The word “Madeira” itself means “wood” in Portuguese, and when referring to Madeira island, one can mean the name of a group of four islands/archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The autonomous region of Portugal or most often the name of the largest of the islands of this archipelago.
Madeira Archipelago consists of two inhabited islands: Madeira Island and slightly smaller Porto Santo (“Holy Port”) Island together with two uninhabited Ilhas Desertas (“Uninhabited Islands”) and Ilhas Selvagens (“Wild Islands”).
Madeira island is known as the “island of eternal spring”, or “the paradise garden of the Atlantic”, famous for its beautiful mountains, high cliffs, lava pools, magnificent dramatic landscape, greenery, exotic flowers, waterfalls and dark, mostly pebble beaches.
Boasting a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round it´s truly great destination in Europe. With a range of wonderfully unique things to do in Madeira, by the time you get through the list I share below, you’ll be itching to book your island vacation!
It is an honour for Madeira to have received in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 the title of “Best Island Destination in the World” at the World Travel Awards, which is another good reason why you must visit this wonderful destination.
How to get there
Madeira Airport, or Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (named after Madeira’s biggest world star), offers regular air connections directly to major the European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Porto.
The duration of the flight is short, from 1 hour 30 minutes to Lisbon to approximately 3/4 hours to Paris, London or Berlin. It is prepared to receive any aircraft, meeting the most rigorous international security criteria. Also, landing in Madeira is an incredible experience, of a breath-taking beauty!
Where to stay
There is a varied offer of accommodation, as well as the experiences provided by them (luxury hotels, with spa, for families, adults-only farms, ecological and historical). The selection is extensive so you will be able to choose among the refined charm of traditional hotels, the innovation and authenticity of design hotels, the family welcome of rural tourism estab-lishments, or the charming mansions of Madeira “Quintas da Madeira”.
What to do & see in Madeira island
Here’s a list of the best things to do and most popular attractions worth seeing during everyone’s first holidays in Madeira island.
Porto Moniz Lava/Natural Swimming Pools
The lava pools at Porto Moniz may be a long way from Funchal – located at the far north-west tip of the island – but are certainly worth the drive. A series of natural pools formed on the rugged coastline, visitors can swim in the cool waters while watching the Atlantic lapping against the rocks around them.
There are changing facilities and lockers, and even sunbeds for those wanting to relax for the day. On stormy days the pools become mesmerising, as the huge waves crash against the rocks.
Entrance into the complex is subject to a year-round fee:
- 3€ – Citizens over 3 years old, per entry;
- Free – Children aged 3 and under.
Laurissilva Forest – UNESCO Natural Heritage since 1999
Laurissilva is the name given to a type of subtropical humid forest, of prehistoric origin, composed of trees of the Lauraceae family, and present in some areas of Macaronesia, a region that includes the archipelagos of Madeira, Azores, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
It is on Madeira Island where it is most widespread, occupying an area of approximately 20% of the territory. It is also in this forest where waterfalls are found, irrigation channels that transport water from the highest and wettest areas to the driest regions, form-ing a set of incredible trails, highly sought after for the practice of different natural activities, such as hiking, trail running, and mountain biking or canoeing.
Hike along the cliffs at Ponta de Sao Lourenço
Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira.
You walk along the famous “dragon tail” of Madeira surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks.
Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back toward the island.
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto – one of the best views in Maderia
Ponta de Sao Lourenço is one of the best famous hikes on the Madeira, but if you cannot hike or just want even more volcanic cliff views, you can stop at Ponta do Rosto. By the carpark you can enjoy views of one of the bay along the peninsula, with colorful rocks.
Pico Ruivo – for amazing views
Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s highest peak – at over 6000 feet – and a favourite for those wanting to experience a little adventure on their break. Walk the trail from Achada da Teixeira, a 5.6km hike that takes around an hour and a half each way (depending on your fitness levels!) but rewards the hardy with incredible views.
Curral das Freiras
Set in the heart of Madeira, the Valley of the Nuns is an incredible display of geology, as the steep rocky peaks rise up above the tiny village below. Those with nerves of steel can drive the twisting EN 107 road up through the mountainous terrain to stop at Eira do Serrado and look out on the breathtaking view down into the valley at the Grande Curral – nicknamed the bellybutton of the island.
Calheta and Praia da Calheta
Calheta is a charming village located between the south and the west end of Madeira Island. Calheta is especially known for one of the two artificial, white sand beaches in Madeira. Next to the beach, there is also a small marina with a couple of restaurants and companies offering day tours.
Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava (Wild River) is named after its river. When it rains heavily in the mountains, waters rapidly run down to sea. It is a small town on the southwestern coast of the island with steep valleys on either side and is a very pleasant tourist stop.
Câmara de Lobos fishing village
Camara de Lobos is one of the most picturesque towns on Madeira (and the most visited).
It has a longer bay, which is great for a harbor. Today it is home to many small and colorful fishing boats.
There is a long seafront promenade to enjoy the town from various angles, many restaurants, a beach and a relaxing atmosphere.
Visit the traditional Santana houses
Santana, a small and charming parish in the north of Madeira full of apple, pear, and cherry orchards, has some fascinating history to discover. The first thing you’ll notice about Santana is its unusual, triangular-roofed houses: traditionally painted red and white with dark brown wooden beams, the stone houses really are quite something.
Ride the famous Funchal Cable Car
Offering a majestic transition from urban Funchal by the sea to lush hills and sprawling green slopes the higher you go, the 3200-meter, 20-minute journey is nothing short of magical.
Explore the old town of Funchal
Funchal is a very nice and peaceful city. “Zona Velha” (Old town) is a crossbreed of small and cozy alleys where locals and tourists come and stroll during the day and enjoy beautiful and quiet evenings. You can also enjoy nightlife in a beautiful atmosphere with bars and restaurants in the old town of Funchal. You will discover the artistic project “painted doors” that run throughout the streets of Santa Maria.
Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is certainly the most wonderful and varied garden on the island. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable day and a great opportunity to learn about interesting cultures, arts and plant life from all over the world. A large section of the garden is inspired by Japanese and Chinese gardening style.
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located in the town of Monte, and there are 3 ways to get there: by foot, by cable car or by tour. The best way is by cable car. The experience costs €11 per adult one way, and is the perfect way to see Madeira from above.
Madeira Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful gardens in the region, with marvellous views overlooking the city of Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden is located on one of the most peculiar estates in the city, the Bom Sucesso Estate. The estate dates from 1881 and was created by the Reid family as their private park.
Today the property is open to the public. The garden covers an area of 80,000 m² and is home to a fascinating collection of a wide variety of plants. It also has an area dedicated to research and conservation.
Get drenched by Angel’s Waterfall
This is probably the most fun waterfall because it falls right on the road where cars are driving – a car wash for free! Everybody has fun driving a car under the water as well as running around it like happy children! It is quite a popular one, and especially beautiful during the sunset, but you can visit it any time of the day. It is located just next to the Ponta do Sol town – just drive through a tunnel and you will arrive at the right spot.
Take a dip at Seixal’s black sand beach
Seixal Beach on Madeira Island is a stunning stretch of black sand with an incredible mountain backdrop featuring ridges and waterfalls overlooking the beach. It also has soft black sand, which makes it a popular choice for beachgoers compared to the many stone beaches throughout the island.
Embrace the atmosphere of the Flower Festival
The Madeira International Flower Festival is a riot of color and scent, drawing visitors from all over the world to Funchal during the first week in May to experience Funchal come alive.
Discover the most amazing viewpoints
The best way to discover Madeira is by car. It is worth learning the meaning of the Portuguese word miradouro – an observation deck – as there are plenty of marked signs leading to different observation decks. Some are right by the road, and it is a matter of minutes, and to some, you will need to hike a bit. If you have time, it is worth checking out every viewpoint you will notice because sometimes we can be pleasantly surprised.
There are way too many beautiful viewpoints on Madeira to mention all in this post, but the most popular ones, which I also recommend, are:
- Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
Located in Seixal, the Véu da Noiva viewpoint is sure to light up any Instagram feed, offering panoramic views of Madeira’s north-western coast and a cascading waterfall that flows into the blue ocean below. This one is my favorite in Madeira Island!
- Miradouro do Fio
Miradouro do Fio is another wonderful coastal viewpoint overlooking the rugged cliffs and vast ocean. There is a platform from where you can enjoy the unobstructed ocean and cliff views.
- Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira
This is another wonderful viewpoint on the north western coast of Madeira island. From Ponta da Ladeira you will see Fajã da Quebrada Nova which is a tiny coastal village, isolated from the rest of the island by tall mountain cliffs and the Atlantic ocean. This viewpoint in Madeira is easy to reach from the road where you can park your car.
- Miradouro de Cabanas
The Cabanas Viewpoint is located between São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge in Santana. This viewpoint provides an excellent view of the north coast, the Arco de São Jorge parishes and the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo
- Cabo Girão
It is 570m (1,870-ft.) above sea-level and is the second highest cliff in the world. The panorama from the belvedere down to the ocean is breathtaking and stretches as far as Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.
What to eat & drink?
There are many good restaurants in Madeira. Most of them serve typical beef, fish and seafood dishes.
I recommend Espada, a fish served with baked banana pieces – “Espada com banana”, squid – “Lulas Grelhadas” or a starter called Lapas Grelhadas – limpets baked in a special pan with garlic and butter, sprinkled with fresh lemon. Espetada is a Madeira “shashlik”, usually made of beef (baked on a metal skewer or on laurel stick), seasoned with salt, garlic and bay leaves, grilled on wood or charcoal.
Typical for Madeira are restaurants specializing in Espetadas – you can recognize them by the iron stands built into the tables on which the waiter hangs the finished Espetada.
For drinks, I recommend Poncha – it is the official drink of Madeira. Every local has its own recipe. But basically, it is a mix of rum, honey, sugar, and lemon or orange (done with a mexelote).
How many days do you need in Madeira?
To enjoy all these amazing things to do in Madeira, I recommend 10 days to 2 weeks. There are many hiking trails, viewpoints and beaches to enjoy.
What is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira is a year-round destination. The best time depends on your expectations – for waterfalls, winter is better, for hiking – June. To avoid the crowds, avoid the Summer months…
Do you need a car in Madeira?
If you really want to enjoy the best Madeira has to offer, I think renting a car is essential. You will be able to see amazing viewpoints and drive on the most beautiful roads on the island.
Hope this itinerary will help you on planning your next trip to Madeira and you will enjoy this island as much as I do, everytime I come back here 😉
For more Portugal travel/hotel stay inspiration check out my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/portugal/
Your sincerely,
Anny