What to do in Madeira - TOP 20 most beautiful places to visit
Madeira, the pearl of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most beautiful and popular exotic destinations in Europe.
Regardless of whether you are the type of active traveler who likes adventures and mountain hikes, or maybe you just want to enjoy the landscapes of a paradise island, Madeira is the right place to organize your dream vacation.
In this article, I invite you to discover the list of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Madeira. And if you want to see how we organized our vacation by days, don't miss this article: 7 days in Madeira - The perfect itinerary for your first vacation in Madeira.
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What you need to know about Madeira
Madeira is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, belonging to Portugal, at the same time being an autonomous region.
I have prepared an article for you, with all the important information about the island: transport in Madeira, where to stay, what are the prices, etc.: Madeira - Everything you need to know before visiting Madeira, the island of eternal spring.
Tourist attractions in Madeira
Madeira is not a large island, but it is very complex, combining in one place many leisure activities: from hiking to beaches, from beautiful cities and resorts, to haunted forests and natural pools... in this article you will encounter them all!
But first, let me introduce you to some common terms in Madeira:
Pico
- Pico means peak, and Madeira is known for its two peaks: Pico do Ariero (1818) and Pico Ruivo (1862).
Vereda
- Vereda refers to mountain paths or hiking trails
PR routes
- PR comes from "pequena rutas", or short routes, and are those official routes, well marked, arranged and maintained
- The routes are numbered PR1, PR2, etc. For example, PR1 is the route that connects Pico do Arieiro with Pico Ruivo, PR 8 is the route that leads to the easternmost point of the island, etc.
Levada
- In Madeira, the levada is an irrigation canal built to transport water from the mountainous areas, and dates back to the 15th century.
- Today, the levadas also have a tourist purpose, they have been transformed into hiking trails, which tourists follow to explore the spectacular landscapes of the island.
- Examples of levada: Levada dos Balcoes, 25 Fontes Levada, etc.
What to do in Madeira - TOP 20 most beautiful places to visit
Follow the map below with the main points of interest of the island. Slide the control panel from the left upper corner to access the map legend.
1. Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is one of the high mountain peaks of the island, with an altitude of 1818 meters. The place is absolutely spectacular, and it is Madeira's number 1 tourist attraction!
The good part is that anyone can reach Pico do Arieiro, it is accessible by car and you don't need any kind of training or physical condition to climb this peak.
There are two car parks near Pico do Ariero: the upper car park, where the parking time is limited to one hour, and which fills up quite quickly, and a car park a little further, 10 minutes' walk away, where there is no time limit . Both parking lots are free. Arriving at the base of the peak of Pico do Arieiro, you will find a restaurant, toilets and souvenir shops.
What makes Pico do Ariero so special? The feeling you get when you are there, high up, above everything, with that spectacular panorama of the mountain ridges and the Atlantic Ocean. And if you are lucky with a blanket of clouds, then the landscape is even more dramatic!
Tips when visiting Pico do Arieiro
- Plan to climb Pico do Arieiro from the very first day! The weather is very changeable in Madeira, and the peaks, mainly, are often covered with clouds, when you have no visibility at all because of the fog.
- Asteapta ziua cu vremea potrivita pentru a urca aici!
- Always check the weather forecast for Pico do Arieiro before you start for the summit, on a live webcam. (example: https://www.madeira-web.com/de/webcams.html )
- For a complete experience, don't miss the sunset or sunrise here!
- If you don't have your own car, take a guided tour, such as this one: Funchal: Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
2. Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, with an altitude of 1862 meters. Together with Pico do Ariero, the two peaks represent the essence of Madeira, they are the main symbols of the island and the images you will see everywhere on the internet, when you search for the word "Madeira".
Just like on Pico do Ariero, the view captured here is fascinating! The only difference is that Pico Ruivo is not as accessible as Pico do Arieiro and you cannot reach it directly by car. To climb to the top you need to do a hike, either from the parking lot at Achada do Teixeira (PR 1.2), or directly from Pico do Arieiro (PR1). But let's talk about these hikes:
a. PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro
PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro is the most famous hiking trail in Madeira, connecting Pico do Arieiro with Pico Ruivo. The route has a length of approximately 7 km each way, and is considered of medium to high difficulty.
The route requires a good physical condition, due to the level differences, and is not recommended to people with a fear of heights.
Otherwise, the route is very well marked, the landscapes are just amazing, and the experience of doing this hike is definitely unique!
Plan your route ahead of time, depending on the means of transport you chose to get there.
For example, if you come with a rented car, you have two options:
- Park at Pico do Arieiro, take the PR 1 route to Pico Ruivo, and then either go on the same 7 km route back to the car (14 km hike in total),
- or go down another 3 km from Pico Ruivo on PR 1.2 to the Achada do Teixeira parking lot, from where you can order a Bolt to take you back to the car. But be aware that the drive from Achada do Teixeira parking lot to Pico do Arieiro takes about an hour (40 km).
If you join a group day trip, the car will leave you at Pico do Arieiro early in the morning, and in the evening it will pick you up from the Achada do Teixeira parking lot, after you have crossed the trails PR 1 (Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo 7 km) and PR 1.2 (Pico Ruivo - Achada do Teixeira 3 km) – 10 km in total.
One such day trip would be this: Funchal: Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
b. PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Another possibility to reach Pico Ruivo, less physically demanding than PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro and more comfortable for those traveling with a rented car, is on the
The route starts from the Achada do Teixeira parking lot and is approximately 3 km long. The climb takes between an hour and an hour and a half, the route is of medium difficulty, but it is very well organized and very spectacular!
It is a hike that even those without an enviable physical condition can do, and I recommend you not to miss it! With breaks along the way and walking at your own pace, it is not an impossible route, and the satisfaction of reaching the top will be worth every effort!
And if you arrive at sunset, the feeling of being there will be all the more uplifting!
3. Fanal Forest
You know those horror movies, where the action takes place in a mysterious setting, in a scary, mystical forest, where you feel like you can cut through the penetrating fog with a knife?
Well, this place is the Fanal forest. Not necessarily the witness of a horror movie, but the setting and the atmosphere are perfect for such a show!
The Fanal Forest in Madeira is recognized for its mystical air. And this is due to the fog that frequently envelops the centuries-old trees in the forest. It is a unique place, especially when the thick fog appears, and it is one of the most famous locations of the island.
If you want to catch the Fanal forest during the fog, plan your visit here according to the weather forecast. But, if you are "unlucky" and have good weather and sunshine, you should know that the forest is also wonderful in the day light! And it is a very good place to reconnect with nature, to admire the vivid green of the forest with laurel trees and to enjoy the peace.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the Fanal forest on an organized tour: Funchal: Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Jeep Tour.
4. The traditional houses of Santana
In addition to the rich nature, Madeira also has a history and culture behind it, and from a tourist point of view, these are best represented by The traditional Santana Houses. They are a symbol of cultural heritage and an image of the island's rural past.
The houses are open and can be visited for free, inside there are various local products for sale.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the traditional houses in Santana in an organized tour: Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal.
Where to stay in Santana
- Casa do Ribeiro Frio - from 70 euros/night
- Solar Arco de São Jorge - from 80 euros/night
- Ilha Natura - from 85 euros/night
- Casa do Manuel - from 95 euros/night
- Hotel Quinta Do Furao **** - from 180 euros/night
5. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
One of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira is PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, a route that leads to the easternmost point of the island.
The route is a 8 km round trip, of medium difficulty and very well maintained, and with superb views: the ocean, the rocky coasts, the rich vegetation and the sound of the waves complete this dreamy landscape on the edge of the island of Madeira. It is one of the places you cannot miss!
If you don't have a car, you can get to PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço with an organized tour: Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal.
6. Funchal
Funchal is the capital and largest city of Madeira, with a population of 100,000 inhabitants.
It is very elegant and chic, a city with a good vibe and a continuous holiday atmosphere. It is worth setting aside a few hours, maybe even a whole day, to discover the good energy of this island city.
Some unmissable sights in Funchal would be Jardim Monte Palace Madeira, a beautiful tropical garden, Carreiros do Monte, Funchal's famous toboggan, the old center with the port area and Rua de Santa Maria, the city's botanical garden or the Cristiano Ronaldo museum.
I invite you to discover more about Funchal in the following article: A day in Funchal, the capital of Madeira - TOP 6 things to do in Funchal.
Where to stay in Funchal
- Belvedere Boutique – Adults only - from 80 euros/night
- São Francisco Accommodation - from 100 euros/night
- Solar do Ribeiro - from 110 euros/night
- Palmar Rooms - from 80 euros/night
- Central – São Pedro Boutique - from 75 euros/night
Levada
Levada are those very popular routes in Madeira, created along the irrigation canals built years ago. There are many such routes that you can follow in Madeira, of different lengths, but of medium difficulty. I will recommend some levadas that you must not miss, being the most popular and famous:
7. 25 Fontes Levada
- Distance: 8.6 km round trip
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Start/finish point: Rabaçal
Fontes means fountain, and as its name says, Levada das 25 Fontes, this is the Levada of 25 fountains.
The route, although not very short, is considered a moderate one, and the landscapes along the levada are wonderful. It is by far one of the most popular levadas in Madeira.
Keep in mind that, once you arrive at the parking lot, there is a minibus that can take you to the beginning of the trail, a distance of 2 kilometers. It runs every 10 minutes, the ticket costs 5 euros round trip and is paid in cash to the driver.
And if you don't have a car, you can reserve your place on such a tour: Madeira: Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada Walk & Cabo Girão.
8. Levada do Moinho - Levada Nova
- Distance: 8 km, loop circuit
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Start/finish point: in the city of Ponta do Sol, near the Lombada church
One of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira is the one offered by the combination of two levadas - Levada do Moinho, respectively Levada Nova.
The route starts in the town of Ponta do Sol, near the Lombada church, on PR 7 Levada do Moinho. The path takes you through the most beautiful landscapes, with a superb view, being located at a height and having a panorama of the surrounding ridges and the Atlantic Ocean.
At the end of the Levada do Moinho route, you have the option either to return on the same route, or to come back on another route, on Levada Nova. We recommend the second option, to admire the area from another perspective. In addition, this way you have the opportunity to reach the famous levada waterfall.
The route is medium, but not recommended for those with a fear of heights!
9. Levada dos Balcões
- Distance: 3 km, round trip
- Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Start/finish point: Ribeiro Frio
A short and easy route, absolutely recommended to anyone, is PR 11 Levada dos Balcões. The route, in itself, may not be as spectacular as the others mentioned here, but when you reach its end, you will have the most beautiful view.
The "balcony" at the end is recognized for the multitudes of birds that have their nests here. So, if you want to admire them up close, don't forget to take a bag of seeds with you to give to the birds. Surely, the children will be very excited about this meeting.
10. Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Distance: 15 km, round trip
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Start/finish point: Queimadas Forest Park
PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the longest levada trails in Madeira, which makes it all the more special, and popular at the same time.
Along the route you will have to pass through several tunnels, so be prepared with a flashlight!
11. Cascata dos Anjos and Ponta do Sol
Cascata dos Anjos, or Angels Waterfall, is one of the most Instagrammable places in Madeira.
It is a waterfall that pours directly over the road, splashing, during this time, the cars and people driving on the road.
In fact, this is a secondary road, with forbidden access, where only residents are allowed to drive. But that didn't stop curious tourists from coming to visit this waterfall.
If you are prepared with a bathing suit, take a picture of yourself standing directly under the waterfall and upload it on social networks. Guaranteed you will have a lot of likes and comments!
The waterfall is located on the edge of the town of Ponta do Sol, so if you get to Cascata dos Anjos, don't hesitate to go to the charming town. Ponta do Sol has a good vibe, with all the beach and the ocean cliff!
12. Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of the most visited places in Madeira is the Cabo Girão Skywalk. This is a platform built on the edge of the rock, with access to an absolutely superb panorama - from here you can see very well the city of Funchal, the coast of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
And if you are brave, walk directly on the glass of the Skywalk platform! Here you will overcome any fear of heights!
An entrance ticket costs 2 euros. And if you want to participate in a tour that will bring you to Cabo Girao, this is: Funchal: Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Jeep Tour.
Natural pools
The natural pools are some of the most impressive tourist attractions of Madeira. These are pools of water formed naturally in volcanic rocks and then filled with ocean water. The most famous natural pools in Madeira are:
13. Porto Moniz Natural Pools
The natural pools of Porto Moniz, the most famous in Madeira, are a series of pools created next to each other, in a totally natural setting.
Entrance to the complex of natural pools costs 3 euros.
Porto Moniz is, moreover, a resort, with numerous accommodation places and restaurants for tourists who come here especially for these pools.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the natural pools in Porto Moniz on an organized tour: Funchal: Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Jeep Tour.
Where to stay in Porto Moniz
- Aqua Natura Bay **** – from 150 euros/night
- Aqua Natura Madeira **** – from 150 euros/night
- CASA CAROTO – from 90 euros/night
14. Seixal Natural Pools
Other natural pools, smaller than those in Porto Moniz, but equally interesting and less crowded, are those in Seixal.
Entry is free to these pools.
Near the swimming pools is the beach of Seixal, a beach with volcanic black sand.
15. Ribeira da Janela
An interesting place in Madeira, located in the north of the island between the two resorts with natural pools, is Ribeira da Janela. It is a rock with a very strange shape, located on a wild beach.
16. Farol da Ponta do Pargo & Miradouro da Garganta Funda
If we have already mentioned the interesting places in the north, east and south of the island, we cannot leave out the western part either.
The westernmost point of Madeira is at Farol da Ponta do Pargo, the lighthouse located at the edge of the island, with an absolutely superb view. I recommend you spend an afternoon here, to capture the sunset in all its splendor.
Nearby is the Miradouro da Garganta Funda, an observation point of an absolutely huge waterfall.
17. Beaches
Madeira is an exotic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but, contrary to the expectations of some, Madeira is not recognized as a beach destination. There are no long, wide beaches, and their number is quite small. There are several beaches on the island, some artificial, with fine, yellow sand, others volcanic, with heavy sand. I will mention some of these further:
a. Praia da Calheta
b. Praia de Machico / de S. Roque
c. Praia do Porto do Seixal
18. Viewpoints
Madeira is an island with a predominantly mountainous relief. Which means that the panoramic points, from the height, will be numerous.
At every step, on any route, by car or on a hike, you'll come across a so-called "Miradouro". Some you can find on Google Maps, at others you will simply stop on your way. I will mention some of the most popular ones below:
a. Miradouro da Eira do Serrado + Nun’s Valley
b. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
c. Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
d. Miradouro do Guindaste
19. Cristo Rei
A different tourist attraction, which brings a little bit of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, is the monument of Cristo Rei, with the statue of Jesus Christ. If you're on the way, it's worth stopping for 10 minutes and admiring the surroundings, the view from above, and going down the steps to observe the statue from afar.
20. Porto Santo
Porto Santo is a small island located approximately 40 kilometers from Madeira. Although less known, the island has a peaceful atmosphere and is known for its 9 km long beach with fine sand.
From Madeira you can reach Porto Santo by ferry, directly from Funchal, and the journey takes 2 and a half hours, with the Porto Santo Line company.
Where to stay in Porto Santo
- Hotel Porto Santo & Spa **** - from 95 euros / night
- INATEL Porto Santo *** - from 65 euros / night
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