50 Best Things to do in Madeira – Ultimate Bucket List

Madeira Island is an autonomous region of Portugal, some 850km from Lisbon, situated off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. Travellers love to visit the island because of the many beautiful sights to see and fun outdoor activities that let you immerse yourself in the midst of nature. From thrilling hikes and high altitudes to breathtaking lookout points and beaches, keep reading to find out the 50 Best Things to do in Madeira.

Planning a trip to Madeira? Check out these posts!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MADEIRA

NOTE: 🎒 Spot the backpack to find out the top things to do in Madeira! We only marked the spots you absolutely have to visit on the island.

Travelling to Madeira soon? Read also our Full Guide to Madeira to plan your trip.

1) Hike Pico do Arieiro 🎒

1816m – Pico do Arieiro (more accurately known as Pico do Areeiro) is the third highest peak on Madeira island, after Pico Ruivo and Pico das Torres. The summit is about half an hour by car from Funchal, and it’s among the most popular hikes in Madeira.

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There is a big (and steep) free parking near the summit, which makes it very convenient to reach but also very crowded, especially during high season. However, the views are stunning and if you like hiking this is the place for you.

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1 – Vereda do Arieiro) is the best hike in Madeira and arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in the entire world.

Read more about it: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo - the most scenic hike in Madeira!

2) Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno (PR9) 🎒

Caldeirão do Inferno is definitely not a short walk. It’s a 17.4km round trip that starts in Queimadas and ends either in Caldeirão Verde (short route) or in Caldeirão do Inferno (longer route). You will have to walk the whole trail back anyways, as there is no way to do this hike as a loop.

Read more about Caldeirão Verde hike in our PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde in Madeira – Full Guide!

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3) Swim at the Porto Moniz Natural Pools

At just 3€ you can enjoy swimming in these lava pools that are naturally filled by the ocean’s high tide. It’s best to come here on a weekday, especially during the summer months, to avoid the crowd. You can read more about it on our full guide to the Porto Moniz pools.

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The pools are open all year round, from 9am to 5pm during winter months and from 9am to 7pm during the summer. Here you will find a bar as well as changing rooms.

Nearby Porto Moniz Natural Pools you will also find Porto Moniz Velhas Natural Pools, an even more authentic and natural experience.

Even though they are located very close to each other, these are two different natural pools.

Access to Porto Moniz Velhas Natural Pools is free, but bare in mind there is no lifeguard, rocks are sharper and overall it’s a more wild experience.

4) Ponta de São Lourenço hike 🎒

Ponta de São Lourenço is the esternmost tip of Madeira Island. This is one of the easiest and more touristy hikes on the island, but it’s definitely one you don’t want to miss as it easily falls into the best 10 things to do in Madeira.

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You can either do the full hike or opt for a quick visit by stopping at one of the many viewpoints.

TIP: Get to this viewpoint for a stunning sunrise pic or a great view over Ponta de São Lourenço!

5) Go Canyoning 🎒

Canyoning is another amazing way to explore the deep areas of Madeira. Wear a wetsuit and get ready to jump in the water!

What is Canyoning? Canyoning, also known as canyoneering, is the act of navigating down a fast-flowing mountain stream in a gorge using a variety of techniques including abseiling, climbing, sliding and jumping.

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With a canyoning tour, you will fully experience the natural elements of Madeira. We have joined one with Epic Madeira and it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip.

Read also: Canyoning in Madeira: the ultimate thrill seekers’ guide

6) Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz 🎒

The cable car of Achadas da Cruz is the steepest cable car in Europe and arguably one of the best places in Madeira. At the end of the Teleférico you will find one of the most unique walks in Madeira, the Achadas da Cruz Promenade.

Not many people make it this far and even fewer people are actually aware of this trail, making it such an interesting experience.

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7) Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall (PR6)

This is arguably the most popular and crowded Levada on the island. Levada das 25 Fontes is a stunning hike in the lush jungle of Madeira that passes through several waterfalls. You can do it alone, combine the walk with the trail to the Risco waterfall or take on a more challenging route.

In all cases, the most scenic of the falls is waiting for you at the end of the trail.

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Learn all about these trails in our Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall detailed guide.

8) Take a dip at Seixal Natural Swimming Pools 🎒

The Natural Swimming Pools of Seixal are just as beautiful as the more popular pools of Porto Moniz. They are smaller and less crowded than the Porto Moniz ones, but we probably liked them even better. Find out how to visit them with our guide to the Seixal pools.

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The water is crystal clear and it’s fun to swim and snorkel in these waters. The rock arch at the entrance of the pools makes everything better.

9) Explore Calhau da Lapa 🎒

Calhau da Lapa is arguably one of the most stunning beaches in Madeira. This tiny beach is located under a huge cliff and it’s only accessible by boat or by walk, after descending a steep trail. The hike down isn’t the easiest, but once you get there you will be rewarded by the clearest water on the entire Madeira island.

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What makes this beach unique is that it used to be a refuge for traders of Madeira. In fact, when there were no roads on the island the sea was the only way to transport goods. Calhau da Lapa offered a natural shelter during days of rough seas and these traders excavated several caves to store goods and to sleep. Today you can even sleep in some of these caves. Read more about Calhau da Lapa here.

10) Hike Pico Ruivo

1861 m – Pico Ruivo is the tallest mountain on Madeira Island, and definitely a spot you don’t wanna miss while you are there. It can be reached only by walk, either from the stunning route of Pico do Arieiro, or from the easier Achada do Teixeira.

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If you choose the latter you will have to drive until Achada do Teixeira, where you can park your car. Achada do Teixeira is about an hour by car from Funchal.

The hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (PR 1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo) is just 2.5km long and it takes about 45 minutes. Overall it is a simple hike and the trails are well maintained.

11) Watch sunrise at Miradouro do Juncal 🎒

Hands down the best sunrise viewpoint in Madeira. Miradouro do Juncal is located at walking distance from the peak of Pico do Arieiro and coming here for sunrise is easily one of the best things to do in Madeira.

Come here on a sunrise mission from Funchal or consider visiting before hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

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12) Get a taste of local alcohol

Madeira and Poncha are the most notorious ones, but there are many more drinks you should try in Madeira. Here we will list a few:

Madeira Wine: Madeira is an intense, sweet and fresh fortified wine that gained a worldwide reputation. You can find it in almost any restaurant of Madeira, or in one of the several wine shops and wineries. We have listed 2 of the wineries found in Funchal further below, but our favourite winery in Madeira has to be the Vinhos Barbeito wine lodge in Camara do Lobos. Check out all wine tours available in Madeira.

Poncha: sugar cane rum, bee honey and lemon juice are the ingredients of this popular drink in Madeira. It can be found pretty much everywhere on the island, even though we would recommend trying it out at “Taberna da Poncha” (in Ribeira Brava), “Number 2” (in Funchal), “Casa de Abrigo do Poiso” (in Poiso).

Nikita: a popular cocktail of Câmara de Lobos made with ice cream (various flavors), sugar, pineapple rings, and an alcoholic beverage, such as white wine and/or white beer.

Pé de Cabra: another cocktail also originating in Câmara de Lobos is the Pé de Cabra, which is made with dry wine (or Madeira wine), black beer, sugar, chocolate powder and lemon peel.

Sidra: Santo da Serra, São Roque do Faial and Prazeres are where the Sidra (or cider) is mostly made. It is the result of the alcoholic fermentation of apple juice and it can be served both cold and hot.

Try also: Coral (the local beer), Ginja (liquor), Aguardente de Cana (Madeira Sugar Cane Rum), Rum, Tim Tam Tum (liquor), Aniz (liquor) and Licor de Tangerina.

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13) Vereda do Pesqueiro hike

Located near Ponta do Pargo in the westernmost tip of Madeira island, Vereda do Pesqueiro is a coastal hike with stunning views. You won’t find vereda do Pesqueiro in your average guide to Madeira, as it’s a path mostly known by locals. Read more about it on our Full Guide to Vereda do Pesqueiro Hike.

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The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours, and it includes a section on a pebbled beach that is only accessible on foot. You can also jump in the ocean half-way through your hike for a refreshing dip.

14) Explore the Fanal Forest (Lagoa do Fanal) 🎒

Located halfway from Ribeira da Janela to Paul da Serra, Lagoa do Fanal (or Fanal Forest) is an ancient laurel forest. Its trees are over 500 years old, and together with the omnipresent fog, they create a unique landscape.

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This enchanted wonderland is easily in top 10 of any best things to do in Madeira list you can find online.

Please note: no hike is necessary to visit the Lagoa do Fanal! The box below refer to the (PR 13 – Vereda do Fanal), a nice walk that offers stunning view from several viewpoints located along the trail.

15) Check out Garganta Funda Waterfall

Located near Ponta do Pargo on the westernmost tip of Madeira Island, Garganta Funda is both one of the most stunning and one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island.

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As for most waterfalls, visit Garganta Funda after a rainstorm or during the winter months for a more impressive view.

NEARBY: You can combine Garganta Funda with Achadas da Cruz Cable Car.

16) Try Surfing in Porto da Cruz

With 5 surf schools in a town of just 2.500 people, Porto da Cruz is the spot to be if you want to try surfing in Madeira. A surf lesson here is generally more expensive compared to other destinations in Europe, with a class going for about €40 (including board and teacher).

Praia da Maiata is the perfect spot for beginners and intermediate surfers.

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17) Ponta do Rosto

Get the best views of Ponta de São Lourenço from the viewpoint of Ponta do Rosto. From here you can admire both Ponta de São Lourenço and the northern coast over Porto da Cruz.

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You can park your car directly at the viewpoint, the parking is free and there is usually a food truck for drinks and snacks.

18) Visit a local market (Mercado do Santo da Serra)

Visiting a local market when travelling is always interesting, as you get to experience the local culture in the most authentic experience. Sadly, most travellers end up visiting the popular Mercado dos Lavradores which has become a sort of a tourist trap over the year. While we talked about that popular market later on among the best things to do in Funchal, we believe it’s worth mentioning a different market located in a small town on the hills of Madeira.

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This market is the Mercado do Santo da Serra, or Santo da Serra Market, and it’s only open on Sunday (9AM – 6PM). It’s a market that is well-known among locals while it remain pretty unknown to tourists. Most produces are 1/4th the price compared to the more popular Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, and you will see many locals drinking Ponchas and having fun in the bars around the market itself.

19) Levada do Moinho & Levada Nova hike

How about running under a waterfall? Levada do Moinho is a beautiful walk of moderate difficulty that leads to one of the most distinctive waterfalls of Madeira.

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Once you get there, you can climb towards the trail that leads to Levada Nova and reach its impressive waterfall.

20) Visit Monte Palace in Funchal

The Monte Palace Madeira Museum hosts a collection of sculptures and minerals, while the walkways display a selection of tile panels produced in Portugal between the 16th and the 20th century.

Distributed on an area of over 70.000 square meters, Monte Palace hosts a huge collection of tropical plants coming from all over the world. The central lake is home to ducks and swans from Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland and Scandinavia.

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HOW TO GET THERE: The teleferico will easily take you from Funchal old town to the entrance of Monte Palace. However, it comes at a whopping €16 ($19 USD) per person which feels a bit unnecessary and overpriced. Consider taking the bus (bus n° 21, 48) or drive up there yourself if you have a car. There is a free parking just in front of the Monte Palace entrance.

⏰ HOURS AND RATES:
Ticket: €12.5 ($14 USD)
Opening Days: Every day (except Dec 25)
Opening Hours: 9.30AM-6PM (Garden)
Opening Hours: 10AM-4.30PM (Museum)

21) Visit the black beach of Seixal (Praia do Porto do Seixal)

Praia do Porto do Seixal is a black sand beach with a stunning view of the northern coast of Madeira. It’s located in the town of Seixal, about 45 minutes from Funchal.

It’s a good beach for swimming and sunbathing, but make sure to check the weather before driving up here since the weather on the northern side of the island can be quite unpredictable.

Combine this beach with a visit to the Seixal Natural Swimming Pools.

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22) Walk the Levada dos Cedros

This beautiful Levada walk is mostly flat and can easily be combined with the Fanal Forest. In fact, Levada dos Cedros trail starts at the Regional Highway E.R. 209 on the Paúl da Serra plateau, just 500 metres before the Fanal parking area.

The levada itself is quite relaxing for the most part, whit some great spots along the way. You will walk by a viewpoint, a beautiful bridge and some small waterfalls before reaching the last and main waterfall.

You can do this levada as a loop pairing it with Fanal Forest, but this include climbing up some stairs for a 300m+ elevation gain.

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23) Visit the famous Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal (Farmer’s Market)

Mercado dos Lavradores opened in 1940 and it’s a fruit, vegetable, flower and fish market in the old town of Funchal, Madeira. Unlike other destinations where the local markets display the identity of the place you’re visiting, Mercado dos Lavradores became sort of a tourist trap over the years, especially its ground floor.

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It’s still an interesting place to visit, with the fish section and other areas having reasonable prices, but double check the cost any time you are looking into buying something. Check out upper floors for vegetables!

24) Enjoy the view at Miradouro Eira do Serrado

This viewpoint offers some of the best views over the Nuns Valley in central Madeira. The vertical drop from the viewpoint has no equal on the island.

It is a very easy viewpoint to visit: Eira do Serrado isn’t far from Funchal and the access is via a short trail that starts in Estalagem Eira do Serrado.

The cafè is nothing special but its prices are also very affordable.

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25) Explore the Jardim Botanico in Funchal

Jardim Botanico is simply delightful any time of the year. These gardens showcase over 2000 plants and flowers from Madeira and the world on a steep but vast slope on the hills over Funchal. Jardim Botanico also offers stunning views over the city of Funchal.

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We recommend visiting Jardim Botanico on your own and not as part of a guided tour, for the best experience.

Opening Time: 9AM to 6PM
Entrance fee: €6 ($7 USD)

26) Stop by the arch on the cliff

You can find this arch right after the tunnel of Ponta do Sol. To get to the actual arch, you need to cross a old bridge, which is also how the viewpoint is named on google maps.

There is no parking lot but being a secondary road it’s pretty normal for people to park along the road or even inside the tunnel.

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27) Check out the impressive views at Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão offers a great scenic cliff-side view of the Atlantic Ocean on the southern coast of Madeira Island. What makes this viewpoint unique is that it is known for its suspended glass platform, offering a clear unobstructed view.

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28) Visit the North Mills distillery

The North Mills distillery is a Rum Factory in Porto da Cruz, on the nortern side of the island. Its local name is Engenhos do Norte and it was built in 1927. This distillery produces some of the finest rums on the island which are also widely recognised across the world, and offer free tours as well as a small but free rum tasting.

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29) Check out the rooftop bars in Funchal

Explore Funchal’s nightlife and have a drink in one of the rooftop bars of the city. There are several around the city but we loved Three House rooftop bar for its quality and its reasonable prices. A high-quality cocktail here costed €8 ($9 USD).

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30) Miradouro Lombo do Mouro & the scenic road

Along the very same ER110 you will also find Lombo do Mouro, a beautiful U-shaped turn with a stunning view. Just before Lombo do Mouro is the scenic road, arguably the best road on the entire Madeira island.

Both of these places very much deserve a visit, so rent a car and explore inland Madeira!

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31) Go Whale Watching 🎒

Whale watching is one of the most fun and interesting activities you can do in Madeira. It is an activity that you can do all year round, however, some species only swim in the waters of Madeira during specific seasons.

Spotted Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Pilot Whale, Sperm Whale, Blainville’s Beaked Whale, Bryde’s Whale are just some of the 28 species recorded in Madeira.

You can opt to do this tour with one of the many companies on the island, like Lobosonda, H20 Madeira, OceanSee, OnTales, Ventura, VMT (Catamaran trips) and more.

A whale watching tour costs around €40-50 ($45-57 USD) and it lasts about 3 hours.

32) Rocha do Navio cable car (Teleférico)

Rocha do Navio cable car is located on the north coast of Madeira, in the municipality of Santana. This cable car was originally built as a means of transport for local farmers. It is now used to allow visitors to access the Natural Reserve of Rocha do Navio.

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NEARBY: The “Traditional Houses in Santana” are located a few meters away from Rocha do Navio and they are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Madeira.

33) Hike the Vereda dos Balcões

If you’re looking for a very easy hike with stunning views over Madeira’s peaks, PR 11 – Vereda dos Balcões is a perfect choice. The trail is about 1.5km long (one way), and gives access to the Balcões viewpoint with stunning views over the Ribeira da Metade valley.

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Although it has been classified as a Vereda, it’s more like a walk than a hike, as the trail follows for about 1.4km the path of a Levada. The last 100m connect the Levada with the viewpoint.

34) Take a photo at Cascada dos Anjos

Cascada dos Anjos is well known for being the waterfall that falls directly on the road below, before reaching the ocean. It is located in Ponta do Sol, about 30 minutes (25km) from Funchal or about 10 km west of Ribeira Brava.

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35) Hike Pico Grande

Sitting at 1.654 metres above sea level, Pico Grande isn’t the highest mountain on Madeira, but it’s definitely one of the most spectacular. In fact, Pico Grande is located in the centre of Madeira and offers stunning views of the central massif as well as the valley of nuns and more.

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The Pico Grande hike can be combined with Pico do Jorge (on a trip that starts in Boca da Encumeada and ends in Boca da Corrida), do it as a round trip from Boca da Corrida or even starting in Boca da Corrida and ending up in Curral das Freiras.

36) Visit the Desertas Islands

The Desertas Islands are a small archipelago of uninhabited islands located about 26km southwest of Madeira. They are composed by Deserta Grande, the Ilhéu Chão and the Bugio, and they are often referred to as the Galapagos of Europe.

In fact, the waters of the Desertas Islands are home to a small but important population of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, which has been growing in the last decades after decades of high hunting.

Check out Ventura do Mar, Atlantic Pearl, SeaBookings, LokoLoko and more for boat tours to the Desertas Islands.

⏰ HOURS AND RATES:
Ticket: €80 ($91 USD)
Opening Days: All year round (different companies go on different days)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM

37) Go wine tasting in Funchal

If you like the idea of tasting some good Madeira wine but you don’t have a car to explore the island, check out the wineries in Funchal’s historic centre. Out of the 8 major producers of Madeira wine, 2 of them are nestled in Madeira’s capital old town: Blandy’s Wine Lodge and Pereira D’Oliveira.

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Blandy’s Wine Lodge offers a 45-minute long tour which include an explanation of the wine making process, history of the winery and a wine tasting. The tour is priced at €9.50 ($11 USD).

Pereira D’Oliveira doesn’t offer any wine tour, but you get to try 3 different wines (they’ve actually offered us 6 different wines) and it is free of charge.

Both places have a shop where you can purchase Madeira wine among other souvenirs, at a reasonable price.

38) Admire the view at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

Sandwiched between Seixal and São Vicente, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva offers a stunning view over the northern coast of Madeira. Here you can admire a waterfall falling right down into the ocean.

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39) Visit the viewpoint of Ponta do Garajau and Cristo Rei

Ponta do Garajau is a beautiful sunset viewpoint just a few km east from Funchal. A staircase lead straight down towards the ocean, and it’s a popular spot also among locals. On top of the cliff there is a statue called Cristo Rei, an art deco statue which was built in 1927.

The statue is about 15 meters tall, and there is a free parking lot right before the viewpoint.

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40) Don’t miss the town of São Vicente

São Vicente is a small municipality located in the northern coast of Madeira, which is very popular for its caves. The town itself is nestled in one of the most beautiful valleys of Madeira, and it’s a place where you can surf, relax or

TO DO: Visit São Vicente Caves and the Volcanism Centre. The entrance fee is 8€ ($9 USD). The Volcanism Centre and the Caves are open every day of the year (except December 25) from 10AM to 7PM.

41) Check out Igreja de São João Evangelista (Colégio) in Funchal

The Church of Saint John the Evangelist of the College of Funchal is located in the historic city centre of Funchal and is one of the richest churches on the island. The inside of the chapels in the Colégio are ornately decorated with gilded woodcarvings and colourful ceramic tiles. If there is no ongoing mass, pop your head and admire the beautiful art covering the church from wall to wall.

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42) Check out Miradouro da Bica da Cana

Are you driving along the ER110, the road that goes in the middle of Madeira Island? Then you should definitely consider stopping halfway there and check out Miradouro da Bica da Cana.

Located 1.560m above the sea level, Miradouro da Bica da Cana offers a unique view over the valley of S. Vicente, in the centre of Madeira. Visit it at sunrise for a stunning view over the clouds.

NEARBY: This viewpoint is located near Levada das 25 Fontes, the Scenic Road and Lagoa do Fanal.

43) See the rock formations at Praia da Ribeira da Janela

This picturesque beach is located just a few hundred meters away from Porto Moniz, and it’s well-known for its spectacular rock formations: Ilheus da Rib and Ilheus da Janela.

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You can park your car in a very convenient location near the beach. The parking is free of charge.

44) Try Paragliding

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Paragliding over the coasts of Madeira is an experience not to be missed.

You can do this with one of the several small companies that offer a Paragliding experience: MadAir Paragliding, Madeira Paragliding, Madeira Wings, I Can Fly Madeira and more.

A flight will cost you around €80 to €100 ($91 to $113 USD)

45) Walk along the promenade at Praia Formosa in Funchal

Praia Formosa is a beautiful beach that can be easily visited from Funchal. It’s located in Sao Martinho, just a few km from Funchal’old town. It’s a great sunset spot where you can choose to either swim in the ocean or have a drink in one of the many (and surprisingly not too overpriced) bars that are found by the beach.

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46) Check out Miradouro Boca da Corrida

Sitting at about 1000m above sea level, this viewpoint showcases the beauty of the Curral das Freiras valley. The viewpoint itself is nice, but it’s also the starting point for the Pico Grande hike!

47) Miradouro do Guindaste

If you happen to be in Praia do Faial, make sure to stop at Miradouro do Guindaste. This viewpoint is located in the northern side of the Island, in the municipality of Santana, and it offers a beautiful view of the northern coast from a small cliff on the ocean.

48) Pico dos Bodes / Miradouro Raposeira

Pico dos Bodes or Miradouro Raposeira is one of those places you only discover thanks to a local guide. Our guide Marcio from Madeira Wonder Hikes took us to this gorgeous viewpoint that offers incredible views over the coastal town of Paul do Mar.

From here you can also see the Caminho Real do Paul do Mar, as well as part of the town of Jardin do Mar.

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49) Caminho Real do Paul do Mar (PR19)

Caminho Real do Paul do Mar is such a unique walk on the island. This trail goes all the way down a very steep cliff, leading to the small village of Paul Do Mar.

The trail takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to go both ways. The stairs may be quite slippery, so proper hiking shoes are recommended.

50) Swim at Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas (Poças do Gomes)

The Natural Pools of Doca do Cavacas are located next to Praia Formosa and are the easiest to get to from Funchal. You can expect these pools to be quite crowded, especially in high season.

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