The Best Things to Do in Madeira: Top Attractions and Unique Activities
Looking for the best things to do in Madeira? This guide highlights the top activities and sights to make your trip unforgettable.
We’ve gathered a variety of experiences, from breathtaking viewpoints and hiking trails to ocean adventures and cultural gems, so you can decide what fits your travel style and schedule.
Use this list to plan your days, pick your favorites, and create a route that works best for you. Whether you have just a few days or a full week, you will find plenty of ideas to enjoy Madeira to the fullest.
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The Best Things to Do in Madeira: A Brief Intro to Visiting the Island
If you’re planning a trip to this Portuguese island in the Atlantic, you’re probably wondering what the best things to do in Madeira are. This is a destination packed with outdoor adventures, cultural gems, and some truly unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re here for the hikes, the views, or the food and wine, Madeira has plenty to offer.
Before diving into all of the the highlights of visiting this incredible island, let's go over a bit of what the island is like, so you can know what to expect during your travels.
What is Madeira Best Known For?
Madeira is best known for its dramatic landscapes, year-round mild climate, and lush nature. The island is famous for its hiking trails, volcanic pools, gardens, and breathtaking coastal views. It’s also known for its wine, traditional villages, and as the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.
What Not to Miss in Madeira
If you only have a few days, make sure you don’t miss a levada walk, swimming in the natural pools, exploring Funchal’s old town, and watching the sunset at a viewpoint like Pico do Arieiro. These experiences really capture the essence of Madeira.
The great thing about Madeira is you can experience a blend of hiking, waterfalls, natural pools, beaches, and viewpoints, packed in a short amount of time!
Don't miss out on the rugged landscapes of the island!
What is the Prettiest Part of Madeira?
It's impossible to say what the prettiest part of Madeira is, because it has such a variety of landscapes! If you like rugged cliffs, head to the Sao Lourenco peninsula on the east end. If you love natural pools and black sand beaches, then head over to the north western towns like Seixal, Porto Moniz, and Ribeira da Janela.
The interior boasts stunning mountain landscapes with some awesome hiking opportunities, and the south has some amazing waterfalls and viewpoints to appreciate.
You can't go wrong with anywhere in Madeira, but we definitely recommend exploring multiple areas of the island to truly appreciate all the beauty that lies there.
There are so many incredible places to enjoy across the island.
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The Best Things to Do in Madeira
Are you ready to experience all of the best things to do in Madeira? From fun outdoor activities to diving into the culture and cuisine, we're covering all of the unique activities in Madeira to weave into your itinerary.
Outdoor Adventures in Madeira
The island is a natural playground, and is full of gorgeous landscapes to explore! From trails that cut across mountains to cable cars linking cliffs to sea level, and different boat trips, Madeira truly is for the nature-lovers out there.
Explore the Hiking Trails
Madeira is full of awesome hiking trails, and has something for everyone - whether you're looking for a short walk to a cool viewpoint or adventuring through the mountains to stand above the clouds.
Levada walks are the signature Madeira activity, and one of the things that really make this island so special! Easy options like Levada do Rei and Levada da Serra do Faial suit first-timers, while Levada do Caldeirão Verde and 25 Fontes bring waterfalls and tunnels.
The famous ridge route between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is more demanding and weather dependent, but if you have only a little bit of time in Madeira then this is the top hike on the island the experience. Pack layers, a flashlight for tunnels, and respect trail closures. For many travelers, these hikes define the best things to do in Madeira.
Pico do Arieiro is one of the most popular places in Madeira.
Chase Waterfalls
There's nothing more that we love than chasing waterfalls in new destinations, and Madeira is a gold nine for them!
There are some truly incredible waterfalls in Madeira - some are just cascading right over the side of the road, while others take a little hiking journey to get to.
Waterfalls often hide in ravines and along levadas in Madeira, so you'll notice that some of the top waterfalls to visit can be perfectly combined with some of the most popular hiking trails. As a bonus, after rainy spells you will see some extra cascades along mountain roads, which is part of the island’s magic.
Take in Stunning Views
With its mountainous landscapes, jagged cliffs, and lush greenery, it's easy to see why there are so many awesome viewpoints in Madeira.
Building a day around two or three viewpoints is an easy way to enjoy Madeira sightseeing without overcommitting to long hikes. We definitely recommend renting a car though, as it's the best way to hop from one viewpoint to the next!
Swim in the Natural Pools
All of Portugal's islands have some pretty amazing natural pools, and Madeira is no exception.
Formed by lava, these are not only refreshing swimming spots, but also super scenic! You can find a few commercial ones that are more comfortable such as Porto Moniz and Docas do Cavacas with plenty of amenities, or you can head to the more natural ones like the ones scattered around the coast of Seixal.
Hang at the Beaches
While Madeira is a tropical island, it's actually not really known for its beaches! There are fewer beaches than you'd imagine, but the few that dot the island are pretty fantastic, especially if you are there for the scenery.
Our personal favorite is Seixal beach, which has black sand and lush green mountains sitting behind it, but there are also plenty of other small ones you can check out for something quieter.
If you crave miles of golden sand, you can also do a day trip or ferry to Porto Santo where the beaches are the main event.
Walk Around Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest is an ancient laurel woodland where oddly shaped trees sit in rolling meadows. On foggy mornings it feels like a horror movie set, and on clear afternoons it is a dreamy picnic stop.
It's truly one of the most eerie places we've ever visited, but the thick blanket of fog truly added to the sheer magic of the place.
Bring a light jacket (with a hood!) and wander the short paths for an hour. If you're a photographer though, you should plan extra time since the light shifts quickly.
Go Dolphin & Whale Watching
Madeira is home to incredible marine life, and one of the best things to do in Madeira is to go on a dolphin and whale watching cruise. It's an excellent and ethical animal experience, and this island is one of the ultimate places to experience one.
Culture and Local Experiences
Now that you've explored some of the best highlights of the island, let's learn a bit about the history and culture that makes up the island.
From exploring the capital to wandering the small villages and learning about Ronaldo, there are so many great ways for travelers to enjoy the island with more low-key activities who want to immerse in the daily life of locals, and get to know some of the things that make Madeira so special.
Explore the Capital City
Funchal is the main hub of culture and history, and is the city that Cristiano Ronaldo calls home. It's where you'll find a beautiful blend of nature and urban life. You'll see streets lined with beautiful buildings, flowers dotting the avenues, large green spaces, and bustling markets.
Funchal is right near the airport, and is also where ships dock, making it an easy and convenient place to explore upon arriving to the island, and a great place to base yourself while staying in Madeira.
Visit the Small Towns
Other than Funchal, Madeira has some really adorable small towns to check out. Our personal favorites are Camara de Lobos, which has an adorable port area and recycled street art, and Ponta do Sol which is full of quaint streets, colorful buildings, and cozy cafes just next to the seaside.
Check Out the Traditional Houses of Santana
Located in the north east of the island, the adorable town of Santana is characterized by some of the cutest A-frames. The traditional homes have red doors, blue detailing, and straw roofs, making for some of the best photo ops in Madeira, but also many of them are now shops with local goods!
Experience the Monte Palace Gardens
Located just outside Funchal is the most stunning set of gardens you'll find. Complete with waterfalls, ornate fountains, scenic pathways, and endless amounts of flowers, you can easily spend half a day enjoying all that these gardens have to offer.
Don't miss out on the Japanese gardens, as well as the central area that has a show in the middle of the day. For a bonus you can also take the scenic cable car to get up there!
Browse the Friday Market
Want to experience the weekend like a local? Don't miss out on the craft market held in the municipal gardens each Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. It's an excellent stop for pairing a visit to the gardens and taking home something special while supporting local businesses.
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Walk Down to Cristo Rei
Just outside of Funchal is one of the best viewpoints on Madeira for both sunrise and sunset. The Christ statue is just steps down from the parking lot, and the stairs continue down giving 360 degree views of the vast Atlantic and the city behind it.
It's an easy adventure from Funchal, and one of the best things to do in Madeira if you're short on time.
Visit the Wineries
Madeira has its own unique wine culture, and visiting a winery is certainly one of the top activities on the island, especially for those that like to enjoy local beverages.
There are plenty of great winery tours you can join where you'll be able to tour the vineyards, sample delicious wines, and be able to take some home with you to share with your loved ones. Some tours even include stops at viewpoints and riding in a jeep!
Cristiano Ronaldo Guided Tour
If you're a football (soccer) fan, then you won't want to miss out on learning about one of the best players in the world (after Messi of course).
Ronaldo is an island legend, and you can find a museum in Funchal dedicated to him and his career, along with a giant statue of him.
You can visit the museum on your own, or you can join a guided tour for some fun facts that only locals know.
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Unique Activities in Madeira
Now that you know the top activities to enjoy throughout the island, here are some really cool and unique things to do in Madeira!
Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise
One of our absolute favorite activities when we visit coastal destinations is the enjoy a catamaran ride. They're relaxing, scenic, and a fun way to get unique panoramas. You can choose from morning sailings for something more low key, or join a sunset one for a gorgeous golden glow and evening drinks.
Pirate Ship Cruise
Want something a bit more unique than the traditional catamaran? In Madeira you can board a replica of Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria, and get a glimpse of the island through the lens of world history as you sail along the beautiful coastline.
Not only is it a great option for sightseeing and relaxing, but you'll also get to Sample local wine and honey cake while you sail!
Take an Off-Road Buggy Tour
One of the best things to do in Madeira is to add a little bit of adventure to your sightseeing, and one of the most unique ways to do so is with an off-road buggy tour!
There are a few different ones you can choose from, and they'll take you to iconic destinations like the Laurissilva forest, Fanal Forest, and the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the island.
ATV/Quad Tours
This another awesome off-road adventure, with a slightly different vehicle. ATVS are super fun, and an awesome way to explore areas of the island you wouldn't be able to with a regular car.
Ride Around on a Jeep Tour
Want to explore rugged terrain but don't want to drive on your own? A Jeep tour is one of the best things to do in Madeira if you want to explore hidden gems and have abit of adventure involved with your sightseeing.
We didn't get to do one in Madeira, but we did one in the Azores and it was shockingly one of our favorite activities in Terceira! Next time we go to Madeira, we're definitely signing up for one.
Join a Guided E-Bike Tour
Want to explore the best that the south of Madeira has to offer? This guided e-bike tour is 4 hours of exploring everything from the mountains to the coast.
Go Kayaking
Explore Garajau Nature Reserve by kayak, stop at a beach, and go snorkeling. It's the ultimate water activity to enjoy a different perspective of Madeira's gorgeous coast line.
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Go Canyoning
Guided canyoning is one of the most unique things to do in Madeira. You will rappel beside waterfalls, slide into clear pools, and hike through fern-lined ravines. Beginners start on gentle routes near Ribeiro Frio, while experienced guests can step up to higher descents.
Surf Lessons
Toboggan Ride
Want a fun and unique way to experience the streets of Madeira? You can enjoy the traditional island transportation through the streets of Monte and see the area's most iconic landmarks on this quirky ride, including a stop at the Monte Church Sanctuary.
Scuba Diving
Madeira is brimming with incredible marine life, and one of the best ways to experience it is by scuba diving. Whether you're looking to dive for the first time, explore near cliffs, or swim next to sharks and rays in a more controlled setting, there are plenty of fun scuba diving excursions you can sign up for.
Guided Foodie Walking Tour
If you're a foodie (and wine lover), then don't miss out on this tour of Madeira, which will allow you to dive into all of the unique local flavors the island has to offer. Learn about the history and the cuisine, while sampling some amazing food and drinks along the way.
Visit the Smaller Islands
If you have extra time on your Madeira itinerary, then don't miss out on the other small islands that make up the archipelago! There is so much more beauty to explore, and taking a few days to include the other islands will make your trip to Madeira that much more special.
The Best Things to Do in Madeira: Island Tips & What's Next
Now that you know all of the best things to do in Madeira, here are some other things you'll probably want to know about visiting!
Getting There: The best way to get to Madeira is to fly to Funchal, which has plenty of direct flights from Portugal and other European cities.
Getting Around: Renting a car is the most ideal way to explore! Public transportation is possible, but limited.
Where to Stay: If you don't rent a car, then Funchal is the best place to stay for accessibility, as well as the most restaurants and shops. You can also spend some time in Seixal for exploring the west part of the island, or look for a hotel in Ponta do Sol for a more low-key feel and exploring the south.
Language: Portuguese is the language of Madeira.
Currency: Madeira uses the euro, just like the rest of Portugal.
Safety: Madeira is a super safe island, and the locals are really friendly!
Weather: The weather is tropical, and can be really unpredictable and quickly change from one mile to the next. It's also known for its stunning cloud inversions, and the island experiences a ton of wind.
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What's Next?
Now you know all of the best things to do in Madeira, you'll probably want to know more about visiting this incredible island!
Here are some other guides about Madeira we have:
Top Viewpoints on the Island of Madeira
... and more coming each week!
Travel Planning Tools
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So are you ready to enjoy all of the best things to do in Madeira? The island is full of scenic hikes, stunning cascades, charming towns, and other scenic spots you'll love.
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