There are many reasons to visit a new place, like trying new food, exploring attractions, and going on outdoor adventures. Madeira combines all those things in a stretch of about 300 square miles. As if that wasn’t good enough, it’s blessed with year-round nice weather.
While I don’t live in Madeira (I’m sadly forced to cope with the northern Portugal rain), I wish I did. I aim to visit once a year to catch some sun, explore stunning landscapes, and eat the delicious traditional dishes you can only find there. Today, I’ll share the very best things to do in Madeira based on my own experiences.
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Things To Do in Madeira
1. Guided Tuk Tuk Tour to Toboggan Rides
To go from the village of Monte to the capital city of Funchal, the only way is down. That’s why the locals invented the toboggan, a sled-like vehicle made of wicker, more than 150 years ago. Fast forward into the future, and the toboggan has now become one of the iconic symbols of Funchal.
To ride the toboggan in style, I suggest you join this guided Tuk Tuk tour leading to a toboggan ride. The cost of the ride itself is not included (circa €25), but the 105-minute Tuk Tuk tour is perfect for learning more about Madeira. The tour also includes a stop at the Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, a famous viewpoint in Monte from where you can see the entire city of Funchal.
2. Monte Palace Gardens
Once a lavish 19th-century hotel, the Monte Palace Gardens is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Madeira, as well as a symbol of the archipelago’s botanical diversity. For only €15 per person (children under 15 get to enter for free), you can explore more than 70,000 square meters of lush flora, beautiful tile art, sculptures, and a dedicated indoor museum.
My favorite part of Monte Palace Gardens is the lake, peacefully inhabited by koi carp, flamingos, and swans. The palace also boasts an impressive oriental garden filled with Buddha statues and marble sculptures that will make you feel like you’ve suddenly arrived in Japan.
3. Madeira Botanical Garden
Perhaps not as impressive as the Monte Palace Gardens, the Madeira Botanical Garden is yet another must-visit site on the outskirts of Funchal. Boasting 2,000 species of exotic plants, it also has a great view of the city, a herbarium, and a small natural history museum.
The best way to visit? By cable car, of course! One-way tickets cost as little as €18 for adults and €8 for children under the age of 15.
4. Funchal-Monte Cable Car
Speaking of cable cars, how could one ignore what’s perhaps the most visited attraction in Funchal? The Funchal-Monte cable car is a Madeira island classic, allowing passengers to travel between Funchal city center (close to the ocean) and the idyllic village of Monte, sitting more than 2.2 miles high.
A two-way ride costs €14.50 for adults and €7.25 for children, but it’s worth it! Even though the cable car only takes 20 minutes to ascend and descend, it covers many must-see Funchal attractions, including the famous Monte Church and the aforementioned Monte Palace Gardens.
5. Funchal Market
Known locally as the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market), the Funchal Market is often snubbed by locals for being a bit too expensive. For tourists, however, it’s pretty much perfect, as you can find all of Madeira’s best fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish in one single place.
My special recommendation? Try the delicious chocolates from Uau Cacau, a company specializing in locally flavored bonbons made with unique ingredients such as pitanga (one of the favorite local fruits) and Madeira wine.
6. Funchal City Hall
Every city has a city hall, and some are nothing but forgettable administrative buildings. Not Funchal’s, though, which happens to be a beautiful 18th-century building that’s worth a visit.
The city hall is fronted by a lovely tiled patio, but the building’s standout feature is the interior courtyard. I suggest you take 20 to 30 minutes to explore this area before moving on to a walking tour of Funchal’s charming old town.
7. Walking Tour of Funchal Old Town
When I visit Funchal, I always try to find a hotel in the old part of the city. I’m especially fond of downtown Funchal, with its narrow medieval streets filled with restaurants and traditional shops. The old town is also Funchal’s undeniable melting pot, the site where tourists, locals, students, and street sellers meet.
Exploring these old streets at night is great, but there’s nothing quite like a two-hour guided tour to Funchal’s old town to grasp the best the city has to offer. The tour is led by a well-versed guide who’s more than ready to share secret stories of medieval Funchal and recommend the best places to eat and buy local wine.
8. Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Sailing Tour
After a pleasant stroll in Funchal, why not get away from the city noise by enjoying a relaxing dolphin and whale-watching sunset sailing tour for three hours? This unforgettable maritime experience makes for a unique opportunity to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, up to three miles away from the Madeira coast.
The tour comes with snorkeling equipment, an open bar, and includes a stop for swimming at Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s best-known hiking spots. Availability depends on the weather, but that shouldn’t be too big of a problem considering Madeira enjoys around 220 sunny days per year.
9. Scuba Diving Experience
For an even more immersive ocean adventure, I recommend trying this scuba diving experience for beginners. Madeira is a great place to learn scuba diving because of its calm waters, abundant dive points, and exquisite underwater reefs teeming with marine life. The tour lasts two to three hours and is supervised by a certified professional diver.
One of the best things about this scuba diving experience is that it takes place at Funchal’s Ecological Park, itself a tourist attraction worth visiting. Sitting roughly 7.4 miles away from Funchal’s city center, this massive natural reserve is much more than a mere dive point.
It allows for other interesting outdoor opportunities such as BTT riding, canyoning, birdwatching, and if you’re brave enough, free flight experiences.
10. Dive With Sharks and Stingrays at Madeira Aquarium
The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, where you get to swim in artificial pools filled with fresh ocean water, are one of my favorite spots in the whole of Madeira. Sitting right next to the pools, you can find the Madeira Aquarium, a living, wildlife museum with 12 exhibition tanks and more than 90 native maritime species.
Visiting the Madeira Aquarium is always recommended, but true maritime lovers will probably find the opportunity of actually swimming in one of the aquarium’s tanks even more attractive. To do so, you just need to join this Porto Moniz diving tour.
Like the Madeira Aquarium itself, the tour is simultaneously wild and controlled, allowing you to swim next to mantas, stingrays, and even sharks without venturing dangerously into the ocean. The experience lasts three hours and includes a brief tour of the aquarium.
11. Go on a Hike
No matter how much I visit Madeira, there will always be an epic hike I haven’t tried. Going on a hike is, without a doubt, something every Madeira visitor must do at least once. The good news is that there are plenty of good options to choose from.
Overall, Madeira hikes can be divided into two broad categories: levadas and veredas. Levada is the name given to the man-made irrigation channels that are unique to Madeira and were originally built hundreds of years ago to support traditional agriculture explorations in remote areas of the island. Levada hikes follow these ancient water channels.
Veredas, on the other hand, make for a more familiar type of hike that uses paths specifically created for walking and usually leads to beautiful viewpoints up in the mountains.
The bottom line? Going to Madeira without trying at least one hike should be borderline forbidden! The following are my top four recommendations:
Pico do Areeiro & Pico Ruivo Sunset Hike
A full-day outdoor experience connecting two of the highest mountains on Madeira Island. Food and drinks are not included, so please don’t forget to pack some water and snacks.
25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike
A five-hour hike for people of all ages (it’s not as physically demanding as some of the other options), this levada experience should be a treat for all waterfall lovers out there. In my opinion, the 25 Fontes Falls are one of the most stunning natural attractions in Madeira, so make sure to see them for yourself.
Caniçal UNESCO Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
Instead of venturing inside the island, why not go for an ocean-side hike taking place in a UNESCO natural reserve? The hike passes by Ponta de São Lourenço, arguably the most famous viewpoint on Madeira Island.
Rabaçal Valley Levada Walk
An alternative to the 25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike that also covers the gorgeous 25 Fontes Falls, but starts in the Rabaçal Valley at Paul da Serra. Paul da Serra is the largest plateau on Madeira Island.
These hiking tours include convenient hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, but please don’t forget to wear some comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.
12. Canyoning Tour
With its many waterfalls and levada trails, Madeira is heaven on Earth for anyone who’s into canyoning. And even if you aren’t, I fully recommend that you try it at epic Madeira locations such as Ribeira das Cales and Nun’s Valley. The best part? There are affordable canyoning experiences available for everyone from beginners to experts.
If you’re interested, check out the best canyoning tours in Madeira and book your favorite. Prices average €60 to €70 per person, and the tours are mainly designed to accommodate small groups.
13. Enchanted Terraces, Porto Moniz, and Fanal 4WD Tour
Are you visiting Madeira on a tight schedule? If that’s the case, one-day 4WD tours such as the Enchanted Terraces, Porto Moniz, and Fanal experience are the perfect alternative to lengthy, tiring hikes. In just eight hours, this wonderful tour covers more than 20 natural attractions and tourist hotspots, all aboard an open-top jeep.
The highlight of the tour? Stopping by the Fanal Forest, one of the dreamiest places on Madeira Island. Characterized as a laurel forest, Fanal was already there before the first Portuguese sailors set foot in the archipelago in 1419! Just don’t forget to pack a winter jacket, as the forest can be incredibly windy even on sunny, summer days.
14. Miradouro da Tabaiba (Viewpoint)
There are many viewpoints (known as miradouros in Portugal) in Madeira, but most of them are located in relatively remote areas. Much easier to reach, the Miradouro da Tabaiba is a fine alternative for anyone who’s looking for a scenic view of Funchal but doesn’t want to hike for an hour or so. It’s perfect for a short stop of 10 to 20 minutes.
15. São Tiago Fortress
Every time I visit friends in Funchal, I love to jog the Avenida do Mar (one of the city’s busiest ocean-front streets). I usually round things up with a refreshing swim at São Tiago Fortress before lunch. More than a tourist attraction, visitors and locals get a chance to mingle while sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.
The São Tiago Fortress is a favorite chillout area right in the center of Funchal, so why shouldn’t you take some time to enjoy it? While the yellow-painted 17th-century fortress is itself worthy of a visit, my favorite spot in the area is the adjacent café/snack bar, where you can try delicious lapas (a type of sea snail served fresh with garlic butter and lemon sauce).
16. Sunset at Cristo Rei
Cristo Rei is yet another famous Madeira viewpoint, located at the end of a cliff in the parish of Caniço. Like other viewpoints on the island, it offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and makes for a perfect photo-op. So, what is it that makes it different?
The Cristo Rei viewpoint is unmistakable because of the large statue of Jesus sitting right at the edge of the cliff. Albeit much smaller, it can be compared with the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
The best time of the day to visit? At sunset, of course!
17. Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal Jeep Tour
If you only have one day to explore Madeira, I recommend this Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal Jeep Tour, as it covers four spots I would consider must-see locations for tourists.
The experience lasts about eight hours and, in addition to the four mentioned locations, covers other cool spots on the island such as the Poças das Lesmas volcanic pools (you can swim safely there as long as the sea is calm).
To be honest, I couldn’t think of a better-curated one-day Madeira tour. The adventure starts at the exciting Cabo Girão Skywalk (an additional €2 payment is required for the entry fee), moves on to the black sand beach of Seixal, passes by the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, and ends at the wonderful forest of Fanal.
18. Dine at Michelin-Starred Restaurants
If all these hikes, outdoor experiences, and jeep tours are making you hungry, don’t worry: Madeira has one of the richest gastronomic cultures in Portugal, and I’m not just talking about traditional cuisine!
According to the Michelin Guide, there are nine Madeira restaurants with a highly coveted Michelin Star, and some of them are surprisingly casual and affordable.
These are my top four recommendations:
- Armazém do Sal: Featuring one of the most interesting menus in Funchal and sitting minutes away from Avenida do Mar, this restaurant combines modern and traditional flavors without breaking anyone’s bank. The smoked codfish and the veal chop are to die for!
- Casal da Penha: A Michelin-sponsored restaurant with a tavern-like charm and main dishes selling for under €20 sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, the dream comes true at the lovely Casal da Penha restaurant, a local favorite that’s been serving delicious fresh fish for over three decades.
- Desarma: Arguably the fanciest (and most expensive) restaurant in Funchal, Desarma is also one of the few chef-run establishments in Madeira where you can try an exquisite degustation menu. There are three options to choose from: six, nine, and 12 dishes. And, even though the average cost sits at €200 per person, that’s a small price to pay for the gastronomic experience of a lifetime.
- Vila do Peixe: The only Michelin guide restaurant in the southern municipality of Câmara de Lobos (right next to Cabo Girão), Vila do Peixe is a casual and cheaper alternative to Armazém do Sal and Desarma with an equally diverse Mediterranean menu. The seafood rice is especially good, and a portion for two costs a mere €35.
There are tons of other awesome restaurants in Madeira that are not included in the Michelin Guide, so don’t be afraid to explore by yourself and find some hidden gems.
A pro tip? Anytime you’re hungry, just ask locals for the best place to eat in the area; chances are they will recommend a nice restaurant.
19. Guided Foodie Walking Tour
I don’t know about you, but some of the things I love doing the most while on vacation are eating, drinking, and meeting nice people. Exploring the best restaurants, cafés, and traditional bars in Old Town Funchal, this guided foodie walking tour combines those three activities into a single four-hour experience.
More than just a food tour, however, this offering makes for an excellent opportunity to learn about Madeira’s culture from a qualified tour guide and mingle with like-minded tourists from all over the world.
Knowing the bars in Old Town Funchal, I’m pretty sure you will also get to try two of the island’s favorite alcoholic drinks: the world-famous poncha and the lesser-known nikita.
The poncha is a sugarcane-based spirit made with aguardente (a type of Portuguese rum), honey, and any given natural fruit juice, from orange to pitanga.
The Nikita, on the other hand, is a sugary cocktail combining pineapple ice cream (yes, you’ve read that right), beer, and (occasionally) some type of fruit liqueur. During one of my last visits to Madeira, I was told by a local bartender that the cocktail was named after the Elton John song “Nikita”.
20. Madeira Food, Wine, and Cultural Tour
Madeira being Madeira, there’s naturally more than just one great food tour to try out. Set in Old Town Funchal (and including a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores), this food, wine, and cultural tour covers pretty much all of the island’s must-try food and beverages. And don’t worry: Poncha and Nikita will be served in generous amounts!
The whole experience takes approximately four hours, and there’s a cultural side to it too, as the guide will be more than happy to share interesting details about everything you try. Online, the tour has been described as “Not your typical touristry booking”.
21. Wine Tasting at H. M. Borges Winery
Even though wine is often included in Madeira food tours, I believe there’s nothing quite like trying a Madeira winery tour with wine tasting.
This one is special because it takes place at the H. M. Borges Winery, a wine-tasting site and shop where authentic Madeira wine has been in production since 1887. The building alone is worth seeing, especially if you’re into industrial architecture. The tasting room features paintings by the German artist Max Römer, so it will be a bit like sipping wine inside a museum!
Many aspects contribute to the uniqueness of the Madeira wine, but the estofagem process is one of the most curious. During estofagem, the wine is heated in a way that’s meant to recreate the conditions in which wine was preserved in ships.
22. Full-Day Trip to West Madeira
If you’re the sort of traveler who likes to take things slow, I think you’ll love this eight-hour West Madeira tour. It passes by some of the unmissable spots we have already covered, including the magical forest of Fanal and the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz.
What makes this full-day West Madeira experience unique is that, unlike other tours, kids of all ages are allowed (even babies). Therefore, it’s an ideal program for the whole family, including comfortable transportation and the supervision of an experienced guide.
23. Full-Day Trip to East Madeira
West Madeira is full of awesome things to do, but what about East Madeira? With its mountainous, rugged terrains and relatively dry climate, the East section of the island is worth visiting. It’s displayed in full splendor in this full-day trip to East Madeira, an eight-hour tour selling for less than €40 per person.
The trip includes a stop at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest mountain, and a visit to the municipality of Santana, where you can see firsthand one of the region’s best-known cultural symbols: the Santana houses.
These triangle-shaped, colorful buildings with thatched roofs have been a Madeira landmark pretty much since the archipelago was discovered. You can spot them in all sorts of souvenirs, from fridge magnets to t-shirts, but there’s nothing quite like seeing them for yourself.
24. Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour
Out of all of Madeira’s most famous attractions, the Nuns Valley was the one that took me the longest to visit. Not because I wasn’t interested, much on the contrary, but because the place can be very hard to reach. Luckily, all you need to do to get there is sign up for this Nuns Valley half-day tour with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Known locally as Curral das Freiras, the Nuns Valley is a small village lost in a dormant crater in the municipality of Santa Cruz. The village was founded in the 16th century, and its secluded location was meant to protect inhabitants from the common threat of pirate attacks.
25. Experience the Nightlife in Funchal
With its yearlong sunny days and natural splendor, Madeira is, by all means, a daytime tourist destination. That, of course, doesn’t mean night owls need to call it a day and go back to their hotels once the sun goes down.
If you like to be active at night, sip a few drinks, and perhaps even dance for a bit, you can find some exciting nightlife activities in Funchal.
To drink a cocktail and enjoy a nice after-hours conversation, you can try one of the city’s many rooftop bars, like the classy Three House Hotel bar with a garden and a rooftop pool.
Alternatively, take a stroll through Old Town Funchal and find a nice spot to drink poncha with the locals. The best place to start? The ever-charming, always-busy Santa Maria Street.
If you’re looking for a more conventional nightlife experience (bars with loud music, clubs, and so forth), the first thing you should do is… Curb your expectations. There are some cool nightlife spots in Funchal, but don’t expect anything too exciting.
One of the safest options is the Barreirinha Bar Café, where many locals (especially youngsters) get together to drink poncha every Friday and Saturday night. During weekdays, the Museu Café bar is a cool place to go, as they sometimes host live music jams that can get a crowd of 50 to 100 people together.
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Best Time To Visit Madeira
I’ve visited Madeira in the spring, summer, and winter months, and was never disappointed. The local climate is one of the island’s strongest perks, with an abundance of sunny days. So, deciding the best time to visit depends on what you prefer…
If you’d like to save some money on accommodation, avoid crowds, and have a relaxing experience, I recommend visiting during the off-season (November to March). But if you don’t mind “sharing” the island with other tourists and paying a bit more for accommodation, I recommend visiting during the high season (May to October).
The off-season exception is the month of December. Madeira is famous for its Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, with people from all over the world traveling to the island to experience Funchal’s holiday spirit and witness the massive NYE fireworks display.
While I fully recommend seeing Funchal during Christmas, please keep in mind that the city can get very crowded at this time of the year.
Where To Stay in Madeira
Looking for a nice hotel in Madeira? These are my top four suggestions:
Barceló Funchal Old Town
Looking for a hotel with a swimming pool, two bars, and an exquisite, revitalizing breakfast right in the middle of Funchal Old Town? You’ve found it! Classy and modern, Barceló also happens to sit in a perfect location, minutes away from the São Tiago Fortress.
Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club
A luxurious Santa Cruz classic, the Albatroz is one of the best hotels in Madeira for beachgoers and ocean lovers, featuring a private seafront area for guests only and two seawater pools.
Reid’s Palace
This Belmond Hotel doubles down on the glamour and makes for a five-star accommodation experience that will make you feel like royalty. While the rooms are probably too expensive for some travelers, this is the place to stay if you’re looking to have a truly sumptuous stay on Madeira.
Saccharum Resort and Spa
Away from the buzz of Funchal, this hotel and wellness center in Calheta is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic Madeira getaway. The only issue is that the hotel is so nice, you’ll probably never want to leave! It features a complete spa, three swimming pools, and even a squash court!
If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t worry. While it pays off to stay at a luxurious hotel in Madeira, there are plenty of affordable alternatives to choose from.
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FAQs About Visiting Madeira
Yes, there are lots of things to do in Madeira. While the island is not the best for nightlife, there are plenty of daytime activities. You can go on hikes, swim in the ocean, visit natural pools, explore botanical gardens, and enjoy outdoor experiences such as jeep tours, scuba diving, and canyoning.
I recommend visiting Madeira for at least seven days (one week) to fully enjoy what it has to offer.
The best activities for kids in Madeira include swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz, going to the beach, visiting the traditional Santana houses, and taking relaxing family strolls on Avenida do Mar and Old Town Funchal.
Conclusion
With attractions for all types of travelers, you’ll never run out of things to do in Madeira. From relaxing in Funchal to diving with sharks in Porto Moniz, I hope our Madeira recommendations can inspire you to finally book that trip to one of Europe’s most unique spots!
Oh, and in case you’re running on a tight schedule and need some help preparing your trip, just take a look at our helpful Madeira itinerary guide.
Check out these posts for more Portugal travel inspiration:
- Places to Go Canyoning in Madeira
- Portugal Travel Tips
- Surf and Yoga Retreats in Portugal
- Best Surfing Camps in Portugal
- Should I Visit the Azores or Madeira?
- The Perfect Azores Itinerary
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