Madeira is perfect any time of year. If you’re wondering what to do, you’ll find a wealth of Madeira island attractions to explore. You may love diving, hiking, relaxing or eating tasty food. Feel the thrill going down mountain cart paths. Taste passion fruit at the best Madeira Farmer’s Market.
One quintessential thing to do on Madeira is wake early for the best Madeira sunrise. Do levada walks and visit great viewpoints. Enjoy beaches and natural pools. These are just some of the many Madeira island attractions and options for what to do, whether travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or family.
Madeira Island Attractions: Dawn to Dusk Adventures
1. Wicker Toboggan Rides
If it’s your first trip to Madeira, definitely do not miss this for a must do thrill. One of the best Madeira adventures. But beware it’s not for those with a weak heart.
The carreiros do monte (toboggans) started in the 1800s as quick public transport. Today it’s one of the most popular Madeira island attractions and a definite addition to any Madeira must-do list, keeping the original wicker toboggans on wooden rails. I did this on my first Madeira trip, I couldn’t miss taking the thrilling best Madeira toboggan ride down the mountain!
Two drivers in white outfits and straw hats push the toboggan. They have rubber-soled boots to slow it when needed. Accidents are rare, but they keep the adrenaline flowing.
The ride starts below Igreja do Monte steps and ends at Livramento terminal. It goes through steep, winding roads up to 24 mph. So hold tight and be careful with selfies!
They’ll photograph you midway to buy as a souvenir memento. Practice your biggest smile, even if it feels like free-falling.
2. Try Poncha
There’s no set poncha drinking time, as Madeira’s most typical (and potent) drink can start your day.
Any true local will tell you that sipping poncha is the best way to kick off a perfect day on Madeira.
The traditional version contains cane sugar brandy, sugar, and lemon or orange juice. Find it at small taverns across the island, which are attractions in themselves.
Whether morning, afternoon or after dinner – poncha fits anytime. Embrace this quintessential best Madeira poncha beverage without restraint, as it’s one of the unique Madeira island attractions you can savour throughout your visit.
3. The Breathtaking Cable Car
First, try the Funchal cable car – one of the most popular Madeira island attractions and worthy of any Madeira itinerary. It offers a wonderful aerial experience, traveling from old Funchal to Monte, 560 meters high.
The 20-minute ride lets you take a wicker toboggan back down. I love getting an aerial view, so taking the different cable cars around Madeira lets me soak in incredible best Madeira vistas from up high.
Next, the short Botanic Garden cable car offers aerial Ribeira valley views while rising 100 meters.
Then there’s the Achadas da Cruz cable car in Porto Moniz. This north coast attraction climbs 450 meters.
For sunset views, take the Garajau cable car 15 minutes from Funchal. It rises 150 meters vertically next to the Cristo Rei statue, ending at Garajau beach.
Finally, the Fajã dos Padres cable car descends 300 meters to an idyllic spot. Spend the day at the restaurant with tasty petiscos (tapas) and beach.
4. The Magical Dawn
For Madeirans, a typical weekend means setting the 4am alarm. Put on winter clothes stored all season. Head to the highest peak with friends to watch the best Madeira sunrise.
Once the sun rises, visit a stall for ponchas – a drink that warms you where the sun can’t reach. Then it’s back to bed, as the day hasn’t truly begun. Do as the locals do – they know best.
Waking up early to watch the sunrise from a high peak, just like the locals do, is always a treasured best Madeira experience for me.
5. Admire the Sunset
After a day exploring museums, levada walks, and tropical gardens, gently end your evening with one of the top things to do on Madeira – admire the best Madeira sunset.
Listen to birds as the mountains and valleys turn deep orange before nightfall. For sublime sunsets, try Pico do Areeiro, Paúl do Mar (with seaside bars to toast the day’s end), Cabo Girão, the Cristo Rei viewpoint in Garajau, or Ponta do Pargo. Soak in the fading light as darkness takes over this island paradise.
6. Visit a Secluded Eden
You’ve seen the Fajã dos Padres cable car, but this seaside haven offers more. After descending (or arriving by boat), you enter another dimension – a “small island within Madeira.”
Stay overnight in one of the villas or bungalows. Relax on the private pebble beach with showers and loungers. The seaside restaurant serves regional dishes like fresh tuna and desserts made with local ingredients.
Staying overnight at the secluded Fajã dos Padres sounds like a dream getaway for me to truly unwind and immerse myself in the best Madeira has to offer.
After swimming, stroll through the certified organic grounds since 2008. See the Malvasia Cândida vineyards (try the Fajã wine!), 20 mango varieties, bananas, avocados, passion fruit and the vegetable garden supplying the restaurant.
Madeira Attractions, Tours & Activities
Treasures on Land and Sea
7. Porto Do Seixal Beach
Most Madeira beaches have pebbles, but Porto do Seixal in Porto Moniz offers volcanic sand. This beach has no lifeguards, so be careful. But it provides outdoor showers.
Draw pictures in the sand and watch waves wash them away. You can also get an invigorating body scrub here.
Forget tropical white-sand beaches. This volcanic black sand makes you feel like a mermaid or merman – the mythical sea god, son of Poseidon and Aphrodite.
8. Whale Watching & Diving
Any time is great for sea diving around Madeira, with perfect water temperatures year-round. Why not take a plunge in the middle of a boat trip? It’s a must-do experience.
Several companies offer half or full-day cruises, with almost guaranteed dolphin sightings. With some luck, you may also spot turtles or whales, as the skipper explains what you see.
If you a interested specifically in whale watching in Madeira we have a guide that’s perfect for you.
Don’t forget seasickness medicine, though. Going for a swim right off the boat during a dolphin/whale watching cruise sounds to me like the best way to enjoy Madeira’s marine life up close.
As tough as you are, catamarans can be tricky. You’ll want to feel shipshape for spotting these amazing marine friends.
9. Mercado Dos Lavradores
The tropical, colourful fruit displays impress right at the entrance. Exploring this vibrant market is one of the essential Madeira island attractions and a must do on the island. The fruits are beautifully arranged on stalls and sell out fast.
The Mercado dos Lavradores opened in 1940 in the Estado Novo authoritarian style. It became the city’s main produce source and remains popular with locals and visitors.
Exploring the colourful and lively Mercado dos Lavradores was for me the perfect way to experience the local culture and flavour of Madeira.
You’ll find pure or hybrid passion fruits, mangos, and exotic fruits you’ve never seen. Bring a tote bag for your fruity haul.
As you shop, photograph the 1940s ceramic tile panels adorning the facade. The regional themes decorate the main entrance and fish market areas.
10. Sample Madeira’s Seafood
Try lapas grelhadas (grilled limpets), a classic Madeiran starter found at many restaurants like Pátio das Babosas (great for lunch after the Funchal cable car ride and toboggan descent), Casa da Pedra in Madalena do Mar, or Quinta do Furão. Wherever you go, finding limpets is easy.
They’re grilled in their shells with butter and garlic – simple but delicious. Add fresh lemon juice for extra zest.
Don’t overlook caracol do mar (sea snails) either. These edible molluscs, common along Portugal’s coast, are cooked with water, salt and garlic. Vila do Peixe in Câmara de Lobos and Fajã dos Padres restaurant also serve them with lemon.
For an authentic taste of the sea, sample either lapas or caracois as your appetizer. Sampling the local delicacies like grilled limpets and sea snails allows me to experience what I feel is the true essence of Madeira’s seafood cuisine.
11. Santana’s Signature Houses
The thatched-roof houses are one of the top Madeira island attractions, featured on souvenirs like fridge magnets and postcards.
You’ll find these picturesque structures in Santana, on the island’s north coast. They offer perfect opportunities for your own postcard-worthy photos, with good examples located near the local tourism office.
Photographing the iconic thatched-roof houses of Santana seems like a must for capturing the quintessential imagery of Madeira.
But know their story too – originally the attic stored crops while people lived downstairs, divided into two areas. Santana earned a 2011 UNESCO biosphere reserve award.
The town also hosts the Madeira Theme Park and Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve. Nearby trails include Vereda do Pico Ruivo, Levada do Rei and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
Snap your photos but appreciate the tradition behind these iconic thatched houses.
12. Hike the Levada Waterways
After indulging in bolo do caco bread (those buttery, filled sandwiches are irresistible), you’ll need exercise to burn calories. Stay active and immerse yourself in nature.
Explore Madeira’s levadas – ancient stone irrigation channels carrying water from the wet north to drier southern areas since the 15th century. Levada walks follow paths alongside these waterways.
Many trails wind through the UNESCO Laurissilva forest, one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Difficulty levels vary based on your group’s fitness – some suit families, while others challenge the most active. Hiking along the beautiful levada trails sounds like the perfect way for me to immerse myself in Madeira’s lush laurel forests.
Well-known levada walks include Alecrim, Cedros, Rei, Ribeira da Janela, Vereda dos Balcões and Caldeirão Verde. Breathe that fresh forest air as you walk off those indulgent treats.
Madeira Attractions, Tours & Activities
Madeira Island Attractions: Nature and Culinary Wonders
13. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Perched on a hill overlooking Funchal bay, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden offers stunning views. The estate was transformed into a farm by British consul Charles Murray in the 1700s. After changing hands, it became Joe Berardo’s in 1987, who donated and renamed it.
Since then, renovations have introduced exotic plants from around the world, alongside native Madeiran forest species. Explore ponds with koi carp, ceramic collections, glazed tiles depicting Portuguese adventures in Japan, and an impressive gem exhibit.
Along the way, you’ll encounter peacocks, chickens, ducks and swans. Strolling through the lush Monte Palace Tropical Garden surrounded by exotic plants and wildlife, is for me, the best way escape into this verdant oasis on Madeira.
Open daily 9:30am-6pm. On your visit, stop at the Green House Coffee Roaster nearby for speciality coffee or a light meal.
14. Curral Das Freiras
In 1566, pirates attacked, forcing nuns from Santa Clara convent to flee with valuables. They found refuge in this deep valley, named Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). A road connecting it to Funchal opened it up after the 1960s.
Today it’s a peaceful area surrounded by towering mountains. Various fruit trees thrive here – oranges, lemons, sour cherries, cherries, plums and especially chestnuts. A big chestnut festival showcases the many ways to cook them in November.
See broas cornbread, cakes, soups, liqueurs, jams and traditional roasted or boiled chestnuts. For panoramic views, visit Eira do Serrado viewpoint at 1,095 meters. Access it via the footpath from Eira do Serrado Inn.
Tranquil natural beauty awaits in this valley where nuns once sought safe haven. I’m intrigued to explore the storied Curral das Freiras valley where the nuns once took refuge, and experience its tranquil natural beauty firsthand.
15. Cabo Girão
Cabo Girão soars 580 meters high – one of Europe’s loftiest points. The viewpoint’s glass Skywalk platform will test even the bravest souls. Dare to walk out and take in incredible views, or try bungee jumping or paragliding from this thrilling spot. The thrill of walking out on the glass Skywalk while taking in those incredible heights and ocean views sounds pretty exhilarating to me.
Below lies the village of Câmara de Lobos, where you can refuel at Vila do Peixe, savouring fresh fish. Afterward, sip ponchas, Madeira’s potent drink, at one of the small local bars.
Whether conquering your fears on the Skywalk or strolling peacefully after, Cabo Girão provides an unforgettable blend of exhilaration and coastal beauty.
16. Ribeiro Frio Trout Nursery
You may wonder – why talk about trout when listing Madeira’s top attractions? Because at Ribeiro Frio in the Forest Park, you’ll find a rainbow trout nursery worth visiting.
Stop here before hiking Levada do Furado or Vereda dos Balcões trails. This aquaculture station produces trout to restock Madeira’s waters since 1960. See young and adult fish up close, surrounded by lush greenery.
The slender trout can reach 60cm and 2kg, with backs ranging greenish to brown. At the nursery, observe these freshwater fish in their natural habitat before your levada walk.
Visiting the trout nursery at Ribeiro Frio sounds to me like an unexpected but fascinating stop that would let me better appreciate Madeira’s ecological efforts.
17. Authentic Madeira Cuisine
Eating well in Madeira is easy, but replicating those flavours back home gets tricky. Combine your visit to Mercado dos Lavradores with a cooking class from experts Alexandra and Luísa, owners of Entre Amigos restaurant.
Their Madeira Cook Experience project aims to showcase “unforgettable island flavours” from a “local perspective.” Everything happens at Armazém do Mercado, near the main market.
It begins by selecting fresh fish, fruits and veggies at the market for your meal. They’ll teach you how to prepare, season and cook fish like swordfish and tuna. Learn tasty side dishes too, and of course, how to make authentic poncha.
The customizable experience includes the meal you cooked or just observe as Luísa demonstrates. Taking a hands-on cooking class based on Madeira’s cuisine is an excellent way for me to bring those delicious local flavours back home with me.
18. Véu Da Noiva
Between Seixal and São Vicente, the Véu da Noiva (Bridal Veil) viewpoint provides special sights. See the 30-meter Véu da Noiva waterfall, a water curtain plunging off the mountain into the Atlantic.
As it powerfully hits the rocks, the cascading water turns into white, foamy mist – resembling a bride’s veil. From here, you also get sweeping sea and northern coast views.
Capturing photos of the dramatic Véu da Noiva “Bridal Veil” waterfall is my favourite way of preserving memories of Madeira’s striking natural scenery.
Madeira Attractions, Tours & Activities
Madeira Island Attractions: Coastal and Cultural Marvels
19. Porto Moniz Lava Pools
Porto Moniz, just 35 minutes from Funchal, is a must-see destination. The town’s iconic natural saltwater volcanic pools are its star attraction.
Crystalline waters burst through lava rocks at the perfect bathing temperature year-round. The paid complex has a children’s playground, showers and lockers. Or use the free zone without lifeguards for safe swimming.
Playing in the volcanic black sand and drawing pictures that get washed away by the waves at Porto do Seixal beach always appeals to my inner child and my artistic side.
This area also has a promenade lined with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Stop by the Living Science Centre when kids need a break.
After the pools, head to Miradouro da Santa for panoramic views over all of Porto Moniz.
Soak up this unique volcanic swimming experience surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery.
One of the most captivating Madeira island attractions, swimming in the unique volcanic lava pools of Porto Moniz is for me a one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly encapsulates Madeira’s stunning landscape.
20. Michelin Starred Delights
Among Portugal’s 28 Michelin-starred restaurants, Madeira has two – Il Gallo D’Oro and William.
The Bib Gourmand guide, highlighting good value dining, recommends five island eateries: Armazém do Sal, Casal da Penha, Villi Cipriani, The Dining Room and Avista.
Whether craving award-winning haute cuisine or quality meals at moderate prices, Madeira offers stellar options praised by Michelin inspectors. Indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine or one of Bib Gourmand picks is still one of my favourite ways to savour the best of Madeira’s food scene.
21. São Vicente Caves
Formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption at Paul da Serra, the São Vicente caves opened to visitors in 1996. Avoid if you’re claustrophobic, but otherwise it’s a unique, beautiful experience.
The €8 underground route stretches 1km, varying 5-6 meters in height. A guide accompanies you, sharing the caves’ story and offering reassurance if needed. Along the way, find crystal-clear springs and pools with atmospheric music playing.
At the end, visit the Volcano Centre with audio-visuals recreating the caves’ geological formation and simulating the birth of the Madeira archipelago.
Embrace this rare chance to explore the island’s volcanic depths and origins in a subterranean world of natural wonder. One of the most unique Madeira island attractions, exploring the São Vicente lava caves, for me, is the best way to discover Madeira’s volcanic origins first hand.
22. Funchal’s Old Quarter
While some restaurants in Funchal’s Old Town can feel touristy, it’s still a beautiful area to explore day and night. We recommend the fresh sushi at Hostel Santa Maria.
After dark, the vibe echoes Lisbon’s lively Bairro Alto – ideal for drinks with friends. Head to Venda Velha, making poncha the traditional way with live music and entertainment.
Whether for a casual meal or night out on the town, this historic district charms visitors. Experiencing the lively nightlife scene of Funchal’s historic Old Town, sipping ponchas and soaking in the atmosphere, is my way of embracing Madeira’s spirited culture.
23. Discover Madeira’s Rum
Madeira offers at least five places to watch local products being made and learn their history:
At Blandy’s Wine Lodge, explore the 200-year Madeira wine tradition still run by the Blandy family. Take a guided tour to see the 650 ageing barrels and vats, with a tasting finale.
For spirits, visit Companhia Engenhos do Norte in Porto da Cruz. Discover their traditional sugar cane brandy/rum production and sample the white brandy and aged 970 Reserva.
I always order the signature poncha drink to get an authentic taste of Madeira’s flavours, sometimes even kicking off my day with one!
Bordal has a shop floor to start or add to your embroidery trousseau, and a factory where real embroiderers handcraft pieces the old way.
Fábrica Santo António, founded in 1893, showcases the artisanal making of classic Madeiran sweets like bolo de mel honey cake – with tastings.
The newest is Tony Fernandes’s UAU Cacau chocolate factory. Take a guided “chocolab” tour to see hand-painted chocolates, moulds, and chocolate fountains while learning the process.
Whether wine, rum, embroidery, sweets or chocolate – immerse yourself in Madeira’s authentic local craftsmanship. Visiting places like the Blandy’s winery or embroidery factory is my ideal way to appreciate Madeira’s authentic local craftsmanship traditions.
24. Porto Santo Island
While flights to Porto Santo island take just 15 minutes, consider the fun ferry experience if you have time and don’t get seasick. The ferry has run this route since 2003, impressively carrying up to 1,153 passengers and 145 cars.
Onboard feels like a mini Madeiran cruise, with restaurants, bars, shops, game rooms, a cinema and multimedia spaces.
Once on Porto Santo, head to Pico de Ana Ferreira viewpoint. Indulge in famous lambecas ice cream (seasonal), taste the island’s wines, go hiking or simply laze on the golden sandy beaches.
Trade a quick flight for this leisurely sea voyage – a unique way to travel between Madeira’s picturesque islands while enjoying cruise-like amenities.
Taking the leisurely ferry ride over to the island of Porto Santo is one of the lesser-known Madeira island attractions. It seems like a fun, relaxing way that I can get to island-hop and experience a bit of Madeira’s cruise culture.
Madeira Attractions, Tours & Activities
Our Guides to Portugal
Travel Planning Guide for Madeira
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Madeira
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Madeira stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Madeira
Indeed, renting a car in Madeira is easy and is a great way to explore the island freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Madeira is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Madeira
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Madeira.
