19 Things You Should Not Miss When Visiting Madeira

Madeira has many things to do, fantastic scenery and incredible attractions, making it one of the best travel destinations.


Madeira’s name refers to both an island and an archipelago of seven islands — Madeira, and Porto Santo are the only two inhabited by approximately 250,000 people. It is part of the territory of Portugal, one of the best countries to visit in Europe! Located in the Atlantic Ocean, at the same latitude as Casablanca in North Africa, it has spring-like weather, making it an ideal destination in winter.

As a Madeiran, I think that this short list of 19 things to do in Madeira will help you organise the best holidays in Madeira. Following the same advice, you can take guided tours or rent a car in Madeira.

Things to do in Madeira

1. Half-day tour of Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)

The tour from Funchal to Eira do Serrado to overlook Curral das Freiras (also known as the Nun’s Valley) is one of my favourite half-day tours.

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Nun's Valley Tour

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2. Walk along a Levada

Hiking along the Levadas (the ancient irrigation system built by men) is one of the most popular activities in Madeira. The landscape is beautiful. I advise joining an organised group to avoid getting lost and bring the right equipment.

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Levada do Castelejo Walk

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3. Laurissilva (laurel forest)

Madeira has a 20 million-year-old forest with unique species and is a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. You can enjoy it on the island’s North Coast and along the Levadas.

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4. Watch the sunset

See the sunset from the highest mountains or near the sea. The effect is better at dinner or while enjoying a drink. My favourite spots are: Promenade do Lido, near Doca do Cavacas, Ponta do Sol pier, Paul do Mar waterfront and Ponta do Pargo.

5. Watch the sunrise

Ask any Madeiran what you can’t miss when travelling to Madeira. The answer is almost always the same: watch the sunrise. The idyllic scenery will turn the beginning of anyone’s day into an unforgettable moment. The golden-toned images of Pico do Arieiro (1,818 mt.), one of Madeira’s highest mountains, are incredible.

6. Visit a wine lodge and sample Madeira wine

Learn exciting facts about Madeira wine and then taste it. My favourite is the sweet wine, but it’s worth trying the 10-15-year old Verdelho. Don’t forget to take a few bottles to toast with family and friends.

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7. Eat both Espetada (meat) and Espada (fish)

Espetada is beef skewers served with salad, french fries and cornmeal cubes (milho frito). Espada is a boneless fish fillet we can cook in many ways, but my favourites are with banana or passion fruit sauce.

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8. Tour of eastern Madeira

The scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço and Pico do Arieiro is breathtaking, and the sugar cane factory in Porto da Cruz is also worth a visit. Machico Bay is one of the most beautiful in Madeira, and it’s worth walking along the waterfront and trying one of the local specialities: the Cottage Cheese Queijadas.

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Madeira East Tour

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9. Tour of western Madeira

Câmara de Lobos is full of colourful fishing boats, and Winston Churchill painted here. Porto Moniz has lava pools, and Paul da Serra, the highest plateau on the island of Madeira, has incredible scenery. Be brave and walk on the glass-floored skywalk in Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.

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Madeira West Tour

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10. Go to the beach in Seixal

Seixal beach has black sand and offers some very eye-catching views. Next to it is a lava pool filled with seawater.

11. Cable cars

Madeira has several cable cars for visitors who love unique experiences and do not mind heights.

Funchal’s cable car takes you to Monte for a beautiful view of the Funchal Amphitheatre and the bay. You can visit the Monte Palace gardens and ride along the steep streets in a unique Monte wicker sleigh.

Fajã dos Padres, the old property of the Jesuits priests who planted the best Malvasia grapes, is a must-visit place. The Fajã dos Padres cable car takes you to an organic farm close to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach. You will be happy to see how nature is respected and coexists, harmonising with farm work.

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12. Visit Porto Santo Island

It is worth visiting the neighbouring island of Porto Santo to enjoy the 9 km beautiful golden beach, the fantastic viewpoints and the local cuisine.

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Porto Santo Tour

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Things to do in Funchal (capital city)

The following are my favourite things to do in Funchal, Madeira.

13. Santa Maria Street in the Old Town

Don’t miss the beautifully painted doors in one of the oldest streets in Funchal’s Old Town, one of the liveliest areas at night, with many music restaurants and bars.

14. Visit Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market)

You will find colourful stalls in the same building full of fruits, fish, and flowers. The atmosphere is great on Friday and Saturday mornings when the locals shop. If they offer you some fruits for you to taste, buy something from them.

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Funchal City walking Tour with Local Guide

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15. Belmond, Reid’s Palace afternoon tea

Belmond Reid’s Palace afternoon tea is the best you will ever have. It costs about 35 euros, but it’s all served on an elegant balcony dominating the sea and the capital, and the portions are good-sized.

16. Visit the gardens

The Botanical Garden Eng. Rui Vieira offers superb views of Funchal, patterns made from plants and a charming cactus garden with a traditional thatched house.

Monte Palace is an oriental-style garden with red bridges, Koi ponds, Cycads, tree ferns and laurel trees surrounding the beautiful tiles. The mineral museum is worth seeing.

Palheiro Ferreiro’s garden is a small Victorian palace with beautiful surroundings. You’ll find a sunken garden, a chapel and giant trees.

Santa Catarina Park is an excellent viewpoint overlooking the city and harbour.

Quinta da Boavista is impressive, with hundreds of rare orchids from all over the world. Different shapes, colours, and perfumes will passionate you.

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Levada, Palheiro Gardens & Tea Tour

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17. Visit monuments and museums

Monuments worth visiting, such as the Funchal Cathedral and the Jesuit Church. The Sacred Art Museum and the Frederico de Freitas House Museum are worth visiting among the many.

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Museum & Garden Tour

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18. Take photos

The scenery of Madeira is breathtaking.

19. Try our Poncha

What better way to complete this list than having a drink? A powerful one. Poncha is a Madeira cocktail with many flavours, including tangerine, passion fruit, and orange… but the original flavour is lemon juice, syrup, and sugar cane rum.

I hope you can visit us someday when the time is right.

See you soon!

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