Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Madeira, an island located southwest of Portugal. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture lover, this island has something for everyone.
Plan your trip to Madeira and discover the wonders of this beautiful island. We are passionate locals who want to share our favorite locations with you. Let’s start planning your adventure today!
1. Explore Funchal, the Vibrant Capital City
Immerse yourself in Funchal, the capital city known for its cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Discover charming streets, squares, landmarks, museums, churches, and markets. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Funchal truly offers something for everyone.
2. Embark on Levada Hiking Adventures
Madeira is home to over 804 km (500 miles) of levadas, featuring stunning scenery and landscapes. These levadas, along with veredas (paths), serve as hiking routes. Experience waterfalls, cliffs, jungles, and incredible viewpoints. Choose from varying levels of difficulty. Check out WalkMe, an updated guide, for the safest options.
– Levada do Caldeirão Verde: An easy 11.8km (7.3 miles) round-trip hike with diverse scenery and a lagoon and waterfall.
– Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: A 7.2km (4.4 miles) round-trip hike to the island’s dry, rocky easternmost point, with an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
– Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo: A challenging hike to summit these peaks, including routes above the cloudline. The PR1 hike between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is particularly popular.
3. Discover the Black Sand Beach of Seixal
Visit Seixal Beach on Madeira’s north coast, known for its distinctive black sand and stunning surroundings. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Explore charming cafes and restaurants while taking in the breathtaking views of high green cliffs and waterfalls.
4. Experience the Magic of Fanal Forest
Step into the enchanting Fanal forest, a small ancient patch of laurisilva forest with unique flora and fauna. This secluded forest, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs, is a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Don’t miss the mesmerizing atmosphere when fog rolls in.
5. Take a Cable Car Ride
Marvel at Madeira’s impressive cliffs from the top, and then take a cable car down to water level for a walk at the bottom. Enjoy the best views and waterfalls at Rocha do Navio in Santana or experience the steepest cable car in Europe at Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz near Porto Moniz.
6. Swim in Natural Pools
While Madeira has traditional beaches, you can also enjoy unique swimming experiences in natural pools created by lava rocks. Don’t miss the free pools in Porto Moniz and Seixal, where you can admire the lush mountains in the background.
7. Witness Whales and Dolphins on a Boat Tour
Book a thrilling whale watching and dolphin boat tour from Funchal. Madeira is famous for its population of these magnificent creatures, which can be spotted year-round. The best time to go is from May to September. Choose from speedboats, pirate boats, or small catamarans for an unforgettable experience.
8. Santana: Dive into Madeira’s Traditional Heritage
Discover Santana, a small town located on the northeastern coast of Madeira island, known for its unique charm. Be captivated by the traditional triangular-shaped houses, called “palheiros,” made of stone and thatched with straw or heather. Originally used by farmers for storage, many of these houses have been transformed into cozy guest houses or charming restaurants. If you want to experience the authentic essence of Madeira, a visit to Santana is a must.
9. Ponta do Rosto: Marvel at the Breathtaking Views
Get ready for stunning panoramic views of Ponta de São Lourenço and the northern coast over Porto da Cruz from the viewpoint of Ponta do Rosto.
10. Visit Monte Palace in Funchal: A Paradise for Art and Nature Lovers
Explore the Monte Palace Madeira Museum, hosting an extraordinary collection of sculptures and minerals. Wander through the enchanting walkways adorned with Portuguese tile panels dating from the 16th to the 20th century.
Spread across more than 70,000 square meters, Monte Palace boasts an extensive collection of tropical plants from around the world. Admire ducks and swans from Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Scandinavia in the central lake.
How to get there: Take the teleferico from Funchal old town to the Monte Palace entrance, or opt for the bus or private car. There is convenient free parking right in front of the entrance.
11. Explore Jardim Botanico in Funchal: A Botanical Haven with Spectacular Views
Discover the delights of Jardim Botanico, which showcases over 2,000 plants and flowers from Madeira and around the world. Set on a steep but expansive slope overlooking Funchal, these gardens offer breathtaking views of the city.
12. Hike the Vereda dos Balcões: Easy Trek with Majestic Mountain Views
Experience the beauty of Madeira’s peaks on the PR 11 – Vereda dos Balcões trail, an easy 1.5km hike (one way). Reach the Balcões viewpoint and be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Ribeira da Metade valley.
13. Visit the viewpoint of Ponta do Garajau and Cristo Rei: Sunset Magic by the Cliffs
Indulge in the beauty of Ponta do Garajau, a captivating sunset viewpoint just a few kilometers east of Funchal. Descend a staircase that leads straight to the ocean and bask in the scenic wonder. At the cliff’s summit stands the majestic Cristo Rei, an art deco statue built in 1927.
While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Garajau Beach, which is integrated into a marine reserve. This pristine paradise is a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts, thanks to its ideal natural conditions. Accessing the beach is made easy with a scenic cable car ride. Once there, you’ll find various amenities to enhance your beach experience, including fantastic restaurants with panoramic views of the Atlantic.
14. Witness Rock Formations at Praia da Ribeira da Janela: Nature’s Artistry
Marvel at the picturesque beach of Praia da Ribeira da Janela, renowned for its stunning rock formations: Ilheus da Rib and Ilheus da Janela.
15. Dare to Paraglide: Soar Over Madeira’s Magnificent Coastline
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss the thrilling experience of paragliding over Madeira’s coasts. Numerous small companies offer exhilarating paragliding adventures. We highly recommend Madeira Paragliding company for a satisfying experience.
16. Camacha: A Charming Blend of Tradition and Nature
Step into the captivating parish of Camacha, located approximately 700 meters above sea level in the municipality of Santa Cruz. This quiet and picturesque village proudly preserves ancient customs and traditions. Known for its wickerwork industry, Camacha is famous for exporting beautiful handcrafted wicker pieces worldwide. Experience the vibrant folklore, with its lively songs, dances, and captivating traditional costumes.
In addition to its cultural richness, Camacha offers enchanting nature experiences. Traverse the Levada da Serra do Faial, a charming trail that allows you to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna.
And don’t leave without trying Poncha, the famous Madeiran drink made from sugar cane rum, bee honey, and lemon juice. It’s a must-try during your visit! In fact, we believe the best Poncha can be found at O Casimiro and Adega do Pomar in Camacha. Keep an eye out for our upcoming article on local drinks and food for more recommendations.
Are you looking for a way to keep your Madeira memories with you forever?
Visit our Goldbek Tattoo Studio to get a tattoo that captures the spirit of Madeira. We’ve even included a link to an article about the most popular Madeira tattoos. Don’t miss out, book your appointment in advance!We hope this article will enhance your Madeira experience. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Best regards!
