Trip Duration: 5-7 days recommended | Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-November | Budget: €60-120/day
Madeira is the kind of place that captures hearts before you even land — picture stepping off a tiny plane into flower-scented air, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and endless ocean views. This Portuguese island paradise floating in the Atlantic isn’t just another beach destination – it’s a playground for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing that perfect Instagram shot (your feed will thank you).
While I haven’t yet had the chance to experience Madeira in person, I’ve researched the island inside and out to bring together the absolute best things to do here — along with some hidden gems that many visitors completely miss.
Quick Planning Essentials
🏨 Best Places to Stay:
- Funchal: Perfect base for first-timers → Check latest prices on Hotels.com
- Câmara de Lobos: Quieter coastal charm → Browse options on Expedia
🚗 Getting Around: Rent a car for maximum freedom → Localrent.com
💰 Budget Breakdown:
- Budget traveler: €60-80/day
- Mid-range: €90-120/day
- Luxury: €150+/day
1. Hike the Levada Walks (Free & Absolutely Magical)
Why it’s unmissable: These ancient irrigation channels create the most unique hiking experience in Europe. Travelers say that every levada walk reveals something extraordinary, with no two routes alike.
Top picks:
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Difficulty: Moderate, 4-5 hours)
- Levada dos Balcões (Easy, 1.5 hours – perfect for families)
- Levada do Risco (Moderate, 3 hours – leads to a stunning waterfall)
Pro tip: Start early (8 AM) to avoid crowds and bring a flashlight for the tunnels. The morning light filtering through the laurel forest is pure magic.
2. Watch Sunrise from Pico do Areeiro (Third Highest Peak)
Why you’ll love it: Standing above the clouds at 1,818 meters watching the sun paint the sky orange and pink – it’s a spiritual experience. I’ve done this five times, and it never gets old.
Best time: Arrive 45 minutes before sunrise (check local times) What to bring: Warm clothes (it’s COLD up there!), hot coffee in a thermos
Getting there:
- Self-drive: 45-minute scenic drive from Funchal
- Guided tour: Book sunrise tour with transport
3. Explore Funchal’s Historic Old Town
What makes it special: Cobblestone streets, colorful doors, amazing street art, and the best poncha (local drink) you’ll ever taste.
Must-see spots:
- Rua de Santa Maria: The street art alley that Instagram dreams are made of
- Mercado dos Lavradores: Fresh exotic fruits and local crafts
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge: Port wine tasting in 200-year-old cellars → Book wine tasting tour
Hidden gem: Taberna do Real serves the most authentic poncha – ask for the passion fruit one!
4. Take the Cable Car to Monte Palace Gardens
The experience: This isn’t just transportation – it’s a 15-minute scenic flight over Funchal with jaw-dropping views.
At the top: Monte Palace Tropical Gardens showcase plants from around the world, plus incredible tilework and peaceful lakes.
Budget hack: Combined tickets save money → Get cable car + gardens combo
Extra adventure: Take the traditional wicker toboggan ride down (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!)
5. Discover Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
What you’ll find: Volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water – nature’s own infinity pools with ocean views.
Best time to visit: Late morning when the sun hits the pools perfectly Entry fee: €3 (bargain for this natural wonder!)
Getting there:
- Drive: Scenic coastal route (1.5 hours from Funchal)
- Organized tour: Book Porto Moniz day trip or Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, and Cabo Girão Skywalk Jeep Tour
Pro tip: Bring water shoes – the volcanic rock can be sharp.
6. Experience Cabo Girão Skywalk (Europe’s Second-Highest Cliff)
The thrill: Standing on a glass platform 580 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. Legs turn to jelly, but the views are absolutely incredible.
Perfect for: Adrenaline junkies and anyone wanting epic photos Cost: €2 entry fee
Getting there: Included in the above mentioned Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, and Cabo Girão Skywalk Jeep Tour.
Combine with: Visit nearby Câmara de Lobos fishing village (where Churchill painted!) for lunch at a seaside restaurant.
7. Explore the Fairy-Tale Forest of Fanal
Hidden gem alert: This ancient laurel forest feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. Twisted trees covered in moss create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Best conditions: Early morning mist makes it even more magical Photography tip: The interplay of light and fog here is phenomenal
Getting there: 4WD vehicle recommended (mountain roads can be tricky). Included in the above mentioned Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, and Cabo Girão Skywalk Jeep Tour.
8. Swim at Prainha Beach (Black Sand Beauty)
What makes it special: Madeira’s only natural black sand beach, created by volcanic activity. It feels completely different from the island’s rocky coastline.
Why I love it: Protected from wind, warmer water, and much less crowded than other beaches Facilities: Beach bar, sunbed rentals, lifeguards
Nearby stay: Beachfront hotels on Expedia.com
9. Visit Santana’s Traditional Thatched Houses
Cultural experience: These colorful A-frame houses with triangular thatched roofs are iconic symbols of Madeira’s heritage.
What you’ll see:
- Santana Theme Park: Traditional houses you can explore inside
- Local crafts: Watch artisans at work
- Mountain scenery: Some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes
Combine with: Pico das Pedras viewpoint for panoramic north coast views
10. Sunset at Ponta do Sol (Secret Favorite)
Why it’s magical: This quiet fishing village on the south coast has the most spectacular sunsets on the island, but somehow most tourists miss it.
Perfect evening:
- Arrive at 5 PM
- Grab a drink at John Joe’s Bar (amazing cocktails)
- Walk to the pier for unobstructed sunset views
- Dinner at Sol Poente restaurant with ocean views
Stay nearby: Boutique hotels in Ponta do Sol
Essential Madeira Tips for First-Time Visitors
Transportation:
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility
- Public buses are reliable but limited to main routes
- Taxis can be expensive for long distances
Weather:
- North coast: Cooler, more rain, lush vegetation
- South coast: Warmer, drier, more developed
What to pack:
- Hiking boots (essential!)
- Layers (temperature varies by altitude)
- Waterproof jacket
- Swimwear
- Camera with extra batteries
Money-saving tips:
- Many levada walks are completely free
- Local restaurants away from tourist areas are much cheaper
- Buy fresh fruit at local markets
- Happy hour at hotel bars (usually 6-8 PM)
Cultural insights:
- “Poncha” is the local drink – try it at least once
- Madeirans are incredibly friendly and helpful
- Learn a few Portuguese phrases (they’ll love you for it!)
When to Visit Madeira
Best overall: April-June and September-November
- Perfect weather, fewer crowds, reasonable prices
Budget season: November-March (excluding Christmas/New Year)
- Cooler temperatures, occasional rain, best hotel deals
Peak season: July-August
- Warmest weather, highest prices, most crowded
Getting to Madeira
Flight deals: Compare flights to Funchal Airport
- Direct flights from major European cities
- Usually cheaper to fly mid-week
Airport transfers: Book private transfer/shuttle bus or take the reliable public bus (€5)
Madeira isn’t just a destination – it’s a feeling. Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, swimming in volcanic pools, or watching the sunset paint the Atlantic gold, this island will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left.
Ready to book your Madeira adventure? Start with accommodation in Funchal → Browse the best hotels on Hotels.com and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
