Madeira Island Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See & Experience

Welcome to Madeira, a lush and mountainous archipelago known as the "Island of Eternal Spring." Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 km southwest of mainland Portugal, Madeira offers a unique mix of subtropical beauty, rugged volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. With its year-round mild climate, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural traditions, it’s no wonder Madeira is one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets.
 

Let’s take a journey across this enchanting island and discover why Madeira should be at the top of your travel list.

📍 Where is Madeira?

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, composed of two inhabited islands—Madeira and Porto Santo—plus several uninhabited islets. The main island, Madeira, is where most of the action happens.

🛫 Flights from Lisbon: ~1 hour 45 minutes

🛳️ Cruise stop: Popular port of call for Atlantic cruise itineraries

🚗 Getting around: Best with a rental car to access remote spots

🌄 Top Things to Do in Madeira

1. Hike the Levadas and Mountain Trails

Madeira’s most famous feature is its network of “levadas”—historic irrigation channels that double as scenic walking trails.

🌿 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Through lush laurel forests and past waterfalls in Queimadas Natural Park.

⛰️ Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

One of Europe’s most dramatic hikes connecting Madeira’s two highest peaks.

🍃 Rabaçal Valley & 25 Fontes

A magical hike through forests and waterfalls in western Madeira.

📝 Tip: Always check weather conditions and trail closures.

2. Funchal: The Vibrant Capital City

Funchal combines modern charm with historical significance.

🎡 Monte Cable Car: Ride from the old town to the hilltop of Monte

🌸 Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Exotic flora, koi ponds, and Asian-inspired sculptures

🛷 Toboggan Ride: Slide down the streets of Monte in a traditional wicker basket sledge

🍷 Blandy’s Wine Lodge: Learn about and taste world-famous Madeira wine

🛍️ Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores for local fruits, flowers, and crafts

3. Cabo Girão Skywalk

Stand on one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs (580 meters) on a glass platform for a thrilling panoramic view over the ocean and coastal farms.

4. Visit Santana’s Traditional Houses

In the village of Santana, you’ll find triangular, thatched-roof houses—a picture-perfect glimpse into Madeira’s rural past.

🧀 Try local cheese, honey cake, and handmade goods from vendors nearby.

5. Natural Pools of Porto Moniz

These volcanic rock pools on the northwest coast offer a safe and stunning place to swim, with the waves of the Atlantic crashing nearby.

🏊 Lifeguarded and family-friendly

☀️ Ideal in summer but beautiful year-round

6. Explore the Laurisilva Forest (UNESCO Site)

Madeira’s ancient laurel forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to rare plant and animal species.

🌲 Best explored through guided hikes or the levada network

📸 Excellent for birdwatching and photography

7. Porto Santo Island

Take a ferry or quick flight to Madeira’s smaller neighbor, Porto Santo, known for:

🏖️ A 9-kilometer golden sand beach

🧖 Healing properties of its sand (allegedly good for rheumatism)

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful walking trails and a more relaxed pace

🍽️ What to Eat & Drink in Madeira

Madeira’s cuisine reflects its island nature, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and hearty comfort food.

Must-Try Dishes:

🐟 Espetada – Skewered beef grilled over wood and served with garlic butter

🐟 Black Scabbardfish (Espada) – Often served with banana or passionfruit

🥖 Bolo do Caco – Traditional flatbread with garlic butter

🥣 Caldo Verde – Portuguese green soup with kale and sausage

🍰 Bolo de Mel – Honey cake made from sugarcane molasses

Drinks:

🍷 Madeira Wine – Fortified wine with rich, nutty flavors

🍹 Poncha – A local cocktail made from aguardente, honey, and citrus juice

🍌 Fresh tropical juices – Try passion fruit, banana, and papaya mixes

🏨 Where to Stay in Madeira

Funchal:

Belmond Reid’s Palace – 5-star historic hotel with panoramic views

Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – Modern and central

Pestana CR7 Funchal – Co-owned by Cristiano Ronaldo

Rural Retreats:

Quinta do Furão – Dramatic clifftop views in Santana

Saccharum Resort – Design hotel near Calheta beach

Eco hotels and mountain lodges in remote areas for nature lovers

🎉 Festivals & Events in Madeira

🌼 Madeira Flower Festival (Spring)

A colorful celebration with parades, flower carpets, and cultural shows.

🍷 Madeira Wine Festival (September)

Tastings, grape-stomping, and traditional music in Funchal.

🎆 New Year’s Eve Fireworks

One of the largest firework displays in the world—record-breaking and visible across the island.

🏖️ Best Beaches in Madeira

While not a traditional beach destination, Madeira still offers beautiful spots to swim and sunbathe.

Praia Formosa – Funchal’s main beach, with pebbles and black sand

Seixal Beach – Dramatic black sand beach on the north coast

Machico Beach – Golden imported sand and calm waters

Garajau Beach – Clear waters, great for snorkeling, accessible by cable car

📅 Best Time to Visit Madeira

Madeira’s climate is mild year-round—making it a fantastic escape even in winter.

🐬 Nature & Adventure Activities

🐳 Whale and dolphin watching boat tours

🪂 Paragliding over coastal cliffs

🚴‍♂️ Mountain biking in the highlands

🧗‍♀️ Canyoning in volcanic gorges

🛶 Kayaking and paddleboarding on calm ocean days

🚗 Getting Around Madeira

Car rental is highly recommended—roads are steep but well-maintained

Taxis and local buses are available but limited in remote areas

Cable cars and funiculars offer scenic access to highland villages and coastal viewpoints

🧳 Travel Tips for Visiting Madeira

Bring layers and hiking shoes—weather changes quickly in the mountains

Rent a small car for easier navigation on narrow roads

Use offline GPS apps—some remote areas have poor signal

Try to plan hikes early in the morning to avoid clouds and fog

English is widely spoken, especially in Funchal and tourist areas

❤️ Why You’ll Love Madeira

Madeira is not just a destination—it’s an experience. Whether you're here to hike through otherworldly forests, sip wine at sunset, explore charming coastal villages, or simply relax in a spa with ocean views, Madeira has something for every type of traveler.

It offers:

🌋 Unique volcanic landscapes

🌸 Lush subtropical flora

🚶 Incredible hiking and outdoor adventures

🏖️ Secluded beaches and natural pools

🍽️ Delicious local cuisine and wines

🧘 A perfect mix of relaxation and excitement