East Madeira is home to a diversity of landscapes and experiences. On one side, Funchal with its historic quarters, gardens and museums. On the other, towering peaks, primary forests, authentic fishing villages and a semi-arid peninsula with multicolored cliffs. We were struck by the richness of this part of the island, which combines urban life, Madeira’s most emblematic hiking trails and unspoilt villages.
Here’s our selection of the 10 must-see places in East Madeira, as well as other not-to-be-missed stops for those wishing to explore further.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Stroll around Funchal
Why it’s a must
Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is much more than just a transit point. This dynamic city blends historic heritage, contemporary architecture and lively neighborhood life. We enjoyed the old town with its cobbled streets, azulejos and colorful markets. But we were most excited by the Monte garden, the cable car up to it and the traditional toboggan ride down. The Sé Cathedral will not leave you indifferent either! Funchal is also the gateway to many of the island’s excursions, and boasts a gastronomic, cultural and hotel offer unrivalled in Madeira. We recommend spending at least a full day here, or two if you want to explore several museums and gardens.
Practical advice
- Location: south coast of Madeira, capital of the island. International airport 20 minutes away.
- Don’t miss: the old town with its painted streets (Rua de Santa Maria), the Farmers’ Market (Mercado dos Lavradores), Sé Cathedral, the Municipal Garden, the Palmetum, the Monte cable car and the Monte Garden.
- Museums: 3D Fun Art Museum, Sacred Art Museum, CR7 Museum (dedicated to Funchal-born Cristiano Ronaldo), Madeira Story Experience
- Gardens: Funchal Botanical Garden, Monte Palace Tropical Garden (20min by cable car or car)
- Nautical activities: sea excursion to observe the island’s dolphins and whales!
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days for the main sites
- Transportation: the city center is easily explored on foot. Local buses for outlying districts. Tuk-tuks, cabs.
Read our article on what to do in Funchal here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
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2. See the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro
Why it’s a must
Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s most iconic spots. This peak at 1,818m is accessible by car via a well-paved road, making it accessible to everyone – even non-hikers. We were won over by the scenery. Steep ridges rising out of a sea of clouds at sunrise. We strongly recommend that you get up there at least 45min before sunrise to find a place to rest before the crowds. If you don’t want to do the long hike, it’s also possible to walk a few hundred meters along the PR1 trailhead to reach the Ninho da Monta platform, with an even clearer view than from the main viewpoint. You can opt for an organized tour so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
Practical advice
- Location: central Madeira. From Funchal: 40min drive; from Porto da Cruz: 40min; from Machico: 40min
- Access: ER103 road. Accessible by car only, no public transport.
- Parking: large pay parking lot (€4/hr) at the foot of the summit. Arrive before sunrise to find a place easily.
- PR1 hike (start): To Ninho da Monta: 15 to 20min round trip. To Pedra Rija: 30-45min round trip.
- Complete PR1 hike (Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo): 12km round trip, 7 to 9h, elevation gain +1,313m, high difficulty, access fee and time slot reservation required on SIMplifica.
- Facilities: café/snack bar, pay toilets, store and information center in parking lot
- Conditions: the plateau can be cold and windy all year round. Provide an extra layer even in summer. Fog is common – check the weather forecast before setting off.
- All excursions to Pico do Arieiro.
Read our article on Pico do Arieiro here.
3. Marvel at the Levada do Caldeirao Verde hike
Why it’s a must
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde hike (PR9) is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful in Madeira. This 13km round-trip trail passes through the majestic Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and follows one of the fascinating 16th-century irrigation canals that wind their way across the island. What we particularly liked was the diversity of the route: the dense, lush vegetation, the breathtaking views over the valley, and above all the adventure in the 4 tunnels dug into the rock, dark and damp, which give this walk an unforgettable character. At the end of the path, the Caldeirao Verde waterfall – the “green cauldron” – nestles in a moss-covered cavity, creating a picture of striking beauty. For exploration enthusiasts, an optional detour takes you to the Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall (check trail conditions before setting off).
Practical advice
- Distance: 13km round trip (17.5km with the detour to Caldeirao do Inferno)
- Duration: 5h30 round trip (7h30 with the detour)
- Difficulty: moderate. Flat but sometimes narrow path, some steps, dark tunnels and slippery ground.
- Location: north of the island, Parque Florestal das Queimadas, near Santana. From Funchal: 40min; from Porto da Cruz: 20min.
- Reservations required and entrance fees: 30-minute slot to be reserved and entrance fee to be paid in advance here.
- Access by car: follow the Caminho das Queimadas road for 3km after Santana (single-lane road). Pay parking at the end of the road (max €3/day), with on-site café and toilets.
- Public transport: no direct access – bus to a nearby town then cab, or guided tour with transfer included
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.
4. Discover Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão
Why it’s a must
Câmara de Lobos is one of Madeira’s most typical villages. Nestled in a natural cove 15 minutes from Funchal, this traditional fishing port is charming. We were seduced by its colorful boats, cobbled streets with whitewashed houses and the giant seal mural by artist Bordallo II. The site even inspired Winston Churchill, who painted there during a visit in 1950. A 10-minute drive to the west is Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest cliffs (589m), with a glass platform that makes you dizzy. We preferred the Rancho cable car, which runs down the cliffs, less crowded than the platform and more impressive in our opinion.
Practical advice
- Location: south coast, 15min drive from Funchal
- Câmara de Lobos: explore the port, historic streets, Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (15th century), Jardim do Ilheu, Caminho do Calhau promenade and Praia do Vigário beach. Allow at least 2 hours.
- Cabo Girão (10 min. drive): easily accessible glass platform. Small entrance fee. Avoid peak hours (11am-3pm).
- Rancho (Cabo Girão) cable car: 3-minute descent along the cliff to the agricultural faja. Less frequented than the platform, recommended.
- Câmara de Lobos parking lot: main parking lot near the port (fee payable). Arrive early in the morning for easy parking. 24-hour parking.
- Car-free: Hop-on Hop-off bus from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos – book your tickets
- Restaurants: numerous restaurants around the port. Fish specialties recommended.
- Accommodation: Hotel Pestana Churchill Bay (panoramic harbour views) see prices and availability
- Organized tours to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão here
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
5. Visit Machico Village and Beach
Why it’s a must
Machico is one of Madeira’s oldest towns and the island’s historic gateway. The town boasts a beach of imported fine sand, the Praia de Machico, rare in Madeira, protected by a seawall that guarantees calm family bathing. We enjoyed strolling through the old town center to admire its monuments: the 15th-century Gothic Igreja Matriz de Machico, the chapel of São Roque founded in 1400 and the bright yellow Fort de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, built in 1706 to protect the town from pirates. The Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nóbrega, on the hills to the south, offers in our opinion the best views of the city and valley, as far as the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula in the distance.
Practical advice
- Location: north-east coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 30min drive; from Porto Moniz: 1h10
- Don’t miss: Praia de Machico, Igreja Matriz de Machico, Chapelle São Roque, Fort Nossa Senhora do Amparo, Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nóbrega (free, easy parking), dolphin-watching tours.
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours for the center and the viewpoints, more if you stay at the beach.
- Surrounding hikes: Levada do Caniçal (3 to 4 hours one way), Levada dos Marocos (6km), Levada Nova
- Accommodation: mostly apartment rentals, few hotels
- Combine with: Caniçal and its Whale Museum (10min), Ponta de São Lourenço (15min)
- Organized tours with Machico as stopover here
6. Hiking Vereda dos Balcões
Why it’s a must
The PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike is our favorite. It’s perfect for visitors discovering Madeira for the first time, or who don’t want to tackle a difficult trail. This 3km round trip, almost entirely flat, follows the Levada da Serra do Faial through the laurel forest, a Unesco World Heritage site. We loved the atmosphere of this dense, silent vegetation, with its gnarled trees and giant ferns forming a setting of their own. At the end of the path, the Balcões viewpoint reveals an imposing panorama of valleys covered in intense green. It’s also a great place for observing endemic birds: Madeira kinglet, tree finch, trocaz pigeon.
Practical advice
- Distance: 3km round trip
- Duration: 1h to 1h30
- Difficulty: easy. Almost completely flat, with a few stones and roots.
- Location: center-east of the island, village of Ribeiro Frio. From Funchal: 40min; from Porto da Cruz: 25min
- Access: ER103 road between Funchal and Santana. No dedicated parking – just a few spaces along the road. Arrive early or late in the day.
- Reservations required and access fees: access fee to be paid in advance and 30min slot to be booked on SIMplifica. Price €3 for over 12s, free for children.
- Check opening: here
- Halfway point: Café Flor da Selva with toilets and partial viewpoint
- With children: ideal, flat terrain and short distance. Children enjoy birdwatching.
- Bus: accessible by public transport from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
7. Walking in Ribeira Brava
Why it’s a must
Ribeira Brava is, in our opinion, one of the most pleasant towns on Madeira’s south coast. Its name “Rivière Sauvage” recalls the power of its watercourse. We loved its lively waterfront and restaurant terraces. The Matrice de São Bento Church, built in the 16th century, is quite pretty with its azulejo bell tower. In addition, the ER208 road to the north of the town isone of Madeira’s most beautiful, with the Miradouro de Terra Grande offering spectacular views over the valley. Ribeira Brava is best visited during a stopover on the road between Funchal and Porto Moniz.
Practical advice
- Location: south coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 25min; from Porto Moniz: 40min; from Machico: 45min
- Don’t miss: Matrice de São Bento Church, São Bento Fort, Miradouro São Sebastião
- Museum: Madeira Ethnographic Museum – opening hours: 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5pm weekdays, closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays. Official website
- Beach and pools: small beach of pebbles and sand, protected by a seawall. Bathing complex with two swimming pools, toilets and showers at the bathing complex.
- Parking: central streets (for a fee) and three covered parking lots (for a fee). Bring cash. Parking near the beach very tight.
- Bus: line 7 from Funchal
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours for the center, more for the museum or the surrounding hikes.
- Recommended route ER208: one of Madeira’s most beautiful roads, with a stop at Miradouro de Terra Grande
- Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Sonho do Oceano see availability; see top rated accommodations
See guided excursions from Funchal including Ribeira Brava and the south coast.
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8. Explore the Village of Porto da Cruz
Why it’s a must
Porto da Cruz is a pretty village on the north-east coast. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, it boasts a number of sights that we really enjoyed. Its waterfront is spectacular, dominated by the Penha d’Águia, or Eagle Rock. The village is also historically linked to sugarcane and rum production. The Engenho do Norte distillery, dating back to 1927, is open to visitors between June and February, and provides an insight into Madeira’s unique industrial heritage. Porto da Cruz is also a well-known surfing spot, particularly active in winter, with the island’s oldest surf school. We also recommend the pleasant, easy seafront promenade linking the village’s two beaches, with beautiful views over the north coast to Ponta de São Lourenço.
Practical advice
- Location: north-east coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 35min; from Santana: 15min
- Seafront promenade: approx. 1h, flat terrain, views over Penha d’Águia and the north coast as far as Ponta de São Lourenço
- Seawater pools: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm in summer (closed in winter). Price: €1.50. Showers, toilets, sun loungers.
- Engenho do Norte distillery: visit between June and February (plant active from March to May). Open every day except Sunday. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Allow 30-45 minutes.
- Surf: Calhau surf school (the oldest on the island), open daily from 8am to 8pm, lessons and board hire. More info here.
- Parking lots: one near the church, one near the Praia da Alagoa, one at the end of the promenade.
- Miradouro da Portela (between Porto da Cruz and Machico): panoramic views of Penha d’Águia and the east coast. Arrive early morning or late afternoon.
See guided tours including Porto da Cruz.
9. Visit Santana Village
Why it’s a must
Santana is best known for its traditional A-shaped houses with thatched roofs, which have become one of Madeira’s visual symbols. The Núcleo de Casas Típicas, right in the center of town, is an open-air museum where you can discover these A-frame constructions that served as both dwellings and granaries. You can also appreciate the city’s natural wealth. The Parque Florestal de Queimadas, the starting point for the Caldeirao Verde hike (PR9), is in our opinion one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. A 5-minute drive away, the Cascade de l’Aguage, a tropical waterfall, is one of the most beautiful on the island. The area also offers remarkable views of the Penha d’Águia and the north coast.
Practical advice
- Location: north coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 45min; from Machico: 25min
- Traditional houses (Núcleo de Casas Típicas): free access, stores in the houses during the day. Covered pay parking nearby.
- Theme park: open from 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays. Official website
- Cascade de l’Aguage: 5min drive from the center. Easy 600m round trip. Allow 30min. Very small parking lot. More beautiful in winter.
- Parque Florestal de Queimadas: 15 minutes by car. Pay parking. Open from 9.30am to 6pm. Starting point for the PR9 hike.
- PR9 hike (Levada do Caldeirao Verde): 13km round trip, approx. 5h30. Flat trail with 5 tunnels. Book a slot and pay access fees here.
- Farmers’ market: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 6 pm on the square in front of the town hall.
- Miradouro do Cortado: 7min drive, views of Penha d’Águia (590m)
See our guided excursions to Santana, North and East Madeira.
10. Hiking in Ponta de São Lourenço
Why it’s a must
Ponta de São Lourenço is the “tail of Madeira”, a semi-arid peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic at the eastern end of the island. We found the location a radical contrast to the rest of Madeira, lush and green. Here, the wind prevents trees from growing, and the volcanic rocks reveal a fascinating palette of colors, from yellow to orange, red to black basalt. We were fascinated by the raw beauty of the site. The Ponta São Lourenço PR8 hike (6.4km round trip to Café Sardinha) is one of the most beautiful on the island. The cliffs plunge sheer into the ocean on both sides of the trail, offering 360° panoramas. For those who don’t wish to hike, the Miradouro Ponta do Rosto and the parking lot at the end of the road already offer spectacular views without any particular effort.
Practical advice
- Location: eastern tip of Madeira. From Funchal: 35min; from Machico: 15min; from Caniçal: 5min
- PR8 hike: 6.4km round trip to Café Sardinha. Round trip in 3 to 4 hours. Moderate difficulty. Semi-arid terrain, little shade, hat and water essential.
- Without hiking: Miradouro Ponta do Rosto (views of the cliffs from the road) and parking at the end of the peninsula for free views.
- Reservations required and access fees: slot to be booked on SIMplifica
- Best time: early morning for light and freshness. Avoid the hottest times of summer, as there is little shade on the trail.
- Prainha do Caniçal: natural sandy beach (black) 5min drive away, between Caniçal and the peninsula. Parking lot at the top of the cliffs, dirt road down. Toilets, showers and restaurant in season.
- Combine with: Caniçal and its Whale Museum (5min) and Machico (15min)
See guided hikes to Ponta de São Lourenço from Funchal.
Other places to discover in East Madeira
Hiking, peaks and viewpoints
- Vereda do Larano hike (Viewpoint + Hike): spectacular coastal path on the northeast coast, between Porto da Cruz and Machico. Plunging views of the sea and cliffs. Moderate level.
- Pico Grande hike (Hiking): for experienced hikers, this 1,654m peak offers remarkable views of the central cordillera. Challenging trail with steep gradients.
- Pico da Atalaia hike (Hiking): summit accessible from Santana heights, panoramic views of the north coast and inland valleys.
- Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nóbrega (Viewpoint): on the hills south of Machico, in our opinion the best viewpoint of the city. Free, easy parking. Dedicated to the poet born in Machico in the 18th century.
- Miradouro da Queimada (Viewpoint): above Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nóbrega, views over the back of the Machico valley and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. Easy stop, several parking spaces.
- Miradouro de Prainha (Viewpoint): between Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço, views of the island’s southeast coast and basalt cliffs.
- Miradouro do Cabouco (Viewpoint): viewpoint on the northeast coast, with views of the cliffs and sea. Less frequented than the main watchtowers.
Village of Caniçal
Often overlooked by tourists flocking to Ponta de São Lourenço, Caniçal is well worth a stop for its Museu da Baleia da Madeira. Spacious, modern space dedicated to the whale species around the archipelago, the history of whaling (banned in 1981) and the boats used. Life-size models mounted on the ceiling – you can’t imagine how big they are until you see them! You can also discover Praia Petra d’Eira, a small cliff beach with crystal-clear waters, or enjoy Praia do Calhau and its seaside resort.
Beaches and natural pools
In the east are some of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches:
- Praia dos Reis Magos (Beach): pebble beach on the east coast, between Funchal and Machico. Quieter and less crowded than the main beaches. Beautiful cliff setting.
- Faial Beach (Beach): small protected beach at the foot of the cliffs, near the 18th-century Faial Fort. A wild setting on the north coast, between Santana and Porto da Cruz.
- Ribeira de Natal Beach (Beach): pebble beach in Caniçal, at the end of the seafront. Transparent water, ideal for snorkeling. Diving center on site. Mostly frequented by locals at weekends.
- Vigário Beach (Beach): Câmara de Lobos‘s main beach, a narrow strip of pebbles. Beach bar. Historically used by fishermen to prepare their tackle.
- Doca do Cavacas (Natural pools): east of Câmara de Lobos, 10min from Funchal. Lava rocks on the seafront next to the large Praia Formosa beach. Small, charming pools. Find out more about Madeira’s natural pools.
- Calhau da Lapa (Beach + Secret Places): secluded beach accessible by 700 steps or by boat, at the foot of the cliffs. Small troglodytic houses on the water’s edge. A confidential and timeless place.
Cable cars and waterfalls
The eastern region is covered from top to bottom by several cable cars. See our article on Madeira’s cable cars. In the meantime, here’s a list of cable cars in this part of the island:
- Ponta da Garajau cable car (Cable car): descends to the Garajau marine reserve, east of Funchal. View of Christ the King and the ocean from the heights. Access to a protected snorkeling and diving area.
- Faja dos Padres cable car: west of Câmara de Lobos, 15min drive. 300m descent along a cliff in 2min30. Downstairs: rural tourist farm, beach, restaurant serving authentic Madeiran cuisine. Official website.
- Rancho (Cabo Girão) cable car (Cable car): 3-minute descent along the cliffs of Cabo Girão to the agricultural faja. One of the best places on the island to observe layered geological formations.
- Rocha do Navio cable car (Cable car): 5min drive from Santana. Descends 330m in 5min to a faja by the sea. Exceptional view of the northern cliffs. Free access to the viewpoint above. Very small parking lot.
- Cascade Palheiro (Waterfall): waterfall in the gardens of the Palheiro in Funchal, in a botanical setting. To be combined with a visit to the estate.
- Cascade de l’Aguage (Cascade): 5min drive from Santana, easy 600m round trip. Madeira’s unique tropical appearance, especially in winter. See our Santana section for practical details.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit East Madeira?
To see the essentials of the top 10, allow 5 to 6 days. Funchal alone deserves 1 to 2 days. The Pico do Arieiro or Pico Ruivo day trip takes a full morning. Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão can be visited in half a day. Machico and Caniçal can easily be combined in one day, including Ponta de São Lourenço. Porto da Cruz and Santana are each worth a half-day’s visit, more if you’re hiking. To explore the “other places” as well, allow 7 to 8 days.
Do I need a car to visit East Madeira?
A car is strongly recommended for most sites. Funchal and Câmara de Lobos are accessible without a car (bus, cab, Hop-on Hop-off). Machico can be reached by bus from Funchal. On the other hand, Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço and most viewpoints and hikes require a vehicle. You can also rent a car and enjoy the island’s beautiful roads. Alternatively, guided excursions , often departing from Funchal, cover the most popular tours in the east.
What to do in East Madeira when it rains?
Rain rarely affects the whole island simultaneously. The south coast (Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava) is often sunnier than the cloudy north coast. In the event of widespread bad weather, there are several options: Funchal’s museums (Museum of Sacred Art, CR7, 3D Fun Art, Madeira Story Experience), the Whale Museum in Caniçal, the Ethnographic Museum in Ribeira Brava, and the capital’s shopping centers.
When is the best time to visit East Madeira?
Madeira can be visited all year round thanks to its mild climate. Spring (April-May) is ideal: the island is in bloom, temperatures are mild and trails are less crowded. Autumn (September-October) offers similar conditions. Summer is high season, with more people at the most popular sites and higher temperatures (bring plenty of water for unshaded hikes). Winter is mild on the coast, but colder and rainier at higher altitudes. For mountain hikes (Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo), avoid days of heavy rain or dense fog: the paths become slippery and the views nil.
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Where to stay to explore East Madeira?
Funchal is the ideal base. The best equipped in terms of quality accommodation, restaurants and services, it offers easy access to all the sites of East Madeira. Câmara de Lobos is an attractive alternative for those seeking a more intimate setting, 15 minutes from the capital. Machico is ideal for those who want to be close to the east coast and Ponta de São Lourenço. Santana is within easy reach of hiking trails in the north (Caldeirao Verde, Pico Ruivo via Achada do Teixeira) and villages on the north coast. Find our selection of the best hotels in Madeira here.
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
