Funchal is an ideal base from which to explore Madeira. From the island’s capital, you can reach a wide variety of landscapes in less than an hour: volcanic ridges, fishing villages, levadas, rugged coastlines, and terraced vineyards. We were struck by the variety of excursions available from the city, which allow you to explore the entire island.
Use our practical tips and photos to plan your trip. Check out our selection of the 15 best day trips from Funchal to help you decide.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 Favorite Day Trips from Funchal
Funchal is perfectly located for exploring both the coast and the mountains. To make your travels easier, you can choose guided tours. Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:
- Dolphin and whale watching by catamaran: Madeira is one of the best places in Europe to get up close to cetaceans in their natural habitat. Learn more and book
- Hiking along the Levada das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal): one of the island’s most famous hikes, following a 16th-century irrigation canal to a waterfall surrounded by 25 springs. Learn more and book
- Canyoning: With its gorges, waterfalls, and streams, Madeira is the perfect place for this activity. Learn more and book
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
1. Catamaran cruise to see dolphins and whales
Why do we recommend this tour?
Madeira is a well-known destination for whale watching in the Atlantic. The deep waters off the island are home to several species of dolphins and whales throughout the year, making it possible to spot them no matter the season. We chose the eco-friendly catamaran and enjoyed swimming beneath the cliffs of Cabo Girão, in addition to the sightseeing. There are several options to choose from, depending on your preferences: a catamaran cruise, a sunset sail, or a dinner cruise.
What you will see
On a boat trip departing from Funchal, you have a good chance of spotting common dolphins, spotted dolphins, or even bottlenose dolphins. Beaked whales are also regularly sighted. Furthermore, the view of Madeira’s coastline from out at sea is an experience in itself: the sheer cliffs and villages clinging to the slopes offer a unique perspective.
- Eco-friendly catamaran cruise with swimming off Cabo Girão: our top pick. Learn more and book
- Sunset sailing excursion to watch dolphins and whales. Learn more and book
- Sunset dinner cruise: a more festive way to end the day at sea. Learn more and book
- For more information, see our article on dolphin watching in Madeira here.
How much time should I allow?
Allow between 2½ and 3 hours for a standard cruise. The sunset sailing trip lasts about 2 hours. A dinner cruise usually takes up an entire evening.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. Hike from Rabaçal to Levada das 25 Fontes
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most beautiful and popular hiking trails —and for good reason. This trail follows a levada—an irrigation canal carved into the rock in the 16th century—to a pool fed by 25 natural springs. There, we found a peaceful, shaded setting as we walked through the laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike remains accessible to a wide range of people thanks to the limited elevation gain along most of the route. We strongly recommend that you choose a guided hike so you don’t have to worry about logistics (transportation, entrance fees, booking a time slot) and so you can learn more about the area.
What you will see
The trail winds through the dense Rabaçal Forest, one of the island’s best-preserved areas. You’ll walk along the levada, past tree ferns and laurel forest trees, before reaching the waterfall and the 25 Fontes pool. The atmosphere is cool and humid, with dense vegetation that contrasts with the coastal landscapes of the south coast. Guided small-group hike from Rabaçal to 25 Fontes, including transportation from Funchal – Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip. If you’re taking a guided tour from Funchal, plan on spending a full day, including travel time. Since 2026, it has been mandatory to reserve a time slot and pay the trail access fee in advance through the SIMplifica platform. For more information, see our article on the Levada 25 Fontes hike.
3. Canyoning in the heart of the island
Why do we recommend this tour?
Madeira is one of the most accessible canyoning destinations in Europe. The island features waterfalls, gorges carved into the basalt, and steep-sided streams that offer routes suitable for various skill levels. Guided tours departing from Funchal allow you to enjoy this activity even if you have no prior experience. We recommend that you wear appropriate footwear and bring clothing that can get wet.
What you will see
Canyoning routes in Madeira typically combine abseiling down waterfalls, passages through narrow gorges, and sections in the water. The dense vegetation surrounding the waterways provides a natural setting that contrasts with the volcanic areas. Small-group outings allow you to progress at a pace that suits you. Choose this guided canyoning tour (moderate difficulty) departing from Funchal, with equipment provided— Learn more and book.
How much time should I allow?
A canyoning trip usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours, including transportation from Funchal. Plan on spending at least half a day.
4. Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Why do we recommend this tour?
The hike between Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m)—Madeira’s highest point—is one of the island’s most iconic hikes. The PR1 trail connects these two peaks, crossing steep ridges that tower over a sea of clouds. We were struck by the clarity of the panoramic views from the most exposed points along the trail, especially when the sky is clear early in the morning. Pico do Arieiro is accessible by car, making the trailhead easily reachable from Funchal.
What you will see
From the ridges of the PR1, the views take in the entire central mountain range of Madeira. On a clear day, you can see both coasts of the island at the same time. The trail passes through several tunnels carved into the basalt and runs along impressive cliffs. At the summit of Pico Ruivo, there is a mountain hut where you can take a break before heading back down. Vegetation is virtually nonexistent at this altitude, which heightens the sense of the volcanic landscape. Guided hike from Pico do Arieiro to Achada do Teixeira, departing from Funchal, in a small group – Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
The entire round-trip hike (12 km) takes between 7 and 9 hours, with an elevation gain of more than 1,300 m. You must reserve a time slot and pay the access fee through SIMplifica. From Funchal, it’s a 40-minute drive to the Pico do Arieiro parking lot. See our dedicated article to learn more.
5. Valley of the Nuns – Curral das Freiras
Why do we recommend this tour?
Curral das Freiras, which literally means “the nuns’ enclosure,” is a village nestled at the bottom of a volcanic cirque surrounded by mountains. Its name serves as a reminder that nuns from Funchal took refuge there in the 16th century to escape pirates. We enjoyed the contrast between the winding road leading down to the village and the serenity of the village once we reached the bottom. The Eira do Serrado lookout point, accessible by car before the descent to the village, offers a bird’s-eye view of this natural cirque.
What you will see
The village is surrounded by sheer mountain walls that create a unique microclimate. The narrow streets in the town center, the parish church, and the stalls selling local chestnut specialties are the highlights of the tour. The views from the surrounding hills are among the most unique in Madeira. Choose this guided tour of the Valley of the Nuns departing from Funchal — Learn more and book.
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day from Funchal, or about 3 to 4 hours, including transfers. You can explore the village itself in 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
6. Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão
Why do we recommend this tour?
Câmara de Lobos is one of Madeira’s best-known fishing villages, a 15-minute drive from Funchal. Its colorful boats, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, and the giant seal mural created by the artist Bordallo II make it a stop that can easily be combined with a visit to the Cabo Girão viewpoint, located 10 minutes away to the west. We also learned that Winston Churchill painted in Câmara de Lobos during his visit in 1950. At Cabo Girão, the glass-bottomed platform is perched 589 meters above the sea—among the highest cliffs in Europe. The Rancho cable car, which is less crowded than the observation deck, takes visitors down along these cliffs to an agricultural faja—farmland at the foot of the mountain range.
What you will see
In Câmara de Lobos, the fishing port, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (15th century), the Jardim do Ilheu, and the Caminho do Calhau promenade are all worth a visit. At Cabo Girão, the glass-bottomed platform offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the terraced fields at the base of the cliffs. The Rancho cable car takes just 3 minutes to descend along the cliff face to the faja, one of the most unique vantage points for observing the island’s layered geological formations.
- Hop-on Hop-off bus from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos—a convenient option if you don’t have a car. Learn more and book
- Organized tours to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão departing from Funchal. Check availability
How much time should I allow?
The Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão tour can easily be completed in half a day. Plan to spend at least 2 hours in Câmara de Lobos and 1 hour at Cabo Girão, and avoid peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the viewing platform. Read our article on Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão to learn more.
7. Volcanic Pools of Porto Moniz
Why do we recommend this tour?
Porto Moniz, on the northwestern tip of the island, is known for its natural pools carved into the volcanic rock along the Atlantic coast. Seawater rushes in through the crevices in the basalt, creating pools of clear water sheltered from the waves. We find that this excursion is also a chance to enjoy Madeira’s northern coastal road, one of the most spectacular on the island, winding between cliffs and tunnels carved into the rock.
What you will see
The natural pools in Porto Moniz are equipped with safe access points, changing rooms, and rest areas. The main complex is managed by the municipality. The water, refreshed by the tides, is generally cooler than on the south coast. The village of Porto Moniz itself has a few restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. Take a guided tour to the Enchanted Terraces and the Porto Moniz pools, departing from Funchal— Learn more and book.
How much time should I allow?
Porto Moniz is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Funchal. Plan on a full day to allow for the drive, swimming, and a meal there. On a guided tour, the route and stops along the way are usually included in the itinerary.
8. Explore the eastern part of the island
Why do we recommend this tour?
Eastern Madeira is home to sites that vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and scenery. Machico, the first town founded by Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, features a beach with imported sand—a rarity in Madeira—and a compact historic center. Santana is known for its traditional A-frame houses with thatched roofs, which have become one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Porto da Cruz, on the northeast coast, is home to a rum distillery that has been in operation since 1927 and a waterfront dominated by Penha d’Águia, the Eagle’s Rock. We found that this part of the island offers a good mix of architectural heritage, nature, and authenticity.
What you will see
In Machico, the Francisco Alvares Nóbrega Lookout offers beautiful views of the town and the valley. The Igreja Matriz de Machico, a Gothic-style church dating from the 15th century, and the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, built in 1706, are both worth a visit. In Santana, the Núcleo de Casas Típicas is an open-air museum dedicated to traditional houses. The Aguage Waterfall, a 5-minute drive from downtown, takes about 30 minutes to tour. In Porto da Cruz, the Engenho do Norte Distillery, housed in a building dating from 1927, is open to visitors between June and February. The seaside promenade also offers views of the northern coast all the way to Ponta de São Lourenço. Here is a guided tour of the best of eastern Madeira, departing from Funchal and including Machico, Santana, and the northeast coast— Learn more and book.
How much time should I allow?
It takes a full day to visit Machico, Santana, and Porto da Cruz from Funchal. By car, it takes 30 minutes to get to Machico, then about 25 more minutes to get to Santana. Porto da Cruz is 15 minutes from Santana. On a guided tour, the itinerary is usually a full-day trip with several stops. Read our article on things to do in eastern Madeira for more ideas!
9. Madeira’s Cuisine and Wine
Why do we recommend this tour?
Madeira’s cuisine deserves special attention. The island produces a wine that is unique in the world, Madeira wine, whose production process—involving controlled heating—gives it exceptional longevity and complex aromas. When it comes to cuisine, the espetada—a skewer of marinated beef grilled over hot coals—and the bolo do caco—a soft sweet potato bread—are among the most representative specialties. We also enjoyed the Madeira sauce, with its rich, deep flavor, which is often served as a side dish with meat. Food tours and vineyard excursions offer a guided way to explore this culinary world.
What you will see
You can take a food tour in Funchal; these typically involve a tour of the markets and local spots in the city center, with tastings of local specialties. You can also choose to go on tours of the vineyards that include a visit to the cellars and a Madeira wine tasting. Folklore evenings, for their part, combine a traditional meal with local dances and music.
- Gourmet food, wine, and culture tour in Funchal, including a walking tour of the markets and tastings. Learn more and book
- A day trip to the vineyards featuring wine tastings and local cuisine. Learn more and book
- A traditional evening featuring a traditional meal and folk dances. Learn more and make a reservation
How much time should I allow?
A walking food tour usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours. The vineyard tour takes a full day. The folk evening usually begins in the early evening and lasts 2 to 3 hours.
10. Kayaking and Snorkeling – Garajau Marine Reserve
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Garajau Marine Reserve, east of Funchal, is one of the best-preserved marine protected areas in the Atlantic. The seabed there is teeming with fish, rays, and other species that benefit from the fishing ban in this area. A guided kayaking tour allows you to access the reserve from the coast while combining the kayaking trip with a snorkeling session. We recommend this activity to anyone who wants to explore the seabed off Madeira without scuba diving.
What you will see
Beneath the surface, the waters off Garajau reveal rock formations teeming with colorful fish, mother-of-pearl, and occasionally rays or moray eels. From the kayak, the view of the coastal cliffs and the statue of Christ the King, perched above the nature reserve, offers a unique perspective on this stretch of Madeira’s coastline. Take this guided kayaking tour with a snorkeling session in the Garajau Nature Reserve; equipment is provided— Learn more and book.
How much time should I allow?
The outing usually lasts between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Funchal, the Garajau Nature Reserve is less than a 15-minute drive away.
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11. The Desertas Islands by Catamaran
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Desertas Islands form an uninhabited archipelago southeast of Madeira, designated as a nature reserve. They are one of the most important refuges for the Mediterranean monk seal, an endangered marine mammal, and are also home to populations of petrels and sea turtles. A catamaran cruise from Funchal lets you visit these islands for the day and take a dip at one of their volcanic beaches. We think this tour really goes off the beaten path.
What you will see
The catamaran crossing from Funchal takes about 2 hours. The Desertas Islands feature a semi-arid landscape that is very different from that of Madeira: an elongated terrain, sparse vegetation, and dark cliffs. Depending on the season, you might spot Mediterranean monk seals on the beaches. Swimming in the reserve’s crystal-clear Claire waters is one of the highlights of the day. Full-day catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands, including swimming at a volcanic beach— Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
This excursion is a full-day trip, including the ferry ride. Be sure to bring sunscreen, warm clothes for the crossing, and something to eat on board.
12. Surfing in Porto da Cruz
Why do we recommend this tour?
Porto da Cruz is Madeira’s premier surfing village, home to the island’s oldest surf school, the Calhau Surf School. The spot is particularly active in winter, when Atlantic swells provide consistent conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Porto da Cruz also has seawater pools designed for non-surfers, as well as a pleasant boardwalk to stroll along. Penha d’Águia, the Eagle’s Rock, towers over the village at a height of 590 meters and serves as a prominent landmark visible from the coast.
What you will see
The village of Porto da Cruz combines nature and industrial heritage: the Engenho do Norte Distillery, built in 1927, is open to visitors from June through February. The seaside promenade connects the village’s two beaches, offering views of the northeast coast all the way to Ponta de São Lourenço. The saltwater pools are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the season. Surf lessons in Porto da Cruz, all levels, equipment included— Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
Porto da Cruz is located 35 minutes from Funchal. A surfing lesson usually lasts 2 hours. Plan on spending half a day to a full day, depending on what you want to do there.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
13. Ponta de São Lourenço
Why do we recommend this tour?
Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira, a semi-arid peninsula that stands in stark contrast to the rest of the island. Here, the wind prevents vegetation from taking root, and the volcanic rocks display a range of colors from orange-yellow to black basalt. We found the place to be strikingly beautiful, very different from the green landscapes usually associated with Madeira. The PR8 hiking trail, a 6.4-kilometer round trip, follows the ridges of the peninsula with the ocean on both sides. For those who don’t want to go hiking, the Miradouro Ponta do Rosto offers a view of the cliffs right from the road.
What you will see
The PR8 trail follows the ridge of the peninsula between cliffs that drop sheer on both sides. The geological formations, consisting of layers of lava and volcanic tuff, are particularly visible along the route. The natural beach of Prainha do Caniçal, a 5-minute drive before the peninsula, is one of Madeira’s few natural black-sand beaches. Guided hike to Ponta de São Lourenço, full-day tour departing from Funchal— Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
The PR8 hike takes between 3 and 4 hours round trip. From Funchal, it’s a 35-minute drive. You must reserve a time slot and pay the access fee through SIMplifica. Be sure to bring a hat, plenty of water, and appropriate footwear: the trail is exposed to the sun and wind, with no shade.
14. Agriculture, Faja, and Local Products
Why do we recommend this tour?
Madeira has a strong agricultural tradition, shaped by centuries of farming on terraced fields on steep slopes. The fajas—farmland located at the foot of the cliffs and sometimes accessible only by cable car—are one of the most unique examples of this relationship between the inhabitants and their land. An agriculture-themed tour gives you the chance to meet local farmers and sample the island’s fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. In addition, the cable car ride down to a faja is an experience that’s a far cry from the usual tourist routes.
What you will see
The agricultural tour takes you to visit local farms: orchards, vegetable gardens, and artisanal producers. A visit to a faja—accessible only by cable car—provides access to farmland at the base of the cliffs, cut off from the rest of the island. These areas, which have been maintained for generations, offer a unique view of the volcanic cliffs and the ocean.
- Agriculture and Local Products Tour: Meet Madeiran Producers. Learn more and book
- Take a cable car down to a faja—a typical agricultural area accessible only by cable car—for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
The farm tour usually lasts half a day. The cable car ride down to a faja takes about 1 to 2 hours once you arrive, depending on the activities offered.
15. Head to the island of Porto Santo
Why do we recommend this tour?
Porto Santo is the island next to Madeira, about 45 km to the northeast. It is known for its 9-kilometer-long golden-sand beach, a rarity in the archipelago, where natural sandy beaches are scarce. The island also offers a slower pace and is less crowded than Madeira. The ferry ride from Funchal takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the journey itself is part of the experience, with views of both islands as you approach. Christopher Columbus lived in Porto Santo between 1479 and 1484, which also makes it a place of historical significance.
What you will see
Porto Santo’s main beach stretches for 9 km of fine sand, renowned for its therapeutic properties. The village of Vila Baleira, the island’s capital, is home to most of the shops and restaurants. Christoph Columbus’s House, which has been turned into a museum, chronicles the explorer’s stay on the island. The terrain in Porto Santo is gentler than that of Madeira, with hills within walking distance of the village. Day trip to Porto Santo, including round-trip ferry from Funchal. Learn more and book
How much time should I allow?
The crossing takes 2h30 each way. You’ll need a full day to enjoy the beach and visit Vila Baleira. Some travelers choose to spend the night there to enjoy the island without having to worry about schedules.
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Other excursions from Funchal
- Discover Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest is one of the last remaining examples of laurel forests— Learn more and book
- Seixal’s Black Beach and Natural Pools – see options
- Swimming with dolphins from a speedboat: a more dynamic way to observe cetaceans. Learn more and book
- Take a guided tour of western Madeira – see the itinerary
- Take the Achadas da Cruz cable car and explore the western part of the island on a private tour— learn more and book.
- Marvel at the Levada do Caldeirao Verde Hike – guided tour with transportation included
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
