Vertiginous cliffs, primary forests, lava pools, villages clinging to the rocks… West Madeira is undoubtedly the wildest and most diverse part of the island. This is a region of contrasting landscapes: the north coast pulsates with waves and fog, while the south coast offers softer light and a handful of sandy beaches. In between, a grassy plateau and forests from another time. We were struck by the richness of this region, often neglected in favor of Funchal and the east of the island.
Here’s our selection of the 10 must-see places in West Madeira, as well as other must-see stops for those who want to explore a little 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. Hiking Levada 25 Fontes and Risco
Why it’s a must
The Levada 25 Fontes et Risco hike is West Madeira’s most emblematic, nestling in the Rabaçal area on the Paúl da Serra plateau. We were struck by the atmosphere of this steep-sided valley: the Unesco World Heritage laurel forest envelops the trail in mosses, giant ferns and gnarled trunks. Depending on what you decide to do, the route can be twofold: the Cascade do Risco, a hundred-meter waterfall, and the 25 Fontes, a water basin fed by springs. These two itineraries can easily be combined in half a day and are, in our opinion, one of the best hiking experiences in Madeira.
Practical advice
- Distance: approx. 5km round trip for the Levada 25 Fontes alone; 3km round trip for the Levada do Risco alone; 8 to 10km round trip for the Risco + 25 Fontes circuit.
- Duration: 3h for the Levada do Fontes; 2h for the Levada do Risco; 5h for the complete circuit
- Difficulty: easy to moderate. Significant height difference between the parking lot and the valley; sometimes slippery ground
- Mandatory booking: since 2026, you have had to reserve your 30-minute entry slot and pay the access fee in advance on SIMplifica. Book as soon as your dates are set, as slots go fast in high season.
- Access: ER110 road through the Paúl da Serra plateau. Parking along the road at the junction for Rabaçal. From Funchal: about 50min drive
- Shuttle bus: from the parking lot, a shuttle bus (€3 one way, €5 return from 10am to 6pm) runs every 2km to the Maison Forestière de Rabaçal, the trailhead. It is also possible to descend on foot.
- Tips: prefer an early morning slot; bring water and a snack, there are no refreshment points on the trail; wind cover recommended, the area is cool and damp all year round.
- With children: feasible, as long as you equip them with good walking shoes and adapt the pace.
- Read our article on the Levada here
To discover the Levada 25 Fontes and do Risco without worrying about logistics, opt for a guided tour with transfer included – see prices and book.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Diving in Porto Moniz’s natural pools
Why it’s a must
Porto Moniz is one of the island’s best-known towns, and its natural pools are the main reason why. Carved out of the lava rock by centuries of tides, these pools offer a unique bathing experience: seawater flows freely between the black volcanic walls, with the green cliffs as a backdrop and the Atlantic breaking just a few meters away. We were seduced by the raw beauty of the site. The waterfront is also pleasant to walk along, with a historic fort and several restaurants. Porto Moniz is not particularly noteworthy for its architecture, but its natural setting makes it well worth a visit.
Practical advice
- Access: northwest coast of Madeira. From Funchal: about 1h drive; from Seixal: 10min
- Natural pools: two sets of pools, one landscaped with supervision and facilities (fee-paying access), the other wilder by the sea.
- Recommended times: avoid pools between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., peak tourist season. In the early morning or late afternoon, the experience is much more pleasant.
- Parking: several parking areas around the seafront, but limited spaces in high season. Arrive early.
- Read our article on Porto Moniz’s swimming pools here
Organized tours from Funchal include Porto Moniz – see program and availability
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- 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.
3. Discover Seixal’s black beach and swimming pools
Why it’s a must
Seixal brings together several of the island’s most beautiful natural attractions. Its black sandy beach, Praia do Porto, is, in our opinion, Madeira’s most beautiful natural beach. The contrasts between wet volcanic sand, black rocks and vegetation-covered cliffs are striking. A small waterfall even flows directly onto the sand. In addition, Seixal’s natural pools – the Poças das Lesmas – are among the island’s most surprising, thanks to their lava arch under which you can swim. We also recommend the slightly elevated seafront promenade, with its unforgettable views of the coast and the rocks of Ribeira da Janela in the distance.
Practical advice
- Location: north coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 50min drive; from Porto Moniz: 10min
- Black sand beach (Praia do Porto): free access. Harbour parking nearby, limited spaces. Recommended early in the morning.
- Natural pools (Poças das Lesmas): access at €2.50. Lifeguard supervision. Showers, toilets and snack bar available. Parking lot above the cliffs with a steep access path.
- Seawater swimming pool (port): free access. One large pool, supervised in season.
- Recommended duration: half a day to explore the entire site
- Please note: the village’s various attractions are spaced out. Allow time to move between each one.
- Read our article on Seixal here
Without a car, organized tours make a stop in Seixal – see options
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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4. Admire the Mirador delle Ilhéus at Ribeira da Janela
Why it’s a must
Between Seixal and Porto Moniz lies one of the most unique landscapes on Madeira’s coastline. The Ilheus of Ribeira da Janela are three volcanic chimneys emerging from the ocean some 200m from the coast, sculpted by millennia of marine and wind erosion. We loved their grandeur and rawness. The most impressive, Ilhéu Alto (or Ilhéu Comprido), rises to a height of 40m and features a natural window-like opening that gives its name to the village and the river. The path to the lookout point, nestled in staircases carved into the basalt rock and passing through a small tunnel, is fun and well-guided. From the old road overlooking the village, the window of the largest islet is also clearly visible.
Practical advice
- Location: northwest coast of the island. From Porto Moniz: 5min drive; from Seixal: 15min; from Funchal: 1h
- Access: by car only, via the ER101 panoramic road. Large parking lot at the bottom of the winding road.
- Duration: approx. 1h for the islets and lookout; another 30min to 1h to explore the village
- Belvedere: accessible via a staircase cut into the rock from the parking lot. In our opinion, this is the best option for observing the islets.
- Best time: excellent place to watch the sunrise. The site can be visited at any time.
- Catering: a small café near the parking lot, ideal for breakfast. Toilets in parking lot.
- Nearby hikes: Levada da Ribeira da Janela and Vereda da Ribeira da Janela hikes, a short forest walk on the outskirts of the village.
- Read our article on Ilheus Ribeira da Jenala here
Discover the volcanic chimneys of Ribeira da Janela on an excursion to the heart of northwest Madeira – find out more and book.
5. Stroll through Ponta do Sol Village
Why it’s a must
Ponta do Sol is one of Madeira’s sunniest spots, hence its name. We were seduced by the tranquil atmosphere of its waterfront. Colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies, the 15th-century Nossa Senhora da Luz church and the former Art Deco cinema dating from 1933 form a modest yet endearing ensemble. The historic bridge built between 1848 and 1849, which connects the pier to the shore, is the main attraction of the site and offers beautiful views of the cliffs of the south coast. We also particularly like the idea of combining a morning hike in the hills – the Levada das 25 Fontes is only a 30-minute drive away – with a lunch break and a swim at Ponta do Sol in the afternoon.
Practical advice
- Location: south coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 30min drive; from Porto Moniz: 45min
- Beach: 150 m of landscaped pebble beach, protected by a seawall. Water at around 19-20°C in summer. Changing rooms, toilets, restaurants and bars. Supervised in summer.
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours to explore the waterfront. Consider having lunch there.
- Parking: pay parking (coins required). Arriving in the morning to find a place, the afternoon can be difficult in summer.
- Bus: the Rodoeste company links Funchal to Ponta do Sol, timetables here
- Nearby hike: PR7 Levada do Moinho (8 to 10km round trip, moderate difficulty, 4 to 5h, slippery ground). Reservation required on SIMplifica
- Please note: Ponta do Sol hosts several festivals (Micro Film Festival, Madeira Dig) which can make traffic more difficult.
Take a guided tour of western Madeira, stopping at Ponta do Sol – see program
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
6. Explore the Fanal Lauriferous Forest
Why it’s a must
On the Paúl da Serra plateau, in the heart of West Madeira, the Fanal Forest is an experience like no other. This laurel forest is one of the most primitive on the island. At 90% primary, it belongs to the same Unesco World Heritage laurisylve as the one hiked along on the Risco. The trees are ancient, twisted and covered in moss, creating shapes that we want to interpret as silhouettes. We particularly encourage you to go in fog or mist. The atmosphere becomes truly singular. The Vereda do Fanal hike (PR14), which passes through this forest, isone of our favorite hikes on the island for its immersive nature and reasonable gradient.
Practical advice
- Location: Paúl da Serra plateau, accessible via the ER110 road. From Porto Moniz: about 30min; from Funchal: about 1h
- Vereda do Fanal hike (PR14): approx. 11km, moderate difficulty, allow 3 to 4 hours. Reservation required on SIMplifica
- Parking: parking area at the trailhead on the plateau
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon to avoid groups. The morning mist makes the place particularly interesting.
- Please note: the plateau can be cold and windy even in summer. Provide an extra layer.
Private excursion to the west of the island including the Fanal forest – find out more and book
7. Swimming at Calheta Beach
Why it’s a must
Madeira is not a beach destination in the classical sense of the word, and that’s precisely why Praia da Calheta deserves a special mention. Inaugurated in 2004, this artificial beach is one of the few on the island to offer fine sand, protected by dikes that guarantee safe, calm bathing. We enjoyed the well-appointed surroundings and calm waters, ideal for families. The beach is divided into two coves with gentle, gradual water entry. It is directly flanked by two top-quality beachfront hotels:Hotel Calheta Beach – Savoy Signature (4 stars) andHotel Saccharum – Savoy Signature (5 stars). The village of Calheta itself, whose marina boasts a number of fine restaurants, is also worth a short stop. You can also take a dolphin-watching tour from Calheta.
Practical advice
- Location: southwest coast of Madeira. From Funchal: 35min via coastal road ER101 (several tunnels); from Ponta do Sol: 10min; from Paul do Mar: 12min
- Beach type: fine yellow sand imported from Morocco. Madeira’s first artificial beach (2004).
- Surveillance: lifeguards present
- Facilities: showers, toilets, changing rooms, deckchair and parasol hire, beach volleyball courts, children’s playground, diving school.
- Disabled access: concrete ramps, adapted toilets and changing rooms, reserved parking spaces
- Parking: paid parking along the beach (crowded in high season) and paid underground parking under the beach
- Bus: route 80 Funchal – Porto Moniz via Calheta (approx. 1h30 journey) – timetable here
- Dogs: not allowed on the beach (except guide dogs)
- Nearby restaurants: Marina Azul restaurant in the marina, specializing in seafood.
Here, dolphin-watching tours depart from Calheta.
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8. Take the cable car down to Achadas da Cruz
Why it’s a must
The Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz is one of Europe’s steepest cable cars, with a 98% gradient over 600m. We’d never been in such a vertical cabin before, and the experience was a memorable one. From the upper station, the view of the 450m basalt cliffs plunging into the Atlantic is already breathtaking. As you descend, you gradually come into view of the Quebrada Nova faja: this narrow strip of farmland at the foot of the walls has been cultivated and inhabited by generations of Madeiran farmers, who used to reach their plots by cable car. At the bottom of the cliff, a small path leads past traditional stone houses and gardens. We loved the quiet, unspoilt atmosphere of this place, which few tourists take the time to explore.
Practical advice
- Location: northwest of Madeira. From Porto Moniz: 20min drive; from Funchal: 1h15
- Access: by car only. From the ER101 road, follow signs for “Caminho do Teleferico”. Ample parking in the village, at the start of the upper station.
- Prices: €3 one way, €5 return. Bring cash.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 to 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 to 7 p.m.
- Duration: the journey takes about 5min. Allow 20min to 1h once down to explore the faja and seafront.
- Recommended conditions: in fine weather, to take full advantage of the views from the cabin.
- Catering: Snack-Bar Calhau at the upper station, with panoramic terrace. Nothing at the bottom of the cliff: take water and snacks.
- Note: the bay at the foot of the cliff is a renowned surfing spot. As access to the faja lands is private, respect for the site is essential.
- Nearby viewpoints: Miradouro da Ponta da Ladeira (views of the faja from the heights) and Miradouro da Santinha (views of Porto Moniz) on the access road from Porto Moniz.
Take the cable car and discover the west of the island on a private excursion – find out more and book.
9. Along the coast between the villages of Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar
Why it’s a must
These two neighboring villages on the southwest coast are among the most authentic and least crowded in West Madeira. Paul do Mar stretches along a wild seafront, known to surfers the world over for the quality of its waves. The village retains a quiet, residential atmosphere, far removed from the standard tourist circuits. Just a few minutes’ drive away, Jardim do Mar boasts cliffside lanes, flower-filled cottages and a small seafront. We enjoyed the walk between the two villages, with views of the rocky coastline and the deep waters of the South Atlantic. Both are ideal half-day stops on the way to or from Calheta.
Practical advice
- Location: southwest coast of Madeira. From Calheta: 10 to 15min drive; from Funchal: approx. 45min
- Paul do Mar: fishing village with wild seafront. Famous surf spot. Restaurants and cafés by the sea.
- Jardim do Mar: a village perched on the cliffs, with narrow, flower-filled streets and a beautiful seafront. Access from the main road is via a winding path.
- Recommended duration: half-day for both villages combined
- Parking: a few spaces along the seafront in each village. Arrive early in the season.
- Combine with Calheta Beach (12min) and Madalena do Mar Village (10min) for a full day on the southwest coast.
Opt for an organized tour that takes in both villages.
10. Admire the São Vicente waterfront
Why it’s a must
In São Vicente, we loved the impressive waterfront at the foot of steep cliffs, as well as the Capelinha do Calhau. A tiny chapel built in 1692 inside a basalt rock in the middle of the river, representative of Madeira’s special relationship between faith and volcanic geology. The town center also boasts a native plant garden, a beautiful 17th-century church and rock tunnels that can be explored on foot. The volcanic caves of São Vicente, formed 900,000 years ago and rediscovered in 1885, complete the picture with a volcanic center offering guided tours.
Practical advice
- Location: Madeira’s north coast, at the junction of the ER101 and ER104 roads. From Funchal: 40min drive; from Porto Moniz: 20min
- Don’t miss: Capelinha do Calhau (chapel in the rock), seafront and its cliffs, tunnels in the rock, garden of indigenous plants, 17th-century church and its ceiling paintings.
- Volcanic caves: galleries 1km long and up to 6m high. Ambient temperature 16-17°C. Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Large parking lot on the other side of the road.
- Parking: a few spaces on the seafront, a parking lot in the town center, a parking lot for the volcanic center.
- Bus: Funchal – Porto Moniz with stop at São Vicente, but limited frequency
- Recommended duration: half a day for the entire site. More if you want to hike.
- Restaurants: several restaurants and ice-cream parlours on the waterfront
- Accommodation: see the best rated accommodations in São Vicente
Here you can find guided tours to São Vincente – see program and availability
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Other places to discover in West Madeira
West Madeira is not limited to this top 10. Here are some other interesting, lesser-known or more discreet stops, for those who have extra time or want to get away from the usual itineraries.
Beautiful landscapes
- Mirador Veu da Noiva (Viewpoint): one of the island’s best-known viewpoints, on the road between Seixal and Porto Moniz. A small parking lot allows you to stop in front of a waterfall gushing from the cliffs. It’s no longer possible to get close to it, but the panorama from the platform is still very beautiful, and the view of the village of Seixal from the same spot is also appreciable.
- Mirador Santinha (Viewpoint): on the access road to the Achadas da Cruz cable car from Porto Moniz. This vantage point offers a bird’s-eye view of the town of Porto Moniz, its pools and coastline. A quick but memorable stop.
- Mirador Ponta da Ladeira (Viewpoint): perched on a steep cliff near Achadas da Cruz, this viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Achadas faja and the agricultural terraces at the foot of the walls. Less popular than other lookouts in the region.
- Garganta Funda (Landscape): wild volcanic gorge in the hinterland of western Madeira. A place for lovers of untouched landscapes, little signposted and less accessible than the previous sites.
Other villages
Other small villages in the west, such as Madalena do Mar, are well worth a visit. A small, unassuming village on the south coast, known for its banana plantations and the Rota da Banana hiking trail. It’s a short hike from the heights, along terraced banana plantations. A gentle and original way to discover the island’s traditional agriculture, accessible to all levels.
This village is a great place to combine with Ponta do Sol or Jardim do Mar for a day out on the southwest coast. Find out more in our article on Madalena do Mar.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit West Madeira?
If you want to see the essentials of the top 10, you can take a guided day trip and discover the best of the West.
If you want to enjoy this part of the island at your own pace, allow 3 to 4 days. The north coast (Seixal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, São Vicente) is best explored in a full day. The 25 Fontes hike takes half a day to a full day, depending on your pace. The Fanal forest also deserves its own half-day trip. The south coast (Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Paul do Mar, Jardim do Mar) can be covered in a day.
Do you need a car to visit West Madeira?
No, if you decide to opt for an excursion from Funchal that covers the most popular circuits (north coast, Porto Moniz, Fanal), a pleasant alternative for those who don’t want to drive. Yes, if you want to stay several days in the west. In our opinion, a rental car is the best way to get around. Public transport is available (notably the Funchal – Porto Moniz line), but frequencies are limited and timetables unsuitable for visiting several places in the same day. Find all our tips for renting a car in Madeira here.
Where to stay to explore West Madeira?
Funchal remains the most convenient base, with the best accommodation. From this starting point, the whole of West Madeira can be reached in a 30-minute to 1h15-hour drive. We’ve tested some of the capital’s finest hotels. If you want to be closer to the sites, Ponta do Sol (south coast) and Calheta offer quality accommodation and easy access to the whole region.
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
