20 Best Things To Do In Madeira: Walks, Villages & Views

Wondering what to do in Madeira? This guide highlights some of the island’s most memorable places to visit beyond the capital, Funchal.

The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautiful with an abundance of flowers, which is just one of the things I love about it. Its volcanic origins are evident in weird and wonderful rock formations, sheer cliffs with waterfalls tumbling down them and steep craggy mountains.

For such a small island, the landscape is surprisingly varied and well worth exploring, as are the small towns and villages. This selection of things to do in Madeira includes both popular sights and lesser-known places around the island, many of which are easiest to reach by car.

1. Enjoy mountain views from Miradouro dos Balcões

For one of the easiest yet most rewarding viewpoints in Madeira, walk to Miradouro dos Balcões in the Ribeiro Frio area.

A short and mostly flat path follows a levada through lush forest for about 1.5 km before reaching a balcony-style viewpoint overlooking the dramatic mountains of Madeira’s interior. Even though we didn’t quite get to see them because of clouds, on a clear day you can see several of the island’s highest peaks rising above the deep green valleys.

Because the walk is short and well maintained, it’s suitable for most visitors and a good option if you want a taste of Madeira’s levada scenery without committing to a long hike. For this reason, it’s also popular with tour companies so don’t be surprised if you see a coachload of people on the trail.

Important note: For this, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões (Balcony Path), and all other trails on the island, you need to get a ticket from the official Simplifica Madeira web site.

Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them. The viewpoint is a good place to spot Madeiran chaffinches and other birds.

Mike and I took the bus from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio but had to wait quite a while for the return journey. Driving there would be a more efficient use of time.

If you are considering renting a car in Madeira, get the best prices from Discovercars.com.

2. Dare to walk the glass platform at Cabo Girão

Not far from the little fishing town of Câmara de Lobos is the slightly nerve-wracking viewing terrace at Cabo Girão where you get to gaze down 589metres of cliff face through a glass platform. This amazing glass walkway offers incredible views of the Madeira coastline, Funchal and the town of Câmara de Lobos. 

You need to purchase your ticket from the official Simplifica Madeira web site) and opening times are 8.00am to 8.00pm.

You can get here by bus and many of the organised tours come here.

3. Get lost in the cobbled lanes of Jardim do Mar

If you want a picturesque village full of cobbled lanes and flower-filled gardens, Jardim do Mar is the place to come. Backed by beautiful cliffs with views along the coast and overlooking the ocean, it’s a delightful place to get lost in. Street names are picked out in the cobbles themselves.

There are a few cafés and a glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the sea as well as a small ‘beach’ area.

Practicalities: With only one, very slow, bus a day from Funchal (Rodoeste), you’d be much better off driving to Jardim do Mar unless you plan to stay overnight – there’s a hotel and lots of little villas and apartments for rent. See accommodation options in Jardim do Mar.

4. Walk behind a waterfall on the Levada do Rei

Dori and I were keen to do some walking in Madeira but the weather wasn’t cooperative for the first few days of our stay.

We finally got a perfect break in the clouds and rain when we did the Levada do Rei near Ponta de São Jorge. Given the dodgy weather, we chose this walk as a safer option than the Caldeirão Verde levada and I was more than happy with it.

Shortly into the trail, the clouds lifted to reveal the jagged peaks of the ‘Picos’ in the distance, glimpsed at various intervals between the trees as we followed the levada around the valley.

At one point, we had to crouch through a tunnel and walk behind a waterfall but it was worth it to get to the end point of the walk, i.e. the aptly named Ribeiro Bonito (Pretty Stream), which is a small waterfall with pool and surrounded by boulders. The gushing water almost drowned out the chatter of the Madeiran chaffinches that were darting around.

Tip: Bring a poncho and stop for refreshments at the café near the start of the walk.

Practicalities: You’ll need transport to get here. Get the best car hire prices at Discovercars.com. 

5. Gaze at the mountains surrounding Nun’s Valley, aka Curral das Freiras

For many a year, nuns living on the coast would avoid marauding sailors by retreating to a hidden valley deep in the mountains. In the end, they got sick of running and settled there permanently.

The views from the miradouro at Eira do Serrado are incredible, making it one of the best things to see in Madeira. If you have time, it’s worth walking (see my article about Madeira walks) or driving to the village of Curral das Freiras for lunch with a view.

Practicalities: There are buses from Funchal or you could take a guided tour.

Recommended tour:

👉 Half day bus tour that also includes Câmara de Lobos (can be done as a group tour or privately).

6. Feel the waves at Porto Moniz natural swimming pools

Dori and I were disappointed to find that the swimming pool complex in Porto Moniz was closed due to rough seas.

It looks like it would be fun, although I preferred the smaller pools to the east of the town with their clear turquoise waters and volcanic rocks. These were also closed due to adverse conditions but we were able to walk around the complex and watch the waves crashing against the rocks.

Tip: Contact the local Tourist Information Office to check that the pools are open if seas are choppy.

Practicalities: To get to Porto Moniz, you can drive, take a long bus ride from Funchal or go on a guided tour through the mountains and across the Paul da Serra plateau to the pools at Porto Moniz or nearby Seixal.

👉 Get full details of this jeep tour and check availability for small group or private experiences

7. Hang out at the harbour in Câmara de Lobos

For a harbour full of colourful fishing boats and lined with seafood restaurants, look no further than Câmara de Lobos, former hangout of Sir Winston Churchill. Easy to get to by bus or as part of a tour from Funchal, this small town is quite busy near the waterfront.

However, if you are willing to venture away from the harbour, you’ll quickly evade fellow tourists. There’s a wonderful, simple restaurant higher up the hill (O Polar) that serves delicious espetada (meat skewers) and a miradouro at Pico da Torre that offers great views.

Find out more about espetadas and other food to try in Madeira in this post.

If you’re looking for a full day guided tour that includes Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, mountain scenery and the natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz, check out the Best of the West tour.

8. Learn about local traditions in Ribeira Brava

Aside from the attractive promenade, lined with palm trees, Ribeira Brava has a pebble beach with a calm swimming area and an outdoor pool next to the shore.

Dori and I were more interested in a temporary marquetry exhibition being held at the Ethnographic Museum (Museu Etnográfico da Madeira). We weren’t expecting to be impressed with the permanent collection so it came as a pleasant surprise, despite feeling pressured into watching a video about wheat farming.

A lot of effort has gone into showcasing the traditional activities of the island, such as fishing, farming and wine production and the displays are varied and interesting.

Practicalities: There are several buses a day from Funchal and it’s just off the main motorway if you’re driving. Address: Rua de Sao Francisco 24, Ribeira Brava

9. See street art in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol was indeed sunny when we arrived, although the pebble beach looked rather uncomfortable. You can enjoy good views of the coast by walking along the small promontory to the left of the beach.

Aside from the waterfront, the town itself is small, with a couple of streets of historical buildings containing cafés, restaurants and craft shops.

There’s also a surprising amount of urban art. One such piece, Parede da Memória (Memory Wall) by Patrícia Sumares, has 3,000 faces, made from molds of 250 models, both locals and tourists.

10. Visit a working sugar cane factory in Calheta

Calheta is popular with visitors thanks to its small sandy beach but for me, the reason for coming here is the Engenhos de Cana sugar cane factory (Av. Dom Manuel 29).

We arrived just before lunchtime so we saw workers feeding a last bundle of canes into the stripping machine before they downed tools and sat on the steps to eat their packed lunch.

As visitors, we were free to roam around the factory to see the stills, machinery and the bubbling vats of sugar before popping into the shop/bar to taste some freshly squeezed sugar cane juice.

It looks disgusting, like a muddy puddle, but tastes quite refreshing. The more appealing end results are of course the rum and treacle, known in Madeira as mel de cana (sugarcane honey), both of which are on sale in the shop.

Buses from Funchal are infrequent so it’s best to drive if you’re not staying in Calheta.

Compare Madeira rental car prices at Discovercars.com.

11. Go inside a lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo

We had intended to follow a walking trail from the church at Ponta do Pargo but the weather was against us. Instead, we had tea and cake at the Casa da Chá next to the miradouro then followed signs for the Farol (lighthouse) to yet another miradouro.

When we arrived, the doors were still open to an exhibition within the lighthouse so we ventured inside. We got chatting to the very friendly lighthouse captains who are responsible for keeping the lighthouse fully functioning. They were more than happy to explain the exhibition in English but the best bit was when one offered to take us up into the light tower.

He proudly showed us the brass and crystal bulb, made in Paris in 1920, and cleaned weekly to keep it in pristine condition. What a treat!

All lighthouses in Madeira are open to the public on Wednesdays but this one is open more frequently, usually in the mornings but not at weekends. Check opening times before planning around this stop. Even if you can’t go inside, the views are impressive and, if you happen to be there at sunset, you can see the light being switched on.

You’ll need a car to get here. Get the best Madeira rental car prices at Discovercars.com.

12. Take the cable car down a cliff face at Achadas da Cruz

While in Porto Moniz, I spotted a sign extolling the virtues of a cable car that runs down the cliff face to a fajã, which is a flattish patch of arable land beside the ocean.

Having taken one of these cable car journeys on my previous trip to Madeira, I was keen to try another. Dori was less enthusiastic but game. The ride was smooth and scenic and the views both up and down the cliff-length waterfall well worth the detour.

Once at the fajã, there’s little to do except follow the paved road between the cottages and veggie plots and the ocean or simply sit and watch the turquoise waves crashing against the rocks.

There’s a little café beside the cable car and a picnic bench if you just want to admire the views from the clifftop. You’ll need a car to get here.

13. Venture inside a volcano at São Vicente

I fell in love with the little village of São Vicente on my first trip to Madeira so on my next visit, I used it as a base for part of our holiday. What appeals to me most is the verdant, dramatic landscape. It also has a pretty, but small, village centre and a strip of restaurants along the black sand beach.

The nearby São Vicente Volcanic Centre is well worth a visit.

There are plenty of accommodation options in São Vicente.

14. Explore Madeira by sidecar 

Go on an adventure and discover this beautiful island in a different way. With its hairpin bends and old roads, driving around Madeira in a car can be a bit of a challenge. Put yourselves into the safe hands of the experts and get to know the island by motor bike and sidecar.

Ride along narrow winding roads through villages and around mountains with breathtaking scenery, listening to snippets of information and local history via headsets as you go.

Read about our Madeira Sidecar adventures.

👉 Check out this scenic 3 hour Madeira island tour.

15. Get your rock fix at Ponta de São Lourenço

The rocky headland that wiggles out from the east of Madeira island is called Ponta de São Lourenço. If, like me, you get excited about rock formations, this is a good place to come. Even the bit by the car park is worth a look for the alien landscape of bubbling rock.

There’s a clearly defined, and very popular, walking trail from here across the cliffs but be warned, it’s not one to do on a windy day. We made it to a certain exposed part a couple of km into the trail and the gusts of wind were so strong that I had to sit down. I’m guessing that once around the next corner the winds died down but we decided not to risk it and turned back.

Tip: Don’t miss the chance to see the headland from the other side. You can get to the Ponta do Rosto miradouro on foot by following the path on the left across the rocks from the end of the car park. If you’re driving, head back down the hill and take the first exit at the roundabout.

16. Laze on one of the best beaches in Madeira in Machico

Madeira island isn’t really a beach holiday destination – Porto Santo is the place to head if you want a seemingly endless sandy beach. However, if you need a fix of golden sands, Machico is your best bet. The small cove near the marina is relatively sheltered and offers views of the surrounding cliffs as well as a safe place to swim.

The town itself is small but quaint with a tiny fortress and an attractive church with an impressive Manueline carved doorway.

If you’re into history, pay a visit to the small town museum to learn about local sugar production, the romantic legend behind the name and snippets of local information, although the sometimes dreadful translations make it a challenge to understand these.

Practicalities: There are regular buses between Funchal and Machico and good road connections for drivers. Dori and I used this as our base for a few days.

See Machico accommodation options here.

17. Visit the seaside town of Santa Cruz

This pleasant coastal town is a short hop from the airport and has a lovely promenade behind its pebble beach.

The town’s market building is interesting for the murals as well as its stalls and there’s an attractive old church in the historical centre as well as several cafés and a sprinkling of restaurants.

Practicalities: Drive or take a bus from Machico or Funchal. Or use it as an alternative base. See Santa Cruz accommodations here.

18. Stroll the flower gardens at Quinta do Palheiro 

Among the best things to do in Madeira is visiting flower gardens. The hilltop Quinta do Palheiro offers the chance to escape from the crowds as you wander around the various landscaped sections admiring the colourful blooms.

You have to pay to enter but the sunken garden and the Jardim da Senhora are lovely. There’s some topiary and fabulous views, too.

Practicalities: You can get there by bus and there’s a lovely hotel onsite. 

Winding alongside the Palheiro Estate and its nature reserve you’ll find one of the two golf courses on Madeira Island. If a round of golf would compliment a wander round the gardens, you can find out more about Madeira golf in this article.

19. Dolphin and Whale Watching

Climbing aboard a boat in the hope of seeing these wonderful sea creatures in their own habitat is always exciting.

A good thing about Madeira is that both whales and dolphins enjoy the local waters so there’s a very good chance of successful spotting. Dolphins are around most of the time but if whales take your fancy then early summer (May/June) and autumn are the best times. 

Recommended tour:

👉 You can take this whale and dolphin watching boat tour from Caniçal

20. Discover the art-filled Monte Palace tropical gardens

If you only have time for one set of Funchal gardens, make it the ones at Monte Palace (open daily, accessible by cable car – see #4). You will need about half a day to do them justice. In fact, if you only have time for one experience in Funchal, I’d recommend coming here.

Scattered among the tropical foliage and blossoms, you’ll find all manner of artworks including azulejo (painted tile) panels depicting the history of Portugal in colourful bite-sized chunks, decorative ceramics and a panoply of sculptures thanks to the Berardo Foundation.

The museum is devoted to a collection of African stone sculptures and the most magnificent collection of minerals I have ever seen.

Tip: When you get to the Koi pond, look for the underwater viewing panel.

More things to do in Madeira and travel tips

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, these guides might also help:

Where to stay in Madeira

Where to stay in Funchal

Things to do in Funchal

Madeira food and drink guide

Easy walks in Madeira