If you’re planning a trip to Madeira Island in Portugal, you are probably wondering what there is to see and do. In this comprehensive guide, I will cover the best things to do in Madeira and highlight the must-see places and attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.
Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged coastlines, cute villages, and diverse flora. It is often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe.
Its natural beauty and varied attractions make it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. From hiking above the clouds, to sledding down the streets of Funchal, to trekking through ancient forests, Madeira promises something special for every traveler.
Visiting Madeira, Portugal has been on my bucket list for years. Despite having spent a lot of time exploring the nearby Canary Islands. I finally visited Madeira in May 2024 and then again in June 2025. I spent 6 weeks exploring the island with friends and also solo, hiking, swimming, watching the sunrise and set, and more hiking. The natural beauty of the island blew me away, and just how many things there are to see and do. Keep reading for all of the best attractions in Madeira, so that you can make the most of your time here.
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Make sure to save my map of all the top things to do in Madeira, so that you can save time and easily find them. My map will also give you a better understanding of where Madeira’s must see places are located so you can easily organise your itinerary.
One of the most exhilarating experiences and top things to do in Madeira, is hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. This challenging trail offers spectacular views of jagged peaks, the distant coastline and, if you’re lucky, cloud inversions! It’s one of the best hikes in Madeira, and a must-do for any avid hiker.
Due to the high altitude (1818m), Pico do Arieiro can have its own unique climate. Sometimes you’re above the clouds, sometimes you are IN the clouds! I recommend checking the local webcams before planning your hike.
If you want to avoid the horrors of parking here (it’s very popular and gets very busy in the morning), and only do the hike one way, I recommend booking a tour or transportation for a transfer.
Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with some steep and narrow sections.
Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and stunning light
One of the top Madeira things to do is hiking the famous levadas. These irrigation channels traverse the island, providing hikers with scenic routes through lush forests, past waterfalls, and along breathtaking cliffs. Some popular levada hikes include Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada dos 25 Fontes.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a vibrant city brimming with culture and history. Start your journey by wandering through the old town, Zona Velha, where you can admire the historic buildings. Then take a cable car ride to Monte, offering spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
After you can enjoy one of the most unique commutes in the world – the Monte Toboggan ride! Head to Associação dos Carreiros do Monte on Google Maps for the start of the ride. It costs €27.50 for one person, €35 for two and €52.50 for three. You can also book a tuk tuk tour that will take you here and around Funchal.
Funchal is one of the best places to stay in Madeira, as not only is it centrally located and easy to reach all the main sites. It’s also on the coast so on a hot day you can cool off at the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools. Plus there are loads of incredible restaurant options for my foodies! For example the fine dining cliffside Avista Restaurant.
Nestled in the heart of Laurisilva Forest, the Fanal Forest is a mystical and enchanting destination, and one of Madeira’s must see places. This ancient forest is renowned for its twisted, century old moss-covered trees, shrouded in a perpetual mist that adds an otherworldly charm to the landscape. Exploring the forest feels like stepping into a fairy tale (or Middle Earth!)
Fanal Forest is located just off the side of the road, so you don’t need to hike to get here. However you can explore and walk around as much as you please! If you don’t have a a car, then you can also book a transfer here from Funchal.
I recommend going in the morning when it’s cooler, so you’re more likely to get the mist. However it is also magical at sunset, with the sun piercing through the trees.
The natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz are a must-visit. These crystal-clear pools are filled with seawater, providing a unique and refreshing swimming experience. The backdrop of rugged volcanic rock formations adds to the dramatic scenery. Plus entrance is only €3!
I visited these pools as part of a jeep tour, which was a great way to explore the island for the day, without having to drive!
Madeira’s clear, deep waters are perfect for marine life observation. Numerous tours offer the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. This is one of the most popular things to do in Madeira island Portugal, providing an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures.
Though marine life is present year-round, the optimal time to see whales in Madeira is between April and September/October. During these months, both resident and migratory species are typically more abundant, offering a greater diversity of sightings.
The easternmost point of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço, offers a stark contrast to the island’s lush interior. The rugged, windswept landscape is perfect for hiking and provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations make it a photographer’s paradise.
I recommend spending at least the morning or afternoon in the east of the island. PR8 is one of the best hikes in Madeira and will take around 3-4 hours to complete. And don’t miss Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto for incredible views (you can drive there).
If you don’t have a car it’s also possible to book a full day guided tour taking you on this hike, as well as exploring the whole eastern tip
Experiencing the sunrise or sunset at Pico do Arieiro, is a breathtaking adventure that should not be missed. Definitely one of the top things to do in Madeira! That you can combine with the hike, or go back separately.
Standing at 1,818 meters above sea level, Pico do Arieiro offers panoramic views that stretch across the island’s rugged terrain and the vast Atlantic Ocean. You can park at the visitors centre and visit the area around to watch the sunrise or sunset, so if you’re not keen on hiking it’s fine too!
Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon allows visitors to witness the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting dramatic shadows over the jagged peaks and valleys. The ethereal beauty of the clouds drifting below and the golden hues illuminating the landscape create a magical and serene atmosphere.
Whether you’re a passionate photographer or simply looking to experience nature’s splendor, watching the sunrise or sunset at Pico do Arieiro is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Madeira.
For a truly unique beach experience, head to Praia do Seixal, a stunning black sand beach on Madeira’s northwestern coast. The dark, volcanic sand creates a striking contrast against the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and lush green cliffs. It’s a memorable addition to your list of things to do in Madeira!
If you’re into photography, then I also recommend coming here for sunrise. As the golden glow on the rugged cliffs and black sand is insane!
Madeira’s clear, mild Atlantic waters (16–24?°C) and protected marine reserves make it a premier destination for scuba lovers of all levels. The highlight is undoubtedly the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, Portugal’s first marine reserve, where you can find groupers, moray eels, garden eels, barracudas, stingrays, tunas and even the occasional sea turtle or monk seal! It’s a great place to have a first dive as a beginner. Also if you’re an advanced diver there is also an epic shipwreck, the Afonso Cerqueira, that was put there to build an artificial reef so it’s safe to swim the while way through!
Favoured diving season runs April–November, but mild conditions make year-round diving feasible. I recommend booking your dives at least a few days in advance. Making sure it’s a few days before you fly home.
One place you might have seen a lot of on Instagram, is Achadas da Cruz. The dramatic steep cliffs, cute winding path, and crashing waves make it one of Madeira must see places!
To get there you can either hike about an hour down a steep staircase or take a 5 minute cable car for €5. Please note that the last cable car to the bottom is at 4:30pm, however you need to arrive by at least 3:00/3:30pm if you want to go down as there will be a queue and it could well sell out.
As it faces west, the best time to visit Achadas da Cruz is in the afternoon. If you’re visiting in January then you will be lucky enough to capture golden hour here, as well as the last cable car up (at 6:00pm – but I recommend joining the queue by 5:45pm). Please note that the timing on Google Maps is indicative of when the last one goes down – NOT when it comes back up.
One of the best places to watch the sunrise in Madeira, is the Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela. Located on the island’s northern coast, but facing slightly eastwards, this viewpoint offers an unobstructed view of the dramatic Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela rock formations jutting out of the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun rises, the sky is painted in hues of orange, pink, and gold, casting a warm glow over the rugged coastline and highlighting the striking silhouettes of the sea stacks.
Even if you’re not able to come here for sunrise, I still recommend stopping here whilst driving along the north of Madeira.
Santana is famous for its traditional A-frame houses, known as palheiros. These charming, colorful houses with thatched roofs are a symbol of Madeira. They are located in the centre of Santana, called Casas Típicas de Santana on Google Maps, and they are free to see. If you come here I also recommend stopping at Rocha do Navio for a beautiful viewpoint of the dramatic coastline.
If you’re up for an adventure, canyoning in Madeira is a must! I did the Level 1 canyoning experience and absolutely loved it – it’s the perfect introduction if you’ve never tried it before. You can also find level 2 and 3 in Madeira. You’ll abseil down waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and slide down smooth rocks! A wetsuit, grippy shoes and helmet is included, so you don’t really need to bring anything, Plus, the wetsuit keeps you nice and warm, so don’t worry about the water being cold! It’s such a fun and unique way to experience the island’s wild nature.
No visit to Madeira is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Try traditional dishes such as espetada (marinated beef skewers), bolo do caco (a type of flatbread), and the famous Madeira wine. Visit local markets and restaurants to experience the island’s culinary delights. I really loved the views and local food at Restaurante São Cristóvão.
You might also want to book a food and wine tour in Funchal if you want to get more insight into Madeira’s gastronomy.
I recommend staying in or near Funchal as it’s a good central location to access all the best hikes in Maderia. As the island’s capital, it offers a range of hotels and guesthouses. It’s a great base for exploring Madeira, especially if you don’t hire a car. As a lot of the tours and pickups will be from Funchal. I personally stayed at Quinta da Sariava which is just outside Funchal. It’s a beautiful family run property, offering apartments as well as a pool overlooking the mountains and ocean!
Budget
Residencial Colombo
Jaca Hostel
Mid-range
Quinta da Saraiva
Golden Residence Hotel
Luxury
Savoy palace
Reid’s Palace, A Belmont Hotel
Getting around Madeira is best done by hiring a car, especially if you plan on hiking. Public transport won’t take you to the start of every hike, so having a car provides the flexibility and convenience needed to explore the island’s trails. I booked my car with 7m via Discovercars, a comparison site that offers the best possible rates. I booked the car with them and then bought the insurance directly from the car company, so I didn’t need to put down a deposit. Please note that we did not hire a 4×4 and it was fine. I just recommend trying to get a car that isn’t too low to the ground (and with a good engine to get up the hills).
If you don’t hire a car, you’ll need to rely on tours and transfers to reach your hiking destinations. This will definitely simplify your life as you won’t need to stress about driving in Madeira, or parking! I did a jeep tour of the north west of the island which was super fun (and great for photos!)
Madeira is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling activities. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Funchal, hiking the lush levadas, or relaxing in natural pools, there’s no shortage of things to do in Madeira. I hope this guide helps you to plan your trip to this enchanting island that you love it as much as I do! Make sure to check out my map of Madeira must see places so you can easily plan out your itinerary.
For more travel tips on the attractions in Madeira, make sure to check out my Instagram.
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