Things to Do in Madeira: Best Attractions & Hidden Gems

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Discover some of the best things to do in Madeira

Madeira, a lush island paradise in the Atlantic Ocean, is a destination brimming with natural beauty, rich culture, and endless adventure.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or history buff, the Portuguese island of Madeira offers diverse activities. From exploring dramatic cliffs and lush levada trails to indulging in local cuisine and vibrant festivals, there’s something for everyone on this enchanting island.

Join us as we share the top things to do in Madeira, ensuring your visit is packed with unforgettable experiences and hidden gems.

Where is Madeira Portugal?

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal and northwest of the African coast. It is known for its stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, and mild subtropical climate.

The main island, Madeira, along with the smaller island of Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens islands, form this beautiful archipelago. The capital city, Funchal, is located on the southern coast of Madeira Island and serves as the cultural and economic hub of the region.

Funchal 

Funchal is the largest city in Madeira. There are many things to do in Funchal, and you can easily spend one or two days here. 

You can explore the old town where you will find the cathedral and the colourful market Mercado dos Lavradores. You can also discover the many restaurants and painted doors around Rua de Santa Maria. Wine lovers will enjoy visiting Blandy’s Wine Lodge for a tasting and guided tour.

The highlight of Funchal is slightly out of town. You can take a cable car tour to Monte, where you can start the day at the beautiful Monte Palace Madeira gardens. Afterwards, you can make your way to Monte Village to admire the view over Funchal.

But before taking the cable car back, there is a more exciting way to get down the hill! Step inside a wicker basket and enjoy a ride in one of the oldest commutes in the world! The toboggan is world famous and a thrill to take back to the city centre of Funchal! 

Madeira Hiking

The Pico Ruivo Hike

At 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) above sea level, Pico Ruivo is the tallest mountain in Madeira. You can climb to the summit, but the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail is not for the faint-hearted!

The trail connects the three highest peaks of the island in the Central Mountain Massif. It starts at Pico do Areeiro (1818m), crosses Pico das Torres (1851m), and ends at Pico Ruivo. Vereda do Areeiro is a 7 km trail of moderate difficulty that takes 3.5 hours to complete.

A return journey takes 6 to 7 hours; you will pass several tunnels and see some high drops! Around 15 minutes before the summit, you will see the famous Stairway to Heaven. 

Another option is to hike the PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo route. This route is less challenging and only 2.8 kilometres (1.74 miles) one way. You get a great idea of the surrounding Laurissilva Forest and high peaks. The downside is that you will miss the Stairway to Heaven.

We recommend this full-day tour with a certified mountain hike. You’ll enjoy transportation to the trail’s start and finish and reach the summits of all three peaks.

Other Madeira Hiking Trails

Does the Pico Ruivo sound too challenging? Fear not, as Madeira has many hiking opportunities! Some of the easy Madeira hiking trails can even enjoyed with kids!

Levada dos Balcões, for example, is a 2.7-kilometre roundtrip trail super short, and it’s flat! The Balcões viewpoint is stunning, and you can see the high peaks such as Pico Ruivo and the Pico do Arieiro.

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is also mostly flat, but it is a long one. The 12-kilometre-long trail brings you from a beautiful traditional Madeira house at Queimadas Forestry Park to the Caldeirão Verde (the green cauldron). You’ll discover plenty of waterfalls, tunnels and viewpoints along the route. 

The PR 6 – Rabaçal – Levada 25 Fontes e Risco is also fantastic if you like waterfalls. 25 Fontes translates to sources or springs, and you will see plenty! The 25 Fontes Waterfall and 100-meter (328-foot) tall Risco waterfall are the highlights of this trail.

Places to Visit in Madeira

Madeira is full of pretty coastal towns and villages, all well worth a visit. These are some of our favourites:

Santana 

Madeira also has plenty of cute villages; one of the best-known is Santana. The reason? The town is home to some traditional Madeira A-frame houses with colourful doors and windows and a thatched roof. These island houses date back to the 15th century when Madeira was discovered.

In the heart of the village, you can visit traditional houses, and a few are even open to the public. They are super small, and you get a glimpse of how it was to live hundreds of years ago in Madeira. It’s a great spot to buy some Madeira souvenirs or gifts to take home.

Visiting the theme park Parque Temático da Madeira is also a great idea if you travel with kids. You really step back in time here and can see how people lived back then. Santana is located in the northeastern part of the island and is a popular town to stay in, as you have excellent access to many hiking trails. 

Porto Santo

Did you know Madeira is not just one island? The archipelago contains two more: Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands. The Desertas Islands are small and wild. They’re heaven for nature lovers, as many birds stay on the rugged coastline. The Nature Reserve is also home to the monk seal, and there are incredible diving locations near the islands. 

Porto Santo is way easier to reach. You can fly or take the Porto Santo Ferry. By boat, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. When you arrive at the Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, you will be welcomed by white sand beaches and natural beauty. The sandy beach is 9 kilometres long, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins and whales around the island. 

Porto Santo is perfect if you want to enjoy nature and relax. You can explore the island by horseback or discover the hiking trails. After spending time in Madeira, it’s a great idea to spend some relaxing days in Porto Santo.

Câmara de Lobos

Closer to Funchal is the town of Câmara de Lobos. This small fishing village is a popular day trip but also great for staying a few nights. The small town is located on Madeira’s south coast and was a favourite of Winston Churchill. There is a statue of him in town. There are also some beautiful buildings and churches, and the Ilhéu Gardens offer a stunning view over town. 

If you are not afraid of heights, you can also enjoy the view from the nearby Cabo Girão Skywalk. The viewpoint is located at a height of 580 meters, the highest promontory in Europe, and the views are stunning. Would you dare walk over the glass floor and stare into the near-vertical drop of the cliffs?

If you prefer to stay in town, you can walk the Câmara de Lobos Promenade. There is a 2.2-km-long pedestrian trail offering stunning views over the ocean. You can also enjoy a beach day or discover the hiking trails nearby. 

Porto Moniz

On the northwest coast, you can visit the town of Porto Moniz. It’s mostly known for its natural pools, which were created by volcanic rocks, so do bring your swim gear and go for a dip. You might also like the nearby aquarium if you visit Madeira with kids. Can´t get enough swimming? The nearby town of Seixal has more natural pools, and is also home to a black sand beach, common in Madeira.

Some spectacular viewpoints are nearby, so you can see the natural pools from above, including Miradouro da Santinha, which is one of the best. The nearby Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela is also worth visiting, as you will see some stunning rock formations in the water. The Levada da Ribeira da Janela is a popular hike nearby.

From Porto Moniz, you can also easily access the famous Fanal Forest. Rain or shine, this place is unique in any weather. There is often fog, creating a mysterious atmosphere with the twisty trees. The Laurissilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are some fabulous hiking options. Examples are the Vereda do Fanal and the Levada dos Cedros trails.

São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço is a rugged peninsula on the easternmost tip of Madeira. The area is in stark contrast with the lush, verdant landscapes associated with the island. This unique area is characterized by its harsh volcanic terrain, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views.

Hiking is a popular activity in São Lourenço, with well-marked trails that lead visitors through the peninsula’s breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. The area is also rich in biodiversity, home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to Madeira.

Go Whale Watching

The subtropical waters surrounding Madiera are home to a rich diversity of marine life, making it one of the best destinations for observing whales and dolphins year-round.

As your boat glides through the clear Atlantic waters, you can spot sperm whales, pilot whales, and even the occasional blue whale, along with numerous dolphin species.

Whale-watching boat tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the behaviours and conservation of these incredible animals. This recommended all-inclusive whale watching tour has an open bar and stops for swimming and turtle spotting close to the shore.

Discover the Gardens of Madeira

Madeira is renowned for its diverse and picturesque gardens, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, exotic plants, and stunning views. Here are our top five gardens on the island to visit:

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Located in Monte, above Funchal, this garden is a masterpiece of landscaping and artistry. It features an extensive collection of exotic plants from around the world, including cycads, proteas, and azaleas.

You can stroll through lush greenery, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls, all adorned with fascinating sculptures and tile panels depicting Madeira’s history and culture.

Madeira Botanical Garden

Situated in Funchal, this botanical garden spans over 80,000 square meters and showcases an impressive array of plants endemic to Madeira alongside species collected during the island’s exploration era. Highlights include the succulent orchid garden and an impressive collection of indigenous laurel trees. The garden offers panoramic views of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean.

Palheiro Gardens

Nestled within a private estate near Funchal, Palheiro Gardens exude tranquillity and charm. You can wander through meticulously landscaped grounds featuring terraced lawns, ancient trees, and a variety of colourful blooms, including camellias, hydrangeas, and azaleas. The gardens offer stunning vistas of the coastline and are a haven for birdwatchers.

Jardim do Marquês do Pombal

Located in the heart of Funchal, this historical garden is named after the Marquês do Pombal, a prominent figure in Portuguese history. Funchal’s Municipal Garden spans several terraces and is known for its formal layout, ornate fountains, and statues.

The highlight of the garden is its majestic avenue of jacaranda trees, which burst into vibrant purple blooms during the spring months, creating a magical atmosphere.

Explore Madieran Cuisine

Try a Poncha!

Visiting Madeira is not complete without trying some local food and drinks. Besides the Madeira wine, you will often have the opportunity to drink a poncha.

But what is in this traditional alcoholic drink? It is made from sugar cane brandy (distilled alcohol from sugar cane juice), sugar, and honey. Then a juice is added, most often orange or lemon, but other variations are available, too, such as tangerine and passion fruit.

The traditional drink was created by the Madeira fishermen. It was the perfect drink to stay warm when cold outside, dating back to the 16th century. There are several great spots to try local and Pescador poncha, such as the Taberna da Poncha in Serra D’Água or Venda do Sócio.

Sample the Local Food

There are also some incredible dishes to try in Madeira; many are local to the island. Try the Espetada Madeirense, for example, which is beef on a skewer. On the other hand, Filete de Espada is the most traditional fish dish. The black scabbard fish is often made with passion fruit and banana sauce.

Prego no Bolo do Caco is a fantastic steak sandwich for lunch. The grilled steak is served with lettuce, tomato, ham, and cheese, and you can order fries on the side. Bolo do Caco is the typical bread of Madeira. Picadinho is a great dish to share, with the beef chopped into small pieces and served with fries. 

There are tons of other dishes on the island to discover and plenty of restaurants to try. Portugal is a country of foodies, and Madeira has its own food culture. To get an even better idea of the culture, you can also enjoy an evening with local food and traditional dance. 

Other Portugal Travel Ideas

Getting Around in Madeira

From the Airport

If you stay in Funchal, taking a bus or taxi from the airport is super easy. Uber and Bolt are popular apps that allow you to grab a taxi ride and are relatively cheap. If you stay in Funchal and don’t want to drive, this is the easiest way to get to the capital.

For a great way to start your Madeira trip, book a private transfer from the airport with Intui to your accommodation in Funchal. It’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a wide range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Rent a Car

The easiest way to discover the island is by car, especially when you come to see nature and go hiking. As one of the world’s largest car hire aggregator companies, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power, enabling them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

Public Transport 

Many buses are also on the island, especially around Funchal’s capital. SAM and EACL operate services on the island’s eastern side, and Rodoeste covers western Madeira.

Excursions in Madeira

If you’re strapped for time and don’t want to drive, the easiest option is to book organised tours. You can book a multi-day experience to see the whole island or pick the most interesting locations. Most excursions cover the east, the best, or the many hiking trails. 

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