Bom dia Madeira! I first set foot on the “Hawaii of Europe” in July 2024 and loved it so much I went back in June 2025. Needless to say that this island stole my heart. Rugged volcanic cliffs, lush forests, crystal-clear waters, epic waterfalls, incredible food … this island has it all! Instead of sticking to the usual tourist spots, I went off the beaten path (for both visits) to explore hidden corners and unforgettable experiences. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Madeira, off the beaten track!
Your trip is coming soon and you still haven’t booked anything? I got you covered! Here my top picks of hotels, tours, activities, etc!
– Best Tours and Experiences in Madeira:
・Hop-on hop-off bus with 30 different stops on the south coast;
・Day tour for Madeira’s western highlights;
・Wine Tasting Guided Tour & Cabo Girão Skywalk;
・Madeira full day 4WD tour (Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal).
– Best Places to Stay in Madeira:
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Barcelo Funchal Old Town & Melia Madeira Mare (iconic hotels in Funchal)
・Hotel Cajú and FLH Viola (great budget options in Funchal)
Best Things to do in Funchal, Madeira
Perched between the mountains and the sea, Funchal is a capital city where nature and culture intertwine at every turn. Vibrant gardens spill down the hillsides, terracotta rooftops glow in the afternoon light, and the scent of tropical flowers mingles with salty ocean air. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning exploring lush botanical gardens, the afternoon swimming in volcanic pools, and the evening wandering through cobbled streets alive with art, music and local life.
It’s also a very good base to explore the rest of the island. I actually stayed in Funchal both times as all the best things to do in Madeira are just a 30-40 minute drive away. Here are some of my favorite things to do in and around Funchal, a mix of peaceful corners, local gems and unforgettable views.
Monte Palace Gardens
One of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen and probably one of my favorite things to do in Funchal is the Monte Palace Gardens. High above the city, it feels like stepping into another world. Winding paths lead through Japanese bridges, koi-filled ponds, flamingos and exotic plants from across the globe. The views over Funchal Bay are breathtaking, especially on a clear day. Take the cable car up for panoramic vistas, and wander back down slowly through the greenery, it’s one of the most tranquil spots in the city.
Tip: Opens daily, 9am-6pm. I recommend to go there at opening as it can get really busy, especially with large groups from 10am. If you go at opening, you don’t have to buy your ticket in advance. Count 2 hours.
Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha)
The historic heart of Funchal is bursting with character. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful painted doors, small galleries, and lively cafés.
- Funchal Market: If you visit on a Friday or a Saturday, make sure to stop by the Market, bustling with local life, piles of fruits and veggies and the prettiest flowers. It’s a relatively small market but you’ll still find many cafes on the side, perfect for breakfast. Try to visit before 10am to avoid tour groups.
- Igreja de São João Evangelista: also known as the Jesuit Church. From the outside it looks fairly modest, but step inside and you’ll find an extraordinary interior filled with intricate gilded woodwork, painted ceilings, and baroque details. Built in the 17th century by the Jesuits, it’s one of the most impressive historical buildings in Funchal and a hidden gem tucked just steps from the City Hall.
- Funchal City Hall: The Câmara Municipal do Funchal and its beautiful courtyard. This historical building now houses Funchal’s administrative hub but the courtyard is open to the public, and free!
- Sao Tiago Fort: Along the shores, you will find this beautiful yellow building contrasting perfectly with the ocean’s blue. It’s the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon soaking in the island’s atmosphere.
Rua de Santa Maria
Nestled in the heart of Funchal’s old town, the Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest and most vibrant streets of the city. It is famous for its “Art of Open Doors”, a project where over 200 doors serve as canvases for local artists, transforming the street into a lively public art gallery. It is best enjoyed in the morning, as most doors will be closed.
Sidecar Tour
For a fun twist on sightseeing, hop into a vintage sidecar and explore Funchal from a different perspective. You’ll cruise through historic neighborhoods, climb scenic hills, and reach viewpoints that most tourists miss, all with the wind in your hair and the sea glimmering below. We did it with Madeira sidecar tours and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
Carved into volcanic rock, these natural pools are one of Funchal’s best-kept secrets. The water is crystal clear, protected from the waves, and perfect for a refreshing swim. Come early to enjoy the calm before the crowds arrive, or stay for sunset when the light turns the cliffs golden. It’s only 10 minutes outside Funchal, or 30 minutes walking from where most hotels are.
Tip: Opens daily 10am-8pm, unless weather/sea conditions are too rough. Ticket cost 5,50€ for the day, or 2,90€ from 6pm!
Tip 2: Make sure to check the wind direction before visiting. If the wind is straight on Funchal, you might want to visit the Seixal Natural Pools or Porto Moniz Natural Pools on the other side of the island instead.
Artesanato da Madeira
Another very unique thing to do is checking out Artesanato da Madeira, a hub for traditional Madeiran crafts. Not only you can browse local handmade pieces, but you can also find workshops where you can learn traditional techniques, like knitting a Barrete de Orelhas, a classic wool farmers’ hat. They offer different types of workshop at various times, so it’s definitely worth checking their socials or asking in person to see what’s on during your stay.
Catamaran Sunset Tour
There’s no better way to end a day in Funchal than sailing into the sunset. The coastline glows in soft golden light as dolphins often play in the waves alongside the boat. Bring a jacket, a camera, and a sense of wonder, this is Madeira at its dreamiest. I was lucky enough to do it twice, once privately with Magic Dolphin Madeira (they usually only do Whales & Dolphins day tours but you can book your catamaran sunset tour here) and once for the fireworks which happens every Saturday in June! Make sure to book in advance as it gets full real quick!
Best Things to do in Madeira
Beyond Funchal, Madeira’s landscape transforms into a playground of mountains, forests, waterfalls and ocean cliffs. Whether you’re hiking through ancient laurel woods, tasting local wine or kayaking beneath volcanic cliffs, the island invites you to slow down and connect with its wild beauty.
Hikes & Levadas
One of the best things to do in Madeira is definitely hiking! Madeira is a hiker’s dream: a network of ancient irrigation paths, or levada, winding through native forests, tunnels, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Levadas started to be built 400 years ago as a way to carry water, abundant in the north and more rare in the south. Nowadays, there’s 2300km of levada, including 40km in tunnels. With more than 200 hiking trails in Madeira, whether you’re after a gentle walk surrounded by greenery or a challenging mountain trail, there’s a path here for every kind of explorer. Here are a few of my favorites.
Tip: Before going on a hike, always check the weather and if your trail is open!
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
This trail feels like a hidden secret tucked away in the lush north of the island. The path follows a peaceful levada surrounded by moss, ferns, and the sound of running water. You’ll cross a few long tunnels (a headlamp is a must!) before reaching a beautiful waterfall at the end, the perfect spot for a quiet break. It’s a gentle walk but full of atmosphere, especially after a bit of rain when everything glistens.
PR16 | 8.7 km return | Easy
Levada Velha do Rabaçal
One of my favorite hikes on Madeira. The trail winds through the island’s lush, protected Laurissilva forest, the same magical ecosystem you’ll find in Fanal. The air is damp and earthy, the greenery almost unreal. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking deep valleys before ending in a long, atmospheric tunnel. It’s not a loop, but the path is mostly flat and peaceful, so doing the return is just as enjoyable.
PR6.4 | 13 km return | Easy to moderate
Vereda do Larano to Boca do Risco
One of Madeira’s most breathtaking coastal walks. The trail clings to the cliffs between Machico and Porto da Cruz, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic at every step. We did it in the afternoon, but I’d recommend going in the morning for softer light on the cliffs and calmer winds. It’s not too hard, but some sections are narrow so wear good shoes and take your time to soak it all in.
PR10 | 10 km return | Moderate
Pínaculo e Folhadal
This trail is a bit of a hidden gem and definitely one for seasoned hikers. Starting from Bica da Cana, the trail leads through dense forest, narrow levadas, and endless stairs before opening up to sweeping mountain views. It’s long (about 12 km one way to Encumeada), and currently the section between Bica da Cana and Lombo do Mouro is closed, so you’ll need to hike back the same way. Expect tired legs and a full heart: this hike is as wild and rewarding as Madeira gets.
PR17 | 15 km one way (currently partially closed) | Challenging
Tip: Make sure it’s a clear & sunny day or you’ll end up in fog like I did!
Nature, Villages & Hidden Gems
But of course, there’s more to Madeira than hiking! From ancien forests and crystal-clear natural pools to quiet coastal villages and vineyards overlooking the ocean, every corner holds its own kind of magic. Here are my favorite things to do in Madeira beyond the trails.
Fanal Forest
First is Fanal Forest. This instagram-famous forest is definitely not a hidden gem but it is still a must for me! Fanal Forest is a part of Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which feels like stepping into another planet. It is part of the wider Macaronesian region, which includes the Azores, the Canary Islands (La Gomera) and Cabo Verde. All these volcanic islands share remnants of the same subtropical laurel forest that once covered southern Europe and North Africa, more than 20 million years ago. The twisted trees make this place other-wordly, especially when wrapped in fog. It is really magical to see these living fragments of Earth’s ancien past still bursting with life.
Knowing this, please be mindful when visiting. Avoid climbing or hanging on the trees, and try not to touch them. This ecosystem may have existed for thousands of years, but it remains incredibly fragile, and increasing tourism can slowly damage it. Respect the forest so it can continue thriving for generations to come.
Tip: I went first early just after sunrise (around 7am) and it was clear and sunny; and then midday and it was all misty! You just never know what you’ll find but it’s magical in both case!
Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos is a colorful fishing village once painted by Winston Churchill. I loved just wandering around the harbor and inside the narrow streets, admiring the pretty whitewashed houses with red roofs and the street art on Rua São João de Deus. The harbor is a great place to stop grab a coffee or have dinner while watching the sunset glow over the bay.
Seixal Black Sand Beach
Seixal Beach is covered in volcanic black sand, creating a striking contrast with the turquoise water and lush green mountains that surround it. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira and a perfect place to relax after a morning of hiking or exploring the north coast. Arrive early if you can, the scenery is especially magical when the morning light hits the cliffs behind the beach.
Seixal Natural Pools
Seixal beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll visit in Madeira! It’s also the perfect spot for sunrise! Next to it, the Seixal Pools are one of the best free things to do in Madeira! Black volcanic rock, crystal-clear water and mountains in the background, these pools are way more naturals than the ones in Porto Moniz and they’re free!
Lombinho Waterfall
A quiet gem tucked into the hills, perfect for a short (steep) walk and a refreshing splash. Surrounded by greenery, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget time exists. We drove down the road in a 4×4, and I wouldn’t recommend attempting it without a sturdy car. The road is extremely narrow and incredibly steep; in fact, it’s one of the steepest roads in Madeira. Drive carefully if you decide to go down/back up, especially if you’re going to/coming from Ribeira da Janela.
Mercado Quinhentista (Century Market), Machico
If you’re visiting Madeira in early June, don’t miss the Mercado Quinhentista in Machico. This annual festival transforms the town into a vibrant 15th-century market, celebrating the arrival of the first Portuguese settlers to Madeira. Locals dress in period costumes, traditional crafts come to life, musicians fill the streets, and food stalls serve historical recipes inspired by the island’s past. It feels less like a tourist attraction and more like stepping back in time. If your dates align, it’s one of the most unique cultural experiences on the island.
Quinta do Barbusano Vineyards
Overlooking the beautiful Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima in São Vicente, this vineyard offers stunning views and wine tastings rooted in a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. You can also have lunch here and it’s part of a great guided tour to do!
Adventure Experiences
If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, Madeira has (also) plenty to offer! Between land and water, it’s the perfect place to dive, kayak or climb your way through unforgettable landscapes.
Kayaking in Seixal or Caniço
Exploring Madeira from the water gives you a completely new perspective. In Seixal, you’ll kayak along dramatic black cliffs and discover hidden coves and natural pools carved by the waves. In Caniço, the sea is a bit calmer and crystal clear, ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a slower pace. As it is part of the Marine Nature Reserve, it is also a great spot for snorkelling, and your kayak guide will likely provide you equipment for that! Either way, you’ll see parts of the coastline few ever do.
☞ See tickets and availabilities Caniço kayak & snorkelling tour here.
Canyoning
For those who crave a little adrenaline, canyoning in Madeira is pure joy. You’ll trek through lush forests, jump into natural pools, and rappel down waterfalls hidden deep in the island’s heart. It was my first time trying canyoning, and as someone who’s afraid of heights, I was quite nervous at the beginning. But the guides at Harmony in Nature were fantastic! They made me feel completely safe, took their time to encourage us and turned what started as fear into pure excitement. By the end, I was soaked, giddy and so proud of myself! Beyond the thrill, canyoning takes you through parts of Madeira you’d never see otherwise, and that’s what makes it truly special.
☞ See tickets and availability for a canyoning adventure in Madeira
Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal or Calheta
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun melt into the Atlantic from the deck of a catamaran. The coastline glows golden, revealing textures and cliffs you can’t see from the land. And if you’re lucky, dolphins (or even whales, from April to October!) might join the show! Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection or a romantic evening at sea, this experience captures Madeira’s magic in motion and is one I can’t recommend enough.
- Sunset boat tour from Funchal
- Whales & Dolphins tour
- Boat Tour from Calheta (small groups, up to 5)
Diving
If you have your certification, then Madeira must be on your diver’s list spot, if only for the legendary Afonso Cerqueira shipwreck. While I didn’t get a chance to do it, my friend Ellie (@thegingerwanderlust) did two dives there and you can read all about it in her blog post for Visit Madeira!
☞ See tickets and availability for a diving session in Madeira
Best Viewpoints
Last but not least, Madeira is a photographer’s paradise. It’s a place where light constantly changes the landscape, turning cliffs, forests and valleys into golden, glowing scenes. Whether you’re an early bird chasing sunrises or a never-miss-a-sunset kinda person, these viewpoints will take your breath away.
Bica da Cana
One of my all time favorite viewpoints! High in the mountains, Bica da Cana provides a breathtaking sunrise location. At 1564 m, it’s nearly as high as Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s tallest peak at 1862 m. Morning clouds often drift below the peak, creating the feeling of standing above the world. You can either hike there or go by jeep as a half-day sunrise tour (as we did). In any case, go early, bring warm layers, and a flask of coffee and enjoy a peaceful, almost otherworldly start to the day.
Ribeira da Janela
Home to the iconic Ilhéus da Janela, rock formations towering over 30 metres high, this viewpoint along the north coast is one of Madeira’s most photogenic spots. The ocean crashes against the cliffs below, and the natural arches create a dramatic frame for sunrise or sunset photography.
Rocha do Navio
Another of my favorite viewpoints, Rocha do Navio offers sweeping views over the Atlantic and the tiny settlements below. Perched above the northern cliffs, the viewpoint is dramatic: sheer drops and rugged coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s especially striking in the late afternoon when the sun casts long shadows across the cliffs.
Miradouro do Pico Redondo
A very short walk (with some stairs) leads to this viewpoint, but the views are immense. When we visited, almost the entire island was cloudy or rainy, so we used Madeira Webcams to locate the only sunny spot! And boy, it was worth every second. On clear days, the panorama stretches over valleys, cliffs, and the Atlantic in every direction.
Fajã dos Padres
A hidden gem on the southern coast, Fajã dos Padres is a peaceful terrace-like settlement surrounded by banana plantations and cliffs. The sunsets here are calm and golden, reflecting off the ocean and the terraces, making it feel like a secret garden by the sea.
Miradouro do Guindaste
Wild, remote, and often quiet, this viewpoint gives a raw sense of Madeira’s rugged north coast. The cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic, and the sunlight hitting the jagged rocks can create a magical, almost cinematic scene. Perfect for a reflective pause or landscape photography.
Best Restaurants in Madeira
Madeira has some fantastic local specialties that are a must-try on your trip! From delicious fresh fish to honey-soaked cakes (Bolo de Mel) or a traditional espeta, here are some of my favorite places to eat in Madeira.
Where to eat in Funchal
- Horta Restaurant: Healthy comfort food on a gastronomic level (book in advance!).
- Avista Restaurant: Gastronomic Madeiran cuisine with a spectacular ocean view (book in advance!).
- Brunch Club Madeira: Cozy and perfect for late mornings, lunch or brunch, vegetarian & vegan friendly.
- Fala Fala: Bright, healthy vegetarian food.
- Design Center Nini Andrade Restaurant: Delicious bistronomic food in a unique setup with an amazing view all over Funchal bay (book in advance!).
- Akua: Best seafood restaurant in town, by Chef Júlio Pereira (book in advance!).
- Kampo: Contemporary dining highlighting local ingredients by Chef Júlio Pereira, vegan options (book in advance!).
Where to eat in Madeira
- Vila do Peixe (Câmara de Lobos): Delicious seafood restaurant overlooking the beautiful Câmara de Lobos bay.
- Anônimo Restaurant (Câmara de Lobos): Best pizzas right on the port!
- Las Caraibas (Seixal): Delicious (and cheap) local food next to the Seixal Natural Pools.
- Calheta Green (Calheta): Great Madeiran cuisine.
Where to Stay in Madeira
I recommend staying in Funchal as it is very convenient and most sights are within 30 to 40 minutes drive. However, if you’d like a change of scenery, you can split your trip in two, with a longer stay in Funchal and a few extra nights near Porto Moniz, on the north of the island. I stayed at The Views Monumental (before they undergone renovations) and Melia Madeira Mare, which I can only recommend. Both locations where just perfect, on the Lido of Funchal, just steps away from the ocean and the Promenade do Lido. Another beautiful hotel in the city center are Barcelo Funchal Old Town or nice options there are Hotel Cajú and FLH Viola.
General Information
How to get there & how to get around
There’s only one airport serving the island: Madeira Christiano Ronaldo Airport (yes, the famous footballer was born here!). Although the plane landing runway is very short, and in some cases of extremely strong winds, planes can be delayed, it is very unlikely that it will happen to you since they enlarged it a few years ago.
Renting a car in Madeira is not a luxury, it’s a must! You’ll need it to explore all the island has to offer. Public transportation is available but limited and don’t take you to the best spots. In case you can’t rent a car, here are some of the best tours you can book from Funchal:
- Hop-on hop-off bus with 30 different stops on the south coast;
- Day tour for Madeira’s western highlights;
- Wine Tasting Guided Tour & Cabo Girão Skywalk;
- Madeira full day 4WD tour (Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal).
How Many Days on Madeira
With so much to see and do in Madeira, you can easily stay a month without getting bored! However, I’d recommend 10 days to see all of the most beautiful places on the island. I do recommend as well to have one or two flexible days in your itinerary, as the weather can be quite unpredictable.
Best time to visit
Speaking of weather, Madeira is often called the Island of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild climate year-round. However, some months are better than others. May is famous for the Madeira Flower Festival, while December and January is very popular for New Year’s Eve fireworks. June is often called the “helmet month” (capacete), a layer of clouds that can settle over the entire island for quite a few days but it’s also the month of Portugal day (June 10th) and of fireworks (every saturday).
For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, I personally recommend visiting in March–April or September–October. Early July was also surprisingly good and not as crowded as I expected.
Although the south coast is generally sunny, Madeira is known to have the four seasons in one day! Because of this, always be prepared with extra layers and a raincoat and always check the weather on the live webcams all around the island.
Madeira is an island of contrasts, wild yet peaceful, dramatic yet soothing. The more you explore, the more it reveals its hidden beauty. I hope this guide will inspire you to go beyond the obvious and discover your own version of Madeira! I’ve put everything that I thought was necessary for you to plan your best trip there. But if you need, feel free to reach out with any questions! And don’t forget to tag me in your stories and posts on Instagram if this article inspires you!
With love,
Marina
💡 Did you know that…
By purchasing through my links, you support me at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
If you liked this post, pin it for later!
