20 Best Things to do in Madeira
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Madeira, Portugal is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to and if you are planning your own vacation there, you simply cannot miss the following things to do in Madeira! This list contains all of the island’s highlights which means there is something for everyone. From relaxing wine tastings to hikes with outstanding views, you won’t want to miss anything this island has to offer!
Even if you’ve visited the island already, there are always more things to do in Madeira that will ensure you want to return. This island is an adventure couple’s paradise. Yes, there are resorts and oceanside towns for those wanting a more relaxing feel, but there are so many activities packed onto this little island that it’s hard to stay in one place for long.
Madeira is about 35 miles long and 14 miles wide. It sits off the northwestern coast of Africa and it is actually closer to Morocco than it is to Portugal. This volcanic island is often overshadowed by The Azores, but hopefully this post puts Madeira on your bucket list.
Check out the following 20 best things to do in Madeira in this post:
If you’re new to hiking and looking for some gear recommendations, feel free to reach out. You can also visit my collections of hiking must-haves and favorite REI gear that I use on nearly every hike.
Things to do in Madeira for Nature Lovers
1) Hiking
Madeira has this breathtaking contrast between the volcanic mountains and expansive ocean surrounding the small island. The rugged peaks, coastal trails, and stunning forests are a hiker’s dream. Of all the things to do in Madeira, this is easily my top recommendation not only because I am a hiker myself, but because there is easily an option for all skill levels to get out and explore.
The best hikes in Madeira are found all over the island. PR1, the trail running from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with the iconic “Stairway to Heaven”, puts you on top of the mountains where you can see jagged peaks for miles and even the ocean down below. PR6, 25 Fontes, takes you past the old levadas and many waterfalls, letting you finish at the stunning Levada do Risco (Risco Waterfall). PR 13, Vereda do Fanal, has been described as a trail through a fairytale forest and is a hike you won’t want to miss.
Trails closer to the coast such as the Vereda do Larano and Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço are best hiked on a sunny day to get the most of the ocean views. Coastal hikes can quickly become windy and unpleasant in poor weather.
There are many other trails traversing the mountains and you can even thru-hike Madeira! This thru-hike is a multi-day hike called the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT). Taking generally 4-6 days, this 115 km (71 mi) hike takes you from Porto Moniz to Machico- coast to coast.
Don’t forget to pack or purchase enough fuel for your hike! My list of favorite hiking snacks provides some great options to bring on your trip or purchase if you have a day or two in Lisbon, but options like these may be limited once you are in Madeira. If you enjoy Hiking, check out my Hiking page for all the Northeastern US hiking lists and posts I’ve written about these hikes!
2) Take a Scenic Drive and go Sightseeing
There are too many beautiful places in Madeira to stay in one location for your visit. I recommend renting a car or a guide and taking a drive through the mountainous terrain. The roads are built to follow the landscape and include over 150 road tunnels around the entire island.
Try Expedia for tried and true cheap car rentals! Click here to browse car rentals for travel around Madeira. Many companies allow you to pick up your car right at the airport.
You will be able to visit port cities, scenic viewpoints in the mountains, and experience all the beauty of the island at your own pace. There are many panoramic views you can get to with minimal hiking if you want to see the mountains but not necessarily climb to the top of them.
Further, if traveling by car isn’t the way for you, you can also take advantage of the Funchal Cable Car in the city of Funchal. This 15 minute gondola ride takes you about 1,800ft above the city and up the hillside to Monte. You will be able to see the ocean, some of the hills surrounding the city, and an amazing view of the terraced roads and homes that extend outward from downtown.
The Cabo Girão Skywalk is an amazing overlook in southern Madeira west of Funchal. This skywalk provides you with jaw-dropping views over a cliff almost 2,000ft above sea level! You will get the best views of the coastline here. It’s a great spot for a day trip or along a road trip!
3) Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden
A quick stop to the Madeira Botanical Garden was a must for me when I visited Madeira! I have always loved plants and flowers so when I saw pictures of this garden online I knew I needed to see it in person.
The colors and patterns were beautiful and this was a great activity to do on our first day in Funchal. We did hike up the hill to the gardens from the main downtown of the city which was a longer walk than we anticipated but it was well worth it! There’s even a little cafe in the gardens with stunning views of the ocean and the gondola that many visitors take instead of walking.
This activity is an easy way to experience nature while staying close to downtown. Easily accessible via the gondola, you won’t be overwhelmed by your visit and can easily add a trip to the botanical gardens into your day.
4) Enjoy an Amazing Sunrise or Sunset
Since Madeira is such a small island, it’s easy to drive to different areas to find the best sunrise and sunset! The towns Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Paul do Mar, and Ponta do Pargo all face west providing the perfect sunsets spots. Calheta has one of the more sandy beaches on Madeira you can relax at and Ponta do Pargo has a fantastic observation deck!
Pico do Arierio was one of the best sunrises I have ever seen. While you can hike to the observation point on this mountain, you can drive up as well. It was definitely one of the busier locations on our trip but it was too beautiful to matter. As a warning, even on a warm day it can be so cold and windy at the top of the mountain before the sun rises!
Pico Ruivo is the highest point on the island. If you can hike to this peak and you are blessed with good weather, you will not be disappointed by sunrise or sunset! Just know your hiking abilities since half of the hike will need to be completed in the dark.
Things to do in Madeira for Adventure Lovers
5) Get Out on the Ocean
With a crazy number of coastal towns in Madeira, you cannot ignore how many things to do in Madeira there are on the water. Additionally, the ocean floor drops extensively just a couple miles offshore from the island, meaning you can quickly reach deeper water for various activities.
Because of the quick drop off and the climate for the area, Madeira is an extremely popular sport fishing location. You will see many expensive fishing boats in the marinas and throughout the year there are often tournaments taking place. As a visitor, you can pay to go out on a fishing charter (with others or privately) and try your hand at reeling in marlin, swordfish, or tuna.
There are countless opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and renting jet skis in different towns as well. For a more relaxed activity, try booking a tour that will take you dolphin and whale watching. Whatever level of adventure you are looking for, there is an activity for you!
6) Traditional Toboggan Ride in Funchal
When travelers are looking up things to do in Madeira, they are often directed to staying in Funchal, the biggest city on the island. Funchal is small enough that it is easy to navigate, but big enough that you feel like there is always more to explore around every corner. The cobblestone streets and warm-hued buildings provide a lively yet relaxing feel.
Funchal has a traditional toboggan ride (carreiros do Monte) that lets you (and up to two others) speed down a hill in a wicker basket/sled contraption. While this is a tourist attraction certainly, you also can’t deny how unique the experience is! Two men on either side of the basket control your movement with their feet, adjusting position and speed as you zoom down the hill.
These rides began as traditional transportation downhill for Monte residents and visitors to get to the main city of Funchal in the 1800s according to the Carreiros do Monte website. Now, the ride provides an exhilarating experience as you speed down the narrow streets while getting excellent views of the city and the ocean. You’ll pass many people walking uphill and even cars which adds to the adrenaline.
7) Canyoning or Rock Climbing
For true adventure lovers, you may want to book an excursion that brings you up close and personal with this volcanic island. Guides can bring you canyoning up waterfalls in quite a few locations around the island! Rock climbing is an alternative to canyoning and can provide a slightly less intense experience (depending on where you go of course).
Please do your own research if you are looking to partake in these activities without a guide. I do not have the experience to detail gear, safety, difficulty level, and locations for these activities. However, there are many tours and guides you can book that are local and will provide you with a fantastic experience. There is some more information on this activity on the Visit Madeira website.
8) 4×4 Jeep or Buggy Tours
While booking a canyoning or rock climbing activity as listed above might come with its own transportation, another great option for those without their own car is to take a 4×4 jeep or buggy tour. One of the best things to do in Madeira is simply explore the island.
While some tours have meeting spots you need transport to, many provide pickup options in the city you are staying in (such as Funchal, Caniçal, Caniço, etc.) that you can walk to at your allotted time. There are tours ranging from a few hours to a full day for island exploration.
Different companies include various options for activities during the day so do a little research to make sure you are booking one that fits all your favorite things! There are options for scenic views, swimming, markets, wine and rum tastings, sunrise spots, etc.
Things to do in Madeira for Foodies and Drink Lovers
9) Madeiran Wine Tastings
One of the top items Madeira is famous for is its port wine. Globally, port wine is often referred to as Madeiran wine. It is made by fermenting grapes and adding a brandy and/or aging the wine in brandy barrels to provide a strong, sweet flavored fortified wine.
There are a few wineries on the island you may visit for tastings or wine purchases and I highly recommend trying one or two as one of your top things to do in Madeira! I had never had port wine before visiting Madeira and now my husband and I love to have a bottle on hand for special occasions! It is interesting to taste the differences in flavors and strength as some are aged longer than others.
Some of the best places to go for a wine tasting are:
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge in downtown Funchal
- Vinhos Barbeito in Câmara de Lobos
- Henriques & Henriques in Câmara de Lobos
- Terras do Avô in Seixal
There are a few more wineries in Funchal and scattered about so check if there are any nearby your hotel or ones might pass on your route around the island! As mentioned above with the buggy tours, there are many tours you can join that will guide you through one of these tastings as part of your day. They are often combined with one or more other activities on the island to help you have the best experience.
10) Try All the Best Portuguese Drinks
Besides port wine, there were quite a few Portuguese or Madeiran beverages we were told we simply must try while on vacation. Since we explored a different town every day, it was easy to find each of these to try at least once. My husband and I loved sipping these drinks and enjoying the warm June weather together.
Vinho verde, a “green wine”, is popular in Portugal . This is a wonderfully light and crisp drink compared to the port wines popular around Madeira. Vinho verde is made from regional Portuguese grapes and is similar to white wine without too bold of a flavor.
Sangria seemed to be everywhere during our week in Madeira. They seemed very popular at food stands and restaurants which was something I hadn’t expected to see. Strong, fruity, and often chilled, these were great to pair with lunch or sip on in the mid-day heat.
Poncha is a tropical cocktail made with sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon. Some varieties use sugar and oranges instead. This drink was a little sweet for my taste but I could see why it was well enjoyed on the island!
Ginjinha, or Ginja, is an extremely tasty cherry liquor. It is most often made with sour cherries, brandy, sugar, and cinnamon (though to be honest I did not taste the cinnamon) which makes it very sweet. This is not a drink you would want to have much of so usually you take it as a shot. At certain festivals they serve it in chocolate shot glasses too which luckily we were able to try!
Madeira did have one beer local to the island- Coral. This was a traditional lager that you could find in pretty much every town on the island. Great for enjoying by the beach, after a hike, or after a busy day on the roads. There is a Madeira Beer Lab by Coral in Funchal you can visit as well for food and drinks downtown.
The blog, Say Yes to Madeira, has a great post with more information about Madeira’s local drinks.
As an honorary mention, for some reason we have found that almost all espressos just seem better in Europe. After tasting the wonderful espressos at different cafes, my husband fell in love with them which led us to ultimately purchase an espresso maker for home and start getting into the craft of pulling that perfect shot. A morning espresso with a pastry is truly one of the best ways to start a day.
11) Visit a Coastal Restaurant and Try Local Seafood
You absolutely must try the seafood when you visit Madeira! Whenever my husband and I talk about our favorite things to do in Madeira, we bring up these dishes almost every time. As a couple who live in New England and absolutely love our seafood, we were thrilled to try new dishes abroad.
The black scabbardfish was one of the top seafood dishes that I ate in Madeira. This deep-sea fish looks somewhat like an eel mixed with a barracuda so it’s a little creepy if you are looking at them in the fish market! While it can be served with potatoes and veggies, on the island it is commonly fried and served with bananas and passionfruit sauce.
Limpets are little snails that appear and taste somewhat similar to clams when you are served them. As with clams, they are often served with some sort of butter and garlic sauce. They made a great appetizer as we ate at the coast in Calheta!
Other great fresh fish we saw on the island included octopus, sardines, lobster, and tuna! With deep-sea waters so accessible for fishermen you really do get a fantastic selection. For anyone staying in Funchal for a longer stay and planning to cook, or if you are just curious, check out the fish market (Mercado dos Lavrodores) for all sorts of amazing options!
12) Enjoy a Food Walking Tour and Eat Bolo do Caco
Of course with all the flavorful dishes you are seeing at local restaurants, you might get overwhelmed and not know what to pick! There are a few locations on Madeira where you can join a food and wine walking tour that will allow you to try multiple treats around your city. Meet with other travelers or enjoy a private experience to make sure you don’t miss the best Madeira has to offer.
I recommend doing a walking tour early in your trip, especially if you are staying at that location more than one night. You will get the lay of the land, see things you can jot down to try later, or find favorite locations to return to.
The tours will all be a little different of course, but you will have options such as bolo do caco, scabbardfish, honey cake, pastel de nata, and a variety of Portuguese drinks. Many in Funchal bring you through the large fruit market as well.
In my opinion, no meal would be complete without bolo do caco. These flat rolls are made of sweet potatoes and often served with a garlic herb butter. I think once my husband and I had our first serving of bolo do caco, we proceeded to order it each evening with dinner because of how delicious it was. I’ve even attempted to make some at home since then to try to recreate some of that flavor.
Things to do in Madeira for Those Who Love to Relax
13) Visit the Beach
To be honest, Madeira isn’t known for its beaches. There aren’t white sandy strips like you might see in the Caribbean even though it is a small island. That said, there are still some sand beaches (and other rocky ones) you can stay near if you’re looking for a beach day to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Seixal Beach (Praia do Porto do Seixal) is a beautiful black sand beach on the northern side of the island that I would love to visit if we return. This beach is the closest I saw to a traditional beach along the coast of the island. You can see the rising lush green mountains on either side of you and swim in the clear water.
Calheta Beach is another enjoyable sandy beach even though it is small and split between two sides of a cove. This tiny cove can be a very popular spot on a nice day and the area to set up chairs and towels is limited. However, the rock retaining wall keeps out most of the waves which provides a calm area for wading.
Ponta do Sol Beach (Praia da Ponta do Sol) is a small rocky beach at the edge of the coastal town Ponta do Sol. The water is lovely and you can lay out towels and umbrellas to enjoy the sunshine. While the cove isn’t very big, you get stunning views of the island cliffs from wherever you are sitting.
14) Book a Night (or Two!) at a Spa Resort
If you want to relax for the week or just want a day to recharge after a long hike, you might want to indulge with a stay at one of the many spa resorts on the island. You can enjoy swimming in beautiful large infinity pools with a room that overlooks the ocean, experience fine dining, enjoy yoga classes, art workshops, or try your hand at tennis and golf.
Don’t forget to book one of a multitude of spa treatments. You can enjoy massages, saunas, face and body treatments, rituals using essential oils, and more. You will be welcomed with a personalized experience allowing you to relax after long travel days at the beginning of your week, decompress before you fly home, or provide a recharge day in the middle of your trip.
The Saccharum Resort is a beautiful hotel in Calheta while The Cliff Bay is a stunning option near Funchal. Browse many more luxury stays in Madeira to find the best option for you!
15) Swim in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz
While not a traditional beach, the natural pools of Porto Moniz may be the best swim area on the island. These pools are formed by volcanic rocks and sit quite literally on the edge of the ocean. This is one of the top things to do in Madeira for anyone looking to enjoy some sunshine in an absolutely stunning location.
The pools require a 3 euro ticket to enter. They are definitely going to be busy on a nice day so if you want a good spot to set up be sure to arrive early. But don’t worry, there are many outcroppings in the pools to wander between so you should still be able to enjoy a quiet area even if you arrive later. You’ll be able to swim in the clear water while overlooking the rocky spires that separate you from the ocean.
16) Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a small oasis in Funchal, Madeira. This botanical garden combines flora and foliage with art and culture from Madeira. It is described as a place where “nature and art merge”.
The gardens have plants from every continent! Experience the colors, smells, and animals that add to the experience. The Oriental Gardens provide a beautiful look into Chinese and Japanese culture and are one of the many areas where you can experience true art throughout the gardens. Many statues and structures including tile art can be viewed and enjoyed.
You cannot miss the three story art museum either! There is so much to enjoy in the Monte Palace Tropical Garden including food, drink, and music as well. For anyone wanting to slow down and immerse themselves in nature, this is a must add stop on your trip.
Things to do in Madeira for History Lovers
17) Visit the Triangle Houses in Santana
Santana is a small historical town in Madeira. It has little wooden triangular-shaped houses painted red, blue, and white with thatched roofs. If you are looking for things to do in Madeira that feel unique to the island, I recommend visiting Santana one day.
That said, you can walk through the homes fairly quickly as there aren’t too many visitors are able to go inside. They are filled with souvenirs so it can feel a little touristy but if you are looking for an iconic Madeira experience, these are a popular stop. When you are finished walking through the houses in the town center, you can stop to enjoy lunch in Santana as well! We enjoyed some sangria and a salmon ricotta pizza at Restaurante o Colmo.
18) Check out a Museum
As any history lover will enjoy, there are multiple museums spread across the island that you can visit to become more familiar with the culture.
The Madeira Military Museum (Museu Militar da Madeira) is a small museum in Funchal. There are weapons from the past 300 years and a history of the fortress that the museum lives in. This museum highlights military aspects of the island through paintings, uniforms, and more while explaining Madeira’s impact within the larger Portuguese military.
The Whaling Museum of Madeira (Museu da Baleia da Madeira) is in Caniçal on the far east side of the island. This museum is claimed to be internationally innovative with 3D stereoscopic films and life size models of whales and dolphins. By providing an interactive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the exhibits, the museum can share what a massive impact whaling had on Madeira’s history and culture.
Madeira Story Centre, also in Funchal, is the largest museum discussing the history and culture of Madeira. There is information on the land itself including the creation from volcanoes and exhibits of the maritime environment including pirate activity. After exploring the museum for a couple hours, visitors of the Madeira Story Centre can stop at a restaurant and go souvenir shopping as well making it a perfect activity for the whole family.
There is a small Cristiano Ronaldo Museum (CR7 Museu) in Funchal for soccer (proper football) fans. The museum has an augmented reality of the player for photos and shows his trophies and achievements.
19) Convent of Santa Clara
Another historical spot is the Convent of Santa Clara in Funchal which dates back to the 1400s. This chapel has absolutely beautiful tiled art on the inside and has been thoughtfully restored. In my opinion the building is deceivingly simple on the outside. The true beauty is saved for those embracing and respecting the religion inside.
Franciscan nuns still live at this convent and work to run a school and kindergarten. There are limited hours and spaces open to the public and a small ticket fee is required to enter. This quiet and peaceful chapel is a testament to Madeira’s heritage.
20) The Fortress of São Tiago
Also in Funchal is the Fortress of São Tiago which was built in the 1600s. Today the fortress is open to visitors to walk through and provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean but doesn’t share much information about its history. The yellow fortress provides a stunning contrast to the white-walled orange roofed buildings of Funchal.
Although it is not my area of expertise, I do love seeing examples of old architecture specifically around Europe. With Madeira being a small island in the Atlantic far from the continent, it is especially interesting to see the constructions and colors that were brought to the city and what the people embraced. The fort can be seen right outside of Old Town, watching over the residents.
Still looking for more to do? Browse more experiences in Madeira and find your perfect activity!
As you can see, this little island is jam-packed with fun activities, adventures, and foods to try. I promise you will be blown away by the beautiful landscape and the picture perfect little towns. Please let me know if you are looking for other things to do in Madeira by leaving a comment below or using the form on my Contact page!
