Wondering about the top spots to visit in Madeira? This beautiful archipelago is located 967 km southwest of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean and includes two inhabited islands — Madeira and Porto Santo. Even though it’s small, Madeira has been known for centuries, appearing on maps as far back as the late 14th century, proving its recognition by sailors of that era.
Madeira is often called the island of eternal spring and is a fantastic year-round destination. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and hiking fans thanks to its numerous hiking trails and rich plant life. For those who love sunbathing and beach time, Porto Santo is perfect with its gorgeous white sand beaches.
While there are countless activities to enjoy in Madeira, we’ve selected a few of our must-see spots:
Funchal: The capital city of Madeira is rich in cultural and historical significance, making it a top destination in the area. It’s also where most travelers begin their journey through the archipelago. The old town in Funchal is charming, with beautiful historical buildings, decorative iron balconies, and shady courtyards. The harbor-side promenade is lined with seafood restaurants and is ideal for evening strolls. Funchal is even nicknamed “Little Lisbon” due to its resemblance to the country’s capital. One of its major attractions is the Madeira Botanical Gardens, known for their intricate designs and diverse global plants, ranging from local Madeiran flora to desert cacti and tropical flowers.
Hiking Peaks: Madeira is known as a hiker’s dream destination, offering several trail options. Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro are two of the best hikes. Pico Ruivo, at 1861 meters, is the island’s highest peak and is best reached by foot, making it popular among avid hikers. Pico do Arieiro, standing at 1818 meters, is the third-highest peak and offers stunning views of clouds and sharp mountain ridges, making it a favorite spot for sunrise. The two peaks are connected by the 7 km long PR1 trail, starting at Pico do Arieiro, where parking is available.
Cabo Girao: This impressive sea cliff, located on Madeira’s southern coast, is one of the highest in Europe, dropping almost vertically for over 500 meters. The cliff features Europe’s highest skywalk with a thrilling glass floor that extends over the edge, offering dramatic views. The best part? Admission is free.
Porto Moniz: On Madeira’s northwest tip lies Porto Moniz, a remote coastal village famous for its natural lava pools. These saltwater pools, formed by volcanic rock and connected by concrete paths, offer a unique swimming experience suitable for both kids and adults.
Laurisilva of Madeira: If you’ve ever wanted to visit a fairytale forest, this is your chance. Laurisilva is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and is believed to be 90% primary forest, with trees over 600 years old. This type of vegetation is unique to the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. It truly feels like stepping into a fairytale when you explore this forest.
Beaches: Though Madeira itself isn’t particularly known for its beaches, the archipelago offers some great sandy spots. Porto Santo, a smaller island 43 kilometers northeast of Madeira Island, is the place for a relaxing beach holiday with its long sandy shores and excellent dive sites.
Levadas: For a unique walking experience, explore Madeira through its ancient irrigation system called levadas. These open canals distribute water from the wetter north to the drier south. Today, maintenance paths run alongside the levadas, allowing hikers to enjoy a different perspective of the island. These paths are numbered with “PR” followed by numbers.
Traveling to Porto Santo: The most popular way to reach Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island, is by taking a ferry from Funchal.
Ready to explore all the lush vegetation and hidden gems of Madeira? These highlights should give you a great head start.