If you're planning a road trip around Madeira, don't miss the western side of the island - it's wilder and sunnier than the eastern side, and full of hidden gems. Below you’ll find the best towns in West Madeira to explore.Madeira
Madeira is dramatic and mountainous, with levada trails cutting across the hillsides and cliffs dropping into the Atlantic. From panoramic viewpoints to botanical gardens and coastal drives, it’s an island shaped by landscape.
This collection of Madeira itineraries, walk guides and practical posts brings together everything I’ve written about the island, whether you’re planning scenic hikes or exploring Funchal. For a complete overview, you can start with my detailed Madeira travel guide.
If you're planning a road trip around Madeira, don't miss the western side of the island - it's wilder and sunnier than the eastern side, and full of hidden gems. Below you’ll find the best towns in West Madeira to explore.
Planning a road trip around Madeira? The island might be small, but it’s packed with postcard-perfect towns that each offer something special. If you’re heading to the eastern side of the island, this guide is for you.
Funchal is fabulous, all tropical gardens, colourful markets and ocean views. But step outside the city and you’re suddenly face-to-face with wild peaks, misty forests, and fishing villages that look like they’ve barely changed in a century. If you’re wondering what’s nearby, here are...
Porto Moniz is where Madeira’s wild side comes out to play. Perched on the island’s northwest edge, this tiny town has lava rock pools so clear you’ll think they’ve been filtered for Instagram, mountains that drop straight into the ocean, and glorious sunsets to boot....
This page contains a planned 14-day itinerary for Madeira, for the west of the island. Highlights include the towns of Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Jardim do Mar, Porto Moniz, São Vicente and Seixal. All of my Madeira itineraries start and finish in...
Planning a week on Madeira's wilder side? This 7-day itinerary for Madeira is all about the west – dramatic cliffs, volcanic pools, flower-filled villages, and golden-hour towns. Starting and ending in Funchal, it loops you through Ribeira Brava, Calheta, Jardim do Mar, Porto Moniz, São...
Planning to explore the lush, wild east of Madeira? This 7-day itinerary takes you from vibrant Funchal to cliffside villages, thatched-roof hamlets, and jaw-dropping hikes. Expect golden beaches, tropical gardens, and plenty of poncha breaks.
If you’re dreaming of lush valleys, cliffside trails, and waterfalls you can actually walk under, the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike in Madeira needs to be on your list.
If Madeira had a beating heart, it might just be the Mercado dos Lavradores. Right in the middle of Funchal’s old town, this vibrant farmers’ market is a whirlwind of colour, chatter, and heavenly smells. One moment you’re inhaling the perfume of bird-of-paradise flowers, the...
Looking for things to do in Calheta, Madeira?If you're lucky enough to find yourself on this stunning island, make sure to carve out some time for the charming town of Calheta. Nestled along the southwest coast, this picturesque locale is a gem waiting to...