Looking for the best things to do in Madeira? This lush Portuguese island is packed with jaw-dropping nature, incredible food, and year-round sunshine. For first-time visitors and returning wanderers, there’s sure to be something here to spark your sense of adventure.
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Hi, I’m Hazel, a British travel writer with a serious soft spot for Madeira. I’ve explored many of Europe’s islands, but Madeira has completely captured my heart with its mix of wild landscapes, welcoming people, and mouthwatering food.
I’ve been all around the island and written several itineraries for road trips.
Here are 21 of the best things to do in Madeira – starting with a few you can’t miss:
1. Wander the Fairytale Laurissilva Forest 🌳
Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest is like something out of a fantasy novel. Think misty trees, mossy trails, and prehistoric vibes.
You can explore it via scenic levada walks like the Levada do Moinho or Levada dos Balcões.
Ribeiro Frio is a great place to start – it’s green, peaceful, and full of birdsong.
2. Brave the Glass Skywalk at Cabo Girão ✨
Cabo Girão is Europe’s highest sea cliff, and there’s a glass platform that juts out over the edge.
At 580 metres above the ocean, it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle the heights, the views are jaw-dropping.
There are talls nearby selling Madeiran souvevnirs like Madeira wine and honey cake too – which helps!
3. Set Sail from Funchal Marina ⛵️
Sailing from Funchal is an easy way to feel like you’re living your best island life.
Many trips include dolphin and whale watching, and some even stop in quiet coves for a swim.
There are sunset cruises, catamaran rides, and glass-bottom boats if you want to peek at marine life below.
4. Taste Madeira at Mercado dos Lavradores 🍌
This colourful market in Funchal is full of tropical fruits, flowers, and local flavours.
Head upstairs for exotic passion fruits and downstairs for glistening black scabbardfish.
The flower ladies wear traditional Madeiran dress, and there are little restaurants serving up bolo do caco and espetada.
👉 For more details, check out my full guide to Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal.
5. Stroll Through Funchal’s Old Town 🏛️
Funchal’s historic centre is made for slow wandering.
Start at the Gothic-style Sé Cathedral, then head down to the yellow-walled São Tiago Fort.
Don’t miss Rua de Santa Maria, where each doorway is a unique piece of street art.
👉 For even more ideas, check out my full guide to 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal.
6. Swim in Porto Moniz’s Lava Pools 🏊♀️
Tucked away on Madeira’s wild northwest coast, Porto Moniz is all about dramatic scenery and natural beauty.
The star of the show here is the volcanic swimming pools – sculpted by ancient lava flows and filled with crystal-clear seawater.
There are two areas: one more polished and maintained (with lifeguards and smooth edges), and another that’s more rugged and photogenic, with no entry fee.
Once you’ve had a swim, the seafront promenade is a lovely place for a stroll.
👉 For more ideas, check out my guide to things to do in Porto Moniz.
7. Catch Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro 🌄
This 1,818-metre peak is surprisingly accessible and offers one of the most epic sunrise views you’ll ever see. On clear mornings, you’re literally above the clouds.
If you’re feeling energetic, hike the trail to Pico Ruivo, the island’s tallest peak. It’s intense but unforgettable.
8. Hike a Levada Trail 🚶♀️
Madeira’s famous levadas (old irrigation channels) now double as hiking paths through jaw-dropping landscapes.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about walking alongside a levada, with nothing but the trickle of water and birdsong for company.
Some are easy, like Levada dos Balcões; others more adventurous, like Levada das 25 Fontes. My favourite? Levada do Caldeirão Verde – expect waterfalls, tunnels, and enchanted forest vibes.
👉 If you’re keen to dig deeper, I’ve written a full guide to the 16 Best Levada Walks in Madeira that covers all the must-try routes.
9. Sip a Strong Poncha in a Taverna 🍹
Poncha is Madeira’s local cocktail – a heady mix of sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon juice. You’ll find it everywhere, but especially in little tavernas where the locals hang out.
Try the traditional lemon version or go fruity with passionfruit or tangerine. Warning: it’s stronger than it looks.
10. Feast on Local Specialties 🍽️
Food in Madeira is next-level. Start with bolo do caco (sweet potato flatbread slathered in garlic butter). Try the iconic espada com banana (black scabbardfish with banana), grilled limpets (lapas), and espetada (beef skewers cooked over open flames).
👉 Check out my full post on what to eat in Madeira for more delicious tips.
11. Relax on Black Sand Beaches 🏖️
Thanks to Madeira’s volcanic origins, the beaches here come in moody shades of black and grey – and they’re gorgeous.
Seixal on the north coast is a standout, with soft black sand, lush cliffs, and natural pools nearby.
Praia Formosa in Funchal is the biggest, with cafés and showers, while Prainha de Caniçal feels like a secret cove.
12. Try Surfing or Kayaking 🏄♀️
Fancy catching a few waves? Head to Jardim do Mar or Paul do Mar – both are surfer faves with epic swells.
For something calmer, rent a kayak and paddle along the dramatic coastline, exploring sea caves and hidden coves. Mornings are usually best for calm water (and dolphin spotting).
13. Visit a Local Winery 🍷
Madeira wine is world-famous, and tasting it where it’s made is a must.
Head to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal for a deep dive into the island’s fortified wine history, or visit Barbeito in Câmara de Lobos for something more boutique.
Sweet or dry, there’s a style for every palate.(If you’re keen to try a few in one go, this is a good wine tour you can book.)
14. Go Underground at São Vicente Caves 🕳️
Tucked into the lush north coast, these volcanic caves are a cool (literally) escape.
Walk through ancient lava tubes formed nearly a million years ago, then learn about Madeira’s explosive past in the attached Volcanism Centre. It’s weirdly soothing and very informative.
15. Stargaze in Remote Spots 🌌
Madeira has some stunning stargazing spots thanks to low light pollution and clear skies.
Try Pico do Arieiro or Ponta do Pargo on a new moon night.
Pack a jacket (it gets chilly up high), and maybe a hot flask for full dreamy vibes. Constellations, planets, the works
16. Chase Waterfalls 💦
Madeira is full of them. Risco Waterfall near Rabaçal is a showstopper, as is the delicate Véu da Noiva (Bridal Veil) on the north coast.
For a hidden gem, seek out Poço do Bacalhau near Seixal – a perfect spot to dip your toes and chill.
👉 If you’re keen to explore even more, check out my full guide to the 16 Best Levada Walks in Madeira, many of which pass by stunning cascades.
17. Ride a Cable Car (or Seven) 🚡
Madeira isn’t shy when it comes to cable cars – there are seven of them scattered across the island, each offering its own jaw-dropping perspective of cliffs, coastlines, and hidden valleys.
The Funchal-Monte line gives panoramic city views and drops you near the Botanical Gardens.
Achadas da Cruz takes you down a cliffside to a wild beach.
And Fajã dos Padres drops you into a hidden tropical valley with wine, lunch and waves.
18. Hop Over to Porto Santo 🏝️
This little sister island is just a short ferry ride away, and it’s home to a massive golden beach that stretches for 9 km.
It’s quieter than Madeira, with calm waters, relaxed resorts, and healing sands (literally – locals swear by them).
19. Get Lost in a Garden Paradise 🌺
Madeira isn’t called the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic” for nothing.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is part jungle, part Japanese garden, and fully dreamy.
The Botanical Garden below it has more than 2,000 species of plants plus epic views over Funchal.
Flower lovers, this is your moment. Don’t skip Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro either – romantic and blooming with colour.
20. Ride a Toboggan Down a Hill 🛷
Only in Madeira can you ride a wicker toboggan down a steep hill. This quirky tradition started in the 1800s, and it’s still going strong in Monte.
Two carreiros (in white gear and straw hats) steer you down with their feet.
It’s over in 10 minutes, but unforgettable. Book tickets here.
21. Spot the Painted Doors of Santa Maria Street 🚪
In Funchal’s Old Town, Rua de Santa Maria has turned its doorways into an outdoor gallery.
Each one is painted by a different artist – some funny, some thought-provoking, all photogenic.
Grab a poncha, take your time, and enjoy the colour.
Quick Wrap-Up ✨
From volcanic pools and cable cars to fairy-tale forests and sunset hikes, Madeira is one dreamy island. Whether you stay in Funchal or go full explorer mode across the coast, you’ll be spoiled for choice with adventures, views, and seriously tasty food.
Pack your boots, your appetite, and your sense of wonder – Madeira is waiting.
Map of Madeira 🗺️
To make planning even easier, here’s a handy Google Map showing all the best things to do in Madeira listed above. Click the blue icons to see details or save the map to your own Google account for offline use.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Madeira 📝
🎟️ Book popular tours and activities in advance, especially in high season.
🧥 Bring layers! The coast is warm, but the mountains can get chilly fast.
👟 Pack hiking shoes if you plan on doing levadas or mountain trails.
👣 Flip-flops or reef shoes are a good idea for those rocky beaches and pools.
💳 Card payments are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small cafés and market stalls.
FAQs About Visiting Madeira Island 💡
A: When’s the best time to visit Madeira? Madeira is a year-round destination, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best balance of sunshine and smaller crowds.
A: You can get by with tours and public transport, but renting a car gives you way more freedom, especially for reaching remote levada trails and hidden gems. I use Discover Cars in Madeira.
A week is a great amount of time to experience a mix of hiking, sightseeing, food, and relaxation. If you’re planning to explore both Madeira and Porto Santo, consider staying 10 days or more.
A: Yes! Madeira is safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re hiking, dining out, or joining a day tour, it’s a great destination for solo travel – I’ve done it myself and loved every minute.
Many levada walks are beginner-friendly, with flat and well-marked paths. However, some are more challenging with steep drops or narrow sections, so it’s worth checking the difficulty level before setting off.
A: Yes, but be prepared for rocky entries and waves. The natural lava pools (like Porto Moniz and Seixal) are safer for casual swims.
A: Must-tries include espetada (beef skewers), bolo do caco (garlicky sweet potato bread), black scabbardfish with banana, lapas (grilled limpets), and of course, a glass of poncha – the island’s traditional drink. You can read more in my Madeira food guide.
A: It can be, especially in Funchal, but overall it’s great value for the quality of food, accommodation, and experiences.
Organised Tours and Activities 🎟️
If you’d prefer everything arranged for you, there are plenty of excellent tours in Madeira. These cover dolphin-watching boat trips, levada walks with local guides, and even day trips to Porto Santo.
Here are a few good options:
- Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise – set sail from Funchal with marine biologists on board.
- Sunrise Self-Guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – includes hotel pickup, drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira after your hike.
- Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal – an open-top 4×4 journey with views of Cabo Girão, Véu da Noiva waterfall, Paul da Serra plateau, and Porto Moniz.
- East of Madeira Full Day 4×4 Tour – travel off-road through Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, and Santana’s A-frame houses.
- Half-Day Wine Tour – follow a scenic wine trail through the Laurissilva forest, with wine and tapas.
? You can browse more Madeira tours and book in advance on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Related Reading 📚
Want more Madeira travel inspiration? Check out these post about things to do on Madeira island:
🐟 16 Excellent Things to Do in Porto Moniz, Madeira
📅 12-Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary
⛵ 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira
🥗 Food in Madeira: What to Eat and Drink on Madeira Island
🏝️ 10 Great Things to Do in Calheta, Madeira Island
🏨 Where to Stay in Madeira: 14 of the Best Hotels
🌿 Best Places in Europe for Nature: Solo Travel Picks
Pinterest Pins 📌
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
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