Madeira Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do in Madeira

Explore the old town of Funchal, watch the sunrise from one of Madeira’s highest peaks, hike on coastal trails and alongside levadas, go whale watching, relax on the beach, go Madeira wine tasting, ride a cable car to the beach, and swim in a natural hot pool…these all top the list of things to do in Madeira.

Madeira is a beautiful Portuguese island. With its lovely coastal towns, scenic drives, thrilling hiking trails, dramatic viewpoints, botanical gardens, and fresh seafood and Madeira wine, there is something here for everyone.

We spent 9 very busy days in Madeira in July 2024 and came up with this big list of things to do in Madeira.

This guide starts off with the top 15 things to do in Madeira, quintessential experiences to have on the island and perfect for those with a week or less here. We then go on to list 15 more things to do in Madeira, for those with more time.

Top 15 Things to Do in Madeira

This list starts with the very best things to do in Madeira. These are the essential experiences to have, particularly if it is your first visit to Madeira.

1. Go for a Hike

For those who are active and adventurous, hiking one of Madeira’s trails is a must-have experience.

There is a fairly long list of hikes to choose from, and these typically fall in one of two categories.

Levada walks are trails that run alongside irrigation canals, and these hikes are usually tucked away in forests and lead to waterfalls. Two popular walks on this list are Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

25 Fontes

And then there are the trails that run along the coast or traverse the mountain peaks in Madeira. These feature incredible panoramic views. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo make this list.

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

View from Pico Ruivo

We have a detailed guide to the Best Hikes in Madeira, plus trail guides for each of them, which covers trail stats and logistics (for some hikes, just getting there and parking can be one of the most challenging parts of the hike).

2. Enjoy the View from the Cabo Girão Skywalk

What is It: The Cabo Girão Skywalk is an observation platform that is very popular with first time tourists. Located high on a promontory, the highest in Europe, visitors are treated to a beautiful view towards Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, and the sea. You also get an aerial view over Praia do Cabo Girão, a remote beach that is accessible by cable car (and mentioned next).

The viewing platform features a glass deck and panoramic views of the coast. There is a cafe where you can grab a snack while enjoying the spectacular view.

You will need to purchase tickets (for a small fee) to enter the skywalk.

Praia do Cabo Girão

The view from the Skywalk

Parking: This is a very popular viewpoint in Madeira, so do expect to see crowds. There is designated parking for tour buses and mini buses, as well as some designated parking spaces for personal vehicles. Those spots fill up quickly, so most people end up parallel parking on the neighboring streets.

Nearby Viewpoint: For another good view, stop at Miradouro Lombo do Facho. It is located on Estrada 1 de Julho, a very short drive from the Cabo Girão Skywalk. It is free to visit and offers a panoramic view towards Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, and the sea. There is a small pull off area in front of the miradouro where you can park momentarily.

Miradouro Lombo do Facho | Things to do in Madeira

3. Cabo Girão Cable Car

The Teleférico das Fajãs do Cabo Girão transports you down a steep descent of red-rock cliffs to the blue waters below.

At the bottom, paved walkways wind along the water and along a traditional farming village. In one direction, the path leads to a pebbled beach just a short walk away from the lower cable car station. Due to its remote location, the beach doesn’t get many visitors, making it a perfect swimming spot for those looking to escape the crowds.

This cable car location provides a prettier view, and it is much less crowded than the Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz cable car (mentioned next). The operator confirmed that the queues here rarely get long.

Midday Closure: The cable car is closed between 1 pm and 2 pm, for the operator’s lunch break. They close during this hour even if people are waiting in line for the cable car at the top or bottom station, so plan your time accordingly. We did this at 10 am and there was no wait to board the cable car.

Tickets for the cable car are cash only. There is a cafe and bathroom at the top station, but no provisions at the bottom.

Parking: There are a couple of parking spaces in front of the upper cable car station, and there is a tiny parking garage next to the upper cable car station. People also parallel park along the road.

4. Achadas da Cruz Cable Car

Riding the Achadas da Cruz cable car is one of the most popular experiences in Madeira. Overall, we enjoyed the Cabo Girão cable car a lot more, but visiting Achadas da Cruz is also worth it. It’s best to do it first thing in the morning because midday crowds in the summer are enormous.

The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz cable car ride is sure to bring a thrill, being one of Europe’s steepest with grades reaching up to 98%.

It descends a large cliff to a rocky shore and a traditional farming village below, where farmers also use the cable car to transport their harvests. Visitors can enjoy paved paths that offer stunning views of the high cliffs and the blue water.

Queue & Wait Times: The queue for the cable car starts forming around 11 am. The cable car stops running midday between 12 pm and 1 pm for the operator’s lunch break. It closes during this hour even if people are waiting in line for the cable car at the top or bottom station. This makes the midday queue grow even longer, reaching up to two hours long! Once the cable car resumes operation in the afternoon it can take a while for the line to dissipate since the cable car can only take 6 passengers up and 6 passengers down at a time.

To avoid long waits, visit in the morning, but just be aware that the lighting is not the best for photography at this time.

Parking: There is parking at the cable car station, but the few spaces fill up quickly. Therefore, most people end up parallel parking along the steep road that leads to the upper cable car station.

There is a cafe and bathroom at the top station, but no provisions at the bottom.

Adventurous travelers can hike down a steep trail to the coast below. Some prefer to hike down and take the cable car back up. The trail starts between the upper cable car station and the cafe.

Know that the cable car will also stop operations in poor weather conditions, such as strong winds.

Is it Worth It?: If you only want to ride one cable car in Madeira, we enjoyed Cabo Girão more. The views are just as spectacular, crowds are a lot lower, and this is easy to do before or after visiting the Cabo Girão Skywalk.

Learn more about the Achadas da Cruz cable car here.

5. Explore the Funchal Old Town

On your trip to Madeira be sure to visit the city of Funchal, the island’s capital city town. Dating back to the 14th century, Funchal’s old town is a delight of characteristic streets, adorned with historical monuments, boutique shops, wine lodges, and an array of fresh seafood restaurants. Its compact size makes it perfect for wandering on foot.

Praça do Município in Funchal

Best Things to Do: Top things to do in Funchal include visiting the Cathedral of Funchal, wine tasting in the wine lodges, shopping in Mercado dos Lavradores, seeing the street art on Rua de Santa Maria, and learning more about Cristiano Ronaldo at the CR7 Museum.

From Funchal, you can also ride the cable car to Monte, to visit Madeira’s beautiful botanical gardens and ride a traditional wicker toboggan sled.

Funchal is one of the best places to stay in Madeira. It has a long list of great hotels and restaurants and a fantastic central location. Explore the island in the morning and return here for evening strolls and dinner.

6. Monte Cable Car & Botanical Gardens

One of the best things to do in Madeira is to ride the Monte Cable Car from Funchal to Monte to visit the botanical gardens. This hilltop area is home to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the Madeira Botanical Garden, a historic church, and it is the start of the wicker toboggan sled rides.

We cover the cable car and sites on Monte in more detail in our Guide to Funchal, but here is an overview of the things to see and do here.

Cable Car Ride: On the somewhat quick cable car ride from Funchal to Monte, visitors get panoramic views over Funchal and the south side of Madeira. The bottom station is located in the old town.

Madeira Botanical Garden: The Madeira Botanical Garden is a large, terraced garden with an enormous collection of exotic plants from all over the world. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Funchal and the highlight is photographing the pattern display garden with Funchal as a backdrop.

Madeira Botanical Garden | Things to do in Madeira

Monte Palace Tropical Garden: The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a much larger garden than the Madeira Botanical Garden, with influences from countries such as South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand. With its enormous size, you could easily spend 3 or more hours here.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden | Things to do in Madeira

7. Ride a Toboggan Sled

Riding a traditional wicker toboggan sled is one of the most unique things to do in Madeira. These sleds were originally used to travel from Monte to Funchal.

These wicker sleds are pushed by two ‘carreiros’ dressed in traditional white clothes and straw hats. The ride takes about 10 minutes, starts in Monte in front of the Church of Our Lady of Monte, and ends in Livramento. From Livramento, take a taxi or Uber or make the long walk back to the old town of Funchal.

8. Visit the Traditional Santana Houses

These colorful houses with their thatch roofs are one of the most iconic sites in Madeira. These traditional houses were once scattered all along northern Madeira, with the few remaining ones standing as symbols of the island’s culture.

These houses are scattered throughout the town of Santana, but for the best experience, visit the collection of houses at Casas Típicas de Santana. The houses have been converted into shops that sell souvenirs and artisan crafts, and there’s also a very nice view over the town and coast.

Although the site feels very touristy, the Santana houses are worth the visit if you’re in the area (this is a great thing to do after the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike). A visit here can be quick, about 15 minutes, and there is a parking garage right across the street. They are free to visit.

9. Swim in a Natural Lava Pool in Porto Moniz

In the tiny town of Porto Moniz, there are two natural swimming areas you can visit.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are one of the hottest spots on Madeira. When we visited midday in the summer, we were greeted with an entry line out the door with visitors looking to unwind in the sun. For many, this is a great spot to spend a hot afternoon, take a refreshing dip in the pools, socialize, and enjoy the seaside views.

This large, resort-like complex provides all the same amenities of an upscale oceanfront hotel at a fraction of the cost. These natural pools are enclosed by a mix of volcanic rock and concrete walkways. There are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as changing rooms and a restaurant.

For a unique, birds-eye view of these pools, follow signs for the Miradouro and Oceana Rooftop. You’ll find a small terrace that provides the view you see here.

Parking wasn’t a problem as there are multiple parking lots within the town of Porto Moniz.

For more information on the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, click here.

Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools

If you are looking for a natural pool that is less crowded and has a more natural vibe, then we recommend visiting the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools (labeled as Piscinas Naturais do Aquário on Google Maps).

Only a few minutes’ walk from the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, this smaller natural pool is recognizable for its untamed volcanic rock clusters. The distinct volcanic rock is not only more prominent, but also completely encircles these seaside natural pools.

A visit to these pools is free, but you won’t enjoy some of the extra amenities that the Porto Moniz pools offer. There are no loungers or designated changing rooms here. There is a small cafe right at the edge of the pools for those looking to enjoy a midday snack. And there is a small bathroom, a small gift shop, and a restaurant onsite.

For more information on your visit to these natural pools, click here.

10. Watch the Sunrise on Pico Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s most popular sunrise location, offering stunning views without the need for hiking. This mountain peak is the second highest on Madeira and when weather conditions cooperate, you can see the sun rise above the clouds.

Pico do Arieiro is also the starting point for the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, one of the most popular on the island. This can be a very crowded place to visit, even before the crack of dawn.

To get here, it can be an hour drive from some towns in Madeira, so do this it, you’ll be setting your alarm for an extremely early wake up time. There is a parking lot very close to this viewpoint, but you’ll need to get here about an hour before sunrise to get a spot.

For those who plan to add on the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, the best way to do it in our opinion is to make it a point-to-point hike, ending at Achada do Teixeira. We outline exactly how to do this in our Pico do Arieiro hiking guide.

There are also many tours that start at the Pico do Arieiro sunrise spot and continue on to other sights in Madeira, such as this sunrise tour. And if getting up at 4 am doesn’t sound like something you want to do on your holiday, sunset can also be a very nice time to visit Pico do Arieiro.

Get sunrise and sunset times here.

11. Go Wine Tasting

Madeira wine is a fortified wine that is made on the Madeira islands. During the time of naval exploration, spirits were added to the wine to prevent it from spoiling. The additional heat during the voyage plus the added spirits changed the flavor of the wine, giving it its unique taste.

Now, Madeira wine is made by oxidizing the wine through heat and aging. It can last a very long time in a bottle and some wineries have Madeira wine for sale that is well over 150 years old.

One of the best things to do in Madeira is to taste Madeira wine. In Funchal, Blandy’s Wine Lodge and Pereira D’Oliveira are two popular wineries to visit. As you dine in restaurants in Madeira, you will also see it listed on many menus.

12. Spend Some Time at the Beach

As an island with only a few sandy beaches, you want to make sure you go to a good one. Here are our three of favorites.

Praia da Calheta

This golden sand beach is actually two beaches that face each other with a large, protected swimming cove in-between them. It is a great spot for those looking for some beach time while in Madeira.

There are also a couple of beach resorts nearby for those looking to stay near a sandy beach, including the Saccharum Resort & Spa which is where we had a fantastic stay.

Praia da Calheta | Things to do in Madeira

Additionally, there are some excellent restaurants a short walk from this beach. We dined at Marina Azul and Leme Marisqueira, two seafood restaurants and Manifattura Di Gelato, an Italian restaurant, and had great experiences at all of them.

There is a parking garage near the beach as well as parallel parking along the main road.

Praia de Machico

Praia de Machico is an option for those who want a golden sand beach with plenty of amenities. Here you can rent kayaks and paddleboards, swim in a protected cove, and jump off a floating platform in the water.

There’s a large parking lot just along the road, on the opposite side of the beach.

Prainha do Caniçal

Prainha do Caniçal is a nice sandy beach located in a small, protected cove. This beach is not as crowded as some of Madeira’s other sandy beaches. There’s a large roped off swimming area, a restaurant, and space to lay down a beach towel. There’s also a large parking lot just off ER109. Once parked, just follow the path down to the beach.

Prainha do Caniçal

13. Câmara de Lobos Harbour

This quaint fishing village has plenty of charm. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through a collection of cafes and shops, before joining in an open harbor front square. Tiny fishing boats sit anchored in the protected cove, with walkways that follow along the water’s edge.

Winston Churchill: While exploring this village, be sure to take a moment and sit next to the statue of Winston Churchill, located on the harborside of the Pestana Churchill Bay hotel. Winston Churchill used to frequent this harbor to paint.

Where to Eat: This is a great village to enjoy some seafood and we highly recommend the restaurant Minerva. This restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating has a good view of the harbor from a slightly higher vantage point. We all greatly enjoyed our lunch and the view. Be sure to try the shrimp salad!

Wine Tasting: And a 10-minute walk from the harbor is Henriques & Henriques, a wine lodge. Stop in here for a tasting of Madeira wines.

Parking: There is a parking lot and parking garage a short walk from the harbor.

Natural Pools: Just down the road from Câmara de Lobos are the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools. This is a small natural pool complex with jagged volcanic rock acting as a natural seawall. There’s an upper deck with loungers and a few umbrellas, and there is a restaurant onsite. There is also a floating platform in the sea for kids to jump from. And right next to this natural pool is Praia Formosa, a long stone beach.

There is a fee to enter the natural pools, but the neighboring beach is free. This natural pool is a good alternative for those staying near Funchal and don’t want to make the drive out to the natural pools in Porto Moniz.

Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools

14. Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima

A walk up the 175 steps to reach this chapel is well worth the sweeping views over the São Vicente valley. Out of all of the viewpoints listed, this was one of our favorites. The view of the tall mountains, lined with lush terraces and winding roads made for a stunning view of Madeira.

There is a small parking area at the base of the steps that lead up to the chapel.

São Vicente Valley

15. Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela

Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela offers a stunning view over the northern coast with large rock formations rising from the blue water. Visitors can walk on the pebbled beach, featuring a slew of rock cairns balancing peacefully on the shore and also walk up to a hole in a large rock formation positioned between the parking lot and beach for an aerial view.

Ribeira da Janela

Go Deeper: More Things to Do in Madeira

16. Paul da Serra

Paul da Serra is a high plateau in the center of Madeira, with multiple hikes, activities, and viewpoints to see.

We drove to Lombo do Mouro viewpoint, our favorite in this region of Madeira, with an impressive overlook into the jagged valley.

The view from Lombo do Mouro

Nearby is the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls hike and the enchanted Fanal forest, two top experiences on the island.

17. Visit Enchanting Fanal

Fanal is a beautiful picnic area that doubles as an ominous witches’ grove. The forest is dotted with these crooked “Sleepy Hollow” looking trees that are especially ominous in the deep fog. Some even look to have arms coming from their bodies.

Walk amongst the trees and let your imagination run wild. Unfortunately for us, most of the fog had burned off when we visited around 11:30 am. We never got a true look at the eerie beauty of this forest, but we did find that Fanal can still be a great picnic spot on a sunny day. You may also find a few cows grazing nearby.

When to Go: A visit here can be quick, about 30 minutes, if you just want to see the eerie trees. It’s best to do this early in the morning on a cloudy day, when the sun hasn’t burned off the fog.

How to Get Here: To get here, route yourself to, and park at, the Fanal picnic area. This is easily combined with a visit to Paul da Serra and is a great place to visit after doing the 25 Fontes Hike.

18 Visit the Laurissilva Forest

The largest surviving area of laurel forest, or “laurisilva,” is found on Madeira. This subtropical rainforest type is only present on Madeira, in the Azores, and Canary Islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Laurisilva Forest makes up about 20% of the island. Places to see the laurissilva trees are in Fanal forest, Queimadas Park (on the famous Caldeirão Verde hiking trail), on the Vereda dos Balcões walk, and in Rabaçal on the 25 Fontes walk.

25 Fontes Walk

19. Valley of the Nuns

The Valley of the Nuns is a picturesque valley with lush, forested mountains surrounding the small village of Curral da Freiras. It is a peek into the verdant interior of Madeira.

The valley became the property of the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara, hence the name. Some claim that the nuns took refuge here during the French privateer attacks on Funchal. And others claim the nuns settled here before that.

While you can drive to the village of Curral da Freiras, we think it is best to see an aerial view of the valley from one of the following two viewpoints.

The most popular of the two viewpoints is Miradouro da Eira do Serrado. There is a carpark, shop, cafe, and hotel at the top of the road that leads to this viewpoint. From the carpark you then follow a short path that offers views over the valley. For those that want to spend more time here, there is also a steep trail you can follow down to the village.

Miradouro da Eira do Serrado is an extremely popular viewpoint. Our driver for the Pico do Arieiro hike warned us against visiting this viewpoint, stating that parking can be very challenging and it is an extremely winding road to get here.

As an alternative, he recommended Miradouro do Paredão. This viewpoint offers an equally beautiful view over the valley without the crowds. There is a small parking area right across the street from the viewpoint. Midday in busy July, there was just one other family here.

Miradouro do Paredão | Things to do in Madeira

Which Viewpoint is Better? There is no reason to visit both viewpoints. Here is my suggestion on which to visit. If you plan to drive to Pico do Arieiro, then go to Miradouros do Paredão afterwards; it is an easy drive from Pico do Arieiro. If you are coming here directly from Funchal, then visit Miradouro da Eira do Serrado. If it is too crowded to get parking, then drive to Miradouros do Paredão, which tends to get far fewer visitors.

20. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whales and dolphins can be seen in the waters around Madeira all year, making this a fantastic destination for whale watching. However, the best time to do this is from April through September.

Whale and dolphin watching tours typically leave from Funchal and take several hours to half of a day. This Eco Catamaran tour is one of the most popular options and this all-inclusive tour gets near perfect reviews.

21. Experience Madeiran Cuisine

One of our favorite things to do in Portugal, on both the mainland and Madeira, is to eat. With Portugal’s close relationship with the ocean, seafood makes up a huge part of most menus.

We quickly became huge fans of limpets (lapas), which taste like a blend of mussels and scallops. They are served on an open shell, bathed in lemon and butter.

Limpets

Seafood rice

Octopus and seafood rice are two more dishes to try in Madeira. Other local dishes to try include black scabbard fish, sopa de Trigo (wheat soup), Bolo do Caco (wheat bread), castanhetas (a small fish that is fried and seasoned with lemon), and tropical fruit.

22. Snack-Bar Avista Navios

For a total hidden gem of a cafe, visit Snack-Bar Avista Navios in Seixal. This tiny cafe features a cute patio that overlooks Seixal and the dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Grab a table under a natural canopy of grapevines, enjoy a drink or afternoon snack, and take in the gorgeous view. With a great open-air setting and one of our favorite views of Madeira, we highly recommend making a visit here.

There are only a couple of parking spaces in front of Snack-Bar Avista Navios so most people parallel park along the road.

23. Seixal Black Sand Beach

Praia do Porto do Seixal is one of the most popular beaches to visit in Madeira. From this black sand beach, take a dip in the protected cove and gaze up at the lush northern cliffs. On the far end of the beach you’ll also find a large natural swimming pool, as well as a restaurant (Lounge Bar Clube Naval do Seixal). You will have to bring your own towels and beach umbrellas if visiting here.

Parking: Do know that parking is very limited here, which can cause quite a headache when visiting. Most visitors will be forced to park alongside the narrow road leading down to the beach. This turns into a dead-end road with two way traffic into a single lane, which in turn causes gridlocked traffic jams. When we visited in July, we got stuck in a 20-minute traffic jam just trying to exit the beach!

Overall, this is a neat beach to visit if you have plans to drive through Seixal but do expect some difficulties with driving and parking near the beach. We recommend avoiding this beach on weekends, and even midday in the summer, when crowds are the highest.

For a sandy beach alternative we recommend Praia da Calheta. It gets crowded as well but the driving and parking is much more manageable.

24. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

Just beyond the town of Seixal, on the northern coast of Madeira, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva offers a picturesque viewpoint. From here, you can see a slender waterfall cascading down lush cliffs into the ocean below. While it’s a scenic spot, it is only worth stopping by if it happens to be along your route.

Parking: There is a small parking lot off of ER101 just before the turn for the viewpoint. It is a short walk to the miradouro from this parking lot.

Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

25. Visit the Viewpoints along the Western Coast

There are several beautiful viewpoints (miradouros) located along the west coast of Madeira, offering views of the rugged, wild coastline and waterfalls.

Miradouro da Garganta Funda

Take a short walk to a viewpoint of this long skinny waterfall that plunges into a deep caldera. Just be aware that during the summer months, when the weather is dry, there can be little to no water flowing, as it was when we visited.

Parking: Parking is at the Parking for Miradouro da Garganta Funda. This is a small parking area at the bottom of a narrow road. From here, it is a 1 km (0.6 mile) round trip walk to and from the waterfall along a rocky dirt path.

Miradouro da Boa Morte

Another good viewpoint of Maderia’s western cliffs, Miradouro da Boa Morte is an option for those exploring the western coast. To get to this viewpoint, park at Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte, and follow the short, paved walkway out to the cliff’s edge and enjoy the views.

Miradouro da Boa Morte | Things to do in Madeira

26. East Coast Viewpoints

We also have two miradouros to recommend on the east coast of the island, should you be out this way exploring.

Miradouro do Caniçal

From this coastal viewpoint you can admire part of the São Lourenço peninsula. This is an excellent overlook of the dramatic cliffside and is an option for people looking to get fantastic views without doing the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) hike.

Miradouro do Caniçal

From the same parking area, you can complete a short, 2-minute uphill walk to Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto. As you’ll be at a slightly higher vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views over the coast.

Miradouro do Guindaste

This is a beautiful viewpoint out over the coast, not too far from the traditional Santana houses. Midday in the summer, driving here and parking can be challenging due to high visitation.

27. Cascata dos Anjos & Praia da Ponta do Sol

Nestled on the shore of the charming town of Ponta do Sol, Praia da Ponta do Sol is a picturesque, pebbled beach. Its small, protected cove makes for a calm swimming area.

The town is equally charming, with a row of colorful buildings lining the oceanfront, vibrant flowers blooming, and large cliffs rising directly overhead.

Cascata dos Anjos (Angel Falls) is famous as the water crashes down right onto the road, making it a popular waterfall that in the past you could drive through. The road is now officially closed to vehicles (except for the local farmers) due to falling rocks from the unstable slope.

However, this waterfall remains a popular spot for visitors to walk to. But we feel that the walk to the waterfall is only worth it for those with ample time to explore the island.

How to Get to Cascata dos Anjos: From Praia da Ponta do Sol, the roundtrip walk to and from the waterfall is 2.4 km (1.5 miles). The walk begins in the tunnel next to the beach. It then continues along the road, through a second tunnel, and then up the road to the waterfall.

Parking: We parked at Parking Ponta do Sol, a small lot in the main town center. By 10 am, this lot was mostly full, so we recommend arriving early. Additional parking spots are available along the beach, and we saw people parallel parking in the tunnel next to the beach.

28. Go for a Walk through a Banana Plantation

As you explore the southern hillsides of Madeira, you may notice a large number of banana plants. In the village of Madalena do Mar, you have the option to walk through a banana plantation and get an up-close view of these plants. We found this to be a unique hidden gem and it is perfect for a quick visit while driving along Madeira’s southern coast.

Google Maps labels the trailhead as “RB3 Vereda da Vargem.” It is a short concrete path that winds through a local plantation, showcasing both banana trees and grape vines. Just around the bend from the trailhead there is a parking lot right off of ER101. Vereda da Vargem is free to visit and it takes just 5 to 10 minutes to walk the full path.

29. Add Some Adventure to Your Visit

For those who want to be a bit more adventurous, you can go canyoning, go on an off-road buggy tour, and learn how to go scuba diving.

30. Spend Some Time on Porto Santo

Porto Santo is a small island in the Madeira archipelago. It is a popular day trip destination although you also have the option to spend multiple days here.

It is home to a long, white sandy beach, offering a distinct advantage over Madeira island’s coastline. There are also hiking opportunities (hike to the top of Pico do Facho, the highest on the island), more beaches to explore, and you can visit the town of Baleira and the home of Christopher Columbus.

To get here, take the ferry (2.5 hours one-way, get ferry schedules here) or fly (flights take 15 minutes).

Best Things to Do in Madeira: On a Map

Best Things to Do in Madeira with Kids

Traveling to Madeira with kids? Here are 10 things to do in Madeira with kids:

• Go on a wicker toboggan ride
• Swim in a natural lava pool
• Go for a hike (Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and Levada das 25 Fontes are two easier hikes that are great for kids)
• Ride a cable car to the beach (Cabo Girã0 or Achadas da Cruz)
• See the traditional Santana houses
• Go whale watching
• See the mystical trees in Fanal
• Ride the cable car to Monte and visit the botanical gardens
• Spend some time on the beach
• Go canyoning or parasailing (great for older kids)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Madeira?

On the quickest of visits, just a few days is all you need. With this limited time, you will have to choose a few things to do from Madeira’s long list of memorable experiences, and this will give you time to just hike one or two trails. Madeira is a great week long getaway and 10 to 14 days gives you enough time to thoroughly explore the island and visit Porto Santo.

When is the best time to visit Madeira?

The best to visit Madeira is from spring into early summer (April through early June) and early to mid-autumn (mid-September through October). July and August are peak months to visit Madeira. The weather is beautiful at this time, warm and sunny with little rainfall, but crowds on the island and on the trails are enormous during these months. Spring and fall are cooler and there is a bigger threat of rain, but there will be fewer people on the trails, making this a more enjoyable time to go hiking. Winter temperatures remain rather mild, so Madeira is a great destination all year, just be aware that the weather can be the wettest during the winter months.

What should you not miss on a visit to Madeira?

Hike one or more of Madeira’s top trails (Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, and Levada do Caldeirão Verde), visit Funchal, ride the cable car to Monte to visit the botanical gardens, ride a traditional wicker toboggan sled, see the Santana houses, go for a scenic drive, ride a cable car to the beach, wine tasting, and watching the sunrise on Pico do Arieiro are all must-have experiences in Madeira.

If you have any questions about the best things to do in Madeira, let us know in the comment section below.

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