A Complete Guide to the Best Things to do in Madeira Island – Madeira Attractions
There are many amazing things to do in Madeira island, including stunning hiking trails and stunning views. Just think that as it is remote in the Atlantic Ocean on the same latitude as North Africa, it offers something different from usual European destinations. People refer to it as the Hawaii of Europe, but we will let you make up your mind about the volcanic island. The tiny Portuguese archipelago is a stunning destination to visit. And we don’t claim that lightly! It definitely lives up to the hype.
There are so many unique places and top activities to enjoy in Madeira scattered throughout the entire island. The island has stunning natural landscapes that will be awe-inspiring to any visitor. The best part is that they’re accessible by roads or via old irrigation channels, known as “levadas.”
Here’s a list of the top things to do and the most well-known attractions to visit when you’re planning your first holiday in Madeira. In all honesty, it was an eye-opener on our last trip, and we genuinely believe it is a stunning island that ought to be on your travel list and fast because it is already a pretty busy island filled with tourists discovering the beauty for themselves.
Madeira Travel Tips
- If you plan to drive around the island, it is a good idea to hire a car as soon as you book your flights. The car companies raise prices significantly closer to the time, and it can become unaffordable.
- If you want to check out the weather on the island when you’re there, it is a good idea to check the webcams, not the forecast. This is because the weather is quite unpredictable and can change suddenly. We really did experience all seasons in one day.
19 Best Things to do in Madeira Island – Madiera Attractions
Visit the tremendous capital Funchal.
Funchal, the capital city, located on the coast of south Madeira, is stunning, and you can visit it many times and experience something new each time. It is full of whitewashed colonial buildings dating back to when Madeira was first established in 1510.
Funchal has brought a vibrant style to the island, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Madeira. You can see its past in the city’s centre with beautiful architecture and numerous iconic landmarks. It’s also a stunning base to explore the more natural and rugged areas that make up the entire island.
There’s a relaxed ambience in Funchal despite the influx of tourists during specific periods of the year, with lots of parks to unwind in, beautiful eateries, and friendly people. The best things to do include wandering the old town, walking the waterfront, admiring the street art, visiting museums (including CR7), and admiring the churches.
For a complete guide and top Funchal attractions. Please read: Best Things to do in Funchal.
Chase Waterfalls
Madeira has so many beautiful waterfalls that you are spoilt for choice. Some you have to hike to and others you will simply see whilst driving down the coastline. In fact, one of the famous waterfalls you might drive under. Therefore, it is difficult to decide which ones to see, as they offer so much. You should definitely put some of these on your Madeira bucket list.
Bridal Veil Falls, the waterfall at Garganta Funda Viewpoint, and Risco Waterfall are some of the best ones. Honestly, there are so many that you’ll soon discover your favourite.
Go on at least one Levada Walk.
Walking the levadas is easily one of the best things to do in Madeira and is one of the most fascinating aspects of the island. These channels were constructed into the sides of mountains and were used for centuries to transfer water from the mountains to various farmlands so that everyone could share the rain.
Today they are used as trails for hiking, which are extremely popular and are well-known for being something unique to do in Madeira. Remember to take your hiking boots. This island is a paradise for trekkers. There are so many to choose from including , Levada Caldeirao Verde, Levada do Furado, Levada dos 25 Fontes, and Levada Do Rei.
For a complete guide and directions. Please read Levada dos 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall.
Hike above the Clouds
Go for a hike above the clouds at Madeira’s highest point. You can hike from Pico do Arieiro (1817m) to Pico Ruivo (1862m), which connects two of Madeira’s highest mountains, and this is one of the best things to do in Madeira.
This hike has breathtaking views and is known as one of the more challenging on the island. ( 4 hours of walking). Public transport is difficult, so you are better off driving, getting a transfer or going on a tour, depending on how you like to travel. You should also check the Visit Madeira website before you check that the path is open before you drive up. You’ll need good shoes for this one!
Other notable hikes include: Ribeiro Frio Natural Park or the less busy Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. But there are so many beautiful hikes on Madeira; this just scratches the surface. We hope it is now on your Madeira bucket list!
Relax in one of the many parks
Madeira Island is famous throughout the world for its stunning natural beauty. It is also known as the ‘floating gardens of the Atlantic’.
Some numerous parks and gardens are meticulously maintained and showcase a variety of flowers and trees, and plants. In 2000, the capital city Funchal was awarded an award of gold for ‘European Flowering City 2000’. The best parks you can visit are Botanical Gardens Madeira, Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Quinta Palmeira, Jardim Municipal, and Palheiro Gardens. However, we are sure this list hardly scratches the surface of what is on offer.
If you are looking for a free park to visit, we recommend visiting Santa Catarina Park in the city’s centre. A lot of the other parks are beautiful but cost a lot of money.
Adventure to Valley of the Nuns
Curral das Freiras (‘Nuns Valley) is a small village between mountains in the centre of the island. Its two viewpoints, Eira Do Serrado and Paredao viewpoints are great spots to take in the stunning views of this valley. You can drive here or catch the bus from Funchal up the steep roads. It is worth the effort!
In 1566, the nuns of the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and sought refuge in Funchal and brought in the treasures of the convent. There have been no current sightings of pirates, though – but there are definitely sightings of chestnuts grown here. The local chestnuts are delicious and can be used in cooking – you must try the chestnut soup when you visit – we went to Sabores do Curral, which has a fantastic terrace and helpful staff.
Drink Poncha
The drink to drink in Madeira is Poncha, the traditional alcoholic drink made of Aguardente de Cana(sugar sugarcane), Aguardiente de Cana (cane Rum) and Sugar lemon juice.
We would recommend trying Poncha regional, which is made from sweetened sugarcane, rum, and orange juice. There are many varieties of Poncha to choose from like black, passion fruit strawberries… we could go on. No wonder drinking Poncha is one of Madeira’s best things to do.
We have tried numerous different restaurants and spots. The most famous visit was Rei da Poncha in the Old Town of Funchal and for an excellent reason. The name means the King of Poncha Afterall. The atmosphere was fantastic at this place, but as you can get it all over the island, you could try different flavours as your tour around.
Get a Surf Lesson
Madeira Surf Centre is a well-respected company, and getting a surf lesson, whether you are a beginner or not, is one of the best things to do in Madeira.
Are you searching for the perfect spot for surfing or that perfect wave with no crowds? Then the North Coast of Madeira Island area offers a variety of distinctive features that will be unforgettable. Our steep green cliffs allow you to remain in touch with Laurissilva, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed forest, and contrast with the vast turquoise blue ocean. Visit and experience it for yourself! You can book on their website.
Visit Volcanic Beaches
Being a volcano-rich island, Madeira has many beaches dotted with volcanic rocks and stones. However, the black sand beach in Seixal has soft, fine sand that is a perfect place to relax. Therefore, we believe that Seixal is a must visit for nature-lovers. The paradise is situated in the Northwest region of Madeira, and it is easy to get there via car (40 minutes away from Funchal). Add relaxing on black sand to your list of Madeira’s best things to do. It is undoubtedly one of ours.
Have a Pastel de nata (or three)
Pastel de Nata is a crispy, flaky pastry stuffed with creamy egg custard, usually with a hint of lemon. While the original recipe is classified as secret, many Portuguese bakers created their own versions that resemble the pastry. Our favourite was Petite Patisserie in Funchal, always full of locals.
The cafe has the most delicious ones we have ever tasted. The pastry is crispy, and the filling is smooth and delicious. They’re kept warm in the cabinet to be served to taste like they’ve been freshly baked! You can even get a small one and an espresso for a euro. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Enjoy!
Go to EVERY viewpoint (Miradouro)
It is essential to know the meaning behind the Portuguese phrase miradouro (an observation deck/ viewpoint) because lots of clearly marked routes lead to various observation decks all over the island. We enjoyed driving to see all the different ones, as many as we could possibly reach – especially as they are free to visit.
Some of the best viewpoints are Balcões, Cabo Girão, Eira do Serrado, Miradouro do Guindaste, Portela, Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, and Eira da Achada.
Cabo Girao is especially significant as in 2012, a “skywalk” was installed on the cliff that rises 580 metres high on Madeira’s southern coast. It features glass floor tiles that offer a clear, dizzying perspective of the ocean below. On the eastern edge of the platform, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramas of Funchal. You must visit. It is one of the best things to do in Madeira.
Swim in Natural Pools
If you explore northern Madeira, you can discover Seixal Natural Pools and Porto Moniz Natural Pools. With new roads and tunnels that cut through the mountains, your drive that used to take all day will be completed in one hour! Unless you take the bus.
In Porto Moniz, you can discover three naturally-formed swimming pools filled with saltwater and a natural black sandy beach. The pools are created by volcanic rock formations that allow seawater to flow. It is an excellent opportunity to feel refreshed on a hot day.
We found the Sexual Natural Pools much quieter and less crowded if you want more serenity!
Drink Coral Beer
The Madeira Brewery has been brewing beer since 1872, and the leading beer is Coral Lager. It is a pale lager that is matured and fermented at low temperatures, giving it a distinctive smoothness. It has a light golden hue, with a light white head. The flavour is a little sweet on the surface, with notes of honey and citrus and a crisp end. Drinking Coral beer is one of the best things to do in Madeira, and you will definitely enjoy a light and refreshing drink.
Go on a Boat Trip
One of the best things to do in Madeira is to go on a boat trip. It is a great idea to see the island and its rugged coastline from a new perspective. You can go whale watching, dolphin spotting, or just see how high the cliffs are. There are many on offer, and they range from Catamarans to Columbus replica ships if that’s more your style. Most of the tours leave from Funchal, and you can go down to the marina to book them when you’re there.
Ride on a Cable Car
Madeira has seven cable cars across the island. The most famous ones are located in Funchal, which goes to Monte and the south coast. You can go on others, and they are known to be cheaper too. In Porto Moniz, there is the Achadas da Cruz cable car. It is claimed to be the steepest in Europe. The cable car in Cabo Girao and in Garajau takes you down to one of the best beaches with crystal clear waters.
Visit a Fishing Village – Camara de Lobos
You can reach Camara de Lobos pretty quickly from Funchal, and this one is special due to colourful boats, lively bars, and famous former guests. Several famous individuals have been to Madeira in the past. However, Winston Churchill really put it on the map after visiting Camara de Lobos. The tiny fishing village has a hotel named in his name and several bars.
The famous politician was a frequent guest in Reid’s Palace. He often visited Camara de Lobos to paint fishing nets, boats and dry fish in the open and its fishermen, who played cards before taking off for the ocean. We were lucky enough to see men playing cards intensely and locals taking a dip in the harbour. The village is worth visiting to appreciate its authenticity and appreciate the beauty of the area.
Drive the Coastline
One of Madeira’s best things to do is drive the rugged coastline and into the mountains. Despite the roads being windy and steep, it is an adrenaline-filled activity with beautiful vistas. Many roads were constructed at a high cost and took a long time to build, and you can really tell.
On the northern coast, you must experience the VE2 that runs from Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz, which offers near-constant ocean views and clings to the cliffs of green and rocky coastline. We loved that there were waterfalls all along the roads. You should definitely drive to see the beautiful Ribera de Janela and see the beautiful sea stacks.
One of the most stunning journeys is the twisting road which climbs uphill from Funchal towards Curral das Freiras deep inland Madeira.
Drink Madeira Wine
One of the best things to do in Madeira is to try fortified wine. It is similar to a port, but the significant difference between them is that Madeira wine is kept in a warm area, and the Port is stored in a cool place. Madeira wine was discovered when it was shipped by vessel, and the wine was heated up, which could alter the taste. This is usually an issue. However, Madeira wine became highly sought-after due to its unique taste.
Blandy’s Wine Lodge offers an excellent start, shining a spotlight on the past 200 years of winemaking in this archipelago. If you opt for a top excursion and wine tasting tour, you’ll walk in the cooperage where barrels are produced, find out how Negra mole grapes turn into wine, and view the maturing vats made of Brazilian satinwood.
Day Trip to Porto Santo
Did you think that Madeira was an island? Madeira is actually a collection of islands. One of them is sure to delight anyone in love with long, sandy beaches: Porto Santo, with a population of 5,000 people. Charming and tranquil. The best thing is you can get there within two hours from Madeira by ferry, the ferries usually leave at 8am to enjoy the whole day there before returning back to the main island. You can also go there by plane, and the flight only lasts 20-minutes. Indeed, it deserves a spot on your Madeira bucket list?
We hope you found this travel guide of the best things to do in Madeira helpful island. It includes some famous places, beautiful places, and some hidden gems to ensure you have fun on your trip and see the best Madeira attractions.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com