top things to do in Madeira
Table of Contents
Introduction : 30 top Things to Do in Madeira
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a volcanic island paradise where rugged cliffs meet lush forests, and vibrant culture blends with wild natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-piking hikes, craving serene coastal views, or eager to dive into local traditions, this “Eternal Spring” island has something for everyone. Below, we’ve curated the ultimate list of the top things to do in Madeira, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Let’s explore!
Top 15 Things to Do in Madeira
1. Go for a Hike
Madeira is a hiker’s dream, with trails winding through misty forests, along cliffside levadas (ancient irrigation channels), and up volcanic peaks.
- Levada Walks
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Trek through emerald-green tunnels of laurel trees to a jaw-dropping waterfall cascading into a hidden lagoon.
- 25 Fontes: Follow this popular trail to a natural pool fed by 25 springs, surrounded by dramatic basalt walls.
- Coastal & Mountain Trails
- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: Traverse Mars-like landscapes on Madeira’s easternmost peninsula, where volcanic rock meets turquoise waves.
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Conquer Madeira’s highest peaks on this challenging 7km route. At 1,818m, the sunrise views above the clouds are unforgettable.
2. Enjoy the View from Cabo Girão Skywalk
Step onto Europe’s highest cliff skywalk, perched 580m above the ocean. The glass-floored platform at Cabo Girão offers vertigo-inducing views of the coastline and tiny terraced farms clinging to the cliffs.
3. Ride the Cabo Girão Cable Car
Descend from Cabo Girão’s cliffs to Fajã dos Padres, a secluded beach and farming village. The cable car ride alone is worth it for the panoramic ocean vistas.
4. Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
For a quieter alternative, this rickety cable car drops 500m to a pebble beach flanked by towering cliffs. The ride feels like entering a secret cove untouched by time.
5. Explore Funchal Old Town
Wander Madeira’s charming capital, where cobblestone streets burst with life. Don’t miss:
- Rua de Santa Maria: Art-lined alleys and cozy taverns.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: A bustling market selling tropical fruits, spices, and local crafts.
6. Monte Cable Car & Botanical Gardens
Glide above Funchal in a cable car to Monte, a hillside village. Here, two stunning gardens await:
- Madeira Botanical Garden: A kaleidoscope of endemic plants and sweeping city views.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Explore lakes, exotic sculptures, and a Japanese-inspired oasis.
7. Ride a Toboggan Sled
Channel Madeira’s 19th-century tradition: hop into a wicker toboggan and zip 2km downhill from Monte to Livramento. Local “carreiros” (sled drivers) steer using only their boots as brakes!
8. Visit Traditional Santana Houses
Postcard-perfect Santana is famous for its triangular thatched cottages with red doors. Step inside to learn about rural Madeiran life, or buy handmade souvenirs from local artisans.
9. Swim in Natural Lava Pools (Porto Moniz)
Madeira’s volcanic origins shine at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. Seawater fills rocky lava formations, creating serene tidal pools. Prefer fewer crowds? Head to nearby Cachalote Natural Pool.
10. Watch Sunrise on Pico do Arieiro
Arrive before dawn to witness the sky ignite over a sea of clouds. On clear days, you’ll see neighboring Porto Santo Island.
11. Go Wine Tasting
Sip Madeira’s namesake fortified wine, aged in oak barrels for decades. Visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal for tours and tastings of their iconic Malmsey and Sercial varieties.
12. Spend Time at the Beach
While Madeira isn’t known for sandy shores, these spots are worth a dip:
- Praia da Calheta: Golden sands imported from the Sahara.
- Praia de Machico: A family-friendly beach with calm waters.
- Prainha do Caniçal: A hidden black-sand gem near Ponta de São Lourenço.
13. Câmara de Lobos Harbour
This picturesque fishing village inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings. Stroll the harbor, watch fishermen mend nets, and try poncha (a local sugarcane rum cocktail).
14. Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima
This cliffside chapel near Câmara de Lobos offers serene ocean views. Time your visit for sunset when the sky glows pink and gold.
15. Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela
A lesser-known viewpoint where jagged sea stacks rise from the Atlantic. It’s especially magical during winter storms when waves crash against the rocks.
Go Deeper: 15 More Unique Things to Do in Madeira
16. Paul da Serra
Madeira’s high plateau is ideal for paragliding or a scenic drive through rolling green pastures.
17. Enchanting Fanal Forest
Walk among ancient, twisted laurel trees in this UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. Fog often blankets the area, creating an eerie, mystical atmosphere.
18. Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras)
Nestled in a volcanic crater, this secluded village is famous for chestnut dishes. Visit viewpoints Eira do Serrado and Miradouro do Paredão for cliffside panoramas.
19. Whale & Dolphin Watching
Join a boat tour from Funchal to spot pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even migrating sperm whales (April–October).
20. Taste Madeiran Cuisine
Don’t leave without trying:
- Espetada (garlicky beef skewers).
- Bolo do Caco (sweet potato bread with garlic butter).
- Black Scabbardfish with banana (yes, really).
21. Snack-Bar Avista Navios
Dine at this cliffside café in Câmara de Lobos for fresh seafood and poncha with million-dollar views.
22. Seixal Black Sand Beach
A wild, volcanic beach framed by waterfalls and banana plantations.
23. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
Translating to “Bride’s Veil,” this viewpoint overlooks a waterfall plunging directly into the ocean.
24. Western Coast Viewpoints
- Miradouro da Garganta Funda: Home to Madeira’s tallest waterfall (140m).
- Miradouro da Boa Morte: A peaceful stop with valley and sea vistas.
25. East Coast Viewpoints
- Miradouro do Caniçal: Cliffs overlooking Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto: Sunrise views over the Desertas Islands.
- Miradouro do Guindaste: A crane-shaped platform dangling above the waves.
26. Cascata dos Anjos & Praia da Ponta do Sol
Drive under a road-clinging waterfall (Cascata dos Anjos) before soaking up sun at Ponta do Sol’s pebble beach.
27. Walk Through a Banana Plantation
Learn how Madeira’s microclimate produces sweet, small bananas at tours in Madalena do Mar.
28. Add Adventure
Try canyoning in Ribeiro Frio, surfing in Jardim do Mar, or mountain biking in Paul da Serra.
29. Porto Santo Day Trip
Hop on a ferry to Madeira’s sister island for 9km of golden sands and mineral-rich mud baths.
Things to Do in Madeira with Kids
- Ride the Monte Cable Car.
- Splash in Porto Moniz’s pools.
- Visit Funchal’s Story Centre for interactive history exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Madeira?
At least 5–7 days to experience hikes, coastal drives, and cultural gems.
Best time to visit Madeira?
Year-round! Spring (April–June) blooms with flowers; summer (July–September) offers warm beach days.
What should you not miss?
Pico do Arieiro sunrise, levada walks, and a toboggan ride!
