Top 10 Things to Do in Madeira, Portugal

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean north of Africa, the Portuguese island of Madeira is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and a wide range of adventurous activities. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira offers year-round mild weather. It is an ideal destination for those seeking both nature and access to city life. Where to stay on Madeira depends on your interests. We’ve enjoyed staying walking distance to downtown Funchal, while having easy access to transport to many incredibly scenic drives, hikes, bike rides, and beaches. Here is our guide to the top 10 things to do in Madeira, from exploring the city of Funchal to the Levada walks to relaxing in natural volcanic pools.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Madeira

• Explore Funchal’s Vibrant Center
• Take the Funchal Cable Car and a Traditional Basket Ride
• Visit Madeira Botanical Garden 
• Monte’s Palace’s Tropical Gardens
• Immerse Yourself in the Laurisilva Forest 
• Swim in Natural Pools 
• Hike or Boat to Ponta de São Lourenço
• Visit Santana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Attend Madeira’s Festivals
• Ecological Dolphin or Whale Watching

1. Explore Funchal’s Vibrant Center

Exploring Funchal, the picturesque capital of Madeira, is a must-do on any visit to Madeira. Begin your exploration in the heart of the city, where the streets are lined with cafes and shops that showcase the blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture.

A few highlights to include on your trip (also see the other top 10 things to do for more inspiration):

• Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively market brimming with local produce, fresh seafood, and exotic flowers;
• Rua Santa Maria offers an artistic escape with its open-air gallery of painted doors, created by local artists to breathe new life into the historical area.
• Sé Cathedral Funchal: Funchal’s primary cathedral, with a. status of Pope John Paul II outside.

2. Take the Funchal Cable Car and a Traditional Basket Ride

Elevate your Madeira adventure by riding the Funchal cable car from the heart of the capital to the serene heights of Monte. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of the terracotta rooftops, lush gardens, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Check the cable car’s website for the latest operating times and to purchase tickets. If you are planning to visit the Monte Palace Gardens at the top of the cable car, be sure to look into a combo ticket. Prefer to stay on the ground, yet still want a fun way to get to the top of the basket ride? Take a Tuk Tuk tour to the basket ride.

Upon reaching Monte, the excitement continues with one of Madeira’s most unique traditions: the toboggan basket ride. These handcrafted wicker sleds are operated by skilled drivers known as “carreiros.” You’ll glide down the steep, narrow streets back to Funchal. This is a thrilling descent that may not be for everyone. Most visitors experience a rush of adrenaline with a taste of local heritage.

3. Visit Madeira Botanical Garden

The Madeira Botanical Garden is a green paradise that showcases the rich floral diversity of the island. It is spread across 35 hectares and is home to over 2,000 exotic plants from all corners of the globe. Stroll through meticulously landscaped gardens, where themed sections display everything from indigenous forest species to tropical plants. If you don’t have transportation, an easy option is to take a Tuk Tuk tour to the gardens.

4. Monte’s Palace’s Tropical Gardens

Don’t miss the nearby Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which combines exotic plants with mesmerizing art collections and stunning views. This remains one of our personal favorite spots to visit in Funchal. Between the Asian gardens, flamingos, and tropical gardens, we enjoyed this even more than the Madeira Botanic Gardens.

There are a number of ways to get to and from Monte’s Palace.

• Take the cable car from Funchal. The cable car does close due to high winds periodically. When this happens, buses or taxis are an alternate means to get to Monte Palace.
• Take a Tuk Tuk Tour up, explore the gardens, and then consider taking the basket ride back or Tuk Tuk back. down.

Insider tip! We’d recommend against driving up to Monte Palace. When the cable car was closed due to wind, we decided to drive. We had a bit of a mis-adventure when our rental car didn’t make it up the very steep hill that Google Maps took us on (not the main route we should have been using). After researching this more, we were not alone in having this issue.

5. Immerse Yourself in the Laurisilva Forest 

Step into the enchanting Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site that covers about 20% of Madeira’s surface. This ancient forest is a living relic from the Tertiary period, offering a glimpse into the lush, green world that once covered much of Southern Europe. The dense canopy of laurel trees, some of which are centuries old, creates a mystical atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. We visited on a somewhat rainy day, and it seemed to enhance the experience.

Some of the top trails through the forest include:

• Rota Circular da Levada dos Cedros – Fanal: Hard
• Rota do Fanal – PR14 Levada dos Cedros: Moderate
• Prazeres – Atrio – Levada Nova da Calheta: Moderate

Unless you are very confident navigating trails using your GPS, we’d recommend joining a tour for this Fanal adventure.

6. Swim in Natural Pools 

One of the top activities in Madeira is a visit to the natural volcanic pools carved out by the ocean. These pools provide a unique swimming experience, combining the refreshing ocean waters with stunning natural scenery. Here are just a selection of the natural pools available for swimming:

• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools – Arguably the most famous natural pools in Madeira, these are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water. They offer ample facilities, including lifeguards, making them ideal for a safe and refreshing swim.
• Seixal Natural Pools – Located on the north coast, these pools are less crowded than Porto Moniz and provide stunning views of the lush cliffs and pristine waters. The pools here are perfect for those seeking a quieter, more natural experience.
• Ponta do Sol Natural Pools – Situated in one of the sunniest parts of Madeira, these pools are known for their dramatic coastal setting. Enjoy swimming and explore this quaint town.
• Doca do Cavacas – Near the Lido area in Funchal, these small volcanic pools offer an accessible option with the added convenience of proximity to Funchal’s hotels and amenities. They also feature a tunnel connecting them directly to the sea.

7. Enjoy Spectacular Walking and Hiking

Madeira is often hailed as a hiker’s paradise. It offers a variety of trails that cater to every level of experience, from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers. Here are some top trails to consider:

• Câmara de Lobos – Funchal via Public Coastal Promenade – Connecting Funchal with Câmara de Lobos, it’s pedestrian and bike-friendly with beautiful sea views.
• Ponta de São Lourenço – This trail is ideal for those looking for a lighter hike. It offers spectacular coastal views as it meanders through the semi-arid landscape of Madeira’s easternmost point. The path is relatively flat and suitable for most fitness levels. For those who prefer to just hike one way, consider this highly rated tour, which includes a hike out and boat ride back.
• Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – This challenging hike connects Madeira’s third and highest peaks. It features dramatic mountain scenery and requires good fitness levels, but the panoramic views from the top are unmatched.

• Levada dos 25 Fontes – This popular and relatively easy levada walk leads to a beautiful waterfall and the famed 25 springs. The trail is well-shaded and offers a cool, pleasant walk through diverse vegetation, making it perfect for families and less experienced hikers.
• Levada do Caldeirão Verde – Perfect for moderate hikers, this levada walk winds through lush green scenery and ends at a stunning waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and offers breathtaking views without much elevation gain, making it accessible yet rewarding.
• Vereda do Larano – A scenic trail that skirts the high cliffs between Machico and Porto da Cruz, offering expansive ocean views. This path is somewhat challenging due to its narrow and sometimes steep sections but is incredibly rewarding for more confident hikers.

8. Visit Santana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Santana is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into traditional Madeiran life. It’s ideal for those interested in culture and history, and has a beautiful backdrop of green mountains and valleys.

• Explore Parque Temático da Madeira: The purpose of this theme park is to provide visitable attractions providing insights into Madeira’s culture and traditions. Some of the attractions include boat rides on the lake, a traditional Monte train ride, a farm park, gardens with endemic plants, and the iconic A-Frame houses.
• Visit the Traditional A-Frame Houses: Explore the iconic A-framed houses that are unique to Santana. Explore the full size A-Frames as well as the miniature houses.
• Hike to Pico Ruivo: As mentioned under the hikes above, hiking to Madeira’s highest peak provides stunning island views. Hiking from Pico do Areeiro is quite strenuous while the hike from Achada do Teixeira is a bit easier.

9. Attend Madeira’s Festivals

Experience the vibrant culture of Madeira by attending its festivals and cultural events. The island is renowned for its lively celebrations, including:

• Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Madeira is famous for its spectacular New Year’s fireworks display, officially recognized as one of the world’s largest. Don’t miss also the Christmas market and the town beautifully lit up by holiday lights.
• Madeira Flower Festival: Held in spring, this festival celebrates the abundance of flowers on the island with parades, flower carpets, and various performances.
• Madeira Wine Festival: Occurring in late August and early September, this festival honors the island’s rich wine-making traditions with live harvest activities, exhibitions, and tastings.
• Carnival: One of the most colorful and anticipated events, held typically in February-March, Madeira’s Carnival offers a taste of Brazilian-style festivities with elaborate parades, costumes, and music.
• Atlantic Festival: In June, this festival combines international fireworks competitions with music concerts, lighting up the skies of Funchal every Saturday night.

10. Ecological Dolphin or Whale Watching 

Embark on an eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching tour to see some of the 28 species of cetaceans that can be found in the waters around Madeira. These responsible tours educate participants about the marine environment while offering the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The south coast of Madeira is a particularly good spot for these excursions, providing regular sightings of dolphins and occasionally whales, making it a memorable and respectful wildlife experience.

Madeira Top Things to Do Wrap-Up

Madeira, with its blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and unique activities, offers something for everyone. One island often compared or contrasted to Madeira is Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands. We couldn’t decide which to visit, so chose to visit both to compare Madeira vs Tenerife for you. While Madeira is a wonderful place to visit almost any time of year, the best time to visit Madeira will vary depending on what your interests are. Some will enjoy visiting in summer to maximize their beach time, while others may visit Madeira in winter.

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