If your Portugal itinerary has taken you to the island of Madeira, congratulations – you’ve arrived at a place where nature has finally let go of the brakes. Here, mountains hide in the clouds like something out of a fairy tale, forests border terraced vineyards, and the ocean embraces every curve of the coast.
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To get a real feel for the island, choose transportation that matches your mood. A motorbike is perfect for tight turns and wind in your face, a mountain bike for thrilling climbs, and a scooter for relaxed coastal rides.
When is the best time to go to Madeira?
The best time to travel depends on your goals:
- For a beach holiday, plan your trip between April and December. This period is also great for boat trips and dolphin and whale watching
- If you’re drawn to the carnival, come to Madeira in February
Either way, Madeira is warm and sunny year-round, so you won’t be disappointed.
A week is usually enough to see the island’s main sights.
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Itinerary
Many travel agencies offer ready-made Madeira tours, but we suggest exploring the island on your own. Let’s start by getting acquainted with the capital – it’s convenient, as the international airport is located there. You can even rent a car right at the airport.
Funchal
Santa Maria Street
Funchal is compact enough to explore on foot. Check into your hotel and head out to discover the city.
Funchal: choose a hotelThe narrow, pedestrianised Santa Maria Street is the perfect place to start. It’s considered one of the oldest streets in Funchal and leads to the church Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Maior. The street has a distinctive charm, thanks to the houses with painted doors. Artists did not limit themselves in style or theme, resulting in a vivid, eye-catching gallery. Santa Maria Street is lively, thanks in part to the abundance of cafés and restaurants lining it.
Local Farmers’ Market
Be sure to visit the market (Mercado dos Lavradores). Many vendors wear colourful traditional costumes and are exceptionally friendly.
The market building itself is striking, adorned with traditional azulejo tiles.
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Madeira’s bounty: the freshest fish, shellfish, and an abundance of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, passion fruit, and guava.
Here, you’ll also discover some truly exotic fruits – such as the «banana-pineapple», shaped like a corn cob and combining the flavours of banana and pineapple.
After the bustle of the market, head to the rooftops! A tour of Funchal’s rooftops provides unique perspectives of the city and excellent photo opportunities.
Madeira Botanical Gardens
Madeira is rich in plant life, and you’ll notice this as you travel the island. At the Funchal Botanical Garden, you can admire an extensive collection of tropical plants as well as endemic species unique to Madeira.
There are several botanical gardens across the island, but the capital’s is among the most beautiful.
Set on a hillside, it offers not only orchids, laurels, and cacti but also spectacular views of the city and surrounding area.
In general, beautiful panoramic views are one of Madeira’s greatest delights throughout your journey.
Botanical Garden Cable Car TicketFor history and architecture enthusiasts, visit the Funchal Cathedral and the Palace (Palácio de São Lourenço).
- The 15th–16th century cathedral is built in the Gothic style and features a large silver cross donated by King Manuel I
- The royal fortress of São Lourenço, started in the first half of the 16th century, now serves as the residence of the Prime Minister of Portugal and the military commander of Madeira
Football fans – especially Cristiano Ronaldo fans – should visit the CR7 Museum.
- The legendary player was born in Madeira. The museum houses photos, videos, wax figures, as well as numerous awards and trophies
Sea walk and cetacean watching
If you’re eager to see whales, the Whale Museum in Caniçal awaits – although you’ll need to drive there. Alternatively, take a boat tour right from Funchal. You can easily book a catamaran or yacht tour from the city’s port, then simply relax and enjoy the ocean views while spotting marine mammals.
There’s plenty of hiking ahead, so bring a windbreaker or raincoat, comfortable sports shoes, and sunscreen.
Now it’s time to leave the cosy streets of Funchal behind and set off for new discoveries. The unexplored corners of Madeira await.
Cape Cabo Girão
About 12 kilometres west of Funchal lies Cape Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The 589-metre cliff offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, Funchal, and the nearby town of Câmara de Lobos.
At the Cabo Girão observation deck, you’ll find a suspended glass platform hovering above the abyss – a thrilling experience.
The stunning panorama draws nearly 2,000 visitors daily.
You can also descend to the ocean via a cable car.
Angel Falls
After admiring Cabo Girão, continue along a scenic coastal road. About 25 kilometres from Funchal, prepare to be amazed again – Angel Falls plunges from a cliff directly onto the motorway, impossible to miss.
Tourists are usually thrilled. Many arrive in swimsuits, hop out to bathe, and capture videos and photos.
Just remember safety rules: mountainous terrain always carries a risk of falling rocks.
Rabasal and the 25 Fontes Levada
Madeira is a paradise for hikers. Head to Rabasal to explore trails that suit your preferences and experience. Along the way, admire the lush greenery – the name «Madeira» means «wood, forest» for good reason.
One of the most visited destinations in Rabasal is the 25 Fontes Levada.
- A levada is an irrigation channel with a walking path beside it
- Fontes are miniature waterfalls – and here there are truly 25 of them
The trail from Rabasal offers square kilometres of beautiful laurisilva, or laurel forest. You can even travel it on horseback.
- With luck, you may spot the Madeira pigeon, a typical resident of the laurisilva and one of Madeira’s endemic species
- You might also encounter the Madeira kingfisher, among the smallest birds in Europe
Birdwatchers, your moment has come!
Porto Moniz
We’ve reached the northwestern edge of the island and the village of Porto Moniz – small, but full of attractions. It’s worth staying a little longer and checking into a hotel here.
Highlights include a large oceanarium built on the site of the former São João Batista fortress, the Bridal Veil Waterfall (the tallest on the island), natural volcanic pools, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
- If hiking isn’t enough, try rock climbing – Porto Moniz is well-equipped for it
- And if you missed the dolphins and whales in Funchal, you can spot them here too
São Vicente
Porto Moniz’s neighbour, the village of São Vicente, is known for its caves and volcanic centre – a two-in-one educational and tourist attraction. Stroll through the stunning caves and learn about Madeira’s geology at the same time.
Continue along the north coast through the regions of Santana and Machico. These areas are home to nature reserves and Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo. You’ll also find traditional thatched-roof gingerbread houses.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
We arrive at the island’s easternmost point. São Lourenço is another excellent hiking area, but completely different from Rabasal’s waterfalls and forests.
Instead of lush greenery, you’ll encounter desert landscapes and colourful rock formations with frozen lava. The cliffs offer spectacular views of both the southern and northern coasts. You’ll also spot lizards and succulent desert plants that look like hand-sculpted candles.
If a long hike isn’t in your plans, relax on the rocks and take photos.
Statue of Christ
Our «round-the-island» journey is almost complete, and we’re gradually returning to Funchal.
Not far from the capital, on the Garajão promontory, stands the statue of Christ. This is the world’s oldest statue of Jesus Christ and is thought by some to have inspired the famous monument in Rio de Janeiro. It stands 14 metres tall on the Ponta do Garajão hill.
From the viewing platform, admire the views and then descend to Garajão Beach – a special treat for diving enthusiasts.
If you still crave more excitement, climb Pico do Arieiro.
Conquer new trails, stroke the clouds, and marvel at the island below. From over 1,800 metres, the central part of Madeira is laid out like a miniature map. A powerful and unforgettable finale to your journey!
Madeira’s iconic wicker sleigh carts have become a symbol of the island. Originally used to transport food and water down coastal slopes, someone eventually turned them into a tourist attraction. Today, riding in these carts – driven by two «pilots» and lacking a steering wheel – is one of Funchal’s most beloved amusements.
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Carnival
Madeira’s carnival is held annually in February, 40 days before Catholic Easter. It is considered the largest in Europe and closely resembles Rio’s in its atmosphere.
Two vibrant parades are held in the city centre.
The first, the allegorical parade, features many dance groups. They prepare for months to dazzle the public with brilliant costumes and samba performances. Africa, the heartland of rhythm, is just across the water – and the influence is unmistakable.
You can join the dancing – or at least take a lesson by booking this masterclass!
The second parade, the trapalhão, is more satirical, playing with political and social themes, traditions, and public figures. Anyone can participate, and costumes are limited only by imagination.
A popular treat during carnival is malasada – doughnuts sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
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Portuguese cuisine
We’ve mentioned Madeira’s sweetness, and now it’s time to highlight the local flavours. Cuisine is a vital part of culture and tradition, and perhaps the quickest route to a traveller’s heart.
Surrounded by ocean, Madeira’s gastronomy naturally focuses on fish and seafood.
Sabre fish
The sabre (or black scabbard) fish looks fearsome – black on the outside, white on the inside. While it can be cooked in various ways, the most traditional is sabre fish with banana.
Lapas clams
Lapas clams are marinated in garlic, butter, and herbs, grilled, and served in a skillet. A drizzle of lemon juice enhances their flavour.
Pork in wine
If you prefer meat, try carne de vinho e alhos – diced pork marinated in white wine, garlic, bay leaf, vinegar, and pepper. It’s roasted and usually served with potatoes.
Tomato and onion soup
Vegetarians or anyone seeking something lighter might enjoy tomato and onion soup with egg – a Portuguese favourite.
Bolo de caco
Bolo de caco is a type of bread made from wheat flour and yams, baked on a basalt slab («caco»). It’s often used in burgers, but you can also enjoy it with tomato soup.
Madeira wine
And of course, don’t miss Madeira wine – dry or dessert-style, with notes of caramel, fruit, coffee, or cream. A perfect end to a meal!
Madeira wine makes an excellent souvenir. It’s available in regular shops or at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, a renowned cellar in Funchal. Prices range from a few euros to several hundred.
After such an intense journey, you’ll likely fall in love with Madeira – and long to return. We wish you happy travels and look forward to hearing about your experiences!
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