Madalena do Mar is a charming village known for its pebble beach and, above all, its mini-hike through banana plantations.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Madalena do Mar village, with useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is the village of Madalena do Mar worth a visit?
The village of Madalena do Mar is well worth a visit.
It’s not the most beautiful in terms of architecture, but we loved the mini-hike through the banana plantations and the beautiful seafront walk.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful villages.
1. Rota da Banada (RB1) – Vereda da Ladeira
The first attraction of this village is the hike through the banana plantations.
It’s a very short but fun walk to discover how bananas grow between the cliffs and the sea.
You walk along the irrigation systems surrounded by the giant leaves of the trees.
In Madeira, bananas can be harvested all year round, so you’re likely to see bunches of bananas in the plantations. But more than half the production is harvested between July and October.
At certain times, you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the huge flowers underneath – very impressive indeed.
- Opening hours: free access
- Price: free of charge
- 500m long, but you can only take a few steps at different entrances to the plantation to discover and go back in time.
- A bit of a slope and a few narrow passages, but no major difficulties.
Discover great offers on our preferred car rental platform: DiscoverCars
2. Madalena do Mar beach and surfing
In recent years, the pebble beach of Madalena do Mar has also become increasingly well-known, as it is apparently a good surfing beach.
The scenery is very beautiful: on one side the impressive, almost sheer cliffs, on the other the intense blue of the sea.
There’s a bar and showers.
- Opening hours: free access
- Price: free of charge
- See the latest news on the official website
- Swimming is supervised during the season
3. Waterfront promenade and pontoon
The other advantage of this village is that you can enjoy a long stroll along the seafront, again between the green cliffs and the sea, for around 1.5 km.
At the northern end, there’s a pontoon with a beautiful view: Pontão de Madalena do Mar (sorry, we seem to have forgotten to take a photo of it…).
- Opening hours: Free access
- Price: free of charge
- The sidewalk is generally in good condition.
- Depending on the time of day, there may be some traffic, but nothing unbearable.
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. Igreja da Madalena do Mar
In the village, a little higher up, you’ll also find the village church. It’s really charming and typical of the region: white walls and darker outlines.
The surrounding beach is very relaxing, with palm trees and pebble patterns.
It is small but elegant with a magnificent ceiling
- Opening hours: unclear
- Price: free of charge
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
5. Miradouro dos Moledos
To get a better idea of the banana plantations and their importance to this village, it’s best to get up high. Miradouro dos Moledos (also known as Miradouro Trigo de Negreiros), is a 6-minute drive from the village, on the ER222 road. It’s easy to stop here to admire the magnificent views.
- Opening hours: free access
- Price: free of charge
- Picnic table and bench
Other attractions around Madalena do Mar
You can combine your discovery of Madalena do Mar with..:
- Cascata dos Anjos (the waterfall on the road)
- Ponta do Sol, a town of colorful houses
- Praia de la Calheta beach
- The villages of Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar, similar but also very different.
How to get to Madalena do Mar: map + parking
Where is Madalena do Mar – Map
- West of the south coast
- From Funchal = 30 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min
- From Machico = 45 min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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
How to get there
To visit Madalena do Mar, the best option is to rent a car.
It’s not a frequent stop on organized tours, and buses aren’t frequent either.
See our tips for renting a car in Madeira.
Parking in Madalena do Mar
There is a very large, free, paved parking lot on the seafront.
No parking problems
Useful tips
How long and when?
Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the plantations and waterfront.
But you can also relax and enjoy the beach.
Visiting with children
This is a good destination with children, as walking through the plantation should keep them entertained.
Restaurants
You’ll find foodtrucks and taverns along the seafront.
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
