20 best things to do in Madeira, Portugal

The best things to do in Madeira are all about adventure, views, and dramatic nature. You have mountains, waterfalls, volcanic pools, misty forests, steep cliffs, and ocean views that show up pretty much everywhere.

Madeira is not a lazy beach destination, and that is exactly what makes the island so special. Instead, Madeira is all about hiking, driving scenic roads, chasing waterfalls, or standing somewhere high above the clouds thinking, “Okay, this island is ridiculous.”

We’ve spent months in Madeira exploring as much as we could. In this Madeira travel guide, I am sharing the places that impressed us the most, practical tips, and a few personal favorites I would absolutely go back to. Enjoy!

1. Reach the end of the land at Ponta de São Lourenço

Among all the incredible things to do in Madeira, the Ponta de São Lourenço hike should be right at the top of your list.

This is one of the most impressive and memorable walks on the island, and the views start showing off almost immediately. The trail follows the long eastern peninsula of Madeira, with dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching out on both sides.

After seeing so many green valleys, forests, waterfalls, and mountain views around the island, Ponta de São Lourenço felt like a completely different side of Madeira. The landscape is dry, rocky, windswept, and dramatic.

It is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira, so don’t expect a quiet hidden gem. But even with other hikers around, Ponta de São Lourenço still feels wild and exposed in the best way.

To experience Ponta de São Lourenço, you have to hike the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail, also known as PR8.

The hike is around 3 kilometers one way, or 6 kilometers round trip, which is about 1.9 miles one way or 3.7 miles round trip.

There is barely any shade, and this part of the island can get very windy, sunny, and dry. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you visit during the warmer months.

You currently need to pay an entry fee to hike PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço. The fee is 4.50 EUR for visitors over 12 years old, while children 12 and under are exempt.

You can book and pay through the official Visit Madeira page here: PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.

There is a parking area at the start of the trail, but it fills up quickly, so arriving early is the best way to avoid the biggest crowds.

For me, hiking to Ponta de São Lourenço was one of the most memorable things to do in Madeira because it felt so different from the rest of the island. And those ocean views really do make you feel like you have reached the edge of Madeira.

Location: Ponta de São Lourenço

2. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro is one of those places in Madeira that feels almost too easy for how dramatic the views are.

You can drive all the way up to one of the highest points on the island, step out of the car, and suddenly you are surrounded by mountain peaks, deep valleys, and, if you get lucky, a sea of clouds below you.

Pico do Arieiro is one of the most famous places in Madeira to watch both sunrise and sunset.

Sunrise is especially popular, but I don’t know why sunset doesn’t get just as much attention. We actually went up there twice for sunset, and both times were absolutely magical!

For us, watching the sunset at Pico do Arieiro was one of the most memorable moments in Madeira. The clouds were sitting below us, and the mountain peaks were sticking out above them, and the whole place slowly changed colors as the sun went down.

It gets very chilly and windy up there, even if the weather feels warm lower down in Madeira. Definitely bring a jacket, because standing around waiting for sunset is not the moment to realize you dressed for the beach, haha.

Before you drive up, check the Pico do Arieiro webcam. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and sometimes the viewpoint is completely covered in clouds, which means you might see absolutely nothing.

But if the webcam looks good and the clouds are sitting below the summit, go. Sunrise or sunset, visiting Pico do Arieiro is easily one of the most impressive things to do in Madeira.

Location: Pico do Arieiro

3. Visit the misty Fanal Forest

Once you visit Madeira, one thing you quickly learn is that the weather can be completely different depending on where you are on the island.

Madeira is quite small, but the north side and south side often feel like two different worlds. The north side gets more clouds, wind, rain, and humidity from the ocean, while the south side is more protected by the mountains in the middle of Madeira.

And this is exactly why Fanal Forest is one of the best places to visit in Madeira on a cloudy or rainy day.

Fanal Forest is famous for its ancient laurel trees, often covered in mist. On a sunny day, Fanal is beautiful, but on a foggy day, Fanal Forest becomes so much more special.

The twisted old trees, green grass, and thick clouds create this spooky, fairytale-like atmosphere that makes the whole place feel almost unreal.

For me, Fanal Forest is one of those places where bad weather actually makes the experience better. So if the north side of Madeira looks cloudy, don’t write the day off – go to Fanal Forest instead.

Location: Fanal Forest

4. Swim in the volcanic pools in Porto Moniz

Madeira is not really the place you visit for long sandy beach days. Most of the Madeira coastline is wild, rocky, and dramatic, with many parts made up of steep cliffs that drop straight into the ocean.

But Madeira does have something even more unique – volcanic swimming pools.

The most famous volcanic pools in Madeira are in Porto Moniz, a small town on the northwestern coast of the island. These natural pools were formed by old lava flows that reached the ocean and cooled into black volcanic rock.

Over time, the ocean shaped the rocks into pool-like formations, and today the waves fill them with fresh seawater. So basically, you get to swim in natural ocean pools surrounded by lava rock, which is pretty cool.

There are two main swimming areas in Porto Moniz. One is the more developed paid complex with changing rooms, sunbathing areas, and easier access. The other is a more natural area nearby, where the pools feel wilder and closer to the ocean.

If you are visiting Porto Moniz on a calm day, this is one of the most fun things to do in Madeira. Just check the ocean conditions before swimming, because the waves on Madeira’s north coast can get rough, especially outside the summer months.

Location: Porto Moniz volcanic pools (paid) – Porto Moniz volcanic pools (free)

5. Drive through Cascata dos Anjos waterfall

Chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Madeira, and there are plenty of amazing waterfalls around the island.

But Cascata dos Anjos is one of the most fun and unusual waterfalls in Madeira because you don’t just look at it from a viewpoint – you can actually drive through it.

This waterfall falls directly onto the old coastal road near Ponta do Sol, so the water literally pours down in the middle of the road. And, yes, this is the place to be a bit ridiculous and a bit childish, haha.

You can drive under the waterfall, stop nearby, and walk back to take photos or get completely soaked – because honestly, that is what people do here. They have fun!

Cascata dos Anjos is especially beautiful around sunset, when the light hits the coast. But you can visit any time of day, and it is a rather easy stop if you are exploring the south coast of Madeira.

Just be careful when walking around, as the road can get slippery and there may be cars passing through. Also, don’t stand in the middle of the road for too long for photos – the waterfall is fun, but not worth annoying every driver in Madeira.

Location: Cascata dos Anjos

6. Visit Seixal black sand beach and volcanic pools

Seixal is one of the most beautiful coastal stops in Madeira, and honestly, this little village feels almost too scenic for its own good.

This is where you will find one of the most famous black sand beaches in Madeira, surrounded by green cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic north coast views.

After seeing so many rocky beaches around the island, the soft volcanic sand at Seixal feels like a nice little surprise. Some say it is the most beautiful beach they have seen… see for yourself!

The beach is called Praia do Porto do Seixal, and it is one of the best places in Madeira if you actually want a proper beach moment. The sand is dark, the cliffs are huge, and the whole setting feels very wild and tropical at the same time.

Seixal is also known for its natural volcanic pools, which are carved into the black lava rock by the ocean. They are smaller and less developed than the famous pools in Porto Moniz, but that is part of the charm.

If the ocean is calm, you can swim in the Seixal volcanic pools or spend some time at the black sand beach. Just keep in mind that this is the north coast of Madeira, so waves and currents can be strong. Always check the sea conditions before getting in.

Location: Praia do Porto do Seixal – Natural volcanic pool

7. Hike above the clouds from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Madeira Island is a hiking destination, and if you want to do the big Madeira hiking adventure, this is the one.

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most famous trails in Madeira, and honestly, it deserves all the hype. It connects Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest peaks on the island, with Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira at 1,862 meters, or 6,109 feet.

The official trail is called PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, and it is basically Madeira in full drama mode. You get steep staircases, narrow mountain paths, tunnels, deep valleys, sharp peaks, and views that make you stop every few minutes because, well, how can you not?

The trail is around 7 kilometers, or 4.3 miles, one way. If you hike there and back (which is something you kind of have to do to get back to your car), it becomes a very demanding full-day adventure, so don’t underestimate it.

Bring water, snacks, proper hiking shoes, layers, and a flashlight for the tunnels. It can be sunny, windy, chilly, and sweaty all in the same hike, because Madeira clearly likes to keep things interesting, haha.

You can also combine this hike with sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, which is something many travelers do. 5 AM hikes are not my thing, so we just went there around midday as normal people do.

If you are flexible with time, check the Pico do Arieiro webcam before you go, because sometimes the mountains are completely covered in clouds and you won’t see much besides fog and your own life choices.

You currently need to pay an entry fee to hike PR1 Vereda do Areeiro. You can check the latest trail status and book through the official page here: PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro.

Also, check the trail status before planning this hike. Sections of the PR1 trail can close due to weather, landslides, or maintenance, and you definitely want to know that before showing up with snacks and big hiking dreams!

Location: PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

8. Take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales

If you want to add a little ocean adventure to your Madeira itinerary, a dolphin and whale watching boat trip is such a fun thing to do. Madeira is surrounded by deep Atlantic waters, which makes the island a great place for spotting marine life.

Dolphins are commonly seen around Madeira, while whales are more seasonal, so your chances can depend on the time of year and, of course, nature doing whatever nature wants.

We went on a speedboat tour with Magic Dolphin, and it was such a fun experience. The boat ride lasted around 2 hours and took us along the Madeira coast, with plenty of ocean views, fresh air, and a slightly bumpy ride.

And yes, we did see dolphins! And whales!

I really liked that we got to watch them in their natural habitat instead of in some controlled setting.

There is something so special about seeing dolphins swimming freely next to the boat, even if they only show up when they feel like it.

I would recommend booking your dolphin and whale watching tour in advance, because these boat trips are one of the most popular things to do in Madeira, especially on sunny days.

Just bring sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe don’t eat a giant lunch right before the ride, haha.

9. Hike to 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls

Madeira without jungle-style waterfalls would not really feel like Madeira, and the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall hike is one of the best places to get that classic lush island scenery.

This route actually combines two waterfalls in one hike – Risco waterfall and 25 Fontes waterfall. So if you want one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Madeira, this is a great one to add to your list.

The trail starts near the Rabaçal parking area, where you first follow the road downhill toward the valley. From there, you can take a short detour to Risco waterfall, which is absolutely worth it.

Risco waterfall drops from around 100 meters, or 328 feet! Spectacular! After visiting Risco waterfall, you return the same way and continue toward 25 Fontes.

The 25 Fontes waterfall is the main highlight of the hike. The name means “25 springs,” and here you will see several streams of water flowing down the rock wall into a small lagoon below.

The full route is around 10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles, and it includes downhill and uphill sections, stairs, levada paths, and some narrow parts. It is not just a tiny stroll, but it is definitely among the easier hikes in Madeira.

Bring water, snacks, good shoes, and a light jacket, because the trail can feel damp and cool in places. Unlike some other hikes in Madeira, there are no tunnels on this route, so you can leave the flashlight for another adventure.

You currently need to pay an entry fee to hike PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes. You can check the latest trail status and book through the official page here: PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes.

Location: Risco Waterfall – 25 Fontes

10. Walk to Balcões viewpoint

Balcões viewpoint is one of my favorite viewpoints in Madeira, and it is also one of the easiest viewpoints to reach. The walk starts in Ribeiro Frio and follows a mostly flat forest path for around 1.5 kilometers, or 0.9 miles, one way.

So, if you want beautiful mountain views in Madeira without doing a big hike, this is a great option.

The viewpoint itself feels like a natural balcony overlooking the green valley and the mountains of Madeira. It is far enough from the roads to feel peaceful, but easy enough to reach without turning the day into a full hiking mission.

Bring a few snacks and take your time here. On a clear day, you can even see Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira, rising to 1,862 meters, or 6,109 feet, on the left side of the view.

By the way, have you seen photos and videos on social media of people feeding curious birds with seeds in Madeira? Yep, this is the spot.

Location: Balcões Viewpoint

11. Explore Funchal, the capital of Madeira

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and the best place on the island if you want a mix of food, history, gardens, viewpoints, and actual city life.

After all the hikes, waterfalls, cliffs, and mountain roads around Madeira, Funchal feels like a nice change of pace. You can walk around the old streets, sit down for a proper meal, visit the market, try local drinks, and still find plenty of beautiful views nearby.

One of the most popular places to visit in Funchal is the Mercado dos Lavradores, the main market in the city. It is a colorful place to see tropical fruits, flowers, fish, and local products, but prices can be quite touristy.

Another fun area to explore is the old town of Funchal, especially around Rua de Santa Maria. This street is famous for its painted doors and street art, so it is a great place for a casual walk, photos, and restaurant hopping.

You can also take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte, where you will find the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The garden is huge, colorful, and full of paths, ponds, tiles, exotic plants, and viewpoints over Funchal.

And if you want one of the most classic things to do in Madeira, try the Monte toboggan ride. Yes, it is touristy. Yes, it is a little random. But being pushed downhill in a wicker basket by two men in white outfits is definitely one of those Madeira experiences you will remember. 😅

Funchal is also a great place to try local food and drinks. One drink you will see all over Madeira is poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink usually made with sugar cane spirit, honey, and lemon or fruit juice.

For me, Funchal is worth adding to your Madeira itinerary because it gives you a completely different side of the island. It is lively, colorful, easy to explore, and full of little stops that make a nice break between the bigger Madeira adventures.

12. Walk on the glass platform at Cabo Girão viewpoint

Cabo Girão is one of the most famous viewpoints in Madeira. This viewpoint sits on top of a huge sea cliff on the south coast of the island, around 580 meters, or 1,903 feet, above the ocean.

The main attraction here is the glass-floor skywalk, where you can look straight down at the cliffs, the ocean, and the tiny cultivated fields far below. It is a very strange feeling, because your brain knows the platform is safe, but your legs may still have some opinions. 😅

Because Cabo Girão is on the south side of Madeira and not far from Funchal, it is one of the easiest viewpoints to visit. You can simply drive up, park nearby, and walk straight to the platform.

That also means Cabo Girão can get very busy, especially when tour buses arrive. So if you want a slightly calmer experience, I would try to visit earlier in the morning or later in the day.

Cabo Girão used to be free to visit, but now you need to pay a 5 EUR entrance fee. You can pay it through the official SIMplifica portal here: Cabo Girão viewpoint.

For me, Cabo Girão is a quick stop, but a memorable one. You don’t need a lot of time here, but standing on a glass platform almost 600 meters above the Atlantic definitely tingles your nerves a little.

Location: Cabo Girão

13. See the traditional houses in Santana

The traditional houses in Santana are one of the most famous sights in Madeira, and they really do look like something from a fairytale film set.

These colorful triangular houses, known as palheiros, are one of the most recognizable symbols of Madeira. They have steep thatched roofs, bright white walls, red doors, and blue details, so yes – they are among the best photo spots in Madeira.

But they are not just cute houses for photos. These houses are examples of the traditional homes people used to live in on Madeira, especially in rural areas like Santana.

You can find traditional Madeiran houses in different places around the island, but the easiest and most popular place to see them is in the center of Santana. There are several houses grouped together, and some now work as little shops or tourist displays.

Visiting the Santana houses is quick, easy, and free. You can stop by while exploring the north side of Madeira, take a few photos, and then continue to nearby viewpoints, hikes, or coastal stops.

Location: Traditional houses in Santana

14. Have lunch with a view at São Cristóvão viewpoint

The São Cristóvão viewpoint was one of my favorite places to visit in Madeira.

The viewpoint is next to Restaurante São Cristóvão in Boaventura, on the north coast of Madeira. So instead of just parking, taking a quick photo, and leaving, you can actually sit down, order some local food, and enjoy the whole view properly.

And the view is beautiful. You get the cliffs, the ocean, the green mountains, and that wild north coast scenery that Madeira does sooooo well.

After lunch, we decided to drive closer to the mountain and walk up the zigzag trail that you can see on the mountain. It was a great little post-meal exercise, because apparently, we like to earn our views twice in Madeira. 🤪

For me, São Cristóvão is not just a quick viewpoint stop. It is more of a slow lunch with a view, and sometimes that is exactly what you need between all the Madeira adventures. But you can definitely make it into a quick stop as well.

Location: São Cristóvão viewpoint

15. See the gorgeous Véu da Noiva waterfall

Véu da Noiva waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira.

The waterfall is located on the north coast of Madeira and drops down the cliff toward the Atlantic Ocean. Its name means “Bridal Veil,” and once you see the thin stream of water falling down the dark rock face, the name makes a lot of sense.

You can’t walk right up to Véu da Noiva waterfall because the old coastal road below is unsafe and closed, but the view from the official viewpoint is still worth the stop (location of the viewpoint is below).

And honestly, seeing the waterfall from a distance might be the best way to appreciate the whole scene – the cliffs, the ocean, the old road, and the waterfall all together.

The viewpoint is very easy to visit, too. You can park right next to the viewpoint, walk a few steps, and enjoy one of the most iconic waterfall views in Madeira without doing a hike. Phew, no more hikes 😅

For me, Véu da Noiva is a quick stop, but a very beautiful one. If you are driving along the north coast of Madeira, this is definitely worth adding to your route.

Location: Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

16. Stop at the Ribeira da Janela sea stacks

Ribeira da Janela is a small village and coastal area on the north coast of Madeira, best known for its dramatic rock formations rising out of the Atlantic Ocean.

The main highlight here is the group of tall, sharp rocks just off the shore, called Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela. They look wild, jagged, and very volcanic – exactly the kind of scenery that reminds you Madeira is not your average beach island. 😅

The beach itself is covered with large pebbles and rocks, so Ribeira da Janela is not really the place for a lazy swim or a classic beach day. But it is still a beautiful spot to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the north coast views.

If the weather is calm, Ribeira da Janela can also be a nice place for a little picnic by the ocean. Just keep in mind that the north coast of Madeira can get very windy, and we definitely got the windy version when we visited.

Location: Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela

17. Visit the charming chapel in São Vicente

São Vicente is a charming coastal village on the north coast of Madeira, surrounded by green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean. The first time we visited Madeira, we actually stayed in São Vicente, so it has a special place in my heart.

One of the most eye-catching sights in São Vicente is Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima, a small white chapel built on top of a hill above the village. It almost looks like a tiny tower.

During our stay, I saw this chapel almost every day (except on rainy/cloudy days). And every time we passed by, I remember thinking how charming it looked up there on the hill.

To reach the chapel, you need to climb a staircase, but the views from the top are worth the little effort. From there, you can see São Vicente below, the mountains around the valley, and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

To me, Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima feels like a bit of a hidden gem because not many people seem to stop here compared to the more famous places on the north coast.

You don’t need a lot of time here, but it is a lovely place to add to your Madeira road trip, especially if you are already exploring the north coast.

Location: Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima

18. Walk behind the Levada Nova waterfall

Levada Nova is one of those Madeira hikes where the best part comes as a little surprise.

Most of the route follows the side of the valley, with open views, levada paths, and that classic Madeira mix of greenery and steep hillsides. It is a beautiful walk already, but the real highlight is the waterfall.

At one point, the path leads straight behind the Levada Nova waterfall – you walk through a small tunnel-like section carved into the rock, with the water falling right in front of you! Pretty epic!

A flashlight or a fully charged phone is useful here, because after the waterfall section, the path continues through a darker tunnel into the mountain. It is not the scariest tunnel in Madeira, but it is still better when you can actually see where your feet are going.

The hike is mostly flat and not too difficult in terms of elevation, but I would not call it completely easy either. Some parts of the levada path are narrow and run very close to the cliffside, so you definitely need to watch your step.

The route is around 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles, one way, so around 10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles, if you return the same way. You can leave your car near the church in Lombada da Ponta do Sol and continue on foot from there.

For me, this is one of the most fun levada walks in Madeira because the waterfall section adds that little bit of adventure without making the hike feel like a huge all-day mission.

That said, the full 10 kilometers still gave me sore muscles afterward – so it is not exactly a “no effort required” kind of walk. 😄

Location: Cascata da Levada Nova

19. Visit the Eira do Serrado viewpoint

Eira do Serrado is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Madeira, especially if you love dramatic mountain views with very little effort (that would be me sometimes 😃).

The viewpoint overlooks Curral das Freiras, also known as the Valley of the Nuns, a small village surrounded by steep mountains in the middle of Madeira. From above, the village looks tiny, almost like someone dropped it into the bottom of a giant bowl, haha.

You can drive almost all the way to Eira do Serrado viewpoint, which makes it an easy stop to add to your Madeira itinerary.

There is also a hotel, a cafe, and a souvenir shop near the viewpoint, so it is not one of those places where you need to hike for hours to earn the view.

From the parking area, it is just a short walk to the viewpoint. The view over the valley is absolutely incredible, especially when the clouds move around the mountains and the whole place starts looking like a painting. Don’t you love such places?

Location: Eira do Serrado

20. Cross dark tunnels on the Caldeirão Verde hike

Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most impressive hikes in Madeira, and I would say it definitely deserves the hype.

This trail takes you deep into the green mountains of Madeira, following a levada path through forests, steep valley views, narrow sections, and dark tunnels. And if you continue all the way to Caldeirão do Inferno, you will cross 24 tunnels in total.

The most popular stop on the trail is the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. It drops from around 100 meters, or 328 feet, into a small lagoon and sits about 6.5 kilometers, or 4 miles, from the start of the trail.

Most hikers walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfall and then return the same way. And honestly, that is already a great hike.

But if you want a bigger adventure, you can continue further to Caldeirão do Inferno. This extra section is more demanding, with more tunnels, stairs, uphill and downhill parts, and some incredible views into the valley.

The final waterfall at Caldeirão do Inferno is much smaller and, for me, not nearly as impressive as the hike itself. But that is not what’s important here – this hike is more about the full experience than just the final stop.

You will pass through 24 tunnels on the full route, so bring a flashlight or a fully charged phone. Some tunnels are long, wet, and completely dark, and this is not the moment to rely on your phone at 7% battery, haha.

The full walk to Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno is quite demanding and can take most of the day, so bring water, snacks, proper shoes, and a jacket. Parts of the trail can be wet and slippery, especially around the tunnels and waterfall sections.

You also need to pay an entry fee for PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, as Madeira introduced a new fee and reservation system for official walking trails in 2026. You can check the trail status and pay through the official page here: PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

Before doing this hike, check the official trail status, as the section between Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno can close due to landslides, weather, or maintenance.

Location: Levada do Caldeirão Verde

21. Stop at Guindaste viewpoint

Guindaste viewpoint is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the north coast of Madeira, and it is also one of the easiest ones to visit.

You can drive almost all the way there, park close to the coast, and suddenly you are looking out over some of Madeira’s most dramatic cliff scenery. Very little effort, very big reward – always a win. 😎

On a clear day, you can see along the rugged north coast of Madeira, with steep cliffs, green slopes, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching out in front of you. The views here feel wild and open, especially when the waves are crashing below.

There are also glass platforms at the Guindaste viewpoint. You can walk out, look down toward the ocean, and pretend you are much braver than you actually feel.

Location: Guindaste viewpoint

Things to know before visiting Madeira

Before you start planning every hike, viewpoint, waterfall, and coastal stop, there are a few things to know about Madeira that can make your trip so much easier.

Madeira is not a difficult island to visit, but the weather, roads, mountains, and hiking conditions can definitely surprise you if you are not prepared.

We learned a lot during our time on the island, so here are a few practical Madeira travel tips I wish I had known before our first trip.

Choose your base carefully

For a first trip, Funchal is the easiest base. You have restaurants, hotels, tours, the old town, the cable car, and good road connections to other parts of Madeira.

The south coast is also a good option if you want a sunnier base. Places like Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, and Calheta are popular because they usually get more sun and still have decent access to many places around the island.

The north coast feels greener, wilder, and more dramatic. We stayed in São Vicente (north side) during our first trip and loved the scenery, but it was often cloudy and wet.

So if you want convenience, stay in Funchal. If you want more sun, look at the south coast. If you want dramatic landscapes and don’t mind moody weather, the north coast is beautiful too.

Don’t expect a typical beach holiday

Madeira is an island, but it is not a classic beach destination. Most of the coastline is rocky, steep, and dramatic, with cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic Ocean. So if you are dreaming of endless sandy beaches and lazy beach days, Madeira might not be the best fit.

There are some beaches, including Seixal black sand beach, Machico beach, and Calheta beach, but Madeira is not like the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands when it comes to beach holidays.

Rent a car to explore the island properly

For me, renting a car is the best way to explore Madeira.

Public transport exists, especially around Funchal and some bigger towns, but if you want to visit hikes, waterfalls, viewpoints, beaches, and smaller villages, having a car makes everything much easier.

Just be ready for Madeira roads. The island is basically one big mountain in the ocean, so the roads are steep, narrow, curvy, and full of tunnels.

Driving in Madeira can feel a little intense at first, especially if you are used to flat, wide roads. But after a few days, you kind of get used to the whole up-down-left-right-through-a-tunnel situation.

Be flexible with the weather

Madeira is a small island, but the weather can be completely different depending on where you are.

The north coast is usually greener, cloudier, and more humid, while the south coast often feels sunnier and drier. The mountains also have their own personality, and that personality is sometimes “fog.”

This is one of the biggest things to know before visiting Madeira, especially if you are planning hikes, viewpoints, or sunrise and sunset stops. A sunny morning in Funchal does not always mean clear views at Pico do Arieiro or dry weather in Fanal Forest.

So don’t plan your Madeira itinerary too rigidly. Have a plan B, especially for mountain viewpoints and hikes.

Check Madeira webcams before heading out

One of my favorite Madeira travel tips is to check the webcams before driving to viewpoints or mountain areas. We used Madeira webcams all the time, especially for Pico do Arieiro.

Sometimes the coast looked sunny, but the mountains were completely covered in clouds. Other times, Pico do Arieiro looked perfect above the clouds while the rest of the island looked gray.

So before driving up to a viewpoint, starting a hike, or planning sunrise or sunset, check the webcams first. It can save you from driving all the way up just to stare into white fog and question your choices.

Webcam: Madeira webcams

Pack layers, even if it looks sunny

Packing for Madeira is a little funny because you can easily experience several types of weather in one day.

You might start the morning in sunny Funchal, drive into fog in the mountains, get rain on the north coast, and then end the day watching sunset above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro.

So bring layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and something warm for the mountains. Even if it feels warm by the ocean, places like Pico do Arieiro can be windy and cold.

Standing there in summer clothes while everyone else has jackets is not the kind of travel memory you need (been there, done that! 😉).

For hikes, I would also bring snacks, water, a fully charged phone, and a flashlight if you are doing levada walks with tunnels.

Check hiking trail status and entry fees

Many of the most popular hikes in Madeira are official walking routes, and some now require an entry fee. You also need to check trail status before hiking because routes can close due to landslides, bad weather, maintenance, or unsafe conditions.

This is especially important for hikes like PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes, PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço, and PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

I would always check the official Visit Madeira page before starting a hike. Nothing ruins a hiking day faster than arriving with snacks, water, and big motivation only to find out the trail is closed.

FAQs about visiting Madeira

Read more about traveling in Madeira

Madeira is one of those islands where the list of things to do can get very long very quickly. You come for the hikes and viewpoints, and then you also want to see waterfalls, volcanic pools, misty forests, villages, and squeeze in a dolphin-watching tour too.

For me, the best things to do in Madeira are the ones that show off the island’s wild side. Hike Ponta de São Lourenço, watch the sunrise or sunset at Pico do Arieiro, walk through Fanal Forest, swim in Porto Moniz, and chase at least a few waterfalls along the way.

But there is so much more to discover on the island, so I also recommend checking out my other Madeira travel guides to help you plan your trip:

• 10 must-see waterfalls in Madeira, Portugal
• 15 most iconic Instagram spots in Madeira, Portugal
• 5 epic must-do hiking trails in Madeira, Portugal
• 9 most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, Portugal

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