen pretty regularly, so remember to get good travel insurance covering flight issues.

5. Transportation in Madeira: do I need to rent a car in Madeira?

In short, yes, you will need to rent a car in order to get about the island . Many of the trailhead and canyoning starting points are remote and near impossible to reach without a car. 

5.1) Car rental services from Funchal airport

Hiring a car is a fantastic way to access the island’s myriad of mountains, beaches and forests . Madeira is a small island and if you’re located centrally, most places take one hour or less to drive to. The best place to rent a car is at Funchal Airport.

I’ve written a full guide on everything you need to know about driving in Madeira which you can read here. It’s got lots of helpful tips and advice that we learned during our trip.

The full guide on how to rent a car in Madeira and driving rules.

5.2) Parking in Madeira

Visitor parking for visitors seems to be a total bugbear for the locals and we were on the receiving end during our stay. We thought it was important to include in this Madeira travel guide.

When we arrived at our accommodation, we were loosely told of a parking spot. It was clear of private parking signs, wasn’t near a yellow line (which means no parking in Madeira) and there were plenty of spaces available in the surrounding area.

On our third day, we walked down and found a threatening note pinned on our car from a resident who said they would call the police if we parked there again and some *other lovely language*. Within minutes, some locals came out of their homes and stared us down. We scuttled away before they got out their pitchforks. 

We couldn’t help finding the situation funny (Cynthia kept the note as a token of our stay) but we were obviously confused because we had played everything by the rules. Even other locals said we had not done anything wrong.

It was probably some tetchy neighbors who hated visitors. Nevertheless, it’s something to bear in mind. Also just make sure you double check with your accommodation about delegated parking spaces , don’t park in spots that are labeled ‘estacionamento privado’ and don’t park on yellow lines .

5.3) Public transport in Madeira: Buses

In our time on the island, we didn’t see many buses. I did some research while I was there to see if it was possible to travel to other parts of Madeira from Ponto do Sol but the timetables were pretty difficult to navigate and the services weren’t regular.

Timetables for buses leaving from Funchal to urban areas can be found here, while timetables for buses leaving Funchal to the inter-urban areas can be found here .

5.4) Public transport in Madeira: Taxis

Taxis in Madeira are yellow saloon cars with two blue stripes across the vehicle’s body. Taxis that drive outside of Funchal don’t use a taxi-meter and work on a kilometer basis. The government sets prices for pre-defined routes which can be found on the back of the front seat.

From what I’ve read online , you can usually haggle on the price with the driver – just do it before you set off on your journey. 

The app Bolt is in operation on the island, but it doesn’t have many drivers using it outside Funchal. I tried to use it twice from Ponto do Sol but didn’t have any success. 

Note: If you can’t drive but want to make your Madeira trip happen, there are ways where you could organize transfers (sadly it won’t come cheap!). Take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

5.5) Hitchhiking in Madeira

Cynthia and I passed hitchhikers during a trip. Annoyingly, we couldn’t pick them up because one time they waited in dangerous parts of the road where it was impossible to stop. The following time we passed another hitchhiker, they started wildly flapping their arms and jumping up and down while running towards us. It wasn’t the way to say ‘hey, I’m going to be chill in your car’.

Needless to say, if you’re going to hitchhike here, make sure you wait on a part of the road where it’s safe for the driver to pull over, and flag down a car safely .

6. How many days do I need in Madeira?

Madeira is an amazing destination for adventure-seekers. There are endless activities to get stuck into… these include hiking , canyoning , rock climbing , coasteering , surfing, paragliding, diving, trail running and cycling.

However, Madeira is also a destination to rest. There are numerous yoga days and mountain meditation retreats to choose from. The island has so many forces of nature and it’s good to take some time to appreciate it. 

Cynthia and I spent two weeks on the island and we were desperate to extend our trip. There was so much more to explore!

The magic of Madeira is that you can pack in a lot of activities and also take everything in at an easy pace. The people living here are very relaxed and we felt a calm energy with the quality of life. I’d recommend anytime from 10 days to two weeks to get a taste for everything Madeira has to offer.

7. What activities can I do in Madeira?

7.1) hiking along the levadas and veredas.

Hiking is definitely one of Madeira’s main attractions. From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles, there are routes for every walker.

Levada, meaning to carry , is an irrigation system that collects water and transports it across the island. The routes often start perched up high in the mountains and snake their way down into villages, towns and cities. 

The island’s web of waterways span about 3,100km and are some of the longest irrigation systems in the world . Some of the channels are about 600-years-old and the structures are synonymous with Madeira. 

Nowadays, the channels are used for human consumption, electrical energy and agricultural uses. However, they are also a brilliant source of inspiration for hikes because the systems wind into some seriously beautiful and remote places on the island! They are known as levada walks .

The word vereda translates to path . Madeira’s veredas can widely vary from a simple route in the forest to a trickier mountainous path.

In the mountainous region, the trails are named by PR which are a useful tool to find trailheads and plot your distance/difficulty.

Madeira is pretty unique in that its trails are clearly marked and maintained. This means it’s really easy to shorten/lengthen versions of routes and link up mountains and beauty spots. 

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hikes

7.2) Canyoning in Madeira

The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings. Madeira is known for being one of the best places in the world for canyoning and it’s synonymous with outdoor lovers on the island.

Adventure groups can cater for total beginners to experts and Madeirans really encourage you to give canyoning a go. 

7.3) Rock climbing in madeira

Contrary to what you’ll find written online about climbing in Madeira, there are a lot of varied climbing routes here. 

There are venues for sport, trad, multipitch, bouldering and deep water soloing dotted all over the island. I was really impressed how even at the easier venues, there were magnificent coastal views. 

The climbing community here is really welcoming and it’s easy to link up with locals. Alternatively, if you’re new to climbing and want to give it a go, there are groups that can provide equipment and training for the day.

Climbing in Madeira: the full guide for rock climbing on the island

7.4) Coasteering in Madeira

If canyoning seems a little too daring and you want to opt for an activity more chill, why not try coasteering?

Coasteering takes place exclusively on the coastline and involves lots of cliff jumps, swimming and some scrambling. 

Coasteering is less committing than canyoning – if you want to sit it out, you can! Large groups can be taken for this reason and is more inclusive than canyoning. Many tour operators on the island also offer this activity.

7.5) Snorkeling and diving in Madeira

Staggered all along the volcanic coastline are rocky outcrops which harbor incredible marine wildlife. The eastern shores are some of the finest for seeing thousands of unique fish and sealife. 

I’d really recommend heading to Beach Pedra D’eira, Caniçal for snorkeling. It’s a tiny pier that’s tucked away from the tourist spots. The turquoise waters here shimmer in the sunlight so it’s generally a lovely place to chill. Once you start exploring beneath the water, there are so many brightly-coloured fish, marine animals and plants to swim up to. 

If you’re wanting more of an organized snorkeling or diving trip, here are some tours we recommend:

7.6) Surfing in Madeira

Did you know Madeira is a surfing destination? The island is known for having constant swells which attracts surfers from across the globe . 

Something to note is that Madeira is a volcanic island with rocky crags and very little sand . This means it isn’t the easiest, especially when you’re just starting out learning.

Madeira Surf Centre has a great article with a map locating spots across the island . They also provide lessons ranging from total beginners to advanced. 

According to Surfer Today , the best site with one-to-six foot waves for beginners is Fajã da Areia (north of the island). Meanwhile, the west coast is a hit with intermediate and advanced surfers. There are also spots which can whip up 50-foot waves, like in Ponta do Pargo!

Note: If you’re heading out to Faja, be careful of where you put your feet. There are lots of sea urchins there!

8. Madeira travel guide: Where are the best hiking spots in Madeira?

Madeira’s skyline of vibrant jagged peaks and its web of walking paths makes the island a hiker’s dream destination.

The island’s trails are clearly established and widely available on navigation maps. This energized me to create routes that linked the heavily-trodden tourist ones to peaceful wild paths.

Here are our recommendations for some lesser-known trails which are varying in ability and terrain. You can read my full hiking guide for Madeira here .

• Caldeirão Verde Levada Trail :  13km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, bring torch (tunnels) 
• PR 8 – Footpath of Ponta de São Lourenço : 6km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, can get very busy (go early or in late afternoon)
• Pico Grande via Caminho Real da Encumeada PR 12 :  9.5 km out and back, 4.5 hours, moderate-hard
• PR14 Levada dos Cedros : 10.5km circular, 3 hours, easy-moderate, not very busy
• Levada do Larano – Boca do Risico : 9.2 km out and back, 3 hours, easy, part of bigger 24 km trail:  Caniçal’s Levada Larano Footpath
• Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova :  10km loop, 3.5 hours, moderate, bring torch (tunnels)
• Chao dos Louros to Pico Ruivo:   Point-to-point 13km, +1600m -1000m descent, 5 hours, hard

9. Money and currency in Madeira

9.1) currency in madeira.

The currency in Madeira is the Euro. Currently €1 equates to $1.01 USD or £0.85 British sterling.

9.2) ATMs in Madeira

The majority of hospitality businesses take credit/debit cards but it’s a good idea to have some cash with you, especially for parking in touristy spots or hiking trailheads.

9.3) Exchanging money in Madeira

Currency exchange offices are open Monday to Friday and Sundays from 09:00 to 19:00, closing for an hour between 13:00 to 14:00. On Saturdays the offices open from 09:00 to 19:00. Outside these hours, exchanges can be made at some hotels.

9.4) Tipping in Madeira

While tipping isn’t expected like it is in the United States, the wages in Madeira for hospitality services are fairly low so it’s a good idea to tip.

10. Packing list for Madeira

• Waterproof coat and trousers : Madeira has a whole range of microclimates and the thunderstorms here are whoppers. It’s best to bring a lightweight coat that will battle a heavy, but short, shower.
• Trail runners/ walking boots . What shoes should I bring to Madeira? Ah, the age-old question . This completely depends on what you prefer on your feet. I prefer trail runners that aren’t waterproof so they can drain and dry quickly. It also helps me move faster. Other people prefer better ankle support and waterproof boots. Keep in mind it is hot and you’re only really likely to get your feet wet if it rains or if you’re heading on some of the levada walks.
•  Small ankle gaiters. I didn’t need to use these but brought them out with me just in case. Small lightweight gaiters help prevent dust/small rocks/mud from getting in your shoes. If you accidentally get caught in rain, they’re a pretty useful item to have.
• Head torch . On average, Madeira gets about 8 hours of sunshine daily, so you’ll probably grasp as much of the day as you can. If you’re out hiking and you haven’t made it down to a village in time for dusk, it will get dark awfully quick. Also on some of the levada trails, there are long tunnels so a head torch is an essential piece of kit.
•   Hiking pole s . Granted, you probably won’t need these on the shorter hiking routes, but Madeira does have some steep trails. Poles are like an extra pair of legs and are so useful for boosting you up high ascents, preventing falls and stabilizing you across streams.
• Lightweight t-shirt. If you’re hiking on the island, you’re likely to sweat a lot. Don’t wear cotton because it absorbs moisture and is a nightmare to dry out. Stick to polyester.
• Shorts/skort . Cynthia and I didn’t anticipate how hot the island would be, even in January. We had to head to Decathlon and pick up some skimpier clothes to hike in!
• Longer leggings/midlayers . In the evening, temperatures can get cooler and it’s always smart to pack warmer bottoms and a fleece.
• Battery pack and cords for phone/camera . Always an essential if you’re heading out for a long day.
• European plug adapter . Madeira uses TYPE C, like many other EU countries.
• Swimwear. It became a daily ritual for Cynthia and I to go swimming in the sea after a long day of hiking. Even when we went in January, the water temperatures were 22 degrees. Bliss.
• Beach shoes . The island is essentially a whole plate of volcanic rock so many of the coastlines are pebbled beaches or rocky outcrops. Beach shoes are super useful to stick on your feet to get into the sea with ease or to explore the waterfalls.
• Mosquito repellent . Sadly, yes you need this. Madeira has a sub-tropical climate meaning it has hot summers and mild winters.
• Water bottle . Hiking in hot temps means it’s essential to keep hydrated. The water is clean in Madeira and you can drink from the taps.

11. Food and drink in Madeira

It won’t come as much surprise that Madeira is a seafood paradise . Most restaurants serve octopus, salmon, sardines and prawns accompanied with fries. 

The supermarkets are packed with typical Western food, great bakeries and super fresh fruits and vegetables.

11.1) What is Madeira’s signature dish?

One of the island’s specialties is its Bolo do Caco. This is basically a slab of garlic bread stuffed with delicious herbs. Many cafes serve Bolo do Caco with fillings like ham, cheese or octopus. We loved this dish and ate it really regularly!

Filete de Espada, also known as scabbard filet , is a type of black fish that swims deep in Madeiran waters. The dish is typically made with passion fruit and banana sauce. Head to Funchal for the best restaurants. 

Another seafood speciality to try are the lapas (limpets). These are usually fried and then served with a splash of lemon juice and some butter. 

Another common dish you can find is insalata di polpo (octopus salad). Let’s just say it wasn’t Cynthia’s favorite thing in the world… she likened it to pickled octopus on vinegar lettuce.

11.2) What is Madeira’s signature drink?

Poncha is Madeira’s signature boozy drink. It’s made up from rum, lemon and honey. The strength will hit you like a sack of spuds but it’s very tasty. Many restaurants and bars make the drink up in a huge jug, like rum punch. Look out for other variations too – I tried passion fruit and it was delicious.

12. Accommodation in Madeira

12.1) airbnb in madeira.

There are plenty of Airbnb rental properties available in Madeira , but they don’t come cheap. I’d recommend widening your search to camping pods, tipis or basic huts… there are some gorgeous little places tucked away in secluded spots that are often much cheaper than apartments.

12.2) Hostels in Madeira

There are a range of hostels to choose from dotted all along Madeira’s coast, but I struggled to find any situated in the mountainous regions. Take a look at Booking.com to check them out.

12.3) Co-living in Madeira

If you’re planning to stay longer than a fortnight and don’t want to fork out thousands on an apartment, there are co-living spaces available for like-minded people on the island. Search for co-living groups on Facebook here .

12.4) Camping in Madeira

With the island’s vast hiking opportunities, why not combine it with a camping trip? There are campsites across the island which you can find on this useful website .

If you fancy a multi-day hiking trip, the trails provide endless wild camping spots and you’ll be guaranteed some of the most magnificent views of the island .  Set up camp at dusk, pack away in the morning and follow the no trace rules .

13. What area to stay in Madeira

There’s no hard and fast rule about which area is best to stay in Madeira. As heads up, it’s not cheap to find accommodation on the island and you’ll likely be based around what can fit your budget (see above). 

Your location doesn’t matter too much because most places on the island take one hour or less to travel to . 

Cynthia and I stayed in the stunning southern town Ponta do Sol (it means point of the sun and it gets the most sun on the island) . It was a fantastic base for us to explore Madeira. There was a rocky beach, gorgeous sunrises and levada walks from the town. Practically, Ponta do Sol had a small shop, bank, post office and gas station. 

If you’re more drawn towards the mountains, you’ll likely want to base yourself in the north/south, ideally below or above the mountainous region. The west is known for surfing , while the east has some of the best swimming spots . The north of the island is far less touristy and is considered wilder. 

If you can’t drive, you’ll likely have to base yourself in Funchal and arrange transfers from the capital. However, I’d highly recommend hiring a car for your trip. It’s near impossible to get to some of the wilder spots in nature without a hire car.

14. What languages are spoken in Madeira?

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal so the primary language is Portuguese . English is taught as a second language in schools, so many Madeiran people speak it.

14.1) Useful phrases to know for your trip in Madeira

I also suggest you install the Google Translate App for Portuguese and download it so you can use it offline.

15. What religions are practiced in Madeira?

The majority of people in Madeira practice Christianity , with Catholicism being its largest denomination. You’ll see that a lot of the houses are adorned with small shrines of saints and some of the trailheads have tiny chapels which are intricately decorated.

16. How is the internet in Madeira?

16.1) mobile data.

I use a British SIM card called EE. I bought a European add on and my coverage was excellent for the entire time I was there. The only time I obviously didn’t have coverage was in lowlands of the mountains and deep in the forests. 

Cynthia had the same experience with her Belgium SIM. Most European and American SIMs will have easy add on options available for your trip.

16.2) Wi-Fi

You won’t struggle to find Wi-Fi. It’s very established in hospitality facilities, homes and tourist destinations. 

17. Is it expensive in Madeira?

17.1) accommodation.

I’ve touched upon this earlier, but compared to other Portuguese areas, Madeira is more on the expensive side with rental homes. There are ways around this though, like co-living during your stay. Scroll up to 12. for more information.

17.2) Supermarkets

Madeira is a small island, so most things need to be imported which is why you have to be careful what you pick at the supermarket (for some bizarre reason pasta sauce was €6?). 

There’s always ways to eat cheaply though, and we found groceries that worked for our budget. 

On the plus side, some of the island’s fruits and vegetables come at a total bargain. Fish too is caught locally and is good value.

17.3) Restaurants

Cynthia and I ate out at a few cafe bars where the dishes were good value with good portion sizes. We were able to get a plate of food and a glass of wine for around €12-15.

18. Are drones allowed in Madeira?

Yes, drones are allowed in Madeira. You don’t need to declare anything but ensure you pack it in with your hand luggage , not hold luggage.

Also, please be respectful and safe when flying. If you’re at the top of a summit or in a precarious place, think about hikers and climbers who could be scared easily by the sound of a drone. Same goes for wildlife being disturbed by the sound or movement or a drone.

19. Culture and etiquette in Madeira

Although many of the elderly people practice Catholicism, the majority of people dress according to the weather and there aren’t any strict dress codes to adhere to. 

Spitting and littering is a big no-no in Madeira. Madeira is such a green clean island and its vast amount of thriving plants are no doubt partly down to Madeirans keeping their surroundings clean.

20. Tours in Madeira

There are plenty of tour groups and guides to choose from for all kinds of activities and excursions. 

During our trip, the adventure group Epic Madeira took us out for some climbing and canyoning. Their guides were super knowledgeable and friendly, with their focus being combining safety with having a laugh. 

Epic Madeira offers rock climbing, coasteering, climbing and hiking trips. If you’re looking for equipment or a specific transfer, they’ll also be able to help you out. The staff are really into supporting the island’s tourism so if you want to do an activity they don’t offer, they’ll be able to put you in touch with a popular tour group. Contact them here for more information . 

If you’re looking for transfers or heading to busy trailheads, take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

I hope this Madeira travel guide covers all of your questions and helps you with planning your trip. Madeira is such a spectacular place and we’re really excited to share what we’ve learned with you. If you have any other queries or insights, please comment below or contact us !

Related posts

Car hire in Madeira: The full guide on how to rent a car and driving in Madeira

The Handy Guide to Hiking in Madeira Portugal with Our 7 favourite Madeira Hiking trails

Climbing in Madeira: The Full Guide For Rock Climbing On The Island

Canyoning in Madeira: Everything you need to know

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22 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Madeira, Portugal (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 8, 2024

Thinking of visiting Madeira Island in Portugal and wondering what to expect and what there’s to see and do on this little island that’s often called the Pearl of the Atlantic? In this guide, we cover the very best things to do and places not to miss in Madeira that are worth your time the most . Take a look!

Often called the ‘Flower Island’ , Portuguese island Madeira is a truly unique destination in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a volcanic island with stunning mountain landscapes, beautiful rough coastlines, charming villages, and an incredible variety of tropical fruit, plants, and flowers.

If you are looking for white-sand beaches and typical beach activities, then Madeira is probably not the right destination for you (although you can find some nice sandy beaches nearby!). But if you love beautiful nature, rough coastlines, quirky local places, unique traditions, and good food and wine, then you’ll love Madeira!

Despite its relatively compact size, the island offers more diversity than it looks at first sight. And there is so much to see and do in Madeira that you can easily spend a couple of weeks here and never get bored…

But who has the time to see and do everything, right? So we selected only the VERY BEST places to see and things to do in Madeira that are worth your time the most .

In this article, we share all the top sights, activities, and most popular tourist attractions in Madeira that are considered the ‘must-sees’. For each place/ activity, we also include our experience-based tips to help you make the most of your visit.

To help you plan your trip, we also created a map of the nicest places in Madeira . It should give you a better idea of where everything is located and make it easier to plan your time.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the very best things to do in Madeira:

Madeira’s capital, Funchal , is an attractive coastal city that is absolutely not to be missed when visiting the island. Rather compact in size, it offers a lot more than it might look at first sight and you can easily explore the main sights on foot.

Funchal is a city made for wandering with attractive black-and-white mosaic pavements, colonial-style buildings, and a busy marina. It is also a green city with colorful parks and gardens such as Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Madeira Botanical Gardens .

You’ll find a varied range of interesting and historical attractions including the Cathedral (Sé) , Santa Clara Convent , or the iconic wicker toboggan ride , one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madeira. Football fans will definitely want to visit Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy museum CR7 , and if you like street art, be sure to check Rua de Santa Maria .

TIP: Try to time your visit to Funchal when there are no (or not too many) cruise ships in town. The small city gets very busy when there are several cruise ships in port for the day. You can usually find this information online by searching for ‘Funchal cruise ship dates’.

Good to know: We cover the main sights in and near the city in detail further below (many of them are really must-see and do in Madeira). In addition – if you are looking for a more comprehensive guide of just the city itself – take a look at our Funchal guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Funchal

2. Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) is a lively local market located in central Funchal, just a short walk from the waterfront and the main sights. This traditional market is considered an absolute must-see in Madeira. And indeed, it’s a unique experience, so definitely check it out!

Built in 1938-1940 by a popular Portuguese architect Edmundo Tavares, the building is interesting to see in itself. The open, two-story market hall is built in art deco style and decorated with Portuguese azulejo tiles.

On the ground floor, you’ll find flower sellers in traditional dress and fruit stalls selling a myriad of colorful produce. On the top floor, there are dried fruit, vegetable, and spice stalls. If you visit early in the day, check out the fish market – Praça do Peixe – at the rear of the Farmer’s market. The two markets are interconnected by a wide staircase.

Good to know : Mercado dos Lavradores is open from morning to evening every day, except Sunday. On Saturday, it closes in the early afternoon. The absolute best days to visit are Fridays, and also Saturday morning.

TIP: Mercado Dos Lavradores is a great place to sample exotic and interesting foods, some so special that we hadn’t even seen them anywhere else before. However, if you wish to make large grocery purchases, prices are lower in neighboring supermarkets.

3. Cabo Girão

Located just near Funchal, Cabo Girão is one of the most popular places to see in Maderia. This is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe towering 580 meters (1,900 ft) above sea level. The views from Miradouro do Cabo Girão on a clear day are spectacular, but what makes it even more special is the viewing platform itself.

In addition to the paved terrace, there’s also a suspended glass-floored platform jutting over the edge of the cliffs, Cabo Girao Skywalk . It’s really special to see the steep cliffs right under your feet! If you’re afraid of heights and rather not walk on the glass, you can just see it from the side.

Interesting fact: From the viewpoint, you can see small acres of land all the way at the bottom of the cliffs, by the sea. In the not-so-distant past, local farmers would descend down the cliffs in baskets to work on this land. Nowadays this dangerous undertaking is not worth the effort and the risk anymore.

Good to know: The viewing areas are free to enter but can get very busy when a coach tour arrives. In peak season, turnstiles at the entrance are used to control the number of people on the platforms. You may have to wait for your turn, but the views will be worth it.

TIP: Visit Cabo Girao early in the morning or in the evening. It will be quieter and easier to find parking in the limited space available. Plus, the roads around Cabo Girao are narrow and winding. If you are driving, you may not be at ease meeting a coach coming in the opposite direction!

Getting there: Cabo Girao is a 20-minute drive from Funchal. If you do not have a car, you can catch a public bus from Funchal which stops outside the entrance. The Funchal hop-on hop-off bus also has a stop here. Many organized tours that visit the inland or the western side of the island also stop here as well, and some boat tours pass underneath.

4. Câmara de Lobos

Another popular destination to visit in Madeira is the fishermen’s district of Câmara de Lobos , also just a 10-15 minutes drive from Funchal. This little picturesque harbor is one of the best places in Madeira where you can find an authentic feel of a small village. At the same time, it’s a lively place with some bars and cafés, and music on the weekends.

As you walk around the small waterfront area, you can usually see lots of colorful boats and sometimes also fish that is hung to dry. Traditionally, the fishermen go to the sea at night to catch swordfish and small-spotted catshark. During the day, you’ll see locals working on their boats, preparing fishing nets, and playing cards.

Be sure to check out Miradouro Winston Churchill , a nice viewpoint over the harbor where the Prime Minister of the UK liked to paint during his vacation in Madeira. He would have his Rolls Royce bring him to this viewpoint from the nearby Reid’s Palace Hotel , and then sit and paint the scenery here for hours. You can see a small plaque with an inscription that reads ‘here painted Winston Churchill in 1950’.

There is also a small 15th-century chapel – Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição – dating from the period when the island was first discovered.

Good to know: Câmara de Lobos can be easily reached from Funchal by car, but also with the hop-on-hop-off bus . Because of this, the village can sometimes get quite busy with tourists, especially in the high season and when there are lots of cruise ships in Funchal.

TIP: There are lots of cafes in town where you can have a drink or come for lunch. For good fresh fish and nice views, check out Restaurante Coral or Restaurante Praia do Vigário . Both are located by the ocean, on the western side of town. If you want to taste some traditional Madeira wine, head to Henriques & Henriques .

5. Ponta de São Lourenço

Madeira is famous for countless hiking possibilities. The Vereda da Ponta do São Lourenço is one of the most rewarding hikes with some truly breathtaking scenery.

While most hikes in Madeira are inland levada walks, the 8-km Ponta de São Lourenço hike is a coastal trail. This undulating route winds around the eastern peninsula near Caniçal and culminates at the spectacular Ponta Do Furado viewpoint.

The scenery here is absolutely stunning! And even if you just do the first part of the trail – up to Miradouro de São Lourenço viewpoint (+-20-30 minutes walk from the car) – it’s absolutely worth it.

Getting there : Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira island, located about half an hour drive from Funchal. There is a free car park at the start of the trail. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a bus. Alternatively, there are also some organized tours that can bring you here from Funchal.

TIP: Arrive early as the small car park fills up quickly and the narrow hiking paths get really busy. Bring drinks and snacks as there are no facilities on the hike. Also, prepare for lots of wind.

You can read more about this trail in our guide to the best hikes in Madeira .

6. Monte Cable Car

One of the most popular things to do in Madeira is visiting Monte village, located above the city of Funchal. And the best way to get there is by Monte Cable Car (Teleférico do Funchal).

There are several nice places to visit in Monte (more about them below), but the scenic cable car ride to the mountain is an attraction in itself. The views over the city and the harbor are truly spectacular.

The cable car covers a rather long distance and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes. So you have plenty of time to enjoy beautiful views of Funchal and its surroundings.

Practical information: Monte cable car operates daily from +- 9 AM to 5.45 PM (hours might differ in high season). Normally, you can just get the tickets on the spot as well. You can opt for a one-way ride, round-trip, or combination tickets with a cable car to Madeira Botanical Garden. For more practical information, please check the official website .

7. Jardim Tropical Monte Palace

Jardim Tropical Monte Palace is one of the nicest gardens in Madeira. Set around a former pleasure estate and later a luxury hotel Quinta Monte Palace (now a museum), the tropical gardens feature exotic plants from around the world alongside rare native species from Madeira island.

Created in the late 1980s by a local entrepreneur and art patron Joe Berardo, the gardens contain an eclectic mix of trees, flowers, but also fountains, ponds, waterfalls, azulejos , statues, and Japanese-themed gardens with pagodas and carp ponds… Modern sculptures and a large collection of 15-20th century tile panels depicting Portuguese history make a visit here even more interesting.

Monte Palace gardens are situated high above Funchal in the village of Monte. On a clear day, you can also see fantastic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Getting there: The most popular – and highly recommended – way to travel to the gardens is by the above-mentioned Monte cable car. It connects Funchal city center with Monte and stops directly outside the garden entrance. You can also get here by car, but parking is practically impossible. Alternatively, you can take a taxi and there’s also a public bus.

Practical Information : The gardens are open daily the whole year, except on Christmas Day. Kids under 15 are free with a paying adult. For more information, see their website . Please note that the gardens are quite big and some paths can be slippery. So be prepared to walk and it’s best to wear sensible walking shoes.

TIP: You can get a cable car ticket one-way and return to the outskirts of Funchal on a traditional wicker toboggan from Monte (see below).

8. Traditional Wicker Toboggan

Toboggan ride in a wicker basket (aka Monte wicker basket sledges) is an old Madeira tradition dating to the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century. In the past, locals used it as a means of transport to quickly get from the village of Monte to Funchal. Nowadays it’s only used for tourist entertainment…

And indeed, a traditional wicker toboggan ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madeira. Toboggans can seat two people (or three, if one of them is a child) and are steered by two runners, so you just sit and enjoy the crazy ride down the narrow streets.

Some people love it, others say it’s not worth the fuss, so I’ll leave it up to you to decide. One thing you can be sure of – it’s something truly unique that you can only do in Madeira and won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Practical information: Wicker toboggan ride starts by The Church of Our Lady of Monte, a short walk from the above-mentioned Jardim Tropical Monte Palace. You just pay a fixed price to the drivers and there’s no need to arrange anything in advance. The descent takes about 10 minutes and brings you to Livramento, so not all the way back to Funchal. From there, you’ll have to either walk to the town center or take a rather expensive taxi.

TIP: If you decide to go on the toboggan, be sure you visit everything you want to see in Monte first – that way you don’t want to have to walk back up the hill afterwards. Also, keep this in mind when deciding if you need a round-trip ticket for the cable car.

Good to know: There are organized excursions of Madeira island that also include Monte and the wicker toboggan experience in their itinerary. This is one of the best options – a half-day tour that visits the Nuns Valley, Monte, and includes a sleigh ride.

9. Jardim Botânico – Madeira Botanical Garden

Madeira Botanical Garden is another beautiful garden to visit in Madeira. Because it’s somewhat more complex to get to, it’s not nearly as busy as the above-mentioned Jardim Tropical Monte Palace.

This 5-hectare garden is home to thousands of plant species from all over the world, beautifully landscaped flower beds, an exotic bird park, and there’s also a small natural history museum as well.

The gardens are divided into zones such as the arboretum or medicinal plants. It’s a fascinating place to visit for botany enthusiasts as every plant is labeled. The gardens are worth visiting year-round but are at their most colorful in spring and in summer.

TIP: The most impressive (and most photographed) section is the geometric topiary garden, with colorful flowers and nice views over Funchal and its surroundings.

Practical Information: Madeira Botanical Garden is open every day except on Christmas, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Children under 6 are free. For more information, see this website .

Getting there : Jardim Botânico is located outside Funchal and you’ll need a car or a taxi in order to get there. Parking is available, although it will depend on how busy it is. Alternatively, you can also catch a public bus or a cable car from Monte .

10. Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Areeiro (or Pico do Arieiro) is one of Madeira’s highest mountains (1,818 m – 5,964 ft). Easily reachable by car, this is the most popular mountain peak to visit in Madeira. The road to the top is quite winding, but tour buses also come here, so it can get quite busy during the day.

From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the summit which offers fantastic views. It’s also a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.

One of the nicest hikes in Madeira – Vereda do Areeiro – starts here and takes you to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain on the island (more about it below). If you are looking for the best views in Madeira, it doesn’t get better than this!

This is a rather challenging, elevated trail of 7 km one way and 5.6 km back if you make a loop (so about 12-14 km in total depending on which route you choose). There are sheer drops on either side of the path so this hike is not for the faint-hearted.

TIP: You don’t have to do the entire hike in order to enjoy some of the best views. Even if you just walk 15-30 minutes from the car park, you’ll see some amazing scenery and magnificent views that made us feel as if we ended up on another planet. Hands-down, this is one of the best places to see in Madeira!

Getting there: You will need a car (or a tour) in order to get to Miradouro Pico do Arieiro. If you are driving, be sure to arrive early – the parking tends to fill up quickly. Alternatively, if you are not planning to do the entire hike, come here in the afternoon or for sunset.

TIP: If you don’t have a car – or if you want to do the entire hike without having to return to the same point – you can join one of the hiking tours from Funchal. They arrange transportation in such a way that you can just do the hike in one direction – it’s much more feasible and more enjoyable that way. This is the most popular and best-rated hiking tour that I recommend.

Practical information: There’s a small restaurant at Pico do Areeiro, but no facilities further on the trail. So if you are planning to do the hike, be sure to bring lots of snacks and water. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, and warm clothing are essential. There are tunnels on this hike so don’t forget to pack a flashlight. You can find a bit more info about this hike here .

11. Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo is the highest mountain in Madeira (1,862 m – 6,108 ft). It can only be reached on foot from the above-mentioned Pico do Areeiro. However, there is also a shorter trail – Vereda do Pico Ruivo – from Achada do Teixeira on the other side of the island.

The Vereda do Pico Ruivo is one of Madeira’s most famous and dramatic hiking trails. The path takes you amongst and above the clouds. On a sunny day, you are rewarded with 360-degree views from the summit. Be prepared for lots of steps and sudden weather changes here!

Practical information : The shortest trail to Pico Ruivo starts at the Achada do Teixeira car park. It’s about 2.8 km, 1.5 hours one-way, so about 3 hours in total. You can find more info about this trail in our Madeira hiking guide .

Getting there: You’ll need a car to get here. Alternatively, you can also come here as part of a hiking tour that includes transfers from/to Funchal . In case of a tour, you’ll do the hike one way and will see the earlier-mentioned Pico do Areeiro as well. It’s really the most efficient way to do this hike, so even if you are renting a car for the rest of your time in Madeira, I’d still consider doing a tour if you want to hike these two mountain peaks.

TIP: Bring warm clothing because there is a significant temperature drop at this altitude. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast for Pico Ruivo before setting out as it may be different from the rest of the island. Even if it’s sunny everywhere else, it’s possible that Pico Ruivo is in the clouds. If it’s above the clouds, it can be a very special experience too!

12. Natural Pools of Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a small town on Maderia’s northwest coast. It’s best known for its naturally formed volcanic swimming pools , one of the best places to go swimming in Madeira! And even if you’re not going for a swim, it’s a beautiful area to see, with a very impressive rough coastline. On a windy day, you could watch the waves here for hours…

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Madeira, included in all sightseeing tours that visit the western side of the island .

The seawater pools of Porto Moniz are filled by the rising tide so it’s quite possible that you’ll be swimming with fish here. Some of the best pools in towns have been adapted into a beautiful lido complex. These pools are more developed and safer, and they are also easier to access and swim in with children. Plus, the lido has toilets, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty.

Swimming in a warm seawater pool with a dramatic volcanic backdrop is a unique experience. As a result, the pools get quite busy in the peak season.

Getting there: Porto Moniz is a one-hour drive from Funchal. As already mentioned, it’s also a popular stopping-off point on island day tours, but most tours will not foresee the time to swim here. This highly-rated tour foresees some time for a swim at Porto Moniz or at the nearby volcanic pools in Seixal (weather permitting, of course).

TIP: The natural pools can be too rough for swimming in bad weather, so be careful and don’t risk it if the waves are high. Also, if you visit the undeveloped pools, we recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet from the basalt rocks.

Good to know: There’s a small aquarium in Porto Moniz – can be something nice to do if visiting Madeira with kids. Just a short ride from here, you can also find some of the nicest hidden gems of Madeira , such as Praia da Ribeira da Janela or Achadas da Cruz . So you could easily spend an entire day in this area.

13. Rabaçal Levada Hikes

Rabaçal valley in western Madeira is the most popular destination for those who want to do a typical levada walk in Madeira.

Good to know: Levadas are man-made irrigation channels built in order to supply water from the mountains to the communities by the sea. In order to maintain them, narrow paths were created next to levadas – these trails are now often used for hiking and bring you to some spectacular places in Madeira’s hilly interior.

There are several levada hikes starting from Rabaçal. The most popular include Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco . You can easily combine these two walks in one – that’s what most visitors do. You can find more info about this trail in our guide to the best hikes in Madeira .

If you are looking for some easy hiking in Madeira, Rabaçal levada trails are perfect. It’s also ideal for families as the trail is relatively flat. Expect some really nice scenery, shaded forest paths following levadas , tunnels, and – the main feature of these two hikes – impressive waterfalls. But the paths can also be muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall.

Getting there: Rabaçal car park is located on the road ER110, about 50 minutes drive from Funchal or 40 minutes from Porto Moniz. You will need to self-drive, take a taxi or join a tour in order to get here.

Good to know: Lots of tour groups come here because the hike is quite easy, very rewarding, and doesn’t require much time. So it’s a place included in many day tours , and some cruise ship excursions come here as well. All this also means that it can get VERY busy here during the day. If you can, try to arrive early in the morning, or go on a small group tour.

TIP: Check the weather forecast for this area before you set off. It may be sunny and warm on the coast but you may find dense fog and rain by the time you reach Rabaçal. It was sunny when we started our hike here and half an hour later we were hiking in the mist, so you never really know.

14. Whale and Dolphin Watching

The Atlantic waters around Madeira are a fantastic location for whale and dolphin watching . Whales and dolphins can be seen all year round in Madeira. Plus, unlike other destinations, you do have to travel far from the shore to see them.

Depending on the season, there are 2-3 species of whales and over 20 different species of dolphins in the waters around Madeira. The best time to see whales in Madeira is in the summer season, from April till October-November. But – no matter when you visit, your chances of seeing at least some dolphins are really good. Also, Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales can be seen at any time of the year.

So it will come as no surprise that whale- and dolphin-watching tours are among the most popular things to do in Madeira. There are so many tour operators running whale watching tours in Madeira that competition is high and so the prices are really affordable. You can choose to travel on a speedboat, catamaran, or a larger ferry depending on your interests and budget.

Practical information: Most tours depart from Funchal Marina or Calheta and take 2-3 hours. While you can usually find a tour on the day itself, you might have to wait a few hours for the next available option. Also, there are so many ticket kiosks that the choice is overwhelming, and it’s really difficult to compare what you get…

TIP: We highly recommend doing some research and booking your tour in advance ! That way you can choose the boat type that you like, check group sizes, see if there are any age limits, and if there are bathroom facilities or food/drinks onboard if that’s important to you. Furthermore, by booking online, you can easily compare prices, check the starting times, and choose the best tour for you and your family.

Our experience: For our own trip, we booked this speedboat tour , despite the higher price compared to the more popular catamaran trips . We chose the speedboat for several reasons – our kids love it, we never get seasick on a speedboat, and these boats travel faster and usually get closer to the animals.

LEARN MORE: Dolphin and Whale Watching in Madeira

15. Madeira Wine

You cannot visit Madeira without sampling the sweet fortified Madera – Madeira wine for which the island is famous. Its production is comparable to sherry or port wines, so Madeira wine is quite strong.

Several wine producers offer wine tasting in Madeira, including Pereira d’Oliveira in Funchal (one of the oldest traditional wineries) or Henriques & Henriques in Câmara de Lobos .

If you want to take a Madeira winery tour, visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal . Blandy’s is one of the largest, and oldest, wine producers on Madeira. They run 45-min tours almost daily, and they are quite affordable. At the end of a tour, you get to taste some Madeira wine. On their website , you can find more information about the tours they offer.

TIP: There are also really nice food & wine tours in Funchal . Not only do you get to try some of the best wines, but also taste some traditional dishes, and you also see more of the city. It’s something really nice to do in Madeira, especially for adults! In addition, there are tours that take you to local wineries and vineyards outside the city.

16. Curral Das Freiras (Nuns Valley)

Curral Das Freiras (aka Nuns Valley) is another place that many consider a must-see in Madeira. Due to its proximity to the capital, Curral Das Freiras is a very popular destination for cruise ship day-trippers and is also part of many organized day tours of the island .

This dramatic valley in the mountainous interior of Madeira was formed inside the crater of an extinct volcano. It’s surrounded by vertical hillsides and was in the past only accessible by steep mountain paths. Nowadays, there’s a tunnel that makes the valley much more accessible. Still, some of the roads in this area are not for the faint-hearted.

When the French pirates attacked the island in 1566, the rich Santa Clara Convent in Funchal was one of the main targets. The nuns fled into this valley deep in the mountains, where they were safe and had plenty of space for their cattle to graze. Thus the name, which literally means ‘corral – or stable – of the nuns’.

You can visit the village in the valley or simply stop to enjoy the views at the Miradouro Eira do Serrado . From the car park, it is a short walk along paved paths to reach the viewpoint. If you do not plan to hike any levada trails, this is a good location to see some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Madeira.

Good to know: Many tour groups stop at this viewpoint and this is a very touristy place, with a big hotel, a restaurant, and souvenir vendors. If you want to spend more time exploring the area (including the Pico do Areeiro nearby), then it might be interesting to stay at the Eida do Serrado Hotel for a few nights. This would also save you quite some driving on the steep inland roads.

To enjoy tranquil views away from the crowds, you can hike from Eira do Serrado down into the village. However, the view remains pretty much the same as what you see on top. The trail takes about 1 hour (and you can take a bus or a taxi back up). Good hiking shoes are recommended!

TIP: Curral Das Freiras is known for its chestnut specialties – from soup to cakes and even chestnut liqueur. You can try some of these at the local shops, cafes, and restaurants in the village.

Getting there : The Valley Of the Nuns is just 20 km from Funchal. If you drive, be prepared for hairpin bends and sheer roadside drops. You can also catch a bus from the city center or come with a tour. If there’s no space at the car parking at the viewpoint, just wait a few minutes – most people don’t stay here that long.

TIP: The nearby Miradouro do Paredão and several other viewpoints located along a very steep mountain road in the direction of Pico do Areeiro, also offer nice views minus the crowds. If you have a car, be sure to check out this road as well!

17. São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Center

São Vicente is a small seaside town on Madeira’s north coast. It’s best known for the Grutas de São Vicente , one of the popular tourist attractions in Madeira.

Even if you have seen many underground caves before, these are quite unique and worth a visit. The caves are not limestone caves but enormous lava tubes . They were formed by volcanic eruptions nearly 900,000 years ago.

You can explore 1,000 meters of underground tubes on a guided tour. After your tour, visit the on-site Volcanism Center to learn about how the caves and Madeira island were formed.

Practical information: Sao Vicente Caves are normally open daily except on Mondays. You don’t need to pre-book and can normally just join the next tour when you arrive. For more up-to-date info, please check their website . There is also free parking, toilets, a shop, and a cafe on site.

Getting there: You’ll need a car to visit here. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Sao Vicente from Funchal.

TIP: Sao Vicente Caves are a good attraction to visit on a rainy day in Madeira. It is also a cooling option to escape to on a hot summer’s day. Also, if you are in town, check out some local restaurants by the sea. We were recommended Restaurante Caravela and ended up driving up there a few times during our holiday. It’s a no-thrills local place that serves some of the best fish and limpets we had in Madeira.

18. Santana Traditional Houses

Santana’s traditional houses are among the most-photographed places in Madeira. These are the brightly colored, triangular-shaped, thatched-roof houses that you have likely seen on postcards and Madeira travel guides.

There are several publically-accessible houses in the center of Santana town on the north coast, and they are free to visit. During the day, you can buy some local products and souvenirs here. There’s also a small tourist information center. But even if the houses are closed, you’re not missing much – they are most impressive from the outside.

Good to know: You only need a few minutes here, and that makes Santana a popular stop on your way to/from Pico Ruivo (the highest peak of Madeira mentioned higher) or to Parque Florestal das Queimadas (see below). It’s not really a place you want to drive to just for itself – the drive is really long for such a short visit. So it’s best to combine Santana with some other interesting places in northeastern Madeira.

TIP: You can learn more about these houses and about the history and culture of the island at the Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) , a 10-minute walk or a few minutes drive from Santana. The park is open every day except Mondays.

This is not a rollercoaster ride theme park. Instead, it has four sections charting the geology, history, and culture of Madeira. There are playgrounds, pretty gardens, traditional craft displays and a boating lake. It is a fun, affordable place and especially fun for families looking for something nice to do in Madeira with kids.

Getting there: Santana can best be visited by car, and most east-Madeira tours also include a short stop here. There’s a big parking garage just nearby, but it can get really busy here. So parking might be an issue if you come at the time when tours visit. For that, it’s best to visit early or late in the day.

19. Queimadas Forest Park

Queimadas Forest Park is one of the nicest places to see in northern Madeira. And it can easily be combined with visiting Santana’s traditional houses (mentioned above).

This otherworldly and wild-romantic park contains the last remaining Laurissilva trees on Madeira. As a result, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lots of other plants here too, and the park is at its nicest in spring when rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. The area can be explored via a network of idyllic woodland trails that are suitable for all ages.

Queimadas Forest Park is also the starting point for several levada hikes with great views over Madeira’s northern coastline. One of the best levada hikes in Madeira – Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike – also starts here.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail winds for over 6 km through the Sao Jorge valley, culminating in the 100-meter high Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Be prepared for muddy paths, dark tunnels, and incredible scenery.

Getting there: The forest is a one-hour drive north of Funchal. If you don’t have a car and want to visit here, there are also plenty of nice tours that come here and also do the above-mentioned hike.

TIP: Avoid coming here on the weekends since the place is very popular with the locals. Lots of families come to spend a day at the park, bring a BBQ, etc.

Practical Information : There is a cafe and toilets at the entrance to the park, close to the traditional-style thatched houses (that serve as vacation accommodation for the employees of the forest service). There is a car park on-site that was recently expanded and at the moment costs 3 EUR (and the machines only take cash). Alternatively, you can park at the nearby Pico das Pedras parking lot, a short walk away.

20. Balcões Viewpoint & Ribeiro Frio

Just north of Funchal in Madeira’s steep interior is another popular place to visit – Ribeiro Frio . It is a scenic, mountainous area best known for its trout farm and as the starting point for multiple levada hikes.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira – Vereda dos Balcões – can be found here. Its popularity is simple to explain – it’s one of the easiest and shortest hikes in Madeira offering fantastic views. It’s also just a really nice – albeit muddy – walk through a beautiful forest.

This easy, flat, 0.5-1 hr hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trail offers incredible views particularly at the Balcoes viewpoint at the end of the trail. On a clear day, you will be able to see Madeira’s three highest peaks, Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, and Pico das Torres.

This trail is gentle and is a spectacular introduction to hiking in Madeira. It is also a good location to see native vegetation and bird species such as the Trocaz pigeon.

Getting there: You can get here by car or by bus from Funchal. It’s just about 18km from the city, but the roads are really narrow and winding, so count at least 40-45 minutes to get here. Parking next to the road can be a bit challenging to find, so – depending on where you find a spot – the hike can get twice as long. This popular east-island tour includes this hike and a visit to the trout farm at Ribeiro Frio in their itinerary.

TIP: As this is a very accessible and popular location, it gets very busy in peak season. Visit early in the morning and on a clear day to enjoy the best views.

21. Porto Santo Day Trip

Located about 75 km northeast of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo is a popular place to visit if you are spending a longer vacation in Madeira and have plenty of time.

The island is smaller, flatter and more arid than Madeira. However, it does have something that Madeira lacks – long, golden, sandy beaches . In fact, Porto Santo has 9km of sandy beaches. Additionally, as the beaches are rich in calcium and magnesium, they are reputed to have therapeutic properties.

You can spend a day at the beach, go snorkeling , or book a kayaking tour at the stunning Calheta Beach in Porto Santo.

If sunbathing and swimming in crystal clear warm water is not for you, then you can also book a tour and explore this 11km long island with a 4×4. Alternatively, wander the streets of the capital Vila Baleira, and visit the home of Christopher Columbus. Climb the 517-meter Pico do Facho, the highest peak on the island, or visit the Palm Tree Farm (Quinta das Palmeiras).

Getting there: You can fly to Porto Santo in 15 minutes from Funchal’s Cristiano Ronaldo airport. Alternatively, it’s a 2.5-hour ferry crossing each way. Boats for Porto Santo depart from Funchal Marina and you should definitely book in advance (see the website of the ferry company for more info).

Good to know: While Porto Santo can be a nice vacation destination in itself, it is possible to visit the island on a day trip from Madeira, also if you take a boat. There’s usually a ferry from Funchal early in the morning and a ferry back late in the evening.

TIP: If you want to visit the island, but find it overwhelming to plan a day trip, check out this highly-rated day tour . It includes the ferry and sightseeing on the island.

22. Special Events & Festivals in Madeira

Whenever you visit Madeira, the chances are big that there will be a festival happening somewhere. They really have a party for everything – from surfing to running, traditional celebrations devoted to all kinds of saints, to festivals dedicated to onions, tuna, sugarcane, or trout, to name just a few…

The largest annual events on Madeira include the lively Carnival in February, the Flower Festival in May, the colorful Festival of Popular Saints in June, and Madeira Day on July 1st.

Foodies will enjoy small, regional food festivals, such as the Cherry Festival in Câmara do Lobos in June or the Apple Festival in Calheta in September.

The most popular festivals are the Madeira Flower Festival, Madeira Wine Festival, and New Year’s Eve .

Madeira Flower Festival is usually held in May and lasts a few weeks. Expect parades of floats adorned with flowers and floral carpets on the streets. There are free public displays of traditional music and dancing. The highlight of the festival is the Children’s Parade during which the children construct a floral ‘wall of hope’.

Madeira Wine Festival is held at the time of the harvest, at the end of August – early September. The festival usually spans several weeks culminating with the Wine Harvest Festival at Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.

Madeira’s New Year’s Eve festivities attract visitors from around the world. At midnight, a spectacular 8-minute-long fireworks display is launched from 50 different locations around Funchal. If you want to party or just see some amazing fireworks, Madeira is a great place to be at New Year’s.

Good to know: Madeira gets very busy during festivals, particularly around Christmas/ New Year’s Eve. Be sure to book accommodation and tours in advance.

Additional recommendations for things to do in Madeira

As already mentioned, I don’t want to overwhelm you with too many options of places to see and things to do in Madeira. So in our article, we tried to focus on the most popular sights and activities.

However, if you have all those covered and/or are looking for some more ideas on what to see in Madeira, here are a few additional recommendations:

• Fun outdoor activities. Madeira has a lot to offer for those looking for a more active vacation as well. From hiking , biking , surfing or bodyboarding , to adventurous canyoning tours or fun 4×4 excursions , there’s plenty to do in Madeira to keep you busy no matter your interests!
• Seixal. This is a small community with a nice black-sand beach and some natural volcanic pools on the north coast of Madeira. If you are looking for a quieter alternative to the popular Porto-Moniz, this can be a good option.
• Camacha , aka the basket weaving capital of Madeira. This place is often mentioned as one of the must-sees in Madeira and many tours like to visit here. However, its main attraction Café Relógio with a wicker museum and weaving demonstrations seems to have closed permanently. You can still visit Camacha Wicker Factory, but it’s just a small, low-key shop where you can see a traditional basket weaving demonstration and buy some woven items (if you have the space in your luggage).
• Madeira Whale Museum (Museu da Baleia da Madeira) in Calheta. This is a small but well-done museum where you can see some cool whales and learn more about Madeira’s whaling history.
• Posto Florestal Fanal . This is an ancient laurel forest in northwestern Madeira. It looks very special and mystical in the fog. If you can catch this place when the clouds are low, it has a really unique atmosphere that many find worth the long drive.
• Madeira’s north coast. If you have some extra time and don’t mind some winding roads, drive the entire northern coast of Madeira. The views are really worth it!
• Paul da Serra. This is Madeira’s interior that you can explore by driving the road ER110. There are some really nice viewpoints here, such as Miradouro da Bica da Cana or Miradouro Molinas.
• … There are more villages, viewpoints, coastal areas, and mountain roads that might be worth seeing in Madeira if you have even more time. But the above list should keep you busy for a week or two. If you’re looking for some nice off-the-beaten-path places, be sure to also check our guide to some lesser-known places in Madeira that we found worth visiting.

LEARN MORE: Hidden Gems of Madeira

How to get to Madeira

Madeira is an island so the best way to get here is by plane. Most likely, you’ll have to make a connection in Lisbon, but there are also direct flights from many other European destinations, especially in the high season.

If you are looking for direct flights or want to minimize the number of stopovers, TAP Air Portugal is the main airline for flights to Madeira.

How much time do you need & how to plan your time

As you can see, there’s enough to see and do in Madeira to easily fill a few weeks… If you can, we recommend planning at least 7-10 days for Madeira – this will give you enough time to see all the main sights without having to rush and do the best hikes.

If you have 1-4 days in Madeira and want to see as much as possible in a short time, the best way to do this is by basing yourself in the capital city Funchal and taking some organized tours. The most popular tours that cover Madeira’s top sights usually focus on either the eastern side of the island or on the west coast attractions .

If you have more time , I advise renting a car and visiting some of the musts in Madeira at a slower pace. In 3-4 days, you should be able to cover most of the main sights. But if you want to not just see, but actually explore all the most beautiful places in Madeira and do some hiking, you’ll really need at least 5-7 days on the island. That’s if you want to keep it somewhat more relaxed and enjoyable and not have to rush everywhere.

Where to stay

If you don’t rent a car , stay in Funchal. It has the best transport connections and most organized tours start here. Some of the nicest resorts like Pestana CR7 , Savoy Palace , and many others are located on the western side of the city. But there are many nice hotels and accommodations in the old town as well (such as The Vine Hotel or Hotel Cathedral , etc.). It really depends on what kind of vacation you’re planning.

If you have a car , you could make a sort of a road trip and stay at 2-3 different places on the island. However, the distances aren’t big and it’s not really necessary. If you pick just one base location, I advise staying on the south coast .

In the south, pretty much anywhere between Caniço and Calheta Beach (this is where we stayed) is good. But if you want to be able to quickly get everywhere, then again the area around Funchal and close to the highway is one of the best places to be.

Our experience: We stayed in Calheta and it’s a really nice area, with a small waterfront promenade, a small beach, and several nice restaurants nearby. It was easy enough to get anywhere we wanted from here, although driving to the east coast or Pico Ruivo could get a bit long if it was busy around Funchal.

On another trip, my parents stayed in Ponta Delgada on the north coast (not to be confused with Ponta Delgada in the Azores !). They liked the location as well and found it easy enough to travel everywhere from there because of the convenient tunnel that connects the northern coast with the south.

So, this is our guide to visiting Madeira. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you plan an amazing trip!

If you are interested in more destinations in Portugal (mainland and also the Azores), be sure to also check our Portugal travel guide for a variety of destinations, itineraries, and travel tips.

Have a great time in Madeira!

Some travel inspiration for Madeira and the Azores:

• Best Things to Do in Funchal
• Whale Watching in Madeira
• Achadas da Cruz, Madeira
• Best Things to Do in Sao Miguel, Azores
• Sete Cidades, Azores
• Furnas, Azores
• Where to Stay on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Some travel inspiration for central Portugal:

• Best Towns to See in Portugal
• Portugal 10-days Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon
• One Day in Lisbon
• Best Things to Do in Sintra
• Sintra Itinerary & Tips for Your Visit
• Portugal with Kids
• What to See in Nazare

Algarve travel guides:

• Best Things to Do in Algarve
• Algarve Itinerary
• Best Towns in Algarve
• Best Beaches in Algarve
• Benagil Cave
• Ponta da Piedade
• Best Things to Do in Lagos
• Best Things to Do in Albufeira
• Best Things to Do in Faro
• Best Things to Do in Tavira
• Best Things to Do in Sagres
• Where to Stay in Algarve

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sunday 25th of June 2023

Thanks for all of this info! SO helpful!! We are going for 2 weeks in early October and I have been doing a lot of research. This post has so much info all in one spot, appreciate all the details! We cannot wait to go, it has been a desired destination for years for us! Thanks again!

Monday 26th of June 2023

Glad to help, Melissa. Have a wonderful time in Madeira!

Saturday 20th of May 2023

Thanks for the article, looks a great place, we are going for 10 days in August

Monday 22nd of May 2023

Happy to help, Steve. Some tips for August: start your days early (not just for the heat but also to avoid the biggest crowds) and be sure to use plenty of sunscreen. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Great Article. One of the best available!

Thank you for your kind feedback, Alina. Have a great time in Madeira!

Giorgiana Ignat

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

Thank you for all the information. Very useful and planning to do all the things that you suggested in my trip to madeira in June. Can you recomend a car rental in madeira?

@Jurga, Thank you!!!! Happy travel!

Hi Giorgiana, nowadays, we always use this website for car rental. Have a great trip!

Siony F. Besaña

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

I love the information I read in this site. It's very informative. Thank you, very useful.

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Glad to hear that, Siony. Have a great time in Madeira!

Say Yes to Madeira

Madeira island bucket list – 20 awesome things to do in madeira.

UPDATED:  15-03-2020   ◊   ZMIEŃ JĘZYK:  POLSKI

What to see and do in Madeira? A bucket list for all first-time visitors.

Madeira is an island full of attractions, especially beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. It also has an interesting history, beautiful street art and offers a wide range of excursions and outdoor activities.

For a short introduction to the island, please go to our previous post:   MADERA – FOR DUMMIES.  If you are looking for less known places – see post: MADEIRA’S HIDDEN GEMS . Our INSTAGRAM account will also be a great source of inspiration, as it is full of pictures presenting the most beautiful corners of the island. 

Today, the post many readers were asking for: the absolute best ideas for Madeira. Here’s a list of the best things to do and most popular attractions worth seeing during everyone’s first holidays in Madeira.

The purpose of this post is to inspire you and show you the most beautiful aspects of Madeira at a glance, while links to detailed blog posts or external sites will be a useful and practical guides.

Madeira Attractions: 20 x Best of Madeira

#1 do at least one levada walk.

Yes, the first thing you should pack are your trekking shoes as the island is a real paradise for hikers. It is famous especially for its levadas, i.e. small water channels built to transport water from the mountains and which currently serve as wonderful hiking trails.

There are many levadas on Madeira with varying degrees of difficulty. Some will take us the whole day, but many just a couple of hours. The entire list of routes along with difficulty levels and distances can be found on the official website: Visit Madeira . [HERE]  you will also find the brochures with all recommended hikes, available in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish and German.

The most beautiful (or rather: most popular) levadas in Madeira are: Levada 25 Fontes & Risco , Levada do Alecrim , Levada Caldeirao Verde & Levada do Furado.

To the list of my favorites I would also add: Levada Do Rei and Levada Fajã do Rodrigues .

CATEGORY MADEIRA HIKES & LEVADAS – ALL REVIEWS & TIPS

MADEIRA HIKES & LEVADAS – VIDEO PLAYLIST

#2 Stop at every Miradouro you will encounter on the way

The best way to discover Madeira is by car. It is worth learning the meaning of the Portuguese word miradouro – an observation deck – as there are plenty of marked signs leading to different observation decks. Some are right by the road, and it is a matter of minutes, and to some, you will need to hike a bit. If you have time, it is worth checking out every viewpoint you will notice because sometimes we can be pleasantly surprised.

There are way too many beautiful viewpoints on Madeira to mention all in this post, but the most popular ones, which I also recommend, are:

Balcões, Cabo Girão, Eira do Serrado, Miradouro do Guindaste, Véu da Noiva and Eira da Achada.

In Funchal, Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos is pretty popular, and on Porto Santo- Miradouro da Portela. Both Madeira and Porto Santo actually have equally beautiful viewpoints with the same name – Portela.

Eira do Serrado

Pico Dos Barcelos

Miradouro da Portela (Porto Santo)

They are all definitely worth a visit. To my list of favorites I would also add: Pico do Facho, Pico da Torre, Rocha do Navio and Miradouro de São Sebastião, whose location is worth saving on Google Maps, because you won’t find it on TripAdvisor.

Pico do Facho

360-View of the runway, Machico beach and valley up to Ponta do Sao Lourenco

Pico da Torre

Great view of the colorful fishing village Camara de Lobos from above

Miradouro de São Sebastião

Beautiful view of the Ribeira Brava Valley and the south coast of Madeira

OTHER POSTS RELATED TO VIEWPOINTS:

PICO DO FACHO AND BEACH IN MACHICO

CAMARA DE LOBOS & PICO DA TORRE

EIRA DO SERRADO AND THE NUN’S VALLEY

#3 Take one of the many cable cars

There are several cable cars in Madeira. The most famous one connects the Old Town of Funchal with the top of the Monte hill and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens Park, and then this park with another park – Botanical Gardens. This cable car will allow you to enjoy the amazing view of the entire bay of Funchal for a couple of minutes.

Shorter, modern and comfortable cable cars can also be found on Fajã dos Padres and the Garajau Beach.

The most unforgettable rides can be found in the north and north-west of Madeira: Cable cars to Fajã da Rocha do Navio and Fajã da Quebrada Nova in Achadas da Cruz. Both take us to secluded and unique places, allowing us to enjoy some really breathtaking views.

Funchal-Monte Cable Car

Fajã da Rocha do Navio Cable Car

Fajã dos Padres Cable Car

RELATED POSTS ON OUR BLOG:

SECLUDED FAJA DOS PADRES

UNFORGETTABLE FAJA DA ROCHA DO NAVIO

#4 Visit at least one (botanical) garden

The two most famous botanical parks in Funchal that are worth visiting are Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and Madeira Botanical Garden.

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Where exotic plants, architecture, geology and art meet

Madeira Botanical Gardens

2,500 exotic plants including an interesting collection of succulents

Both are beautiful, both are different, both offer an amazing view of Funchal. In the city center you will also find Municipal Garden and Santa Catarina Park open to everyone. Apart from them, there are several other gardens and parks on the island. Many hotels on the island pride itself on its beautiful gardens.

#5 Swim in a lava pool

Volcanic pools built by nature are Madeira-specific bathing spots.

The most famous volcanic pools are the pools in Porto Moniz. Funchal also has its own pool complex called Doca do Cavacas. It is smaller and still remains in the shade of the Porto Moniz pools, but offers a magnificent view of the Cabo Girão cliff and … better weather, because this is usually the best on the southern coast.

Porto Moniz Lava Pools

Doca do Cavacas in Funchal

DOCA DE CAVACAS POOLS

SUNSET LAVA POOLS PHOTOSHOOT 

ALL SWIMMING COMPLEXES IN MADEIRA

BEACHES IN MADEIRA

#6 Fall in love with Madeira’s street art

The most famous street art is located in the Old Town of Funchal, where next to the murals you will find charming painted doors. In Funchal there are also several other murals, for example a beautiful, large whale mural – La Baleia and a well-made mural – a portrait of Cristiano Ronaldo in the district where he grew up.

The street art of the neighboring fishing village of Camara de Lobos is also very interesting. In this case, the doors were decorated by volunteers with recycled materials. Beautiful street art can also be found in Machico.

Funchal Street Art

Machico Street Art

Camara de Lobos Street Art

BEST STREET ART SPOTS OF MADEIRA

PAINTED DOORS OF FUNCHAL – GALLERY AND HISTORY

MACHICO STREET ART

MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN CAMARA DE LOBOS

#7 Visit at least one Fajā  

“Fajā”is a piece of flat land, built by flowing lava, which is located at the foot of the cliff, cut off on one side by a cliff, on the other by water. They are beautiful and secluded places and quite common on Madeira. Each fajā is different and has its own charm, it is worth visiting at least one of them.

My recommendation: Fajā dos Padres or Fajā da Rocha do Navio.

Fajā dos Padres

Fajā da Rocha do Navio

Achadas da Cruz

FAJA DOS PADRES – INTRODUCTION

FAJA DOS PADRES – BEACH & PIER

WEDDINGS ON FAJA DOS PADRES

AMAZING FAJA DA ROCHA DO NAVIO

#8 Let the mountain tops wrapped in a carpet of clouds amaze you…

Magical mountain peaks covered with dense clouds and the silence accompanying these views is a real pleasure for the eyes and ears. We will see them in many places when discovering the island by car, most often around Pico Ruivo , Pico do Arieiro, Encumeada, and even Eira do Serrado.

Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak of Madeira. However, it is easily accessible by car, which makes it one of the most popular attractions on the island. For advanced and intermediate travelers, the PR1 hiking route connecting the two peaks of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is strongly recommended. On this route, very close to Pico do Arieiro, you will find the famous “Stairs to the sky”. Whether hiking or just passing by car, this majestic mountain peak is definitely worth a visit.

Pico do Arieiro

Curral das Freiras - Nun's Valley

SUNRISE HIKE PICO RUIVO (PR1.2)

VEREDA DO ARIEIRO (PR1)

MAGICAL SUNSET PHOTOSHOOT ON PICO DO ARIEIRO

To enjoy the beauty of Madeira’s mountains and many, many viewpoints, we recommend renting a car for at least 2 or 3 full days.

Automatic cars are less popular and more expensive than manual ones, but they should be available if booked on time. If you are travelling to Madeira in high season, remember to book your car well in advance for best selection of cars. One of the best rated on Trustpilot websites we know is  Discovercars . They offer car rental services in around 10 000 destinations, and luckily also on Madeira Island.

#9 See the Nuns’ Valley from above … and below

Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) is one of my favorite places in Madeira. Located only half an hour from Funchal, it makes you feel like you are on a different island.

From above, we can admire it from the beautiful Eira do Serrado viewpoint, a common stop during many day tours. For all mountain lovers, I also recommend staying for at least one night in the hotel carrying the same name – Eira do Serrado Hotel and Spa.

However, we should not see the Nun’s Valley only from above. It is worth hiking down to the valley and strolling around its villages, for example to the spring where you can swim in the summer – Poco dos Chefes . Getting lost somewhere in the narrow valley streets, we will see the real, somewhat hidden Madeira, which is far from the luxurious hotel districts in Funchal.

View on Eira do Serrado from the Nun's Valley

View on the Nun's Valley from Eira do Serrado

VISITING THE NUN’S VALLEY BY BUS

#10 Walk where the mountains and cliffs meet the ocean…

If you are fit enough and do not suffer from vertigo – hike on Ponta de São Lourenço or Vereda do Larano.

Madeira’s routes are divided into “levada” and “vereda”. Vereda is in Portuguese every other route that does not run along the levada. It is worth also go on at least one other hike on Madeira, that is not a levada.

In addition to the “trail in the clouds” already mentioned in point # 8 – Vereda do Arieiro – Ruivo, my two recommendations for you are definitely the Ponta de São Lourenço and Vereda do Larano.

Ponta de São Lourenço – is probably one of the most beloved attractions of Madeira. If we have such an opportunity, it is definitely worth hiking the PR8 route, especially during the sunrise. The trail is especially popular because you can easily get there by bus, which is a good option for tourists without a car.

We do not need a car for the Vereda do Larano either, because we can get to both Machico and Porto da Cruz by bus. It is not a trail for people with the fear of heights, because it often leads right by the edge. However, it is an incredibly beautiful trail, and the views during the route, as well as when entering Porto da Cruz, are unique.

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

Vereda do Larano

STAYING IN PORTO DA CRUZ

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MADERA

#11 Enjoy the rainbow of colours

… of exotic fruit sold at the Mercado dos Lavradores market, small, colorful boats in the bay of the fishing village Camara de Lobos, colorful Santana houses and flowers in botanical gardens, parks and gardens.

Plus, if you’re visiting Madeira in April/May, don’t miss the colorful and beautiful Flower Festival, and above all its main parade through the streets of Funchal.

Mercado dos Lavradores Market

Be careful, some fruit stands are a tourist trap!

Camara de Lobos Bay

Colourful boats in this famous village beloved by Winston Churchill

Flower Parade in Madeira

This spring Flower Festival will delight you. Flower Parade is it's main event

MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES MARKET- WARNING FOR TOURISTS

CAMARA DE LOBOS FISHING VILLAGE – BEST PHOTO SPOTS

FLOWER PARADE IN FUNCHAL – GALLERY

ENTIRE FLOWER FESTIVAL IN MADERA – OUR REVIEW

#12 Try Madeira’s signature local dishes and drinks (at a restaurant with a beautiful view)

There are many good restaurants in Madeira. Most of them serve typical beef, fish and seafood dishes. 

We recommend Espada , a fish served with baked banana pieces ( “Espada com banana” ), squid ( “Lulas Grelhadas” ) or a starter called Lapas Grelhadas – limpets baked in a special pan with garlic and butter, sprinkled with fresh lemon. I recommend Lapas to everyone, even if you are not a fan of seafood dishes – you may like it very much. Espetada is a Madeira “shashlik”, usually made of beef (baked on a metal skewer or a bay laurel stick), seasoned with salt, garlic and bay leaves, grilled on wood or charcoal.

Typical for Madeira are restaurants specializing in Espetades – you can recognize them by the iron stands built into the tables, on which the waiter hangs the finished Espetada.

Here are some proven and well-rated restaurants that specialize in Espetades:

Restaurante Santo António

It will be hard to find options without meat in such Espetada restaurants, so I do not recommend it to vegetarians and vegans.

There are so many great restaurants on Madeira that it is difficult to recommend you the best ones. I will focus on those that are not only a pleasure for your taste buds, but also eyes. Here are examples of several restaurants with beautiful views:

Quinta do Furão with a beautiful view of the north coast

Restaurante Planka with a stunning view of Funchal from above

Sabores do Curral with a view of the mountains and the Nuns Valley

Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva Restaurant great interior restaurant overlooking the bay and the port of Funchal

Restaurante Marisqueira O Barqueiro with a view of the Cabo Girão cliff

On Porto Santo, a beautiful view is guaranteed, especially at:

Panorama Restaurant with a view of the entire beach and Vida Baleira from above

Madeira is also famous for its extensive menu of local drinks, which I have already explained in detail in my post: LOCAL DRINKS OF MADEIRA . Even more popular than Madeira wine is the fruity Poncha. Meeting with friends for a Poncha is more popular than grabbing a beer together. A few Poncha bars we love to hang out at are:

In Funchal:

Bar Venda Velha

 Bar Rei da Poncha

 Bar O Avo 

Outside Funchal: 

Taberna da Poncha 

Bar Filhos do Mar

Poncha Bars on Madeira

Blandy's (Madeira Wine) Lodge, Museum & Shop

# 13 Check who lives in the waters of Madeira

Madeira is probably one of the best places in Europe, where you can not only observe dolphins and whales, but also swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.

Swimming with dolphins tours Madeira

Book you swimming with dolphins tour

All dolphins and sea life observation tours

Check, compare and book whale&dolphin watching tours

Swimming with dolphins in the open ocean was my dream, and I’m glad I could fulfil it on Madeira. We frequently go on dolphin watching tours, so here is our post comparing different options:

SEE POST: SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS & DOLPHIN WATCHING

in which we give you also a nice discount code for 10% off on different kind of sea life tours. Be sure to check it and save it for later.

#14 Try out a new sport or activity in nature

There are so many ways to burn those extra calories on Madeira… During those outdoor activities, you can not only gain new skills, learn something new, expand your comfort zone, but also discover places in Madeira that we would not otherwise see.

Sports and outdoor activities such as canyoning, coasteering, climbing, diving and paragliding allow you to discover Madeira’s hard-to-reach spots. There are also some cool activities on Porto Santo, the two we like the most are rock pool snorkeling and kayaking.

Let me just add an important tip for all budget travelers: come to Madeira in the fall, during the Madeira Nature Festival.

During the Madeira Nature Festival, tourists are invited to try out such lessons and outdoor activities free of charge! Be sure to check out our post with tips on getting the free tour tickets: Madeira Nature Festival

NATURE FESTIVAL MADEIRA ISLAND – HOW TO GET FREE TICKETS?

SURFING FOR BEGINNERS

CANYONING FOR BEGINNERS

COASTEERING FOR BEGINNERS 

KAYAKING ON PORTO SANTO 

SNORKELING ON PORTO SANTO

#15 Dare… to try out these two crazy Madera attractions

That is: Dare to enter the glass terrace of Cabo Girão or get on the Toboggan sled (Carreiros do Monte). Here are two crazy Madera attractions that some tourists do not dare to try. Will you?

The glass terrace on the Cabo Girão cliff is a place that will not take much time, if only you have the courage to enter it. In my opinion, the glass terrace is not as scary as they say. The glass is covered (for reasons I don’t understand) with tiny dots, which makes looking down less frightening. The view from the Cabo Girão cliff, however, is beautiful, so it’s worth visiting it, even for 5 minutes.

As for the Monte Toboggan, this is a rather unusual attraction. Tourists, after getting to the Monte Hill, have the opportunity to ride down wicker sleds on public roads. Of course, they do not do it on their own, but with the help of two skilled sled drivers.

Carreiros do Monte (Monte Toboggan)

#16 Take the ferry to Porto Santo

Madeira is beautiful, but there is something that it does not have, namely large, natural, snow-white, sandy beaches. For such, you can go to the neighboring, smaller sister of Madeira – the island of Porto Santo. It is usually possible to return from Porto Santo to Madeira on the same day. In addition to the ferry, Porto Santo can also be reached by a local plane, and the flight between the islands takes about 20 minutes.

Porto Santo is famous for its comfortable, beautiful, sandy beach and azure water; you can also go sailing, dolphin watching or snorkeling. There are also several beautiful viewpoints and walking trails on the island. The most popular covered tourist attraction is the Museum – House of Columbus.

Porto Santo - info

Attractions, hikes, hotels, restaurants and more

Ferry Line Madera - Porto Santo

KAYAK CAVE TOURS PORTO SANTO

TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO PORTO SANTO BY FERRY 

FAMILY/GROUP STAY ACCOMMODATION ON PORTO SANTO

BEAUTIFUL BEACH WEDDING PORTO SANTO

#17 Watch the sunrise or the sunset at the right place…

Tourists usually watch the sunrise from the top of Pico do Arieiro or Pico Ruivo, or on the easternmost point of the island – Ponta de São Lourenço.

However, even in Funchal itself, the sun also looks beautiful when it rises slowly from behind Ponta do Garajau. This is the view you will get from many port-facing balconies in the hotel district in Funchal, especially the Cliff Bay & Savoy Palace.

A great view of the sunset spreads from many places in the south and west of Madeira. Many tourists view it from the area of Ponta do Pargo.

We still remember the sunset observed on the terrace of the Maktub bar in Paul do Mar and a December sunset above a stunning infinity pool on the roof of the Savoy Saccharum Hotel in Calheta.

>Sunsets look great in Funchal as well, for example from the bathing complex Doca de Cavacas, where the sun sets with a view of the spectacular cliff of Cabo Girão. There are also companies offering romantic evening sunset cruises,

Maktub in Paul do Mar >

Delicious food, great cocktails and a beautiful view during sunset

Savoy Saccharum Hotel >

A modern, beautifully located four-star hotel in Calheta

Sunset watching cruises >

A romantic, evening catamaran cruise from Funchal

SUNRISE HIKE TO PICO RUIVO (PR 1.2)

SUNSET PHOTOSHOOT PICO DO ARIEIRO

SUNSET LAVA POOLS PHOTOSHOOT

#18 Visit at least one of the museums and one of the local art galleries

Depending on your interests, but I particularly liked and recommend:

Universo de Memorias for an amazing collection of beautiful exhibits from around the world, a jaw-dropping collection of horses, ties, Amalia souvenirs and a beautiful view of Funchal Bay

Madeira Optics Museum will impress all photography fans, but it is also a wonderful exhibition of the first photos ever taken in Madeira. You can see how much the island has changed throughout the years 

It is also worth visiting at least one museum related to the history of Madeira and its local products, especially the old sugar cane mills, such as, for example, Engenhos do Norte in Porto da Cruz, or Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta.

Madeira Film Experience or Madeira Story Centre are, on the other hand, two interactive exhibitions/museums that are not particularly extraordinary, but they are a good option for those who would like to learn the entire history of the island. They are also a great option for rainy days. You can learn a lot about Madeira’s history in the Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanic Centre .

Madeira Museums

All museums of Madeira Island

Madeira Art Galleries

Art Galleries on Madeira

UNIVERSO DE MEMORIAS – OUR REVIEW

RESTOCK GALLERY 

As for the most famous museum in Madeira, it is probably the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. And since we’re talking about Mr. Ronaldo …

#19 Find traces of Ronaldo on Madeira

Almost at the end of our list, something for football fans. Madeira is after all the famous island of Ronaldo. On the island you will find several places related to the football player and I mapped them in my post:

13 X CR7 – PLACES RELATED TO RONALDO IN MADERA

CR7 Hotel in Funchal

CR7 Museum in Funchal

Unofficial CR7 collection

#20 Discover the usual-unusual Madeira

Last but not least and above all – do not hide in comfortable and shiny hotel districts! Get out and discover this ordinary-extraordinary Madeira that you will stay in your heart. You can find the real Madeira by strolling through small towns, narrow paths between fields of local farmers.

I remember several incidents from my travels, where I was surprised by the “everyday unusuality” of Madeira. For example, when I entered Porto da Cruz in September, I passed dozens of farmers with buckets of freshly harvested grapes, which they offered to me smiling. I also saw how one of the families had to use a… cable car to get to their own field.

By taking the bus or walking through the dead-end roads of the villages in the Nuns Valley, I couldn’t get over the magical views and the locals’ way of living. Similarly, when I got lost climbing up the village of Machico on narrow … walls actually, because you could not call them roads. I passed by simple gardens and even an animal pen at the top of the hill, with a view that many hotels would wish to have.

I am delighted with all the buildings and roads, and even the football fields built on the slopes of mountains, all the houses that we cannot reach by any vehicle and to which we need to climb primitive trails. I just love all Madeira’s hidden corners, and the true face of Madeira without any make-up, and I highly recommend you discover it too… 

Talking about unusual places – have you already heard about Calhau da Lapa … ?

What do you think is worth adding to the list of the ultimate best things to do in Madeira? 

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MADEIRA TRAVEL GUIDE

Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited, with stunning scenery and a beautiful coastline. An island paradise for walkers, photographers and nature lovers.

This travel guide will tell and also show you with photos everything you need to know about planning your trip to Madeira, best places to visit and things to do and also provide detailed maps and itinerary .

INTRODUCTION TO MADEIRA

Why shall you visit Madeira?

Madeira is one of the  most beautiful and greenest islands  with stunning  mountainous and coastal scenery. It is located In the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa & north of the Canary Islands, and is part of an autonomous region of Portugal, together with the island of Porto Santo.

Madeira is often called the island of eternal Spring or “Garden of the Atlantic” and it has a sub-tropical & mild climate throughout the year making it an ideal destination all year around .

It’s a great place for a  holiday in the sun and sea , although with mainly pebble beaches, and also for people looking for something more adventurous or cultural, with  hiking opportunities in the mountains and forests, amazing views and the beautiful city of Funchal.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MADEIRA

Because of its mild climate , the best time to visit Madeira is all year round with temperatures staying around 18-20°C even in winter. Also because of its mountainous topography and ocean currents, Madeira has diverse microclimates and it can get cloudy and rainy any time of the year depending on which part of the island you are.

For a beach holiday , the best time to visit Madeira is the summer months of June to September with average temperatures of 25°C, a lot more sunshine and possible to swim in the sea.

For me, the best time to visit Madeira will be Spring (from March to May) with ideal temperatures for hiking , fewer crowds and lower prices.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN MADEIRA

Madeira is quite a big island , (801sqkm) so I would recommend staying on the island for at least a full week if you would like to explore it, but 10 days would be even better if you want to visit most of the sights in a more relaxed pace and also combine a day trip to Porto Santo.

Because of the mountainous interior, travelling from one side of the island to another can be time-consuming, especially if you want to stop at every viewpoint along the route to enjoy the views.

WHERE TO STAY IN MADEIRA

For me, the best place to stay in Madeira is the near capital Funchal with a large choice of accommodation, restaurants and all tourist amenities. It is also quite centrally located for exploring the island.

The most popular place to stay in Madeira is the capital Funchal, either in the centre , around the Lido area (Hotel Zone) or close to the Praia Formosa . It is worth considering having a hotel with a pool as the beaches in Madeira are not the best.

I would recommend staying in the centre of Funchal so you can explore the city on foot, but at a hotel that also offers parking . The Lido Area and Praia Formosa are a bit further away from the centre of town (40min on foot).

Some other places to stay are Canico with a few luxurious hotels, and for the best sandy beaches is either Machico or Calheta .

Generally for the best sunshine, the best place to stay is in the south of the island , while the north coast and mainland Madeira can be considerably cloudier and gets more rain.

Best hotels in Madeira

• Hotel Catedral : Perfect location in the centre of Funchal with free parking
• Hotel Porto Santa Maria : 4* hotel located on the Funchal seafront offering rooms with sea views and a swimming pool.
• The Vine Hotel :  Luxurious hotel in Funchal centre offering a fusion restaurant with views and a rooftop infinity pool plus free private parking.
• Pestana Casino Park Hotel : Luxurious hotel offering rooms with sea views, infinity pool and a restaurant with great views, Parking at an extra fee. 15min to Funchal centre.
• Pestana Ocean Bay Resort : Located next to Praia Formosa offering rooms with balconies, sea views and an outdoor pool.
• Allegro Madeira : Located in Lido, just a 5-minute walk from the oceanfront promenade in Funchal, the hotel offers great views from the rooms and rooftop bar.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas required for visits for up to 90 days for most nationalities from Europe, America and Australia.

Portuguese , with a slightly different accent than the mainland, but most people in tourist areas speak basic English and some people speak french or german.

Opening hours

Shops : 9am –7pm Monday to Friday (some close for lunch between 1pm-3pm), 9am –1pm on Sat & Sun closed.

Banks : 8.30am–3pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants : 11am-3pm & 6pm-11pm but some stay open all day.

The climate in Madeira is subtropical, with mild temperatures throughout the year. It can be more cloudy, windy and rainy on the north coast and interior of the island

Summer (June to Sept) : Dry and sunny. Average temperatures between 18 to 26 degrees.

Autumn (mid-September to December) : It starts to get cloudier and rainier as the days progress. Average temperatures between 17 to 24 degrees.

Winter (January to March) : It can get cooler at night and cloudier but rarely gets cold. Average temperatures between 14 to 20 degrees.

Spring (April to May) : It starts getting sunnier with average temperatures between 15 to 22 degrees.

You can check historical weather data for Madeira  here . You can also check the live webcams in various places around the island here .

Madeira is a safe destination, so you shouldn’t encounter any problems when there. But, it is always advisable to be alert for pickpockets in busy locations.

Travel Insurance

Obtaining travel insurance before departure is always advised, even if a place like Madeira shouldn’t present any safety risks. It’s best to be completely insured in case of an accident, health emergency or delayed flights..

SafetyWing is a good choice for travellers. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

The currency is the euro. It’s always recommended to have some cash and carry some coins with you as some places won’t accept cards. The best place to exchange some money is through an  ATM  that can be found in Funchal.

Madeira isn’t an expensive island, but prices are higher during July and August, especially for accommodation. An average twin room will cost 50 to 100 euros per night and a meal at a restaurant around 40 euros for 2 people.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets are of  type F  (with two round pins). The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Packing List

If you visit Madeira in the summertime you will need to pack mainly summer clothes (T-shirts, shorts, a hat, sunglasses, the essential sunscreen and a swimming suit) and spring clothes if you visit in the winter months. I will recommend having walking shoes for hiking, a light summer jacket and a warmer jacket if visiting in winter.

For more information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

HOW TO GET TO MADEIRA

Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport  is connected to Lisbon and Porto (2h flight) all year round and also with the island of Port Santo (15min flight). During summer, the airport receives charter flights from many European countries.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 20km away from Funchal (20m drive). Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

There is also a taxi rank at arrivals, on the Ground Floor (0). The journey to Funchal is about  20min and costs  €30  euros.

There is a shuttle service, the Aerobus , which departs from the Arrivals area towards the Formosa beach, with stops at Funchal centre and near several hotels. The price for one way is € 5.

There are also several bus services to various locations on the island

There are currently no ferries running from mainland Europe. There used to be a ferry (Naviera ARMAS) from Portimao to the Canaries and Madeira during the high season but it’s unknown if this route is going to be operational again.

However, there is the “ Lobo Marinho ” ferry that transports passengers and vehicles daily between Madeira and Porto Santo, on a trip that lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Madeira is also part of the itinerary of many cruise ships from all over the world.

HOW TO GET AROUND

I would definitely recommend  hiring a car  if you would like to  explore the island .

I always try and rent a car whenever I travel as it just gives you the freedom to plan your trip as you like it and stop wherever you like. Madeira offers too many amazing viewpoints that are only accessible by car.

Car rental for a day  is usually  60 euros  in high season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. For the best prices check the  car rental at the  airport . Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

By Scooter/Motorbike

A cheaper alternative to the car is renting a  scooter or motorbike  if you are comfortable with it, but you need to be more cautious on the road.

There are  taxi stands  in most towns but taxis can be a bit expensive if you plan to go further distances.

Taxis are yellow with a blue stripe and operate with a taximeter in Funchal but with set prices depending on the destination outside Funchal.

Bolt & Uber (taxi apps) operate in Madeira providing lower prices than traditional taxis.

The association  AITRAM  provides taxi services to various tourist routes in Madeira by buying a taxi voucher online.

  By Bus

There are 4 companies with their own website for checking public transport in Madeira: Horários do Funchal , SAM , EACL & Rodoeste .

Horários do Funchal serve Funchal city and its suburbs up to Monte and Camara de Lobos.

SAM  and  EACL  bus services serve the east of Madeira (Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, and Porto da Cruz).

Rodoeste , serves the west side of Madeira (Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente).

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Best places to go for a meal are  Funchal city centre and the Lido Area where most hotels are located. The food in Madeira

Best restaurants in Madeira

• The Ritz Madeira          
• Taberna Madeira          
• Doca do Cavacas          
• Restaurante Gavião Novo: Authentic dining in the heart of the Old Town for sampling the local cuisine 
• Il Gallo D’Oro : Michellin star gourmet restaurant
• Regional Flavours       
• Restaurante Vila do Peixe: Great seafood restaurant with a view.
• Casa Madeirense Restaurant
• Dona Amelia : A long-established restaurant
• Galáxia Skyfood | Skybar

You can check the location of these restaurants on this  map .

Local Specialities

• Espetada : Barbecued beef skewers 
• Bolo de Mel : A traditional cake
• Bolo do Caco : Flatbread with garlic
• Lapas : Grilled limpets with garlic butter
• Bacalhau : Salted Cod
• Espada : Scabbard fish
• Picado : Fried pieces of beef with garlic and peppers
• Prego : Grilled steak sandwich
• Chestnut sweets from Curral Das Freiras
• Local fruits : passion fruit varieties, banana, delicious fruit (monstera deliciosa), anona (custard apple), guava, loquat, prickly pear & pitanga
• Madeira wine : a fortified wine for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira wine: Malvasia, Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.
• Poncha : a traditional alcoholic drink made of sugar cane rum, honey and lemon juice.

MADEIRA ATTRACTIONS best things to see and do

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and the main hub. It is a beautiful city , built amphitheatrically on the surrounding green hills and Funchal’s suburbs spread all the way up to Monte . It is the best place to stay as it offers all the tourist amenities and has lots of attractions and things to do. It has a nice old town with atmospheric narrow street s and mosaic pavements , historical buildings , public parks and a nice marina.

Best attractions and things to do in Funchal:

• Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) : The historic centre of Funchal is known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and wide selection of restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
• Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) : This bustling market is a fantastic place to sample local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and traditional Madeiran products. It’s also a great spot to buy souvenirs.
• Funchal Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) : The cathedral is an impressive example of Portuguese Gothic architecture. Its interior is equally stunning, with beautiful wooden ceilings.
• Visit Monte with its beautiful gardens: Jardim Botanico & Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
• Madeira Cable Car : Take a cable car ride from the Old Town to the picturesque village of Monte. The views of Funchal and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking.
• Palheiro Gardens : These magnificent gardens are set on a hill overlooking Funchal. You can explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the views. The adjacent Palheiro Golf Course is also a great place for golf enthusiasts.
• CR7 Museum : For football fans, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum celebrates the life and career of the famous Portuguese footballer. It’s located in Funchal’s port area.
• Quinta das Cruzes Museum : This museum is located in a beautiful old manor house and contains an impressive collection of art, furniture, and artifacts from Madeira’s history.
• Santa Catarina Park : This peaceful park offers a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features lush greenery, walking paths, and beautiful sea views.
• Madeira Wine Cellars : Madeira is famous for its wine. You can visit one of the wine cellars in Funchal to learn about the winemaking process and sample different types of Madeira wine.
• Quinta da Boa Vista : Another historical garden, this one features a range of exotic plants, fountains, and statues, making it a great place to stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Funchal Marina : The marina is a lively area with restaurants, shops, and a great place for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Monte village is located on the hill above Funchal and used to be a healthy retreat from the busy capital in the 18th century. Now it still has this cool, clean country air. The best way to reach Monte is by cable car from Funchal. It is a beautiful ride providing great views of the city and the surrounding mountains and coastline. The best way to return is by ridding a toboggan back to Funchal.

Best attractions and things to do in Monte:

• Monte Cable Car : The cable car is a popular way to reach Monte from Funchal. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the coastline as you ascend the hill.
• Nossa Senhora do Monte Church : This charming church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount.
• Monte Palace Tropical Garden : This beautiful botanical garden features a wide range of exotic plants, koi ponds, and panoramic views of Funchal. You can also explore the Madeira Story Centre nearby.
• Madeira Botanical Garden : This botanical garden showcases an extensive collection of Madeiran and exotic plants. The garden is set on a hillside and offers lovely views of the city.
• Monte Toboggan Rides : A fun and unique experience in Monte is taking a traditional wicker toboggan ride down the hill. Riders are dressed in white and straw hats, and two men guide the sledges on the steep streets.

3. Curral Das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)

This hidden valley with a little village is a stunning spot surrounded by dramatic cliffs and chestnut woods. It was used by the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent as a refuge. The highlight of any visit is the spectacular view of the valley from the miradouro of Eira do Serrado. You can walk also walk down to the village from there along the cobbled footpath. At the village, you can try some of the traditional chestnut specialities (Chesnut cake and liqueur).

4. Pico do Aireiro   

This is one of the best spots to enjoy the views over the mountain peaks of Madeira. It’s the third highest peak on the island but is easily accessible by car. It is usually wrapped in clouds and can be windy and cold even in the summer months. There is a cafe close to the car park and from there you can reach the summit (marked by a concrete post) with a short walk.

5. Ponta de São Lourenço

This easternmost peninsula is a scenic place for a walk and offers great views of the rocky coastline.

6. North Coast of Madeira

Driving this impressive coastal road and admiring the views of the rocky coastline and the various tunnels is one of the best things to do in Madeira. There are so many great miradouros along the way that you can stop to enjoy the views.

7. Ribeiro Frio & Levada dos Balcões

This is a scenic place next to a valley and a river with a trout farm. It is also the start of a short walk – Levada dos Balcoes. This is a beautiful levada walk through the forest leading to a platform offering magnificent views of the valley and green hills.

8. Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

Jardim Botanico (Price: €‎6) is a beautiful botanical garden located above Funchal and easily accessible by cable car from Monte (price: €9,25 one way). It’s a great place to experience the unique plants of Madeira, but it also provides great views of the whole of Funchal and the surrounding mountains. The best view of the city is from ‘Lover’s Cave’. There is a great selection of cacti, coastal plants, endemic trees, a parrot park and a Natural History Museum.

9. Pico Ruivo

This is Madeira’s highest peak and it can be reached by car and then by an easy hike via a well-paved path to the summit (1862m). It provides great views over Madeira’s peaks, volcanic landscape and forested hills.

10. Cabo Girao

Madeira’s highest sea cliff above the sea includes a glass-floored viewing platform offering great views of the surrounding cliffs, coastline and the city of Funchal.

11. Rabacal & Risco Waterfall

Rabacal marks the start of two popular signposted levada walks. The first is 30min walk to the impressive Risco Waterfall and the second is a 1.5h walk to the 25 Fontes (a pool with many waterfalls).

12. Dolphin & Whale Watching

There are various catamaran tours from Funchal marina that take you by the Madeira coastline in search of dolphins and whales . Tours usually last for 3 hours and sightings of dolphins are generally guaranteed . Pilot whales can often be spotted.

13. Sao Vicente Caves

These volcanic caves can be visited by a guided tour. They are located near Sao Vicente in the north of the island. There is also a short film that explains the volcanic origins of Madeira.

BEST TOWNS & VILLAGES OF MADEIRA

• Câmara De Lobos
• Ponta Do Sol
• Porto Moniz
• Ribeira Brava
• Sao Vicente
• Curral Das Freiras
• Paul Do Mar
• Jardim Do Mar

BEST BEACHES OF MADEIRA

Madeira is not known for its sandy beaches. Instead, it offers natural swimming pools, pebble beaches, and rocky shorelines.

For the best chance of sunshine, it’s better to stay on the south coast.

Here are some of the best places for beach and sea swimming in Madeira:

Below is a list of the  12 best beaches  on the island.

• Praia de Calheta
• Praia do Porto do Seixal
• Praia Formosa
• Praia de Machico
• Beach Santa Cruz
• Praia da Ponta do Sol
• Prainha do Caniçal
• Garajau Beach
• Praia do Almirante Reis
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
• Praia Da Ribeira Brava
• Piscina do Porto da Cruz
• Praia de Vigário
• Praia da Fajã dos Padres

MADEIRA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Madeira.

MADEIRA PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs and slideshows from the island of Madeira here .

Here is a list of the  best viewpoint  locations on the island where you can enjoy  great views .

• Miradouro do Cabo Girão
• Miradouro Eira do Serrado 
• Miradouro do Bom Jesus
• Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
• Miradouro dos Balcões            
• Farol da Ponta do Pargo          
• Cristo Rei    
• Miradouro Ponta Delgada       
• Viewpoint Pico do Areeiro       
• Ponta do Rosto            
• Fortress of Faial : This is an old fort that provides great views of the village of Faial and the surrounding coastline.
• Miradouro da Santinha            
• Miradouro do Paúl do Mar
• Miradouro da Portela
• Miradouro da Bica da Cana
• Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos
• Miradouro da Torre

You can check these  viewpoints locations  and the  best photo spots  on the island in the above map .

MADEIRA ACTIVITIES

• Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco (PR8) – 7km/2 to 3h return – beautiful coastal walk
• Vereda dos Balcoes (PR11) – 2.5km/1h return – the easiest levada walk with a beautiful viewpoint
• Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall from Rabacal (PR6) – 11km/3 to 4h – famous levada walk
• Pico Ruivo  from  Pico do Arieiro  or Achada do Teixeira (PR1)
• Surfing : Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are the most popular surfing places.
• Golf : Two scenic golf courses are located to the east of the island (Santo da Sera & Palheiro Ferreira)
• Bird Watching : Madeira has a variety of unique birds that can be enjoyed by bird watchers.
• Whale and dolphin watching .  Various companies offer daily boat tours starting at €30-40, bookable online or from touts at the marina.
• Deep sea fishing : Fishing trips can be booked at Funchal marina. Any caught fish has to be returned back to the sea.
• Paraglading
• Carnival: Colorful parades in fancy dress and carnival costumes in February or March before Shrove Tuesday
• Flower festival : Floats in competition
• New Year’s Fireworks : It’s the world’s largest firework display and a great spectacle in Funchal.
• Theme Park Madeira : Kid-oriented park with lakes and pavilions showcasing Madeira’s cultural traditions and heritage.
• Aquaparque : A water park with slides, rapids and pools close to the airport.

MADEIRA EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Ferry trip to porto santo.

If you have plenty of time in Madeira, you can take the ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo (2h & 15min journey) and explore this pretty island. There is the “ Lobo Marinho ” ferry that transports passengers and vehicles daily between the islands.

It can be done on a day trip, but it will be worth staying more than a day to enjoy this small island with the most beautiful sandy beach in the Archipelago.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

Some of the best priced tours on offer are:

• Seaborn catamaran (€30 per adult).
• Magic Dolphin Catamaran (€25 per adult).

Madeira Island Tour

This is a good way of seeing the island if you don’t have your own transport. The best tour on offer is:

• Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am to 5pm :   This is a small group tour from Funchal over two full days to see top places around the island (€60 per adult).

More information about excursions & tours in Madeira can be found here .

MADEIRA SUGGESTED ITINERARY

It is worth staying on the island for at least 7 to 10 days if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 7 days on the island, but if you have more time to spend, you can change this itinerary to allow a more relaxed pace. I have taken Funchal as a base & overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

• Whale & dolphin tour
• Funchal Town Centre & Marina
• Cable Car to Monte
• Jardim Botanico or Monte Plalace
• Curral das Freiras
• Pico do Aireiro
• Ribeirio Frio
• Levada dos Balcoes
• Camara de Lobos
• Encumeada Pass
• Paul da Serra
• Serra de Agua
• North Coast
• Porto da Cruz
• Ponta do Sol
• Madalena Do Mar
• Funchal Hotel Zone
• Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Porto Santo Day Trip

VIRTUAL TOUR

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Madeira 🙂

THINGS TO BUY

The best destination for souvenir shopping is Funchal with various souvenir shops as well as shops with handmade crafts. Some typical souvenirs to buy are: Madeira wine , Rebuçados de funcho (fennel sweets ) , madeira embroidery & bolo de mel (honey cake).

A unique souvenir to buy is handmade wicker baskets and the best place to purchase it and see the work in action is at the village of Camacha .

FURTHER READING

You can check the following posts :

• Madeira Beaches
• Town & Villages of Madeira

Other useful websites for more information about Madeira

• Visit Madeira : The official tourist website of Madeira
• ZigZagonearth : The most comprehensive guide about Madeira

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit to Madeira in paperback and kindle

• DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madeira (Pocket Travel Guide)
• Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights .
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. TripAdvisor and Trivago are the best search engines to check deals from different websites; however not as good for checking the actual properties & rooms. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Ferries : For Porto Santo check Lobo Marinho
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options.
• Public Transport : There are 4 different companies with their own website for checking public transport in Madeira: Horários do Funchal , SAM , EACL & Rodoeste
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. TripAdvisor is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

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Madeira Travel Guide: everything you need to know

Welcome to our ultimate Madeira travel guide, specifically written for backpackers. Ancient Greek geographers referred to the archipelago region of the Madeira Islands as Macaronesia, meaning “Islands of the Blessed”, a name that holds true to their beauty, nature, history, culture, and traditions. If the Madeira Islands were not already on your travel radar, they will be by the end of this complete guide!

What are the Madeira Islands?

The Madeira Islands are cradled i n the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Europe and Africa and are recognized as Natural Reserves. This region of Portugal is autonomous and is made up of four islands: Madeira , Porto Santo , Desertas, and Selvagens . These islands are known for rich biodiversity, impressive waterfalls, hiking routes, and landscapes.

Not all these islands are inhabited. Can you guess why? A beautiful landscape is not always a livable one. The natural landscape in Madeira and Porto Santo permit people to live on these two islands.

The names of the Desertas and Selvagens Islands are a clue as to why they are uninhabited. In English, Desertas means Deserted, and Selvagens means Savage. Their rugged and harsh natural environment makes them difficult for people to access and live on.

HIKING : With over 130 hiking trails, there’s a trail for every backpacker! The Vereda dos Balcões is a great trail for beginners, and the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is great for the well-seasoned hiker!

No question, the Madeira Islands are a hot spot. This dormant shield volcano is known for its vibrant and lush vegetation thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. With volcanic soil comes rocky and hilly terrain.

Craving the views below water? Say no more! Go diving and see the beauty surrounding the Islands. Or hit up the waves and go surfing.

Getting Around Madeira Island

There are different ways of getting around Madeira Island depending on where you begin your trip and what your budget is.

🚌 GO BY BUS ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

Busses are reliable but a bit chaotic in Madeira. Each town has its own public transportation service, while different towns are connected by different bus companies, depending on the area. You have 4 main companies: Horarios do Funchal , SAM , EACL and Rodoeste .

In Funchal and suburbs: Horários do Funchal is a company that can easily get you in and out of Funchal. Besides Funchal suburbs and Câmara de Lobos, this urban bus service will also take you to several tourist attractions, such as Pico dos Barcelos, Monte or the Botanical Garden.

A bus ticket costs €1.35 EUR ($1.53 USD) if you purchase it ahead of time, €1.95 EUR ($2.21 USD) if you buy it on board and €4.50 EUR ($5.09 USD) for a day pass. For bus times , be sure to check out the timetable for urban and interurban trips.

On the go? Download the HF Bus App to know the schedule wherever you are.

From Funchal: by using SAM and EACL bus services you can go east to Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, Santo da Serra and Porto da Cruz. Rodoeste , whose buses stop in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente, ensures transportation to the western part of Madeira. Ceck out this map to see different areas served by Rodoeste, and the relative fares. The most expensive bus ticket is 6€, and allows you to reach Porto Moniz from Funchal.

🚗 GO BY CAR ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

The most common way to get around Madeira Island is by car. The roads are in great conditions pretty much all over the island, however they may be narrow or very steep at some points. Also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.

Here is everything you need to know about getting around by car on Madeira:

TAXI: The initial fare for your average taxi ride in Funchal starts at €3.50 EUR ($4 USD) and will cost approximately €3 EUR ($3.40 USD) per 5km. You can use the Táxi Madeira App to help plan your travels.

UBER: The base price for an Uber ride in Funchal starts at €1.00 EUR ($1.13 USD).

BOLT: The base price for a Bolt ride in Funchal starts at €1.09 EUR ($1.23 USD) and will cost € 0.59 EUR/km ($0.67 USD/km) and € 0.27 EUR/min ($0.31 USD/min). The minimum fare is € 2.50 EUR ($2.83 USD) /ride.

CAR RENTAL: For a standard sedan, renting a car will cost about €25 EUR ($28 USD) /day in low season. For a larger car or during busier seasons, expect to pay closer to €40 EUR ($45 USD) /day or more. Before booking, contact the rental agency via email to learn more about prices and what cars are currently available. We recommend booking your car rental prior to your arrival or renting it directly in Funchal, not at the airport. You can always ask for a pick-up at the airport!

GAS STATIONS: Unlike other European countries where you can find different prices depending on the brand, in Madeira, the price of gas is pretty much the same across the whole island, with differences of just a couple of cents. Also, you’ll have to refill the tank on your own. How does it work exactly? First, you park your car, you tap the amount (in €) that you’d like to refill and then you put the gas. Once you’re done with the refueling you will look for the cash desk and pay.

VISITING THE DIFFERENT ISLANDS:

PORTO SANTO : To reach the largest Island, Madeira, you can arrive by air at its capital Funchal. If you wish to start your travels in Porto Santo, you can fly to its capital Vila Baleira. Ferry rides allow you to travel to and from the Islands with the Porto Santo line . A roundtrip ticket (tourist class) for 1 adult is €59.44 EUR ($67 USD) for April-September and €48.60 EUR ($55 USD) for the rest of the year. NOTE: During the low season (usually January), the connection may be suspended as the ferry undergoes maintenance.

THE DESERTAS: You can reach the Desertas Islands by boat from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The Deserta Islands are made up of Chão Islet, Bugio, and Deserta Grande. You’ll need to book a group tour to visit this island as access is restricted.

THE SELVAGENS: Visiting the Selvagens Islands can be a bit tricky. The freshwater surrounding the two Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) are filled with coral reefs that make accessing the Islands difficult. As a protected Natural Reserve, you need to obtain permission from the Madeira National Park to visit.

B est Time to Visit Madeira

The climate of the Madeira Islands is mild and people often refer to the weather as an ‘ eternal Spring ‘. Sound enticing?

If you are looking for a warm, sunny destination, the summer months June-September would be the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are around 20-25°C from May to October, while they go down to 13-16°C during winter months, with higher chances of rain.

However, while the summer months may be the most ideal for hiking and beach, waterfalls will most likely be at their minimum in terms of their water flow. Also, during the winter months you will have higher chances to find moody clouds on your hikes, and the island will be greener in general.

Top Things to Do in Madeira

• The Madeira Islands are crawling with waterfalls! Most of them are located at the end of a Levada, which are usually very well-mantained trails. Our favourites are the Levada do Caldeirao Verde and the 25 Fountains Levada.
• Looking for an epic hike? The summit with the highest peak on the Madeira Island is the Pico Ruivo (1,861m high). Don’t miss the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike!
• Did you know the largest surviving laurel forest is the Laurisilva Forest of Madeira and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its trees are over 500 years old and are found in Fanal!
• Catch dolphins and monk seals in the waters surrounding the Desertas Islands.
• Don’t miss the viewpoints! At the Cabo Girão lookout point (elevation of 580 m), you will have a breathtaking view of the coast from the glass platform known as the Skywalk. Miradouro do Juncal in Pico do Arieiro is another viewpoint you don’t wanna miss.

Where to Stay in Madeira

Choosing where to stay in Madeira is quite easy as your location doesn’t have a huge impact on what you are going to see. In fact, you can travel from either end of the island in just over an hour, making it very easy to explore.

This means that no matter what your favourite activities are, you could either choose to spend your entire stay in a single accommodation or change it up every few days.

Understanding Madeira, however, is really important. There is a major difference between the northern and the southern side .

THE NORTHERN SIDE: The northern side of Madeira receives a considerably larger amount of rain and significantly less daylight. This means that this part of the island is usually slightly colder and dominated by more lush vegetation.

THE SOUTHERN SIDE: The southern side of the island is much sunnier and slightly warmer than the northern side. Places like Ponta do Sol rarely receive rain even during the winter months, and you can expect to have a good 1.5 hours more of sunshine every day. Also, don’t forget that you get to see the sunset on the ocean from Funchal to Calheta!

FUNCHAL – Funchal is the largest city and the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira. It’s where most hostels are located, it’s convenient to the airport (which is just 20km away) and it’s dotted with bars and restaurants. It’s the best base for travellers seeking parties, connections, fun, and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Madeira.

RIBEIRA BRAVA & CAMARA DE LOBOS – These two areas are also located on the southern coast of Madeira. The coast here has the most stunning cliffs of the whole island, including the one of Cabo Girão Skywalk. Riberia Brava is also the gateway to Calhau da Lapa , a must-visit place in Madeira. Consider sleeping in one of the old caves of Calhau da Lapa !

PONTA DO SOL & CALHETA – This area is dotted with some of the best surfing spots in Madeira. Ponta do Sol , Paul do Mar , Calheta , Jardim do Mar , Madalena do Mar are all stunning places to stay. This side of the island receives a considerably lower amount of precipitations and at least 1.5 hours more sunlight each day. These towns are also quite convenient for those who want to explore the western side of the island, as well as the north-western side. Stay at Canto das Fontes for an amazing glamping experience.

PORTO MONIZ & SAO VICENTE – This part of Madeira is is all about laid-back island vibes. Like in Ponta do Sol and Calheta, here you will find some great waves if you like surfing. Porto Moniz is popular for its natural swimming pools, and the town itself is pretty nice.

SANTANA – Santana is a good base for those who want to explore the Mountain range of Madeira but don’t like the idea of living in a big city like Funchal. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Santana, Sao Jorge, or Faial.

MACHICO – Porto da Cruz isn’t Machico’s main town. However, it is a cozy town of just 2500 people on the northern coast of the island and it’s the best place to surf for beginners in Madeira. Consider staying in Porto da Cruz as a base for your daily trips to the mountain or just to stay away from the hustle of the city. Porto da Cruz is also a good option for solo travellers and backpackers: we loved the atmosphere at Jaca Hostel , a place we would definitely recommend. Also, the town of Machico is quite interesting, on the southern side of the region.

SANTA CRUZ – Santa Cruz is a calm fishing village located near the airport of Madeira, not far from the city of Funchal. The village of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest on the island, characterized by palmeras, beaches, cliffs, and a stunning view of the Deserted Islands.

Useful Apps & Websites for Madeira

• HIKING: Check out the WalkMe App for maps and tips for hiking across Madeira. The app is free but we highly recommend paying the 4.99€ for the “explorer” version to grant access to all 60+ walks in Madeira, download the offline maps and more. Maps.me is also another great app to have on your phone. It’s free and you can download the map of the island.
• WEATHER: Netmadeira.com is the go-to website for checking weather conditions on the island. The homepage features live webcams from different areas of Madeira. The island is famous for having many different bioclimates, so if you’re having back luck in one area, just visit this website and cross your fingers! Sun may shine not far from where you are! Windy is also very reliable when it comes to the weather forecast.
• BUSSES: Visit Sam Bus Website for detailed information on bus rides around the island of Madeira.
• ISLAND NEWS & TRAILS: Check out VisitMadeira.pt for updates and info on trail status. Some hiking trails may be closed in specific dates for safety reasons, so make sure to check their status before going.

Is Madeira Expensive to Visit?

This is usually one of the toughest questions to answer as the budget largely depends on one’s lifestyle. However, we tried to list here some of the most common expenses you will encounter on your trip, dividing them by category.

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Total Budget

ACCOMMODATION

Transportation.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFO: A bus ticket from the airport to Funchal only costs €5 EUR ($6 USD).

The local delights put the FUN in Funchal. Tasty, healthy, and seasonal food is what Madeira is all about. It’s also quite affordable! A one-course meal costs €10 EUR ($12 USD), and a multiple course meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and water will cost €20 EUR ($23 USD). An espresso costs anything from €0.60 EUR ($0.70 USD) to €1 ($1.15 USD). Tips are not included in the bill.

Foods to try are the renowned Espetada Pau Louro (skewered beef) €14 EUR ($16 USD), Milho fritto (corn and cabbage fried cubes), Polvo (octopus) €10 EUR ($12 USD), Lapas (limpets on a pan) €7 ($9 USD), Bolo do Caco (traditional bread with garlic butter) €3 ($4 USD), and the Prego (steak sandwich) €4 ($5 USD). Expect to pay slightly more in the Funchal area, while prices drop as soon as you go on the northern side and at some local restaurants.

Drinks to try are the Poncha , Madeira Wine, Green Wine and Licor de Ginja da Madeira (Cherry liquor).

Madeira offers a wide range of free and paid activities. The prices below are intended per person.

TOTAL BUDGET

BUDGET BACKPACKERS: If you want to stretch your dollar while still being able to explore Madeira, you should budget for about 30-40€ ($34-$45 USD) a day. This involves travelling in a group (possibly of 4) to split the costs of transportation, housing and more. Expect to rent one of the cheapest Airbnb’s on the island for 4 people ($12 USD/night per person), share a rental car for your day trips ($8 USD/day per person + gasoline), stick to the free activities and eat most of your meals at home. Total cost for 14 days: €420-€550 per person ( $480-$630 USD ).

MID-BUDGET COUPLE : Expect to pay around €60-€70 ($67-$78 USD) a day per person for a bit more comforts. For this budget, you will be sleeping in a mid-budget double room ($20-$30 USD/night per person), split the cost of a rental car ($15 USD/day per person + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD per person). Total cost for 14 days: €840-€980 per person ( $950-$1.100 USD ).

SOLO MID-BUDGET TRAVELERS: Madeira isn’t that friendly to solo travellers when it comes to budgeting. This is mainly due to transportation. A car is essential to explore the island and if you don’t have anyone to split the cost with, it can be pricy. Budget for about €70-€80 ($80-$90 USD) a day if you are on your own. Sleep in a hostel ($20-$25 USD/night per person), rent your own car ($30 USD/day + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD). Total cost for 14 days: €980-€1.120 per person ( $1.100-$1.270 USD ).

FLASHPACKER: Budget for about a similar amount as the previous 2 categories, plus add a few activities or more expensive accommodations here and there. Your daily average budget will need to be around €100-€120 ($110-$135 USD) if you are travelling solo, a bit less if you split some of the costs with others. Total cost for 14 days: €1.400-€1680 per person ( $1.580-$1.900 USD )

Is Madeira Safe?

Madeira was voted the European Safest Destination in 2021, also due to its effort to apply measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the island is very safe to travel to, even if you’re going solo.

Crime is very low in Madeira. Crimes that do take place tend not to target travellers.

Hiking dangers do exist in Madeira, mainly around waterfalls along the Levada trails and on the drops of the Veredas. These are the trails that are nearby water sources like falls and you can expect some areas to be quite wet and slippery.

Driving risks in Madeira are due to its natural mountainous landscape. Many sites to explore on the island are the easiest to get to by car. If you’re driving here for the first time and you aren’t used to mountainous roads, be vigilant and take your time as some of the roads are winding and steep.

Swimming and surfing in Madeira can be wild (both in a fun and risky way). Things to keep in mind when taking a dip: the waves can be quite strong (especially in winter) and be aware of the large rocks below your feet.

What to Eat and Drink?

Have you heard of Madeira wine ? This fortified drink is a must to try. Madeira has a huge tradition when it comes to wines. In fact, wine has been produced here for over 500 years, and ancient traditions are well preserved. On the island, everywhere you look there are terraces, where grapes grow in abundance. The harvesting starts in August all the way to October.

And that’s not all! Don’t forget to taste Poncha , a typical drink with a lemon or orange juice base made with distilled alcohol (Aguardiente) made from sugar cane.

The food will get you going too! Try fish and seafood like lapas (limpets), octopus, grilled trout, or try the espetada – beef cubes (that melt in your mouth) served on a laurel skewer or the Bolo de caco wheat bread! And don’t forget to try the tropical fruits like Anona, Guava, Passion fruit and Tabaibo among many others.

Looking for a place to eat? Check out our favourite restaurants and bars recommended by locals.

How Long Should You Stay?

While the island may seem small on a map, there is actually a lot to see. It may seem hard to believe, but there are about 200 Levadas, 30 Veredas and countless waterfalls in Madeira. So, how long should you go for? The answer is very subjective.

Plan the length of your stay depending on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider you can only do 1 “major” or 2 smaller Levadas/Veredas a day. Most of these trails, in fact, take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could spend a whole month exploring the over 60 recommended trails.

On the other hand, if you’re just coming to relax and visit a few sights, 7 to 10 days would be enough.

Recommended duration: 15 days – 20 days

Best Tips for Backpacking Madeira

• There are two groups of hiking trails in the Madeira Islands: Levadas and Veredas . The first group are the Levada s trails. These trails are quite clean and near water sources. The second group, the Veredas trails, can be more challenging. These trails are more rugged and take you along the mountains. One thing is for sure – both types of trails will blow your mind!
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes . The right clothes and being comfortable can make your trek more enjoyable. Also, even though the weather is mild all year round it can get quite cold if you hike up the highest mountains. Snow is rare, but it can fall even in Madeira. Get yourself prepared.
• Stay on the trail . This tip is for your safety and prevent dammage to local wildlife habitats and preserve the local environment. Bring a cellphone and let someone know where you’re going hiking, even someone at your place of accommodation.
• Always bring a rain-jacket with you. It’s better to be prepared when the weather turns.
• Don’t forget about electronics! The standard voltage in Madeira is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The sockets are categorized as type F , also known as Schuko. Type F (like other European countries) and is also compatible with Types C and E. Consider buying a power adapter for your electronics if the plugs don’t match that of the sockets.

Useful Covid-19 Travel Information

MADEIRASAFE.COM – When travelling during the pandemic, stay up-to-date with all the travel requirements for visiting the Madeira Islands on Madeirasafe.com . Register on this portal before flying there to speed up the process upon arrival. If you submitted valid documentation before arriving in Madeira (Green Certificate, Vaccine, Test or Recovery), you can request a free Antigen test to return to your country.

VISITMADEIRA.PT For more information about requirements of entry, testing, exceptions, and testing upon departure read more on the region’s official website visitmadeira.pt . They have a handy App, the Madeira Tourism App that will keep you informed the whole way.

MORE! You can take a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test in Funchal. You’ll see several tents advertising tests with medical staff. But if you run out of time, don’t worry, you can take a test at the airport. Just be sure to arrive well before your boarding time in case there is a queue. The rapid antigen will cost €30 EUR ($34 USD) and take 30 minutes to receive results.

Disclaimer: The availability and costs of the rapid antigen test at the Madeira airport in Funchal are based on our trip in January 2022. This may be subject to change. You can check the airport’s website to stay informed on what measures and services they offer for travellers.

You will have a memorable time exploring and chasing adventure in the Madeira Islands. Be sure to share with us your thoughts on backpacking in the Madeira Islands, what’s useful in this guide/tips to add, and tag @backpackersintheworld . The Madeira Islands are calling!

Would you like to write a blog post for backpackersintheworld.com? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram .

50 Best Things to do in Madeira – Ultimate Bucket List

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9 Top Reasons to Visit the Island of Madeira

Although it's part of Portugal , the island of Madeira is closer to Africa than it is to Europe . A four-hour flight from London and Paris, this stunning subtropical island is often compared to Hawaii for its volcanic landscapes, rugged coastline, and botanical wonders. We've highlighted nine reasons to visit Madeira including stunning scenery, natural lava swimming pools, and world-class fireworks.

Swim in Amazing Coastal Rock Pools

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

On the northwest tip of Madeira, the village of Porto Moniz is home to a series of natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava. They're naturally filled by the sea and the water is crystal clear.

Although the pools are completely natural, there are handy amenities on site like changing rooms, a children's play area, restrooms, lockers, sun loungers, and a snack bar.

West of Funchal you can walk along the coastal promenade to rock pools cut into cliffs including Doca do Cavacas and Camara de Lobos.

See Breathtaking Scenery

This striking island is made up of dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, black rocky beaches and a wild and wonderful interior crisscrossed by ancient water channels ( levadas ).

Two-thirds of the island is classified as a nature reserve and the volcanic soil means that pretty much anything can grow on the land. Beyond the capital Funchal, the island's peaks and ravines are pretty much deserted leaving them free for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and canyoning. 

See One of The Largest Fireworks Shows in The World

Funchal's New Year's Eve fireworks display lights up the entire bay with a spectacular pyrotechnics show. The shape of the bay provides a natural amphitheater and fireworks are set off from more than 50 different spots. The tradition dates to the 17th century when huge bonfires were lit up on the last night of each year. 

The event held the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display in the world in 2006 and remains one of the best places to be on New Year's Eve. 

Visit the Birthplace of Football Legend Christiano Ronaldo

The island's airport was renamed in early 2017 to honor Madeira's homegrown hero, Christiano Ronaldo. This Real Madrid and Manchester United Football superstar was born in the Santo Antonio neighborhood of Funchal and there are tributes to the footballer across the capital.

The Pestana CR7  is a boutique hotel by the harbor decorated with memorabilia including signed shirts and a bronze sculpture of the athlete by the entrance. It's located above the Christiano Ronaldo Museum , home to a vast collection of trophies, life-size mannequins, photographs, and fan mail. You're also likely to see posters, street art, billboards and merchandise depicting Ronaldo throughout the island. 

Ride Through The Streets on a Toboggan

Where better to take a cable car up a mountain for a toboggan ride than on a subtropical island that rarely sees snow? Visitors flock to the hilltop town of Monte to take a bone-rattling " toboggan " ride into Funchal in a wicker sled guided by men in rubber-soled boots that serve as human brakes.

This traditional method of transport dates to 1890 when locals came up with an easy way of traveling down the steep, winding road into the capital. Don't miss the cable car ride up to Monte, a 15-minute journey that offers panoramic views of Funchal Bay and the ocean. 

Taste World Class Wine

Madeira's fertile soil and warm climate make it a top wine producing spot and the island has been producing some of the world's best fortified wines for over 500 years.

Madeira Wine can be enjoyed both as an aperitif (served dry) and a digestif (served sweet). Head to the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos for a free tasting at top wine producer, Henriques & Henriques or in Funchal join a tour and tasting at  Blandy's , a famous wine lodge that dates to 1811. 

Enjoy Year Around Sun

Known as the "island of eternal spring," Madeira's subtropical climate makes it a great destination to visit all year round. The hottest months are August and September when temperatures reach around 26 degrees Centigrade (78 degrees Fahrenheit) but it's a popular spot to seek out winter sunshine as temperatures hover around 19 degrees Centigrade (66 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and February.

Given Madeira's diverse landscape, it has quite dramatic microclimates which means that you're never far away from sunshine, wherever you are on the island. 

Walk on Europe's Highest Cliff Skywalk

For knee-trembling views of Madeira's stunning coastline, head to Cabo Girao where the best viewpoint is from the suspended glass platform at Europe's highest skywalk.

The lookout spot is 580 meters above sea level and the views stretch past the cute town of Câmara de Lobos into Funchal. It's free to visit and you can grab a coffee from the on-site cafe to calm your nerves before or after your trip. While there consider riding the Rancho cable car down to the beach at Fajãs do Cabo Girão. 

Go Tasting at a Beautiful Art Deco Food Market

Get a taste of local life at the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers or workers' market), an Art Deco food market in Funchal that dates back to 1940. The two-tiered hall is decorated with intricate hand-painted tiles and is packed full of stalls selling tropical fruit, vegetables, spices and flowers.

Don't leave without sampling some fruit you've never heard of before and seeing the lively fishmongers work their magic on the catch of the day in the separate fish hall. 

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Madeira Island: Travel Guide

This is a complete travel guide to Madeira Island, Portugal. I’m sharing tips of the best places to go, how to go around the island, where to stay and what to eat.

I spent one week in Madeira in January 2021 and wanted to share a bit of knowledge to guide you through a visit to this amazing island. It’s known as the Pearl of the Alantic for a reason!

When to go to Madeira?

If you ask me, the ideal time of the year to come to Madeira would be between April and June. Why?

• If you’re looking to do whale and dolphin watching, just like in Azores , it’s the best time of the year.
• April and May also feature a spectacle with all the flowers in full bloom.
• It’s also perfect for hiking: past the rainy season but still not on the unbearably hot summer months.

Weather in Madeira

Madeira is an all-year destination. The very mild climate allows for very stable temperatures throughout the entire year. To give you an idea, in early January I got 20 C / 68F temperatures which were perfect for a swim in the sea! However, if you’re looking for the best chance of sunbathing, then anywhere from April to September is your best bet, with the months of June and July being particularly dry.

Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly all year, specially in the mountain areas in the center of the island.

Crowds in Madeira

Like any destination, avoid summer holidays (August) if you want to avoid crowds. Apart from this, Madeira has several popular events scattered throughout the year, which are also busy periods:

• Carnival – a highly festive period traditionally filled with street parades and parties.
• Flower Festival (Festa da Flor) – taking place in April/May when the flowers are at their best, it features a parade of hundreds of performers and beautifully decorated floats.
• Christmas – The mild temperatures lure many tourists to choose Madeira as a Christmas family destination.
• New Year’s Eve – Madeira is well known for the amazing light & music fireworks in Funchal bay – it was once considered the best firework show in the world!

That said, with the exception of the capital Funchal , Madeira hardly feels crowded. Venture out to the more rural areas and you’ll find plenty of space to relax. The northern coast is particularly less crowded compared to the southern coast.

How many days in Madeira?

I recommend staying for at least 5-6 full days. While the island seems tiny on the map, there is plenty of things to do. You also need to account for the driving time to get around the island and for the changing weather which can prevent you from visiting some places.

If you want a less rushed trip and extra time to do more hikes, aim for 8-9 days instead and throw in a few lazy days to lay around the pool or go to the beach.

What to pack for Madeira

Keep in mind that Madeira has a very diverse range of landscapes with ever-changing weather. It might be bright and sunny in the beaches in the southern coast, but you’ll quickly start to regret not bringing a warmer jacket on the way up to Pico do Arieiro , 1,8km above the sea level.

My point is when packing for Madeira, be prepared for that diversity. Have a range on your clothing and equipment:

• Water bottle – keep yourself hydrated
• Sunscreen – it gets HOT
• Hiking shoes – needed for the rural areas of the island
• Rain jacket – you’ll never know
• Headlamp – some of the hiking trails feature long tunnels!
• Day backpack – to bring all this gear
• Warmer jacket – don’t play around if you’re coming during winter time; it snowed in the highest areas of the island this year.

Where to stay in Madeira

I recommend staying in Funchal. Not only it has the largest offer of places to stay in Madeira, it’s also where you’ll find the largest offer of restaurants, bars, and shops. Being close to the geographical center of the island, where most roads lead to and depart from is also an advantage for any trip.

That said, Funchal is also the most crowded, expensive, and touristy place in the island. If you are looking for a more relaxing and “closer to nature” kind of trip, perhaps consider staying elsewhere for a few days.

Hotels in Funchal

When looking for a place to stay in Funchal, I recommend looking for a hotel or apartment with free parking to avoid headaches at the end of the day. Being in walking distance to Avenida do Mar, the main seaside promenade (and the city center!), and not having to worry about parking, was also a great addition to my evenings.

Best hotels in Funchal

A shortlist of the best-rated hotels and apartments in Funchal with free parking and Superb rating.

My choice: ARTS IN Hotel

A restored Madeiran mansion with great breakfast and beautiful views over Funchal bay.

How to get around Madeira

Driving in madeira.

I have driven in many places but Madeira definitely wins the Craziest Roads Award. Long tunnels, narrow lanes, sharp curves, viaducts, steep roads and sometimes all of them at the same time. It felt like an intense Mario Kart course!

That said, you should be fine as long as you drive slowly and carefully. Maybe it’s part of the Madeira charm! Here are some tips for renting a car in Madeira:

• Get full insurance (Super CDW) – potentially saves you a lot of nerves.
• Rent a place with a parking spot/garage included – it’s almost impossible to find a spot in the narrow steep roads of Funchal.
• Get a compact but powerful car – there isn’t a lot of space in Madeira but at the same time, any extra horsepower is welcomed when going up 30-degree roads.

To give you an idea, I paid 220 Euros for a fully insured car during a full week.

Taxis in Madeira

If you haven’t that much experience driving, I recommend getting around using tours or taxi drivers. Hiring a taxi driver for the day is the best way to stay independent while exploring Madeira, but is also the most expensive option: around 100 Euros/day.

Buses in Madeira

Public transport is inexpensive and works pretty well in the capital Funchal, but quite frankly, to explore the rest of the island it’s very inefficient. Planning a day out by bus is like solving a complex puzzle of bus schedules and routes that will still never get you to the most remote and awesome places.

Bus is still the cheapest option to get around. There are 3 types of buses in Madeira:

• Horários do Funchal – orange buses operating in Funchal.
• SAM – red buses operating in Eastern Madeira (Machico, Caniço, Santa Cruz, etc).
• Rodoeste – green buses operating in Western Madeira (Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz, Calheta, etc).

Places to go in Madeira

Madeira island map.

To help you get around the island and plan your trip, I’ve created this Madeira map with everything I’ve mentioned in this article: my favorite viewpoints, main points of interest, hiking trails, and restaurants.

In the meantime, here is an overview of my top 10 places to visit in Madeira.

1 Pico do Arieiro

Standing at 1,8km high in the heart of Madeira, Pico do Arieiro is one of those landscapes that crush you and make you feel tiny. My favorites! Once you’re up there, watching the clouds revealing and hiding mountains, lush forests, and huge ravines is mesmerizing.

For extra adventure, you can start here the Vereda do Arieiro PR 1 hiking trail that goes to the highest peak in Madeira: Pico Ruivo.

You can go there by car, but keep in mind the road is curvy, steep and frequently has fog and strong winds. Tip: get there by sunset or even sunrise for extra beauty.

2 Porto Moniz

Almost. I almost got a glimpse of sun that would have motivated me to go for a swim at Porto Moniz lava pools. It’s the highlight of this little seaside village although there a few paths that lead to whale watching viewpoints ( vigia da baleia ).

The natural swimming pools are open year-round but obviously summer months is when they get real popular. Entrance fee: 1,50 EUR. To try and avoid crowds, there are other free smaller pools nearby, right next to the Cachalote restaurant.

Tip: On the road to Porto Moniz, arriving Seixal, stop by Véu da Noiva viewpoint ( Miradouro do Véu da Noiva ) for beautiful views of the Northern Coast of Madeira and for this incredible sight of a waterfall plunging into the ocean.

3 Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Many say that Madeira is a garden, so this technically is a garden inside another garden. Jardim Tropical Monte Palace is located in Monte, high up in Funchal , and boasts an incredible collection of exotic flowers and trees from all over the world.

The garden also has a collection of typical portuguese tiles describring social and cultural events of the country throughout the centuries. Entrance fee is 12,50 Euros (2021 prices) and the easiest way to get there is to hop on the Funchal-Monte cable car (prices and operation hours here ).

4 Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço was probably my favorite place during my week in Madeira. It’s the most eastern point in the island and has an entirely different landscape. No crowds, no trees, just stunning ocean views.

This is a great hiking spot, with almost 10km of trails to discover. I encourage you to park your car and adventure yourself a little bit to explore viewpoints with stunning ocean views. Get there early – the parking is limited!

5 Fajã da Quebrada Nova

Scary? Yes. Crazy? Yes. Immensely beautiful? Also yes. Fajã da Quebrada Nova is possibly one of the most unique places you can find in Madeira.

You can get to this little fajã by driving to Achadas da Cruz and then get down there by three ways: by boat, a steep 1h30 hike down or an unusual cable car ride. Keep in mind the cable car works from 10am to 6am, weather permitting.

6 Ponta do Garajau

Above the natural reserve of Garajau, this headland is famous for the Christ statue (Cristo Rei). Originally built in 1927 to welcome whoever arrived to Madeira by sea, it’s a great photo opportunity, with amazing views over Desertas (uninhabited islands) and the beaches of Reis Magos and Galo.

7 Balcões Viewpoint (Miradouro dos Balcões)

This viewpoint is the finale of a small 1.5km levada trail (PR11 – Levada dos Balcões) starting at Ribeiro Frio . You’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring 300-degree panorama over the laurissilva forest of the heart of the island as well as the largest peaks of the island – Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo .

Miradouro dos Balcões is also a mecca for birdwatching enthusiasts. Pro tip: bring a bit of bread and you’ll have several curious little winged creatures flying around you.

8 Cabo Girão

Standing atop a 580-meter high cliff, Cabo Girão has some of the most incredible views over Funchal and the wild Atlantic Ocean. This viewpoint is the highest cape in Europe and is essentially a suspended glass-floored skywalk so it can be a… breathtaking experience (in every sense of the word!).

I visited it during pandemic times and it was still busy, so I recommend to come early in the morning to avoid crowds.

9 Curral das Freiras

Nested in a mountain valley almost a kilometer deep, the small village of Curral das Freiras is certainly a dramatic sight. It’s literally translated as “corral of the nuns” because nuns from Santa Clara Convent in Funchal seeked refuge here to escape attacks from French pirates.

To take in the scenery in full, head to one of the viewpoints in the surrounding mountains. Miradouro do Paredão and particularly Eira do Serrado have amazing views over this special place. The little town is worth a visit to, just to have a glimpse of what is living at such a remote place. Make sure to try the local chestnut cornbread ( broas de castanha ).

Last but certainly not least: the capital of Madeira. Funchal was a surprise for me. Not only it’s much bigger than I anticipated, but the city was literally built on a natural amphiteather so everywhere you go you’ll set to enjoy stunning ocean views.

Because it’s so catered to tourists (expect crowds all-year round!), the streets are extremely neat, clean, and filled with restaurants and shops. It’s a joy to walk in. These are some of the sights to see in Funchal:

• Avenida do Mar – the main seaside promenade
• Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) – boasting flowers from all over the world
• Funchal Cable Car (Teleférico) – a 15-min ride all the way up to Monte where you can visit Monte Palace Madeira
• Funchal Cathedral – gothic 15th-century cathedral
• Lido – bathing complex with saltwater pools

Tourist traps in Madeira

Not everything was perfect though! I had the chance to visit Madeira in pandemic times, which clearly benefited my experience. But it’s clear the island can suffer a bit of the overtourism virus, specially around the Funchal area (where you pay just to go for a swim in the ocean!) and in some crowded hiking trails (which takes away the whole experience, if you ask me).

• Mercado dos Lavradores – even though the largest market in Funchal is worth a visit, beware of the sellers giving you exotic Madeiran fruits to taste. They’re usually flavor enhanced with a bit of syrup and you can easily pay dozens of euros for a few pieces of fruit!
• Santana Traditional Houses – I was expecting to see an entire village filled with the triangular-shaped iconic houses you see in postcards and are marketed as typically Madeiran. The reality is that there’s only a 3/4 of them in Santana, selling souvenirs and traditional food to tourists. A disappointment.

Things to do in Madeira

Hiking in madeira.

Madeira is a paradise for hiking lovers. The typical levadas – trails that follow old water canals through the forest – range in size, difficulty level, and landscape giving a bit of everything for everyone.

• Levada das 25 Fontes PR6 – the most popular levada of them all leads to a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forest. Avoid arriving late morning or early afternoon due to crowds!
• Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço PR8 – the beautiful remote eastern tip of Madeira boasts amazing views over the ocean and the other islands of the Madeira archipelago.
• Levada dos Balcões PR11 – easy and entirely flat 30-min path to one of the most iconic views over the Madeira forest.
• Vereda do Arieiro PR1 – connects Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo in something that can be described as walking on clouds. This trail was closed when I was there due to a landslide (January 2021).
• Levada do Caldeirao Verde PR9 – another hidden waterfall, but you need to go through a few long tunnels to get there. Bring a flashlight or headlamp!

Swimming spots in Madeira

Although Madeira is not exactly known for being a beach destination, there are some spots around the island where you can go for a swim in the ocean.

Man-made swimming pools or even small harbors are great spots to dive into the Atlantic and they’re all across the island ( check my map !). Here are some of my favorites:

• Porto Moniz – natural lava pools in the northwestern tip of the island, quite popular in summer.
• Calheta – a couple of artificial beaches between breakwaters.
• Prainha – small beach in Caniçal hidden among the hills, popular amongst SUP and scuba diving enthusiasts
• Garajau – acessible by cable car or to a steep descent by car.
• Machico (Banda D’Além) – artificial yellow sand beach (one of the largest in the island), imported from Morocco in 2008.
• Porto do Seixal – volcanic beach surrounded by green cliffs and mountains.
• Porto Santo – if you have some extra time, head to the neighbor island of Porto Santo for one of the best beaches of the country!

Other things to do in Madeira

These are other tours and outdoor activities you can find in Madeira:

• Canyoning – the geological conditions of Madeira are fantastic to try out this sport.
• Coasteering – jumping, swimming, and snorkeling amongst the rocky coastline
• Cooking Class – food in Madeira is delicious, so this is something I highly recommend. Check Portugal Farm Experience for farm-to-table cooking classes!
• SUP – experience Madeira from a different perspective: from the sea!

Food in Madeira

What to eat and drink in Madeira

You’ll eat extremely well in Madeira. The level of restaurants in Madeira is pretty high and there’s a bit of everything: from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to Michelin-worthy restaurants. Honestly, it’s great value for money overall.

These are some of the delicacies to try in Madeira:

• Bolo de mel – made with dark sugar cane and nuts, it can last for a whole year after baked.
• Bolo do caco – delicious flatbread, served with garlic butter. Served virtually everywhere as a starter.
• Espetada – meat skewer with beef, bay leaf and garlic, grilled on charcoal.
• Peixe-espada – black scabbardfish served battered and then fried along with a banana or/and with passionfruit sauce.
• Lapas – limpets are my favorite seafood, also typical from my homeland Azores and I couldn’t be happier to find them in Madeira too!
• Poncha – the most traditional Madeiran drink, made with aguardente , honey, sugar, and different fruit juices. You’ll hardly believe this has alcohol!

Restaurants in Madeira

Last but not least – some of my favorites restaurants and bars in Madeira.

• Cachalote – not exactly the best value, but it’s compensated by good quality food is and the beautiful views over the Porto Moniz coastline.
• Doca do Cavacas – even if the food was average, the ocean view would make any visit worthwhile. But the food is absolutely delicious. Specialized in seafood – order lapas !
• Santo António – meat-focused restaurant in Câmara de Lobos. This is a great place to try the traditional espetada .
• Taberna da Poncha – located in Serra D’Água, this is the place to try the typical poncha.
• Taberna Madeira – all the Madeiran specialties can be found in this restaurant in Funchal, from milho frito to lapas and bolo do caco .

What else did you do in Madeira island? Let me know what I’ve missed in this travel guide!

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35 best things to do in Madeira (with photos)

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Madeira is a small island, but it is packed with amazing attractions. No time to get bored! Below is my travel guide with the 35 best things to do in Madeira:

• Most beautiful places – nature, beaches, viewpoints…
• Best places to visit : towns, museums…
• What to do : best hikes, natural pools…
• Things to do in Funchal
• Hidden gems

I wish you a wonderful trip!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite excursion from Funchal:   4×4 tour of East Madeira

MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal:  Les Suites at the Cliff Bay  (Luxury) –  Sé Boutique Hotel  (4 stars) –  Market Place by Storytellers  (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal:  Saccharum Resort  near a beach (Luxury) –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol  (4 stars) –  Engho Velho Hotel  (mid-range)

NATURE – 3 Most beautiful places in Madeira

Madeira is really the Pearl of the Atlantic. This old volcanic land is mesmerizing in terms of Nature. You are really going to stop, breathe and reconnect with Earth. It is beautiful all around the island, but let’s start with 3 of my favorite Natural areas (except for the hikes and viewpoints which we will see further down).

#1 – Admire the perfect view at Rocha do Navio

• Things to do – Rocha do Navio is one of the most typical views in Madeira, and my absolute favorite. It has it all: the impressive cliffs, the cable car, the green farms, the turquoise water, the waterfall… Plus, on clear days, the views all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço, the volcanic tail of Madeira. This is a great place to enjoy the view from above and take the cable car to walk and relax by the water. Learn more in my article about Rocha do Navio
• Location – North Coast Town of Santana Funchal to Rocha do Navio = 45min drive

#2 – Feel small in the Valley of the nuns (Curral das Freiras)

• Things to do – Curral das Freiras is one of the most impressive valleys in Madeira. It is nestled between tall mountains with steep cliff creating a cauldron type landscape. You can see it from 2 different viewpoints above the valley, or go down to the village. Despite being an isolated area, it has had a long history, first helping to protect agains the pirates. Its name means Valley of the Nuns and it is famous for its chesnut. Photos cannot do it justice.
• Location – Inland Just North of Funchal Funchal to Curral das Freiras = 30min drive (via tunnel)

#3 – Admire Nature’s art at the Fanal Forest

• Things to do – On the Paul da Serra plateau, you can find the Unesco Natural Heritage site of the Laurissilva forest.  The island and much of Southern Europe used to be covered by this native forest. In Madeira is one of the largest patches left. Here you discover can easily discover hilly meadows and crooked trees. It is quite enchanting. You can let your imagination run wild, and see magical shapes in those trees. What do you think of the tree in the picture above?
• Location  – Inland Close to the North-West coast, only 20min from Porto Moniz Funchal to Fanal Forest = 1h drive

TOWNS – 3 places to visit in Madeira

Apart from Funchal, the island is dotted with charming little towns and their seaside old centers. The selection of the top 3 was not easy – you might also consider Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Ribeira Brava, Caniçal…

#4 – Love the colors at Camara de Lobos

• Things to do – Camara de Lobos is one of the most picturesque towns on Madeira (and the most visited). It has a longer bay, which is great for a harbor. Today it is home to many small and colorful fishing boats. There is a long seafront promenade to enjoy the town from various angles, many restaurants, a beach and a relaxing atmosphere. Also, note that this is where Winston Churchill used to stay and paint. See more photos
• Location – South Coast West of Funchal, accessible by hop-on hop-off bus ( get tickets ) Funchal to Camara de Lobos = 15min drive See the best rated accommodations in Camara de Lobos

#5 – Take in the sun at Ponta do Sol

• Things to do – Ponta do Sol is famous for being the sunniest place in Madeira.  But it is also very charming with the beach and the colorful buildings on the seafront. Plus, there are the remains of  the Royal path that surrounded the whole island and the bridge that connected to the pier. It is very photogenic and offers great perspectives on the town and the cliffs. Learn more
• Location – Middle of South Coast Funchal to Ponta do Sol = 30min drive See the best rated accommodations in Ponta do Sol

#6 – Listen to the waves at Porto da Cruz

• Things to do – Porto da Cruz is far less famous that the other towns. The South Coast is generally more visited than the North one. But I fell in love with this place. I think this is the village with the best scenery, with splendid views of the cliffs all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, and under the shadow of the 590m high Penha d’Aguia. It is very quiet with only a few accommodations and restaurants. You have constantly the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. And, there is a seaside pool filled with sea water that offers those amazing views. I loved it!
• Location – North-East Coast Funchal to Porto da Cruz = 45min drive See the accommodations in Porto da Cruz

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
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SWIMMING – 3 experiences – what to do in Madeira

Madeira is not famous for its beaches, but that does not mean you cannot have amazing swimming experiences. There are some unique water fun to have. Below are my 3 must-do. If you want to learn more about the natural pools, check out my dedicated article .

#7 – Swim in the Porto Moniz Natural Pools

• Things to do – Many people  visit Porto Moniz  for the volcanic natural pools. They are the most famous on the island. There are 2 areas: the ones that have been made smoother for public use and the more natural ones, near the fort. I recommend first enjoying them on foot: the long strips of lava, the shades of blue and green, the island in the background. But then, make sure to get into the water (seawater). The place is ideal for those who love swimming and the views are mesmerizing. Such a relaxing place to swim. However, don’t swim between 10am and 3pm, when groups are visiting on day trips. I recommend staying later and even spending the night to have a more peaceful experience.
• Location – North-West Coast Funchal to Porto Moniz = 1h drive See the best rated accommodations in Porto Moniz

#8 – Swim under the lava arch at the Seixal

• Things to do – Another options for natural pools are the Seixal ones . The experience here is quite different. They are more difficult to access, but even more impressive. The natural lava sculptures are fascinating, especially the giant arch under which you can swim!
• Location – North-West Coast Funchal to Seixal = 45min drive See the best rated accommodations in Seixal

#9 – Swim under Cabo Girao from boat or with dolphin

• Things to do – One of the major activities you can enjoy in Madeira is a boat tour for whale and dolphin watching . The best period is May to September. There is a wide variety of tours, with different boats and services – Check out the tour options & book With most of them, you can enjoy a swim just under the giant cliffs of Cabo Girao (589M tall!). This is a great experience!
• There is even one where you can swim with dolphins (if they find a pod with specific species) – learn more and book
• Location – Departure from Funchal

HIKES – 3 best hikes & levada walks – best things to do in Madeira

Madeira is also very famous for its hiking trails. There are a variety of trails with mountain and coastal scenery. Some of the most famous are the Levada Walks. The Levadas of Madeira are water channels built into the sides of the mountains to carry water to farmlands.  I recommend you do at least 3 hikes (or their shorter alternatives):

• One in the mountains around Pico do Arieiro
• One at the volcanic cliffs of Ponta Sao Lourenço
• And one along a levada such as 25 Fontes or Caldeirao Verde.

Below are my top 3 and you can see more in my article about the best hikes in Madeira (with tips).

#10 – Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

• Things to do – This is a very impressive hike. It connects Pico do Areeiro (1817m – 5961ft) to Pico Ruivo (1862m – 6108ft), the 3rd and 1st highest peaks on the island. The peaks are sharp and the cliffs dropping straight down around you. You can see mountains all around, as well as the sea on each side. Plus, along the way, there are caves into the volcanic tuff that were shelters for shepherds. You will never get bored (unless you are the clouds).  And you don’t have to do the whole hike, you can do as much as you can and turn around. Learn more in my article about Pico do Arieiro.
• Location – Inland, North of Funchal Funchal to Pico do Arieiro = 40min drive Complete return walk = 14km (8.7mi)  / 7 to 8h

#11 – Hike along the cliffs at Ponta de Sao Lourenço

• Things to do – Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira. You walk along the famous “dragon tail” of Madeira surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks. Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back toward the island. You can do as much as walking you want on the trail and turn around. It is impressive and colorful!
• Location – North-East Coast Funchal to Ponta de Sao Lourenco = 40min drive 6.4km/4mi/3 to 4h return to the Sardinha Café

#12 – Complete the 25 Fontes Levada Walk

• Things to do – This is the most famous Levada walk in Madeira. You follow the path in lush vegetation and it leads to a small lagoon and many tiny waterfalls crying on a wall, hence the name of 25 springs. Plus, on that same path, you can also enjoy a quick detour to the Risco waterfall, dropping 100m (330ft) on the side of the mountain. I recommend you start the hike early in order to avoid the crowds, since the path is very narrow in places.
• Location – Inland from South-West Coast Funchal to Rabaçal = 50min drive
• Check out my complete guide for the hike

Need to rent a car in Madeira?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

BEACH  – 3 best beaches in Madeira 

As I wrote earlier, Madeira is not famous for its beaches. It does not have dreamy sandy tropical beaches. But there are still a few worth mentioning. Below, I have chosen my favorites for its natural beauty, for a day at the beach and for photography. However, you can see my complete selection of 18 Madeira beaches to consider in this other article .

#13 – Visit Seixal black sand beach – for natural beauty

• Things to do – In my opinion, this is clearly the most beautiful beach on the island. It is what I imagine when thinking of an old volcanic island: smooth black sand with steep cliffs with lush vegetation. There is even a small waterfall on the beach! A beach that has it all: sand, scenery, nice waters…
• Location – North Coast, in the village of Seixal Funchal to Seixal beach = 45min drive

#14 – Spend time at Machico beach – if you really want a typical beach day

• Things to do – In the historical town of Machico, you can find the largest sandy beach. The crescent-shaped beach is made up of imported sand from Morocco. With the palm leaves umbrella, you could almost say it looks like an exotic beach. A rock wall creates a protected area for swimming. If you are looking for a typical day at the beach, this is your best option.
• Location – East coast Funchal to Machico Beach = 30min drive

#15 – Take many pictures at Praia de Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela 

• Things to do – This beach is not to lie down. The rocks are really big. It is even difficult to walk on the beach… However, this is one of my favorite on the island.  This is where you can enjoy the waves crashing on a series of sea stacks. Plus, you can take a staircase up to a tunnel cut in the volcanic cliffs to reach a viewpoint. Learn more on  my Ribeira da Janela article .
• Location – North-East coast, 5min from Porto Moniz Funchal to Ribeira da Janela = 1h drive

FUNCHAL – 6 best things to do in Funchal

Funchal is the capital of the Madeira Archipelago. It is also the largest town. For people looking for animation, group tours and lots of restaurants, this is the best place to stay. See best rated accommodations . Plus, in town, there is already quite a lot to do: museums, parks, gardens, forts… without the need for a car. Below are my selected best things to do in Funchal.

#16 – Explore the old town of Funchal

• Things to do – I am not a city person, I prefer nature. But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the old center of Funchal. It has a lot of charms with lots of trees lining the streets. You should take the time to just stroll around, appreciate the buildings (fort, cathedral, churches…) and enjoy the vibe
• Location – Center of Funchal.

#17 – Take the Funchal – Monte Cable car

• Things to do – You cannot go to Madeira and not take a cable car. They are institutions.  I prefer the ones in nature, but I have to admit at the Monte cable car is the most practical one. It allows you to easily visit the Monte area, which is a lot higher above Funchal (with very steep roads to reach it).
• Location – From the seafront promenade in Funchal.

#18 – Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden

• Things to do – Madeira is famous for its nature-made natural beauty. But it is also famous for its man-made natural beauty a.k.a. its gardens. There are several in Funchal, but if you have time only for one, I strongly recommend the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Lush vegetation surrounds the walking paths that lead to water feature, stones, sculptures, tiles, museums and various structures.
• Location – Monte Area, above Funchal old center. 12,50 euros entrance 9.30am to 6pm

#19 – Go whale and dolphin watching

• Things to do – A classic in Madeira is to take a whale and dolphin watching tour (you have many more chances to see dolphins). There are many boats taking tourists out along the South Coast from Funchal. Aside from wildlife, the tour allows you to enjoy scenic views of the island and the town of Funchal.
• Location – From the Funchal Marina Check out the tour options (different sizes of catamaran / different services) & book

#20 – Get a rush with a toboggan sled ride

• Things to do – The Funchal toboggan sled ride is one of the most unique experiences in Madeira. Very unusual. You are sitting in a basket and transported down the steep streets back to the center of Funchal. And how are you breaking, may you ask… well, 2 men in traditional costumes will use theur feet to balance, steer and brake the ride.
• Location – From the Monte area You can book tours that include other attractions. See options.

#21 – Admire the art in Rua Maria

• Things to do – There is quite a lot of street art in Funchal. But one of the best areas is to walk along the street Rua Maria near the old Market. It is a long street with restaurants, where walls and doors have been decorated with various styles.
• Location – East of old town, near the old Market Mercado dos Lavoradores.

And much more…

There is much more to do inside Funchal:

• More gardens: The Madeira botanical garden, Monte municipal garden…
• More museums: sacred art, photography, illusions, military…
• More historical buildings: Jesuits college, cathedral, fort, old market…

Where to stay in Madeira?

My favorites:

• For a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car:   see best-rated options in Funchal
• Luxury resorts:  check out the Lido area in Funchal
• For a sandy beach:  see best-rated options in Machico
• For a quiet village in beautiful scenery:  see best-rated options in Porto da Cruz
• For practical location to explore:  see best-rated options in Ribeira Brava
• To enjoy the natural pools:  see best-rated options in Porto Moniz

VIEWPOINTS – 3 best, what to see in Madeira – sightseeing

Madeira is the queen of Miradouros. Every place where it is possible to add a bench with a view, the locals have done it. And I love it. You should really rent a car and drive around ( see my tips ) to discover all these amazing views. Below are 3 of my favorites, but if you want more, check out my article with 21 of the most beautiful Madeira viewpoints .

#22 – Admire the volcanic cliffs from Ponta do Rosto

• Things to do – Ponta de Sao Lourenço is one of the best famous hikes on the Madeira ( see my list ). But if you cannot hike or just want even more volcanic cliff views, you can stop at Ponta do Rosto. By the carpark you can enjoy views of one of the bay along the peninsula, with colorful rocks.
• Location – North of East Coast Funchal to Ponta do Rosto = 30min drive

#23 – Enjoy the inland at Miradouro Terra Grande

• Things to do – 180° views towards the mountains and the Ribeira Brava valley. The road ER228 is one of the most beautiful on the island and this stop is perfect (my photos do not do it justice)
• Location – Inland from Ribeira Brava Funchal to Miradouro Terra Grande = 30min drive

#24 – Get dizzy at the Cabo Girao Skywalk

• Things to do – The Cabo Girao Skywalk is the most famous viewpoint in Madeira. Here the cliffs reach 589m (1932ft). They are the tallest in Europe. The locals have built a transparent platform to appreciate the height. It is quite impressive to see the height, but apart from that, I thought the views were very limited. Learn more in my article about Cabo Girao
• Location – South Coast  – West of Funchal Funchal to Cabo Girao = 20min drive

HIDDEN GEMS – 3 ideas off the beaten path in Madeira

It is still possible to avoid the crowds in Madeira. However, the island is becoming increasingly popular, so those hidden gems are less and less secret. Below is my selection of places to visit off the beaten path (and you can see more in this article ).

#25 – Find the cave houses at Calhau da Lapa

• Things to do – Since it is only accessible on foot with 700 stairs or by boat, it reduces the amount of people visiting it. This is quite a unique place in Madeira.  The walk down will take you to a waterfall and then to the secret beach at the bottom of the volcanic cliffs. The particularities are the fishermen’ cave-houses inside those colorful cliffs.
• Location – South Coast Funchal to Calhau da Lapa trail = 20 min drive

#26 – Be scared on the Achadas da Cruz cable car

• Things to do – Madeira has 7 cable cars. The more famous are in Funchal and the South Coast. But you should try them in other areas of the island. In the area of Porto Moniz is the Achadas da Cruz cable car. It claims to be the steepest in Europe. And it is an impressive experience to ride it down to the bottom of the cliffs! 451m of height over 600m – It is written that the beginning has a slope of 98%. It is still pretty quiet but Porto Moniz is advertising for it, so it might become less quiet… See more pictures
• Location – West Coast Funchal to Achadas da Cruz = 1h15 drive

#27 – Get hungry on the Banana Route

• Things to do – One of the main fruits cultivated on Madeira is the banana. You will see plantations everywhere. In the village of Madalena do Mar, there is even a small walking route where you can enter those plantations and discover the local farming industry with the irrigation system. This is quite a fun experience.
• Location – West of South Coast Funchal to Madalena do Mar = 30min drive

MUSEUMS – 3 Madeira attractions to learn more about the island

#28 – be a fan at the cr7 museum.

• Things to do – Fans of soccer may visit Madeira because it is where the famous player Cristiano Ronaldo was born. The most visited museums in Madeira is the CR7. It is dedicated to the many trophies he has won throughout his career. And you can learn more about his life from his childhood to his stardom. Just outside the museum is a statue of him.
• Location – West of the old center of Funchal, near the harbor. You can also stay at the Pestana CR7 hotel if you are really really a fan – see pictures and availability

#29 – Learn history at Porto da Cruz Sugar Cane factory

• Things to do – Madeira has a long history of sugar cane transformation. There are several old factories that have been turned into small museums. Some of them are still producing a little during harvest season.In Porto da Cruz is one of them.
• Location – North-East Coast Funchal to Porto da Cruz = 45min drive

#30 – Be fascinated by the Santana Traditional Houses

• Things to do – The traditional Santana houses are kind of the mascot of the island. You can also see some example in the Monte Palace Tropical garden and the botanical garden. But in Santana, where they were built, you can see many of them in a park and learn more about the history of Madeira.
• Location – North coast Funchal to Santana = 45min drive

Those are my top 3, however, the island has many other museums to offer such as:

• The Sao Vicente caves – to learn more about the volcanic history of Madeira and the geology
• The museum of Sacred Arts in Funchal
• The Madeira film experience about the history and life on the island
• Madeira Story also about the history and life on the island

CULTURAL – 4 food, drinks and festival Experiences

#31 – taste the madeira wine.

The Madeira wines are some of the most popular in Portugal. They are not as famous as Port wine internationally, but they have strong supporters. It has a unique flavor because of the heating of the wine. And it is stored in a warm environment. You can enjoy it:

• at restaurants
• on wine tasting tours – see options
• at the Blandy’s cave tour in Funchal

#32 – Drink the local Poncha

Poncha is the official drink of Madeira. Every local has its own recipe. But basically, it is a mix of rum, honey, sugar, and lemon or orange (done with a mexelote).

Every restaurant will have their own version.

#33 – Participate at one of the many celebrations and festivals

Almost every town in Madeira has regular celebrations and festivals: religious dates, sporting events, produce seasonal celebrations… Locals love festive gatherings, especially creating paper flower ornaments.

Some of the most famous area:

• The Carnival – weekend before Ash Wednesday, one of the largest in Europe
• Festa dos Santos Populares – june, all aorund the island – to celebrate various saints
• Madeira Day, public holiday on July 1st

#34 – Visit farms at Faja dos Padres

And if you want to learn more about the agriculture and plantation in the fajas at the bottom of the cliff, you can book a garden tour at Faja dos Padres.

FUN SPORT activities

Option 1  – Go canyoning

Enter deep in the mountains, waterfalls and lush nature. Have fun and push your limit, to connect better with your surroundings! See availability and book

Option 2 – Go Scuba diving

Even beginners, can enjoy a moment of pure bliss underwater. Scuba-diving allows you to explore an entire new world. See availability

Option 3 – Go Mountain Biking

Enjoy a ride in the subtropical laurel forest. Have to best of both worlds: a sport adventure and a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna. See availability

Option 4 – Go Coasteering

The seas, the cliffs and your adrenaline… Coasteering is one of the new sport that takes on a journey along a coast. Strong swimmer only. See availability

Option 5 – Learn to surf

Always wanted to know the feeling of gliding on a wave? Now is your time to try! See availability

Madeira ARCHIPELAGO – leave the island for the day

#35 – spend one day or more on porto santo.

If you have enough time in Madeira, I do recommend spending at least a day in Porto Santo (it is quite small). It is quite different because of the lack of rainwater. Plus, it is home to beautiful geological wonders. 2 options:

• You can do a day trip with the ferry to Porto Santo in the morning and the return in the evening (2h30 in each direction) – companies offer bus tours to the main attractions during the day –  check out a complete day trip option from Funchal
• You can plan 3 days to go relax, explore and enjoy the sandy beach

Porto Santo’s highlights include:

• a 9km (5.6mi) long sandy beach
• Giant organ pipes formations
• a mini desert with sand dunes
• Great viewpoints

Note that I also listed the best things to do in  my eBook about Madeira.

#36 – Sail to the Desertas Islands

From Madeira island you can see 3 smaller ones in the distance, to the East. They are called the Desertas islands. It is a nature reserve famous for its rare seals and giant tarantulas.

There are excursions heading there, but let me share with you the reality. They mostly market the fact that it is a nature reserve. But on this day trip, you will spend 6h sailing on the catamaran (3h in each direction) with wind making you cold and waves crashing on you once in a while.  Once there, you won’t see any seals because they are living in another part of the island where boats are not allowed and all you will do is go for a 10min walk to look at boards and learn a bit more about the islands. The volcanic rocks are beautiful, but I don’t think it is worth the 6h on a boat, unless you love that part too. Your decision. See details & book tour .

SUMMARY – Best things to do in Madeira, Portugal

My selection of the must-see and do:

Best free things to do in Madeira

• Swim in the free Porto Moniz Pools
• Hike – Madeira has some incredible landscapes to discover on hikes (cliffs or mountains)
• Let your imagination run wild with the ancient trees of the Fanal Forest 

Best unusual things to do in Madeira

• Complete a Levada walk – hike along the ancient irrigation system
• Take a basket ride down in Funchal
• Take one of the steep cable cars down to a faja (small agricultural land at the bottom of the cliffs)

Things to do in Madeira without a car

• Take a whale and dolphin watching boat tour
• Explore the old town of Funchal
• Take the hop on hop off bus to Camara dos Lobos

Most touristic attractions in Madeira

• Cabo Girao Skywalk – the glass platform above cliffs
• CR7 museum and the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo
• Monte Cable Car & Tropical Garden

Romantic things to do in Madeira

• Admire Rocha do Navio, the most romantic places, in my opinion – but maybe because this is where I saw a proposal bing made (and accepted…)
• Watch sunrise above the clouds (at Pico do Arieiro for example)
• Watch sunset from a Catamaran – see details & book

Things to do in Madeira when it rains

• Head to another part of Madeira island – because of the mountains, it rarely rains everywhere
• Visit a museum, such as CR7
• Do a Levada Walk. The lush vegetation is even more beautiful as you hike under the rain. Just take your time, as the paths can be slippery.

PLANNING your trip to Madeira

• Is Madeira worth visiting? Absolutely. This is a stunning old volcanic land with breathtaking landscapes, as you have seen in this article.
• How many days do you need in Madeira? To enjoy all these amazing things to do in Madeira, I recommend 10 days to 2 weeks.
• What is the best time to visit Madeira? Madeira is a year-round destination. The best time depends on your expectations – for waterfalls, Winter is better – for hiking, June is great, to avoid the crowds, avoid the Summer months… see more in my article about the best time to visit Madeira
• Do I need a car in Madeira? If you really want to enjoy the best Madeira has to offer, I think renting a car is essential. You will be able to see amazing viewpoints and drive on the most beautiful roads. Learn more about driving and renting a car, in my specific article.
• Where to stay to visit Madeira? Madeira is not a big island, you can visit all on day trips. But If you are stying longer than 6 days, I recommend spending half with accommodation on the East side and half with accommodation on the West side of the island, to reduce driving times. Learn more in my article about Where to stay in Madeira .

Find the answer to all your questions to plan your trip in my article of 42 Madeira Travel tips

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Visit Madeira: Your All-in-One Guide to Visit and Explore Portugal’s Island

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Life in Portugal , Lifestyle and culture

Table of Contents

• All about visiting Madeira
• When to visit Madeira

One of the most beautiful and unique parts of Portugal, Madeira, is actually located closer to Africa than the European continent. That being said, you can visit Madeira easily from Lisbon or Porto, as there are many short and frequent flights.

If you decide to visit Madeira, you’ll likely be treated to a warm temperate climate regardless of when you decide to go. Rich soils allow almost any flora to thrive and the stunning natural landscapes will make you gasp.

How large is Madeira Island?

Madeira island is the largest island of the archipelago at 741 km 2  (286 sq miles). It is 57 km (35 miles) long (from Ponte de São Lourenço to Ponte do Pargo). It is approximately 22 km (14 miles) wide at its widest point (from Ponte da Cruz to Ponte São Jorge). Madeira’s coastline is 150 km (90 miles) long but there are no natural sandy beaches (only a few artificial ones) as this is a volcanic island. Don’t worry, the volcanoes are long extinct.

How many tourists visit Madeira each year?

As the island has expanded its accessibility, all sorts of tourists can visit Madeira and find something they love on this unique island. Last year, the Island saw almost a million tourists and this is vital to the local economy.

What language do they speak in Madeira and what money do they use?

Through the main language is Portuguese, many people speak English at least. The currency is also euros just like Portugal and most shops and restaurants in Portugal take all major credit cards. If you’re interested in the currency of Portugal, you should read:  Portugal Money, What You Should Know About Cash in Portugal

Who should go to Madeira?

Adventure seekers will find mountainous hikes and paragliding opportunities, families will be able to take advantage of the many beautiful parks, gardens and aquariums. Looking for a place to relax? Check out Madeira’s beautiful, natural environment. You will find gorgeous, natural swimming pools and world-class accommodation. As we mentioned, Madeira has no natural beaches, so if you are looking for a beach holiday, then I would highly recommend a short flight from Madeira airport or a ferry ride to Porto Santo where you can enjoy beachfront hotels and long sandy beaches (and warm water!). It’s very tranquil there too so ideal for a romantic getaway. Whether you decide to visit Madeira for a weekend or a month, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Top experiences in Madeira

Discover the capital.

Madeira’s capital, Funchal , packs a lot of punch, yet is small enough to explore in one day. When you visit Madeira, you’ll arrive in the capital and will be treated immediately to amazing architecture, a colorful Lisbon market in the old town where you’ll be able to eat some of the most delicious fresh fruit and fish you’ve ever tasted. Try out the thrill-seeking activities such as a ‘no snow toboggan ride,’.  Funchal also has some great restaurants. For those of you with an artistic disposition, be sure to check out the street art in Rua de Santa Maria. A public investment in local artists, the doors along this street each features a unique mural or, in some cases, sculpture display.

Explore the levadas

Not to be missed if you visit Madeira, the levadas are irrigation channels typical to the island. An impressive feat of engineering, they still bring water from the mountains, meandering through lush mountain vegetation. Wanderers can wind along their curves for hours, while drinking in the beautiful scenery of Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, the world’s largest laurel forest and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Climb to the top of the world

If you want to visit Madeira and take on a challenge, the highest peak on the island might be calling your name. At 1,862 metres (6,109 feet), Pico Ruivo is totally walkable if you have the right shoes and keep up-to-date on the weather conditions. The route for sure-footed hikers begins at the Pico do Arieiro and takes around six hours. If you’re strapped for time, there are shorter, more manageable paths to the peak (like from Achada do Teixeira), but the full Ruivo trail will definitely present you with the most beautiful scenery. You can book a guided tour at Get Your Guide which starts at only €37 per person.

Take a thrilling cable-car ride

If a cable car sounds more appealing than a six-hour hike, then we’ve got the answer for you too. Following the route of an old steam railway line is a modern cable car system whisking you up from Almirante Reis to Funchal’s upper suburb of Monte. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the photo-friendly views, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Church where Emperor Charles I is buried. Tickets can be booked through Get Your Guide and it’s only €8.25 per person one-way.

Dive in at a world-class aquarium

Been dreaming of diving? Maybe it’s time to visit Madeira. At the island’s exquisite Aquarium (website in Portuguese), you’ll be able to plunge into 500,000 litres of salt water, dive with sharks, rays, morays and hundreds of other fish. But don’t worry, before your dive you’ll be taken by an experienced instructor from the Turtle Diving Center into an external, natural seawater pool where you learn how to handle the equipment and to breathe underwater. This memorable baptism includes full equipment, a diving certificate and a guided tour of the aquarium and the Madeira marine life.

Swim in a natural seawater pool

While exploring the island, be sure to visit the north-west village of Porto Moniz where you’ll find one of Madeira’s most famous attractions. Here you can take a dip in natural, saltwater swimming pools framed by volcanic rocks that keep in the sea water that is replenished at high tide. Cool and refreshing. This is sure to be one of your most memorable swims.

Sky walk the right way

Visit Madeira and see it from above. In 2012, a “ skywalk ” was installed on this 580 metre (1902 feet) high cliff on Madeira’s south coast. Cabo Girão is not for those sheepish when it comes to being up high as the platform overhangs the edge of the cliff and has glass floor tiles that give you a clear, dizzying view to the ocean far below. That being said, if you can handle the height, you’ll be happy to know it’s absolutely free. Want more? Our friends at Get YOur Guide have so many tours and exciting things to do, you should check out their deals .

What to eat and drink in Madeira

Of course, if you visit Madeira you absolutely need to sample the island’s namesake beverage. Madeira wine is fortified wine, aged under heat, and produced in the demarcated region of Madeira from approximately five distinct grapes. It’s sold as either Dry, Medium Dry, Medium Sweet or Sweet, all of which are marked by their high levels of acidity. Delicious on its own or in a cocktail, enjoy sampling different varieties.

What is the national dish of Madeira?

As in other parts of Portugal, the cuisine is largely prepared with fresh produce and fish. They also love their meat like many Portuguese and a traditional dish you could try is “Espetada” which is chunks of beef in garlic and salt skewered on a bay leaf stick. When it comes to traditional snacks or street food, your best bet is their local garlic bread called “bolo do caco”. The bread is made as a toast on which they put lots of butter and garlic. If you are not into the basic variety, you can also add cheese, bacon, meat or tuna. Scrumptious!

Why is Madeira cake called Madeira cake?

If you are familiar with Madeira cake, a fluffy sponge-like cake with a little lemon zest commonly served at afternoon tea in England, you might be wondering if it came from Madeira. Well, actually, no, it didn’t. The cake is called Madeira cake because it was often served with Madeira wine in the 1800s.

How to get to Madeira and get around

The most convenient way to get to Madeira is by air. From Lisbon and Porto the flights are regular. The region has only two airports, Madeira International in the municipality of Santa Cruz and the other smaller airport is on the island of Porto Santo . Reaching Funchal by cruise ship or ferry is another possibility which can offer a fun and exciting alternative way to visit Madeira. Just be aware that ferry services follow a timetable which must be taken into account when planning your trip. There is also a regular ferry service between Funchal and Vila Baleira on the island of Porto Santo. Although there are some local bus routes, renting a car or scooter is truly the best way to explore the island and get the most out of your stay. There are plenty of rental options available offering good deals whether you want to rent a vehicle for a couple days or weeks at a time. If you’re not a driver, you can also rent local taxis for the day for around €60 to €80.

Is it safe to travel to Madeira?

Yes, absolutely. Madeira is governed by Portuguese and EU law so just like any other city in Portugal, you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that the infrastructure is the same. Also, the people of Madeira love visitors and you will be welcomed with open arms. Want to know more about the laws in Portugal? Check out our article:  What’s Legal in Portugal

Madeira’s unique climate makes it a great holiday destination all year-round. That being said, if you’re looking for lots of sun, winter might not be best time to visit Madeira as the weather can be quite wet. The best time to go to Madeira for warm weather and comfortable temperatures is in spring or autumn. It’s still very warm and you’ll have at least nine hours of beautiful sunshine to enjoy per day. Did we miss anything about Madeira? Do you have any experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter  to be kept up-to-date on everything about Portugal.

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The Madeira Islands Are Portugal's Best-kept Secret

Out on Portugal's Madeira Islands, the lush archipelago far from the mainland, the North Atlantic ocean has shaped every aspect of life for centuries.

Nina Caplan has been writing about the arts, wine, and travel for over 20 years. Her wine and lifestyle columns appear regularly in Club Oenologique , The New Statesman , and The London Times 's luxury magazine, Luxx. She is the author of an award-winning travel memoir steeped in wine and history, "The Wandering Vine: Wine, The Romans and Me," which was published by Bloomsbury in 2018. She has followed her interests all over the world, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and searching for Edo (19th-century Tokyo) to eating her way around Montreal and exploring the vineyards of Champagne. She is also a travel and wine consultant and an occasional podcaster. A lifelong Francophile and fluent French speaker, she lives between Burgundy, France, and London and has overflowing wine cellars in both places. She is working on a book about France. * Guild of Food Writers Drink Writer of the Year 2020 * Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year 2018 and 2014 * Louis Roederer International Food & Wine Writer of the Year 2016 * "The Wandering Vine" was Fortnum & Mason's Debut Drink Book of the Year 2019 and Louis Roederer Wine Book of the Year 2018 * Author of "The Gourmet London Restaurant Guide" * Former editor of Metropolitan, the trilingual magazine on Eurostar * Former features editor of Time Out London

In 1419, when Portuguese seafarers happened on an uninhabited island in the North Atlantic, around 500 miles off the African coast, they were awed by the dense covering of greenery. Even today, after 600 years of human encroachment, their amazement is easy to understand. The variety of flora is astounding: groves of local mahogany, bushy strands of indigenous lily of the valley, and a laurel forest, the largest surviving relic of the vegetation that covered much of southern Europe at least 15 million years ago. Those first men who arrived on the island called it Madeira — the Portuguese word for wood.

But those 15th-century sailors were perhaps indifferent to what struck me most forcibly when I first visited: the insistent presence of the ocean. Madeira — the largest island in an archipelago of the same name — is so steep that even inland, when I walked through a vineyard or dined on a hillside, bright water framed the view.

In the capital city, Funchal, on the southern coast, hotels and restaurants take full advantage of a vista that never gets boring. But at ground level, strolling along sidewalks decorated with traditional cream-and-black mosaics, I was still distracted by gaps between buildings that offered shifting glints of blue. The Atlantic affects the climate, the wildlife, and the food. Those sailors, I thought, should have called their discovery mar — the sea.

My interest in this place pre-dates my realization that it was a place. My father used to sing a sly English music-hall ditty, "Have Some Madeira, M'Dear," so when I grew older, it was the wine I wanted to try. Still, it turns out that there is no better location than Madeira in which to drink Madeira. The wine and the place are as intertwined as their common name suggests.

The Atlantic affects the climate, the wildlife, and the food. Those sailors, I thought, should have called their discovery mar — the sea.

Every boat trip, swim, and breathtaking mountaintop walk, as I inhaled salt and admired the azure tint of the waves, reminded me that the Atlantic has shaped this wine's existence. And the wine, the principal export of Madeira for more than 400 years, has profoundly changed its homeland's destiny. As our hiking guide, Otilia "Tilly" Câmara, put it, "Madeira was born from the sea."

We were high in the hills at the time: Câmara was leading us on a glorious hike along one of the levadas , the man-made irrigation channels that direct water from the forested mountains in the north and west to the dry southern slopes. It was so peaceful, walking alongside this small, orderly stream, framed by walnut, apple, and pear trees. We passed an older woman in a headscarf, who carried a pail of leaves to use as mulch, and felt terribly remote until we realized the closest village was just a two minutes' walk away.

For centuries, right up until the advent of air travel, almost everyone stopped in Madeira. Columbus briefly lived on the island. Captain Cook paused for supplies, sailed on to Rio de Janeiro and Tierra del Fuego, and wound up planting a British flag in eastern Australia. On the way to America and the West Indies, traders and explorers bought barrels of Madeira wine and discovered that it doesn't just survive an ocean voyage: it improves. The acidity endures, the nutty, caramel flavors deepen. In an era when wine that traveled usually arrived as vinegar, this was incredible. And Madeirans grew rich on their wine's resilience.

At Blandy's Wine Lodge, part of a 16th-century Franciscan monastery that takes up an entire block near the Funchal waterfront, my husband, Craig, and I walked through beamed rooms, their wood dark with age, where the wine matures in barrels so old that Blandy's employs four in-house coopers to handle the ongoing repairs. Past a small museum and a stately row of giant wooden vats, we arrived at a tasting room.

"We have nearly four million liters of Madeira wine aging here," explained Chris Blandy, CEO of his family's business. He casually opened a 2002 Sercial, made from one of the five Madeira grape varieties. It wasn't sweet, although there were toffee and stewed-apple flavors, as well as a lemony acidity. It also wasn't old. Unlike other wines, Madeira lasts almost indefinitely. There are surviving Madeiras — rich, bittersweet, utterly drinkable — that were made around the time John Blandy arrived from England to found the winery that still bears his name. And that was in 1811.

Perhaps I was sentimental, but the whole of Madeira seemed to have a versatility, a willingness to consider different ways of doing things, that might be a legacy of the inhabitants' historic reliance on visitors. There were the venerable and modern styles of wine; hotels like Quinta da Casa Branca built in repurposed quintas , or manor houses, and ultra-contemporary resorts like Les Suites at the Cliff Bay.

At Casa de Pasto das Eiras, an unprepossessing shed in the hills east of Funchal, I tried espetadas , skewers of tender beef grilled on an open fire, then hung on metal hooks at each plate. This was quite the contrast with the modern dishes at Kampo, a seriously hip Funchal restaurant with an open kitchen and a poured-concrete bar. We ate sophisticated versions of Portuguese specialties such as a savory bola de Berlim doughnut, which is usually sweet but is here filled with chorizo and mushroom and topped with powdered sugar.

From the city, we glided by cable car into the hills, above terraces of the tiny, sweet local bananas, above flights of precipitous stairs leading to whitewashed, orange-roofed houses, whose residents must have excellent thigh muscles from all that climbing. At Pátio das Babosas, an airy hilltop restaurant, we stopped for lunch — grilled local tuna with milho frito , cubes of cornmeal fried with herbs; lapas , chewy, tasty limpets served in their frill-edged shells with butter, garlic, and a cascade of lemon — and gazed out over the slopes. It was distinctly cooler up there: clouds cluster around these mountains, then condense into rain that is channeled elsewhere via the levadas .

It was in these hills that the rich built their summer homes. One such residence is Monte Palace Madeira, an imposing estate constructed for an 18th-century consul and now home to over 750,000 square feet of botanical gardens filled with native and imported plants. Gorgeously decorated Portuguese tiles, some 500 years old, seem to be pasted, rather disconcertingly, to the foliage.

We skittered down paths lined with tangled greenery and giant ferns; what looked like fat, half-buried palm trees were actually cycads, the world's most ancient seed-plant family, which first appears in the fossil record around 280 million years ago. In front of that grand building, a stepped cascade drew the eye down to a fish-filled lake and on to the distant ocean.

A cable car seemed like a luxury when it came time to descend to the sunny lowlands by way of an only-in-Madeira sledge car. Two men wearing straw boaters and thick-soled shoes ushered Craig and me into an upholstered wicker basket. Why the thick soles? I wondered, as each attendant grabbed a rope attached to our conveyance and ran ahead down a sharply sloping road that had been worn glass-smooth from previous journeys. As we picked up speed, the two jumped on the back like old-fashioned footmen, and I got my answer: those shoes were our only brakes.

There was no dedicated path: cars had to stop for us, but there were few. The basket — originally used to transport goods downhill — swiveled this way and that, breath-catchingly close to the roadside ditch. It was as exhilarating as a fairground ride, and a lot more immediate. I don't mind admitting that I hollered.

Recovery was swift. We padded through the beautiful grounds of our hotel, Quinta da Casa Branca. The gardens were amazing: Australian macadamia trees, cinnamon trees from Sri Lanka with their perfumed bark, the purple blossoms of the wonderfully named silver-leafed princess flower. On the broad stone terrace, as the setting sun briefly grazed the mountaintops, we sat down to herb-crusted lamb with local couscous.

We sipped not the famous, fortified Madeiran wine but a deep-pink rosé, made from Tinta Negra Mole and Aragonez grapes, which, as we would see firsthand the following day at winery Quinta do Barbusano, grow on abrupt hills overlooked by a lonely belfry — a church with no church — and cooled by the ever-present sea.

The island was startlingly lovely: so green and sheer it resembled a vertical garden, trees alternating with terraces of bananas or vines. As we drove around the island, the sun would shut off every so often as the car ducked into a tunnel.

"We are like a Swiss cheese, full of holes!" our driver said cheerily.

The sky varied from cerulean to deep gray, depending on where we were, but the steep inclines and bright-purple African lilies that lined the roads like cheering crowds ensured that, even when it was cloudy, the scenery was never dull. One morning, atop Pico do Arieiro, the island's third-highest peak, we watched the sun break through a glowing white haze just below us. The early start and short, cold walk in the dark, draped in blankets and clutching a thermos of coffee, were more than worth it to have the mountain seemingly to ourselves.

How those tunnels through the hills, built around 30 years ago, transformed the island! Journeys that would once have taken forever are now swift: little more than an hour to cross nearly the whole of Madeira's 35-mile length, from eastern Machico to tiny Paúl do Mar in the west, where you can sometimes see the legendary green flash, a rare ray of emerald that appears on the horizon just before the sun sets.

Though travel time was minimal, those short commutes gave us a crucial window to sightsee and revive our appetites between meals. Which was vital when lunch at the hilltop Quinta do Barbusano was espetadas prepared by owner Tito Brazão and dinner was multiple courses at Galáxia Skyfood on the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace , a gleaming hotel that opened in 2019. The food played skillfully with Madeiran tradition. The panelo, a traditional banquet of stewed pork and sweet potatoes, had been reinvented as a taco; dessert was a banana poached in rum and accessorized, cheekily, with a communion wafer.

In the interim, we walked Funchal — past Mercado dos Lavradores, a buzzing Art Deco market, to the ocher São Tiago fortress, with a stop at a newly restored chapel dedicated by fishermen to their patron saint, Pedro Gonçalves Telmo. Did he protect his worshippers? I hope so. In the 16th century, they covered the ceiling in paintings to honor him.

Among the Beaches, Portugal's Wine Region Shines

This humble building was a stark contrast to the imposing Funchal Cathedral, built from dark-red volcanic rock that had been dragged down the coast from Cabo Girão, the island's highest sea cliff. It's a stunning profusion of tile, marble, paint, and gold leaf; not an inch of its interior is undecorated. Begun in the 1490s, it radiates the wealth and pride of an island that was the greatest sugar producer in the world — at least until the Portuguese realized that the cane used to produce their "white gold" would grow much better in their newest colonial outpost, Brazil. This economic disaster forced Madeira to refocus on wine, leaving just enough sugarcane to make agricultural rum, the basis of a weapons-grade drink called poncha .

The best places to brave this concoction are the tiny drinking dens that crowd the narrow streets of Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village. In Bar Number Two, there's barely room to stand at the counter, but it's worth doing to see owner Elmano Reis pound rum with sugarcane honey and juice from giant local lemons, the muscle in his forearm jumping in rhythm as he thumped and twirled the mexilhote , or wooden baton. His measures would have quenched the thirst of a desert wanderer, if this had been water — which, at 100 proof, it certainly wasn't. The taste was dangerously pleasant. "We drink this in winter when we have a cold," my guide, Célia Mendonça, said. Certainly honey and lemon is a universal remedy, but I wondered whether this potion cured sufferers or finished them off entirely.

Drinks in hand, we edged out the back door into dazzling sunshine. Patrons of neighboring bars relaxed at tables and fishing boats bobbed in front of us. No wonder that when Winston Churchill visited the island, he went there to paint. He stayed at Reid's Palace, an enormous pink hotel on a cliff, designed with its most magnificent side facing the sea. Now managed by Belmond, the property was built in 1891 to bedazzle the wealthy foreigners who, until the 1960s, all arrived by ship — and were then carried to the hotel in hammocks.

This service has long since been discontinued, but Reid's, with its grand pianos and chandeliers, its cream tea on the elegant checkered balcony looking out through lush tropical gardens toward the water, is still a bastion of historic gentility. Churchill must surely have felt at home; George Bernard Shaw, being Irish, possibly less so, although he did take tango lessons. ("Shaw Admits Learning the Tango at Madeira, but Has Neither Time nor Youth for It Now" ran a headline in The New York Times in 1926.)

We took a look at the other end of the rum-making process, too, at Engenhos do Norte, the only producer still using steam power to press and distill the sugarcane, in a vast shed full of copper containers and 19th-century machinery. The metal was all painted bright blue, the same color as the dye used to mark the patterns on the material in another traditional island industry, embroidery. Perhaps it was a coincidence. Or perhaps, Madeirans working indoors, whether on gargantuan machines or on delicate stitching in the Bordal embroidery workshop, crave a reminder that the sea is just outside.

"Hello gorgeous!" whispered Margarida Sousa, as the first dolphin glided alongside our motorboat. We had already marveled at a glossy dark arc that Sousa, who studied marine biology, informed us was the back of a Bryde's whale, probably around 40 feet long. Tracking the animals is forbidden, so two people on separate cliffs scanned the water and called to inform the skipper where to head. "If the phone rings a lot, it's a good sign!" she explained.

The phone rang a lot. When the dolphins flanked us, we slid into the water, dangling from ropes to minimize splashing. I dipped my head into a quiet turquoise world where the beaked inhabitants seemed to smile encouragingly, their eyes outlined in black, Cleopatra-style. A mother nuzzled her baby; their playmates, black and white with a patch of yellow, dipped and rose. We wore masks but no snorkels, and I was so absorbed that remembering to breathe became a nuisance.

After reluctantly returning to shore, we spent the afternoon at Fajã dos Padres, an organic farm with a simple waterside restaurant below the towering Cabo Girão. We took comfort in a lovely lunch — black scabbard fish, a local specialty; lapas harvested on the rocks outside; and vegetables from owner Catarina Vilhena Correia's garden. We had already tried one highly unusual product of this place: a deliciously citrusy 1993 Frasqueira, a single-vintage Madeira that must be aged for at least 20 years. This version was made from an ancient variety of the Malvasia grape, thought lost until a vine was spotted on Correia's property.

The next day we drove to Porto Moniz, on the island's northwestern tip, where torrents of seawater poured thrillingly into pools hollowed out of the black volcanic rock. The water was cool but the view spectacular, cliffs rearing on each side, moss spilling over them like lava flow — and, of course, the ocean just beyond.

It flows through all my memories of this trip, from the walks to the extraordinary wine that wouldn't exist without it. That wine was all I took home with me, which at least means that, anytime I like, I can pour a glass of chilled Madeira, a drink as fond of travel as I am and even more shaped by it, and briefly be transported, via those distinctive flavors, back to that sunny island and its sustaining sea.

Making the Most of Madeira

Where to stay.

Les Suites at the Cliff Bay : This sleek newcomer has 23 suites. Suites from $708.

Quinta da Casa Branca : A garden oasis in the heart of Funchal. Rooms from $230 .

Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel : This cliff-top icon from the 19th century dazzles in pink. Rooms from $966.

Where to Eat and Drink

Bar Number Two : Grab a glass of poncha at Câmara de Lobos's most charming drinking den.

Casa de Pasto das Eiras : A humble joint near Funchal with classic dishes and unbeatable views. Entrées $6–$12.

Fajã dos Padres : This organic farm in Quinta Grande has excellent local food and wine. Entrées $13–$46.

Galáxia Skyfood : At this restaurant in the Savoy Palace Hotel, disco-lite décor belies a sophisticated menu. Entrées $24-$50.

Kampo : Find surprising, seasonal fare at Madeira's most innovative restaurant. Entrées $16-$66.

Pátio das Babosas : Visit this mountainside spot for stellar seafood and views of Funchal. Entrées $8–$24.

Blandy's Wine Lodge : On the Funchal waterfront, Blandy's is one of the isle's most storied Madeira houses.

Bordal: A look at this Funchal factory's intricate embroidery, a Madeira tradition, is not to be missed.

Engenhos do Norte : This rum distillery is a last vestige of Madeira's once dominant sugarcane industry.

Monte Palace Madeira : The lush gardens are reachable via a scenic cable car.

Quinta do Barbusano : Try the Aragonez at this winery on the northern coast.

How to Book

Tempo VIP : Deep connections across the island make this company the one to call for tour bookings.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline The Big Blue.

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VISIT MADEIRA

Madeira -The Island of Eternal Spring

A Diverse Destination

Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, closer to Morocco than it is to Portugal, the island of Madeira is a unique part of Portugal with its own history, customs, and food.

It is not a touristy beach destination - it is an island full of culture, amazing hiking possibilities, and bountiful flora.

Things to Do

There is so much to see and do on Madeira, here is a sampling.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of lodging options on Madeira, here we highlight a few different properties with different experiences and price points.

Savor the Flavor 

Try a taste of Madeira. We have provided a recipe from a local for the island's favorite alcoholic beverage.

VIDARMAR Resort Madeira

£829 pp

Vidamar Resort Madeira

Vidamar resort hotel madeira is situated overlooking the bay of funchal on the beautiful island of madeira..

This contemporary and spacious hotel boasts a stunning location, a plethora of on-site facilities, tasty dining options, and stylish guest accommodation.

Why Book Vidamar Resort Madeira?

• Includes a saving of £20
• Includes 22kg luggage per person and private transfers
• Relax your body and mind in the luxury spa
• Appreciate the music in the piano bar over your favourite tipple
• Luxe style and superb sea views come together at the VidaMar Resorts Madeira
• At the front of the property you’ll find stone platforms with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean
• Add travel insurance from £27pp

This luxury resort really does offer everything you could need for a relaxing getaway.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast and then step outside to relax by the tranquil outdoor pool area with your favourite cocktail in-hand. Take yourself off to the spa to chill out in the sauna or take a dip in the Turkish bath; the fitness centre is brimming with facilities to keep up your exercise regime.

The guest rooms combine a simple decor, dark-wood furnishings, and all the welcome facilities you need to enhance your stay. Watch a film on the plasma satellite TV, enjoy a drink from the minibar, and sit out on your balcony to watch idyllic sunset views. The air-conditioning and comfy beds ensure a restful night's sleep.

The on-site bar and five eateries take care of all your food and drink needs. Tuck into sushi, Italian specialities, Spanish favourites, buffet-style cuisine, light snacks, and a la carte options. The bar is your port of call after dark for signature cocktails and an ambient music.

• Guests: 2 Adults
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Board: Half Board
• Departing: Selected UK Airports
• Offer Date: 25th November 2024
• CALL 0800 408 4048
• FIND A BRANCH

Property Facilities

Vidamar Resort Hotel Madeira offers plentiful facilities, including: three outdoor swimming pools, sun loungers and parasols, five restaurants, bar, spa, sauna, Turkish bath, fitness centre, kids' club, billiards, garden, terrace, complimentary Wi-Fi access, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, concierge service, and multilingual staff.

Room Facilities

This Madeira hotel has a total of 300 luxurious and spacious guest units, ranging from Ocean View and Garden Sea View Rooms through to Premium Ocean View Suites. All rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning, balcony, bathroom with bathtub and shower, plasma satellite TV, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, toiletries, minibar, and coffee/tea maker.

Food, Drink & Entertainment

With five restaurants you'll be spoilt for choice; enjoy fresh fish at Koi Sushi Restaurant, sample pizza and pasta at Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant, and tuck into light snacks and a la carte options at Sabor A Mar. Test out Spanish favourites at Casa Das Espetadas Restaurant or Ocean Buffet Restaurant is a serve-yourself affair. 

Lisboa Piano Bar is your go-to in the evenings; in the summer months the outside patio becomes a chill-out area for live music nights paired with your favourite cocktails.

Book This Holiday

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