You may have recently heard of Madeira Island and wondered what it’s famous for. Its reputation is carried internationally, mainly by wine lovers and tourists.
In this article, we list the 10 features of the island that make it most famous.
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. Madeira wine: the jewel in the island’s crown
Madeira is world-famous for its famous wine, Madeira Wine. Unmissable, because it’s in the name!
Madeira wine has been produced on the Portuguese island since its discovery in 1419. It’s one of the oldest wines in the world.
Its winemaking process is unique: it is heated during ageing (“estufagem” or “canteiro”). This process gives it notes of nuts and spices. Its color is amber.
It is also one of the longest-lasting wines. Some can be kept for 100 years.
Its rich history and different winemaking process have forged the reputation of this wine, and therefore of the island.
2. Levadas
Madeira is also known for its levadas, although this fame is less universal. These levadas are unique irrigation canals running down from the mountains.
Together they form a 2,000 km-long hydraulic network that began to be built in the 16th century.
This system brings water from the mountain peaks to the fajas, the flat farmlands at the foot of the cliffs.
Today, hiking trails have been established along its historic levadas, offering breathtaking scenery, sometimes taking you into tunnels and allowing you to discover waterfalls. The best-known are:
- PR6: Levada dos 25 Fontes
- PR9: Levada do Caldeirao Verde
- PR7: Levada do Moinho
See our favorite levadas (list coming soon).
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
3. Whale and dolphin watching
Taking a boat out to see whales and dolphins is one of Madeira’s top attractions.
This archipelago is, in fact, one of the best destinations in Europe to see them, as the waters are clear and have ideal temperatures. Madeira Island lies on the path of the great cetacean migrations in the Atlantic Ocean.
And, although the peak season runs from April to September, whale and dolphin watching is possible all year round. There are always at least 2 species.
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
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. Gardens and lush vegetation
With mild temperatures all year round, plenty of sunshine and good humidity, Madeira’s subtropical climate offers optimal conditions for rich and varied vegetation. The island is well known to plant lovers for its magnificent gardens and lush vegetation.
Madeira is home to an incredible diversity of plants, with around 780 native species, 150 of which are endemic to the island. See our list of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens and viewpoints , most of which allow you to admire the island’s luxuriant nature.
Madeira also boasts one of the world’s last primary laurel forests, the laurisylva, which dates back to the Tertiary era (over 20 million years ago).
5. Winter sun, eternal spring
Madeira is also known as one of Europe’s best destinations for winter sun. Its climate is a bit like “eternal spring”.
Temperatures fluctuate between 17°C and 25°C on average, with few marked seasonal variations. This almost constant mildness of the climate, combined with lush vegetation in constant bloom, gives the impression of perpetual springtime on the island.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Hiking
Madeira is also very popular with half-day and full-day hikers. The island offers some of Europe’s most beautiful walks and a wide choice of activities, just a 15-minute to 1-hour drive from your accommodation.
More than 2,000 km of marked trails criss-cross the island: along levadas, on sharp peaks, along volcanic cliffs…
Madeira’s terrain is very rugged, with deep valleys, steep cliffs and mountain peaks. This creates a wide variety of landscapes to explore, from the seaside to peaks over 1800m high.
What’s more, as we told you before, it’s still spring in Madeira, with good conditions for hiking!
See all our favorite hikes (list coming soon).
7. Natural lava pools
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. There are several around the island, and they offer an exceptional bathing experience, well known to travelers in Europe.
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.
See our article on Madeira’s natural pools.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
8. La Poncha
We started with one drink and we’re finishing with another.
Spain has Sangria, and Madeira has La Poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink.
It dates back to the arrival of settlers in the 15th century.
It is made from sugarcane brandy (a plant that was essential to the island’s economic development in the 15th and 16th centuries). It is mixed with fresh lemon juice and honey.
Nowadays, restaurants offer many variations with other fruits: orange or passion fruit, for example.
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
