Madeira is a place that sweeps you off your feet before you’ve even unpacked your suitcase. Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” this Portuguese island offers a unique blend of rugged mountains, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and charming towns—all set against year-round spring-like weather. Whether you’re here for a relaxing escape, an active adventure, or a bit of both, Madeira has a way of drawing you in with its beauty and keeping you coming back for more.
Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Madeira, based on our June visit.
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1. Wander Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha)
Start your journey in Funchal, Madeira’s vibrant capital. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes are lined with colorful painted doors, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. Stop at the Mercado dos Lavradores to browse stalls of tropical fruits, exotic flowers, and fresh seafood while chatting with friendly vendors.
2. Ride the Cable Car to Monte
Soar above terracotta rooftops and lush gardens on the cable car ride from Funchal to Monte. Once at the top, wander through the peaceful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where koi ponds, sculptures, and exotic plants create a serene retreat.
3. Stroll the Botanical Garden
For a riot of color, head to the Madeira Botanical Garden, especially in June when hydrangeas, orchids, and bougainvillea are in full bloom. The terraced gardens offer postcard-worthy views over Funchal.
4. Step into the Clouds at Pico do Arieiro
Madeira’s third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, offers jaw-dropping panoramas—sometimes above a sea of clouds. Arrive early for sunrise, when the sky turns shades of gold and rose.
While we didn’t make it for the sunrise, our drive to Pico do Arieiro was magical with yellow flowers lining the road on both sides. We just had to stop for some photos every few minutes!
5. Hike a Levada Trail
Madeira’s levadas—historic irrigation channels—double as hiking paths through lush landscapes. Levada dos 25 Fontes is one of the most popular, leading to cascading waterfalls and emerald pools.
6. Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk
For heart-racing views, step onto the glass-floored Cabo Girão Skywalk, perched 580 meters above the Atlantic. It’s Europe’s highest cliff skywalk and offers a perspective you won’t forget.
7. Explore Fanal Forest
Wander among ancient laurel trees in the mystical Fanal Forest. The twisted trunks and moss-covered branches look especially magical when the mist rolls in, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
8. Swim in Porto Moniz Natural Pools
On Madeira’s northwest coast, Porto Moniz is famous for its volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater. Swim, sunbathe, or simply watch the waves crash dramatically against the lava rocks.
9. Drive the Scenic West Coast
Madeira’s west coast offers some of the island’s most stunning drives—winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and viewpoints that make you want to pull over every few minutes. Don’t miss the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a favorite of Winston Churchill.
10. Taste Madeira Wine
No trip to Madeira is complete without sampling its namesake wine. Visit a local wine lodge in Funchal for a tasting and learn how the island’s unique climate and aging process create its rich flavors.
11. Savor the Island’s Cuisine
Try Espada com Banana (black scabbard fish with banana), Bolo do Caco garlic bread, and freshly grilled limpets. Pair your meals with a view of the sea whenever possible.
One of the Madeira restaurants we loved was Horta, listed in the Michelin Guide, it features many vegetarian dishes. Another spot you would need to be dining at is the one Michelin-starred William restaurant in Reid’s Hotel by Belmond. Make Reservations ahead of time!
12. Experience the Atlantic Festival (June)
If you visit in June, you’re in for a treat—the Atlantic Festival. Every Saturday night, fireworks light up the sky over Funchal Bay, synchronized to music. Watch from the marina or your hotel balcony with a glass of Madeira wine.
13. Take a Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour
Madeira’s waters are home to dolphins, pilot whales, and occasionally sperm whales. Set out on a small boat tour for a chance to see these beautiful creatures in the wild.
14. Discover Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)
Nestled in the mountains, Curral das Freiras is a peaceful village surrounded by steep peaks. The viewpoint at Eira do Serrado offers a spectacular overlook of the valley.
15. Hike the Dragon’s Tail
Known as the Dragon’s Tail on the island of Madeira, the famous PR 8 Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most iconic and beautiful hikes. It can get pretty windy out here, but worth braving the weather.
End the Day with a Sunset on the Coast
Madeira’s sunsets are spectacular—watch from Ponta do Sol, Paul do Mar, or the rooftop of your hotel. The way the golden light dances over the Atlantic is the perfect end to any day.
Looking for a luxurious base while exploring Madeira? See our full review of Savoy Palace, where we stayed during our trip.
Traditional Houses of Santana (Why you should skip it)
Known for its charming triangular houses with steep thatched roofs, Santana offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural heritage. Some are now set up for visitors with small shops inside. I expected to see a whole village with the thatched houses(like what we saw in Shirakawa-go), but there were only 4 in total.
While a car trip just to see the traditional houses is not worth the drive, Santana is a great base for exploring the island’s lush north coast.
🌺 4 Days in Madeira – At a Glance
Day 1 – Funchal & First Impressions
- Morning: Stroll the Mercado dos Lavradores for tropical fruits & flowers
- Ride the cable car to Monte and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Evening: Dinner at Savoy Palace, or Reid’s if you manage to snag a reservation.
Day 2 – Peaks & Panoramas
- Early morning: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro. Drive the scenic winding roads to Pico Ruivo hike
- Afternoon: Visit Fanal Forest’s fairytale laurel trees
- Evening: Relax with a spa treatment back at the hotel
Day 3 – West Coast Wonders
- Morning: Coastal drive to Câmara de Lobos, then continue to Porto Moniz’s natural lava pools
- Stop for black sand beach views at Seixal
- Lunch with a sea view in Porto Moniz, and can stop at Santana on the way back
- We hiked part of the Ponta de São Lourenço trail before heading to the hotel
Day 4 – Levada Walks & Fireworks Finale (if visiting in June)
- Morning: Gentle Levada walk (Levada das 25 Fontes or Levada do Rei)
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping in Funchal’s old streets and walking the Funchal Seaside Promenade
- Evening: Watch the Atlantic Festival fireworks from the Savoy Palace terrace
While we spent 5 days in Funchal, you can add 2 days somewhere on the Northern Coast, like Santana, and easily expand this to a Madeira itinerary for 7 days. You will have more time for some of the best levada walks in Madeira, like Caldeirão Verde and 25 Fontes, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Didn’t make it to any of the levada walks? Wondering, what are the most scenic hikes besides the levadas?
Try the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike or the coastal trail at Ponta de São Lourenço. We enjoyed both and it was truly amazing. More about it soon!
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit – Madeira is a year-round destination, but spring and early summer bring lush blooms and perfect hiking weather. Visit Spring (April–May) for the Funchal Flower Festival. June offers warm days and the Atlantic Festival fireworks.
Getting Around – Rent a car if you are comfortable driving on winding mountain roads; otherwise, book guided tours. Public buses connect most major towns, but can be infrequent.
Travel Tip – Bring layers, sturdy walking shoes, and a swimsuit—you’ll need all three. And always have your camera ready; the scenery changes around every bend.
From Garden to Green Isle
Just a short flight away, the Azores’ São Miguel offers crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and hydrangea-lined roads — the perfect contrast to Madeira’s rugged peaks and subtropical gardens. [Read our São Miguel guide ➡️]
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