Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, the Portuguese island impresses with its lush vegetation, rugged rock formations, and jagged volcanic landscapes.
The flower island of Madeira
Madeira is often referred to as the flower island because of its year-round splendor of blossoms. The climate here is mild all year round.
The island is just 57 km long and 22 km wide. But it is bursting with beauty: lush green valleys, deep gorges, bizarre rock formations, charming coastlines, Eucalyptusforests and much more make the island a delightful holidaydestination.
Here I reveal our 19 best tips and highlights of what you can do in Madeira. It’s best to book a rental car and set off on your own. There is practically no way to get lost and the traffic is quite civilized. Only the cartrainonjourneys are criminally short…
We start our “rental car round trip” from Funchal and take you clockwise along the island coast:
Funchal – the capital of Madeira
The colorful and lively port city in the south of Madeira is the beating heart of the island. More than half of the island’s inhabitants live here.
The city offers a mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life.
If you are traveling to Funchal, you should take 2-3 days to stroll through the different districts of the city.
You should explore the following sights:
Old town of Funchal
Funchal has many inviting districts and alleyways. We particularly liked the Rua de Santa Maria with its doors decorated with street art and the many small restaurants and bars, although it is very touristy.
Painted doors of the Rua de Santa Maria
Adjacent to the Mercado dos Lavradores, the touristic Rua de Santa Maria begins: it is famous for the painted doors of the many restaurants and stores.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Watch the early morning hustle and bustle in the colorful market hall. In addition to traditional handicraft products, you will also find fresh fish, vegetables and exotic fruits.
With the Teleferico (cableline over Funchal) to Monte
The cable car (Teleferico do Funchal) takes you from the old town of Funchal to the Monte. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes and offers great views of the city’s steep slopes and the bay
Right next to the cable car station is the Tropical Garden of Funchal with numerous exotic plants.
Still haven’t had enough of plants? Then head to the botanical garden!
Botanical Garden
The island’s Botanical Gardens (Jardins Botânicos da Madeira) are located high above Madeira, in the “Monte” district. Here you will find over 2,000 exotic plantspecies!
To get to the Botanical Gardens, take the cable car (Teleferico) from the bus station in Funchal to the Monte district and from there another cable car to the gardens.
Alternatively, you can go up by bus (lines 29, 30 and 31) or by car (limited parking options are available on site).
Caravel “Santa Maria” of Christopher Columbus
The famous ship “Santa Maria” is moored in the harbor. Or at least a replica of the flagship, as the original was wrecked on a reef off the coast of the Dominican Republic on Christmas Eve 1492. With such a caravel and the two sister ships Niña and Pinta, Christopher Columbus discovered America.
Other attractions
- Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 Museum
- Design Center Nini Andrade Silva with stylish lounge and elegant restaurant
Recommended hotels: Barceló or Castanheiro
In the city center on a lively square is the elegant Hotel Barceló Funchal Oldtown.
A few steps above the city center you reside in a quiet side street in the stylish Boutique Hotel Castanheiro.
Fishing village Baía de Câmara de Lobos
The small village of Câmara de Lobos is located just a few kilometers west of Funchal. It is the oldest fishing village on the island.
During the day, you will see many small colorful fishing boats in the harbor, which go out at night to catch the local “peixe espada preto”.
Skywalk Cabo Girão viewing platform
Near the village of Câmara de Lobos, the viewing platform towers over the 580-metre-high cliff of Cabo Girão.
The Cabo Girão Skywalk is one of Madeira’s most popular sights.
The glass floor of the viewing platform provides a thrill or two – and a spectacular view of the gardens, the sea, and the capital Funchal from below.
Admission or a visit to the plateau costs €1 per person (as of June 2023). It’s worth it for the beautiful panoramic view, especially as you conveniently pay at a vending machine.
Cais da Ponta do Sol
The small village of Ponta do Sol is located on the south coast of the island
The stone pier, which was built on the coast of Madeira in the mid-19th century, connects the mainland with a small, windy rocky island.
Take a wind stopper with you to be on the safe side: Your hairstyle won’t withstand the wind despite the 3-weather taffeta spray ;-)
Calhau Beach Club – Saccharum Resort & Spa
The Calhau Beach Club is part of the Saccharum Resort on the beach promenade of Calhau.
In this noble beachrestaurant you meet in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere and sip delicious drinks and enjoy fresh snacks.
Very stylish!
Piscinas Naturais (natureswimmingpools) in Porto Moniz
Another highlight awaits you at the north-western tip of the island: the Piscinas Naturais – natural swimming pools that have formed over thousands of years from black lava rock on the coast.
A dip in these Piscinas Naturais with a view of the open sea is a special experience.
Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela – spectacular rock needle in the sea
One of the most fascinating photo subjects on the island can be found on the beach of the small village of Ribeira da Janela in the north of the island.
The rock formation is reminiscent of a needle sticking out of the sea into the sky – or an index finger.
Depending on the time of day, you may come across divers emerging from the sea with ink fish on their diving harnesses…
The caves of São Vicente
São Vicente is located on the north coast of the island. It is best known for its caves, which were formed more than 890,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions.
However, the caves are currently closed due to maintenance work and are expected to be accessible again in 2024.
But the garden and the Volcano Center are open to the public, so you can learn about the history of volcanoes and lava caves in Madeira.
“Casas Tipicas” – the traditional houses in Santana
In the small village of Santana on the north coast of Madeira, you can learn all about the island’s culture and customs.
Visit the characteristic, traditional houses with their thatched roofs, blue window frames and red shutters.
East cape Ponta de São Lourenço
The Ponta de São Lourenço nature reserve is located in the easternmost tip of Madeira. You can see the bizarrely shaped rocks along the coast as soon as you land on Madeira.
Whether hiking (see next chapter) or simply driving to one of the many viewpoints: It’s worth it!
Hiking in Madeira
Madeira is known as a hiker’s paradise. Whether you are an experienced or casual hiker, the flower island has something for everyone.
For example, the hikes along the levadas (irrigation channels) are relatively easy to master, while difficult alpine hiking routes await you in the higher mountain regions.
One of the most popular levada hikes is the “Levada do 25 Fontes” – a hikingtrail for waterfall lovers!
The coastalhike to Ponta de São Lourenço on the eastern cape of Madeira is fantastically beautiful and recommended.
The absolute hiking highlight is the tour from Pico do Arieiro to the 1862-metre-high mountain Pico Ruivo.
You can find details on these three hiking suggestions in our separate hiking tip.
Hiking in Madeira: Discover the breathtaking beauty of the flower island
Madeira is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The Portuguese island offers spectacular landscapes with cliffs, picturesque coastal paths, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Biking in Madeira
Madeira offers the right challenge for every biker with a range of well-developed trails. Here are Alex’s tips for the best tours with different levels of difficulty
Playing golf in Madeira
Due to the “eternal spring”, Madeira is a golf destination that is ideal all year round.
Madeira has 2 mature championship golf courses: Golfers meet either at the Palheiro Golf Course high above Funchal, or at the Santo da Serra Golf Course with its 27 holes.
Palheiro Golf offers great views of Funchal. The holes are laid out in a varied manner in the hilly surroundings. If the fairways sometimes seem short and easy, this is compensated for with strongly undulating, small greens…
Santo da Serra Golf is the classier of the two golf clubs with stunning views of the Eastern Cape. The fairways here are wider and less steep. The rental clubs are also new. At Palheiro Golf, you pay a surcharge for “premium clubs”.
We recommend a buggy on both courses, as the fairways are long and hilly. We recommend both courses but with a clear preference for Santo da Serra Golf.
Good trip and nice weather!
