Want to avoid the crowds at Tenerife’s main attractions?
The island still has a few hidden gems for you to discover. These secret places on Tenerife aren’t completely “secret” (nothing is), but you’ll find far fewer tourists.
Volcanoes, beaches, rock formations… Let’s discover Tenerife, off the beaten track – map at the end of the article.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s secret places: selection + map
Small island, nothing is really secret.
The really secret places are reached by trail-less hikes through dense vegetation.
But here’s a list of places less visited by most tourists.
Here’s a map to help you find them all:
1. Calhau da Lapa
Why we love
Calhau da Lapa is definitely worth a visit! Especially if you’re looking for a picturesque, quiet and wild spot. We were charmed by the pebble beach, surrounded by volcanic cliffs. We were absolutely fascinated by the troglodyte houses that have survived the centuries! Although you have to climb 700 steps to reach the site, the effort is well worth it: Calhau da Lapa is a must for lovers of nature and authenticity. It’s also an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. As this confidential cove is not very touristic, we count on you to respect the place and the life of the locals during your visit.
Access + useful tips
- On Madeira’s south coast
- In the village of Campanário
- Driving time from Funchal: 20min
- 700 steps to climb after the tour!
- The start is fairly easy, but the stairs are steeper on the second section as you descend along the cliff face.
Find out more in our article on Calhau da Lapa.
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
2. Garganta Funda
Why we love
The Garganta Funda waterfall is an impressive waterfall located in the Ponta do Pargo region, at the south-western tip of Madeira Island. At a breathtaking height of around 140 metres, it rises from a steep, green slope.
And for once, you don’t have to look up, because the view is from above!
From this natural vantage point, you can also admire the ocean, adding to the striking beauty of the landscape.
In summer, however, the waterfall can virtually disappear.
Access + useful tips
- south-western tip of Madeira Island
- village of Serrado / Pedregal
- From Funchal = 50 minutes drive
- Easy hiking trail, approx. 600 m one way.
- dedicated parking
Find out more about Cascade de Garganta Funda.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Achadas da Cruz and Fajã da Quebrada Nova cable cars
Why we love
This cable car is one of the most impressive on the island. But it’s not for people who suffer from vertigo. It is 451m high and 600m long. In the start area, they point out that the start has a gradient of 98%, making it the steepest in Europe.
The descent only takes 5 minutes, but you won’t forget it! Once you’re down there, allow 30min to 1h to stroll around the little stretch of land, see the farmlands and enjoy the calm of the sea.
Although the place doesn’t get many visitors, compared to the nearby town of Porto Moniz with its natural pools, you might still have to queue as the cable car can’t carry many people at once! You could wait an hour in the middle of the day.
Access and useful tips
- North of west coast
- Nearest city: Porto Moniz
- From Funchal = 1h10 drive
- Medium-sized but increasingly full parking lot
- The cable car closes if it’s too windy
- Coffee and toilets at the summit
- No downstairs installation
Find out more in our article on Achadas.
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.
4. Porto da Cruz
Why we love
Porto da Cruz is one of our island favorites. It’s not a very popular town with tourists, but we liked its much less touristy atmosphere and the views from its waterfront, one of the most interesting on the island.
Porto da Cruz is protected by the huge Penha de Aguia hill, with its troglodytes and seawater pools. We love the atmosphere, with the locals chatting away, and the historical aspect that stands out, especially with the museum in the sugar cane factory.
Access + useful tips
- East of the north coast
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- Short detour from the VE1 main road, access between the tunnels
- Waterfront restaurants
- Bring your swimsuits if you want to enjoy the seawater pool with its beautiful views.
Find out more about Porto da Cruz attractions.
Why we love
In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful views of Madeira’s northern cliffs.
Unfortunately, the cableway is now closed to tourists and only operates for farmers. It allows you to descend 330m in 5 minutes.
But we still recommend that you take a look at the view.
And you can hike down to the Faja if you want to enjoy this very quiet and beautiful place!
Access and useful tips
- North side
- Near the town of Santana
- Limited parking
- One-way hike: 1.5km with 330m ascent
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
6. Banana route
Why we love
This fun little stroll will give you the chance to spend some time under the banana trees. Here, you’ll discover how the famous Levada is actually used at the foot of the mountains. We loved the time we spent in the plantations of Madeira’s famous sweet little bananas.
Access + useful tips
- Madalena do Mar, in the south-west of the island.
- From Funchal = 30min drive
- The starting point is along Rua do IV Centenario. There is no dedicated parking, but you can park in the village.
- 1.9km and between 10 and 30min depending on your mood.
7. Caniçal
Why we love
The village of Caniçal is on the route of the very popular Ponta de Sao Louranço hike. But it’s well worth a visit, mainly for its whale museum but also for its pretty waterfront.
In this spacious, modern area of the museum, you’ll enjoy a host of interactive whale-related exhibits, complete with life-size models.
At Caniçal, it’s not the pebble beaches that are the most popular, but a concrete platform on the lava rocks that provides easy access to the water, and also makes for some fun jumping.
Access + useful tips
- At the northeastern tip of Madeira
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- Easy to park and get around
Find out more in our article on Caniçal.
8. Teleferico de Rancho
Why we love
It’s not the most secret, but compared to the throngs of tourists going to the Skywalk, the semi-transparent platform above the cliffs, the cable car seems like a hidden gem.
We much preferred the cable car down the giant cliffs.
It’s impressive, with a very steep slope. The descent takes just 3 minutes.
Once at the bottom, enjoy a path along the waterfront and beautiful views of the volcanic cliffs. It’s one of the best places on the island to see different geological layers and formations.
Access and useful tips
- South coast
- Cabo Girao, 3 km from Skywalk
- From Funchal = 20 min drive
- If you want to be able to park, avoid the middle of the day.
- Restaurant and toilets at the summit
Find out more about Cabo Girao and its Faja de Cabo Girao cable car.
9. Cascada de Aguage
Why we love
This waterfall is hidden near a residential area around Santana.
You’ll have to find the starting point, but it’s well worth the detour if it’s not summer. In summer, it doesn’t look so pretty as the volume decreases.
This is Madeira’s most tropical waterfall.
Access + useful tips
- Northeast coast
- City of Santana
- From Funchal = 45 minutes drive
- Very small parking lot
- 600m round trip, easy path
- Allow 30min including photo time
10. Palheiro (Lesser-known garden)
Why we love
Located on a hill some 500 m above sea level, the gardens of Quinta do Palheiro are famous for their variety of plants and the beauty of their surroundings.
The original owner, the Conde de Carvalhal, planted numerous trees on the estate and laid the foundations for the camellia collection.
Also known as the Blandy Gardens.
It offers a different, less tropical experience than the other gardens listed above. They are much less popular than the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Botanical Gardens.
Access + useful tips
- East of Funchal
- Access by car only (15min drive)
- Difficulty: fairly easy
- Link to the official garden website here.
Find out more in our article on Palheiro Gardens (coming soon).
11. Ruinas de Sao Jorge
Why we love
A very pleasant place to admire the cliffs from the beach.
A few ruined buildings, including a rather photogenic arch.
But the place is less secret than it used to be.
Access + useful tips
- Northeast coast
- Near the village of Sao Jorge and Santana
- From Funchal: 50min drive
- Easy access, but pebble beach
12 à 15. Many views off main roads
The island is also rich in beautiful roads and viewpoints.
See our list of the most beautiful miradouros in Madeira.
Some are very well known, while others require a detour.
There are many to choose from, and you can find all our favourites in our eBook.
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
Miradouro do Cortado
A superb view of the Penha d’Águia mountain, which reaches 590m in altitude. You can see its extremely steep cliff from here.
- North coast
- Nearest city: Santana
- From Funchal = 50 minutes
- Along the ER213 road to Santana
Miradouro da Faja da Ovelha (Massapez)
A viewpoint off the beaten track but well laid out and offering a typical Madeira view. You can see, in fact, a small piece of flatter land at the foot of the cliffs, with a village and plantations: this is Paul do Mar.
- west zone on the south coast
- From Funchal = 1h
- Access: Go through the village to reach the viewpoint.
Miradouro do Paradeo – Valley of the nuns without tourists
For the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), most tourists head for the famous Eira do Serrado viewpoint (which is magnificent).
But if you’re looking for a less-visited viewpoint, head for the Paradeo.
The views are even more impressive, in my opinion. You’re more on your side, but you’re also higher up. You can really appreciate how steep the valley walls are.
- North of Funchal
- 30-minute drive inland.
- The last part of the route is on a mountain road.
Miradouro do Lobo dos Palheiros
A slightly different viewpoint between sea and mountains, next to a cemetery.
- Northeast coast
- Near Faial
- From Funchal = 40min
- 100m on narrower streets
Secret places in Funchal
As most tourists stay in Funchal (where probably 90% of hotels are located), there’s not much left to hide in the city. And if a cool new bar or café opens, it’s a known quantity.
But we can suggest:
- Search for street art in the less touristy streets of the old town
- the Poças do Gomes tunnel with its windows
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We often see places listed in articles, we prefer to let you know that these are not secret places!
- the Cabo Girao platform, one of the most popular tourist destinations!
- We love Ribeira da Janela, but it’s becoming less and less secret, unfortunately.
- The levadas, one of the island’s main attractions. Even if some of them are much less well-known (and their trails less well-maintained)
- Quinta Jardins do Imperador, if you like slightly abandoned places.
- Jardim Marthinho and its church, where you’ll find mostly locals
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
