We take you to discover the unsuspected wonders of Madeira! This enchanting destination offers adventure and natural beauty. You won’t have time to get bored: hikes, natural pools, charming villages, unforgettable views, lush gardens…
Here’s our selection of must-see activities and places in Madeira.
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. Just drive and enjoy the views
On a trip to Madeira, you’ll be transformed by the scenery.
Nature here is so impressive and lush that all you need to do is drive a little and open your eyes for an unforgettable vacation.
Yes, the roads are winding and sometimes narrow, but they’re worth the effort. Take your time, admire the scenery and stop off at all the viewpoints known as Miradouros.
See our articles on Madeira’s most beautiful roads and viewpoints (miradouros).
OUR TIPS 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. Visit a botanical garden
Madeira is nicknamed the Island of Flowers, and to discover it even better, we recommend visiting at least one of the island’s gardens. Enjoy a patchwork of colors and fragrances, exceptional trees, collections of cacti and tropical plants.
If you only need to make one, we recommend it:
- The Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a must-see but with lots of sloping paths.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours, but we recommend 3 to 4 hours.
Visit on your own or with a guide to learn more – see availability - Unless you have difficulty getting around, in which case we recommend Funchal’s municipal garden.
See our list of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens.
3. Take a boat trip to see the dolphins
A must-do activity in Madeira is a boat trip to observe whales and dolphins.
This archipelago is, in fact, one of the best destinations in Europe to see them, as the waters are clear and have ideal temperatures.
The tour offering is wide and varied. You’ll find different options depending on the style of boat you prefer:
- Catamaran excursion including time for swimming under the cliffs of Cabo Girao – See options and availability
- Speedboat excursion, more adrenalin, but less comfort – See details and availability
- Tour authorized to let you swim with dolphins – See details and availability
- Going out at sunset – See details and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
4. See the sunrise from Pico do Areiro
Pico do Arieiro is one of the most famous spots on the island. At over 1,800m, the summit is accessible by car, so everyone can enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
You really are at the top of the island, surrounded by sharp peaks and lush valleys, with the sea on both sides of the ridge.
To make the most of it, we strongly advise you to get up early, so you can arrive 45 minutes before sunrise, find a place to rest, and start the day with an unforgettable experience!
The fittest can combine this with the famous hike between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. It’s an intense walk (with steep stairs) but it’s sure to be your best memory!
Find out more about Pico do Arieiro’s attractions.
5. Walking along a levada like 25 Fontes
Set off on an adventure along Madeira’s levadas: an unforgettable experience in the heart of lush nature. The levadas, centuries-old irrigation canals that criss-cross the island, offer hikers picturesque paths through breathtaking scenery. Walk along towering cliffs, through lush forests and discover breathtaking panoramic views as you explore the island at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a lover of leisurely strolls, Madeira’s levadas promise unforgettable adventures for all skill levels. Get ready to marvel at the island’s natural beauty and create memories that will last a lifetime on these enchanting trails.”
See our article on the best levada hikes in Madeira.
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. Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
Of course, Madeira is no beach paradise. But you can still have exceptional swimming experiences, thanks to the natural pools formed from lava rocks cooled by the sea.
The best known are in Porto Moniz. They’re easy to access, with several arms for easy swimming. The views from the pools are breathtaking: an island, green mountains and the sea!
The other exceptional option is in Seixal with the lava arch! But you have to make an effort to get down to the foot of the cliffs and enjoy it.
If you don’t want to drive, organized tours take you to see these pools, in the middle of a tour of the island – see program and availability.
Beware: avoid the pools between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when most tourists are visiting. You’ll have a better experience outside these hours.
See our article on Madeira’s natural pools.
7. Explore Funchal
Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is a charming blend of cultural richness, historical significance and lively atmosphere.
The town’s history dates back to the 15th century, when it was colonized by Portuguese explorers. Today, the vestiges of its past can be seen in its historic buildings, churches and forts.
Take time to explore the old town, visit its cathedral, stroll through its gardens, discover its markets and visit its many small museums!
To plan your visit to Funchal, see our guide to the best attractions.
8. Explore other towns and villages: Camara de Lobos, Ponto do Sol…
But Funchal isn’t the only place to visit on Madeira!
Although it’s the main city, there are many charming villages and old town centers to discover all around the island.
It’s a tough choice… But if you only need to visit 3 of them, to get a taste of the different styles, we recommend you do so:
- Câmara de Lobos and its harbour of colourful boats
- Porto da Cruz, less touristy with its sugarcane factory
- Jardim do Mar, with its narrow streets on the cliffs and its beautiful seafront
See our selection of the most beautiful towns and villages.
9. Enjoy nature in a different way: canyoning, kayaking…
As well as magnificent hikes to the mountain peaks and along the levadas, Madeira also offers great outdoor experiences for those looking for a little adrenalin while admiring nature.
We particularly enjoyed canyoning and kayaking. But there are other choices. Here is our selection:
- Beginner canyoning – see options
- Intermediate canyoning – see program and availability
- Kayak – see options
- Coasteering (jumping into the sea!) – see program and availability
- Surf lessons – see availability
A lot of fun!
See our complete guide to canyoning in Madeira.
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10. Enjoy the contrast at Ponta de Sao Louranço
If you’ve had enough of the lush vegetation, head for Ponta de Sao Louranço. This is the “Madeira tail”.
The climate here is semi-arid and the wind prevents trees from growing.
This is the best place to discover Madeira’s volcanic origins. You’ll see many different types of rock, from yellow to orange, red to black basalt.
It’s a fascinating place.
If you can’t hike, go and see the view from the hike parking area and from the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint not far away. You’ll already have great views.
If you’re up for a bit of walking, we highly recommend this hike, one of Madeira’s most beautiful. 6.4km/3 to 4h round trip to Sardinha Café.
Find out more about Ponta de Sao Louranço (article coming soon).
11. Vertigo in Cabo Giro
It’s not here that you’ll find the most beautiful scenery on the island. But certainly impressive.
Cabo Girao is Madeira’s most famous viewpoint. You access a glass platform atop Europe’s highest cliffs, almost 590m high.
It’s easy to get to, just a 20-minute drive from Funchal.
Cabs take you there easily.
Small entrance fee.
Find out more about Cabo Girao.
12. Defying gravity in cable cars
Another special feature of Madeira is the presence of numerous cable cars.
As the mountains slope steeply down to the sea, every little piece of flat land is used for agriculture. These small strips of land are called Fajas.
And in the 20th century, to make it easier for farmers to get there, gondolas were installed.
Today, some of them are open to tourists, and the descents are impressive. We particularly recommend the Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz near Porto Moniz
There are also two cable cars in Funchal, which are convenient for visiting the gardens but less spectacular.
See our article on Madeira’s cable cars.
13. Searching for shapes in the Fanal forest
For another change of scenery, we now take you to the Paul da Serra plateau, in the heart of Madeira’s western half.
Here lies a Lauriferous forest. Around 90% of it is primary forest.
If you like imagining shapes in the clouds, you’ll love taking a walk here too. The trees are twisted, and inspiring.
Don’t hesitate to go if it’s foggy or misty. This makes the place even more magical and inspiring.
14. Explore off the beaten track
Madeira is becoming increasingly popular, but as the airport is limited in size, so are the numbers of tourists. So there are still some “secret” places where you’ll find fewer people.
Among our favorite places:
- Calhau da Lapa, accessible by 700 stairs or by boat
This takes you to a beach at the foot of the cliffs with small troglodytic houses. - The village of Madalena do Mar with its short walk through a banana plantation
- The Miradouro do Paradeo, a vertiginous viewpoint over the Valley of the Nuns!
Find more ideas in our article on Madeira’s secret places.
15. Discover the culture: wine, Santana’s house, tobogganing…
Madeira’s culture fuses Portuguese elements with a unique atmosphere.
Although Madeira wines do not enjoy the same international renown as Port wines, they are highly appreciated. Their unique flavor, due to the heating method and storage in a warm environment, makes them an experience not to be missed.
And, as your vacation progresses, you’ll be able to learn more and visit iconic sites. We recommend Santana‘s traditional houses, Funchal’s tobogganing, the CR7 museum about Cristiano Ronaldo, the banana plantations, Porto da Cruz’s sugar cane distillery…
OUR TIPS 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.
Madeira’s beaches…
You may be surprised not to see beaches in Madeira’s 15 must-sees, that’s because it’s not a beach destination.
The mountains fall steeply into the sea.
You’ll find Seixal’s black sand beach, two imported golden sand beaches (Calheta and Machico) and a few pebble beaches.
If you’re looking for a long, sandy beach, you’ll have to go to the nearby island of Porto Santo. Its beach is 9km long!
Find out more about Madeira’s beaches.
Other activities in Madeira
Madeira Museums
Madeira also offers a host of small museums. Most are in Funchal, but not all.
Among our favorites:
- Caniçal Whale Museum
- Museum in the Porto da Cruz sugar cane factory
- Blandy’s Wine Museum
- Madeira Story Experience
Find out more about the best museums in Funchal.
Excursion to Porto Santo
You can also choose to discover the neighboring island of Porto Santo, which is very different.
Take the 2.5 hr ferry with its beautiful views and take a sun tour of the island with its viewpoints, sand dunes, basalt organ and long sandy beach.
Find out more about Porto Santo’s attractions.
And book your ferry.
Things to do in Madeira with children
Madeira is not a very family-oriented destination.
But you can still find attractions that appeal to the whole family:
- Funchal’s toboggan and basket ride
- The whale museum in Canical
- 3D Fun Art Museum in Funchal with optical illusions
- Walking through the banana plantations of Madalena do Mar
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz
- …
Things to do in Madeira when it rains
When it rains in Madeira, you’ll be advised:
- to see if another part of the island is dry. with the high mountains at the heart of the island, it’s quite possible that the whole island isn’t under water.
- visit Funchal’s museums
- to visit the gardens, which are even more beautiful underwater!
- keep exploring, you’ll have fewer people on the roads!
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
