Madeira

1. Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira

The viewpoint Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira is by far the most beautiful spot to watch the sunset on Madeira. This place right on the coast can be found in the northwest of the island near Porto Moniz. From the parking lot you walk a few meters on an adventurous, narrow unpaved path, right next to the abyss and through the reeds. Walk a bit down to a small plateau where you can enjoy the last sun rays of the day.

You look far out over the Atlantic Ocean and if you look down you can see the isolated small farming area of ​​Fajã da Quebrada, with a number of huts. The farmers come to this region to work on handmade products.

You can visit the remote area Fajã da Quebrada. For only €5 you buy a return ticket and the steep cable car Achadas da Cruz takes you down 600 meters in 5 minutes. The views from below are spectacular.

Also read: A trip to Madeira: 16 best things to do & see on the island

2. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

The impressive viewpoint Miradouro do Véu da Noiva is located right along the road. Here you look out over a huge waterfall that pours straight into the ocean. Be amazed by the jagged coastline with steep green cliffs, the deep blue ocean and hear the wild waves crash against the cliffs. To enjoy this special natural phenomenon, it is best to park your car in this parking lot.

3. Pico do Areeiro

Pico do Areeiro is one of the highest mountain peaks (1818 meters) on Madeira. And offers the most beautiful viewpoints to watch the sunrise. If the weather conditions are perfect, you will be high above the clouds here. That must be so special! We drove to the top twice at sunrise, but ‘unfortunately’ they were two clear mornings, so there was not a gigantic cloud cover to be seen. But even then this point is very magical to see the sun illuminating all the surrounding mountain peaks.

There is a parking lot near Pico do Areeiro. If you want a spot, get here as early as possible, because Pico do Areeiro is the most popular place on the island to watch the sunrise. Most people watch the sunrise from this spot, right next to the road and parking lot. We recommend you to walk for about 15-20 minutes to the viewpoint Miradouro do Ninho da Manta. It is quieter here and we think the view is much more remote and special.

4. Magical views of the Ponta de São Lourenço Peninsula

Ponta de São Lourenço is a 6 km long peninsula in the easternmost part of Madeira. There are several beautiful viewpoints here and you can make an incredible hike. The first time we came here, we stranded during the golden hour at the viewpoint Miradouro de São Lourenço with beautiful rock formations. We were treated to a magical show where the sky turned into warm and dreamy colors. We stayed here for a very, very long time until it got dark.

A few days later we returned to the peninsula Ponta de São Lourenço to do the PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço hike and we think this is definitely a must do when you are on Madeira. During the hike you are constantly surrounded by panoramic views. Over the coastline, jagged cliffs, colorful fields and a moon-like landscape.

Read more about hiking on Madeira + 6 beautiful hikes

The end point of the hike is the viewpoint Miradouro Ponta do Furado. After a short but tough climb you are treated to a beautiful view of the very last part of the uninhabited peninsula. The colorful landscape contrasts perfectly with the blue Atlantic Ocean. From this point you can also see the neighboring island of Porto Santo in the distance.

Note, Miradouro Ponta do Furado is the only view in this blog that takes a lot of time to get there. You reach this point after about 1.5 hours of walking.

5. Cristo Rei Viewpoint

On top of a hill, on the edge of a gigantic cliff, stands the imposing 14 meter high statue Cristo Rei. It is the oldest of the 3 most famous Cristo Rei statues (in Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon and Madeira). The statue was built in 1927 and there are several stories about why it was built. One of the reasons would be to welcome strangers with open arms who are traveling to Madeira via the ocean.

Not only the statue is impressive, but also the view you have from here is spectacular. Look around you and spot the Atlantic Ocean, the bay of Funchal and Caniço and if you look down, there is a beach at the bottom of the cliff, Garajau, which you can walk to via a winding path. The path is quite steep, another alternative is to take the cable car down.

The Cristo Rei viewpoint is very accessible. Next to the lookout is a large parking lot.

6. Miradouro da Vigia

In the northeast of Madeira you will find many beautiful and still undiscovered viewpoints. Here you are guaranteed to stop your car continuously. In our opinion the most beautiful view in this part of the island is Miradouro da Vigia. You look out over the huge cliffs, the rough ocean, colorful flowers and the lighthouse of Ponta de São Jorge.

7. Viewpoints in Câmara de Lobos

In addition to the extraordinary nature on Madeira, there is another nice side of the island to discover. Madeira has many picturesque coastal villages. Our favorite one is Câmara de Lobos which is about 10 minutes drive from Funchal. Câmara de Lobos is an authentic fishing village, hidden in a cove of rocks, where colorful fishing boats bob on the blue ocean. The village is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, green vineyards and banana plantations. The location and surroundings offer fantastic viewpoints!

8. Miradouro de Terra Grande

If you are touring on Madeira with a car, you will certainly drive through the Terra Grande valley a few times. This area is almost the center of the island and from here you can go in almost all directions. As you drive through the valley you will encounter epic views every time. There are often widenings along the road where you can stop the car for a while. Enjoy the green valley, the vineyards and the small villages built between the hills of the valley.

9. Miradouro do Paúl do Mar

Paúl do Mar is a town on the southwest coast of the island. The old coastal route that you can drive from Ponta do Pargo, Lombada Dos Marinheiros towards Paúl do Mar and ending in Jardim do Mar is one of the most beautiful roads to drive on Madeira! It can be a challenging road to drive at times. You drive a steep winding road that leads you through narrow old and unlit tunnels that take you directly through the cliffs to the most beautiful viewpoints. The viewpoint Miradouro do Paúl do Mar is also located on this route. It is definitely worth parking the car along the road to fully enjoy this view.

10. Viewpoints in São Vicente

In a vast valley in the north of Madeira lies the picturesque village of São Vicente. Here you will find the chapel Nossa Senhora de Fatima on top of one of the hills. The 14 meter high bell tower protrudes above the hills and is therefore a real eye-catcher. Climb up for a breathtaking view and to get a closer look of the remarkable chapel. From the top you are surrounded by peaks and the green plateaus of the valley, where the typical houses with terracotta colored roofs are built on the slopes.

11. Miradouro dos Balcões

In 1.5 kilometers you walk to the beautiful view Miradouro dos Balcões. From the ‘balcony’, which is located in the middle of the Natural Park Parque Natural da Madeira, you look out over the green valley Ribeira da Metada. With clear weather you can see the three highest peaks of the island; Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m).

This viewpoint is the perfect place for bird watching. Bring some nuts, seeds or fruit and wait patiently. Then they will fly to you for a snack.

16 Best things to do & see on Madeira

1. Discover the diverse nature during a beautiful hike

Madeira is a paradise for both inexperienced and experienced hikers. You will find more than 100 easy and challenging hiking routes all over the island. On foot you will discover the spectacular nature and diversity of Madeira. From enormous mountain landscapes, an impressive coastline, huge waterfalls to a dense jungle and beautiful views.

The most popular hikes are the levada hikes where you walk along the old irrigation channels of Madeira that make it possible to explore the rugged interior and valleys of the island.

More about: Hiking on Madeira: Tips and 6 beautiful hikes

2. Chilling on the black sand beach, Seixal Beach

On the north coast of the island you will find Praia do Porto do Seixal (Seixal Beach). It is one of the few sandy beaches on Madeira. The special thing about this beach is that it has black sand and owes its color to the erosion of volcanic rocks. Seixal beach is surrounded by green cliffs, rocks and the wild ocean and is the perfect place for surfing.

Be careful if you want to swim here, the current can be strong.

3. Swimming in the natural pools at Porto Moniz

A little further than Seixal Beach are the impressive volcanic pools of Porto Moniz. Between the black rocks formed by lava, you will find pools filled with seawater. The water is always washed in by the rough waves. There are two options for visiting the baths. There are paid baths with supervision and facilities such as changing rooms and showers. A little further on you have the free volcanic baths, with no facilities in the middle of the untouched nature. Here you have to watch out for sharp rocks and unpredictable big crashing waves.

4. Discover Funchal; the bustling capital of Madeira

Funchal is the bustling capital of Madeira and is the perfect base from which to explore the island. Surrounded by mountains, Funchal is located on the sunny south coast of the island. The center is full of cozy bars and restaurants where you can taste the typical drinks Ponchas, browse the local market full of tropical and colorful fruits or visit the beautiful botanical gardens of Monte by cable car. Funchal is not only a lot of culture and admiring unique sights, but also the perfect destination for adventure. Organized dolphin and whale watching tours depart daily from Funchal harbour. And that is definitely an activity for your bucket list!

Read more: The Ultimate Funchal Travel Guide

5. Dolphin and Whale Watching in Madeira’s Waters

Madeira is a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This is an ideal and safe habitat for many cetaceans. There is a good chance to spot these special animals all year round, but the species you encounter depend on the season. Discover Madeira’s wildlife through responsibly organized tours. Do you want to know what to expect from such a trip? Then read our extensive blog about dolphin and whale watching in the waters around Madeira with tips that will make this experience unforgettable.

6. Get lost in one of the last laurel forests in the world

Millions of years ago, laurel forests were still common in parts of Europe and North Africa. Many laurel forests have disappeared due to the ice age and other climate changes. Fanal Forest is one of the last laurel forests in the world and is therefore a unique attraction on Madeira. If you visit Fanal Forest with foggy weather, the forest turns into a mysterious, fairytale place. The old laurel trees all have a different shape and are covered with several layers of moss. The trees seem to dance because of the twisted branches. The best part is to park the car nearby and get lost through this special forest.

More about: Visiting the rare Fanal Forest

7. Overcome your fear of heights with the Achadas da Cruz cable car

On the north side of Madeira, the steep Achadas da Cruz funicular takes you down 600 meters in 5 minutes. At the bottom you walk a short path and enjoy beautiful views of the wild ocean and huge cliffs. Local farmers work here on handmade products and agriculture.

A return ride with the cable car costs €5 per person. The last ride back up is at 6:00 PM. If you are afraid of heights, it can be quite exciting. But know that the amazing views below are well worth the effort.

Good to know: There are no facilities on the bottom, so make sure you bring enough food and drinks with you.

8. Drive on a winding road above the clouds

One of the most beautiful experiences on Madeira is to watch the sunrise or sunset from Pico do Areeiro. With a height of 1,818 meters it is one of the highest mountain peaks on the island. If the weather conditions are perfect, you will be high above the clouds here. That must be so special! We drove to the top twice at sunrise, but ‘unfortunately’ they were two clear mornings, so there was not a gigantic cloud cover to be seen. But even then this point is very magical to see the sun illuminating all the surrounding mountain peaks.

9. Visit the authentic coastal villages of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol and Jardim do Mar

Our favorite villages on the island are the coastal villages of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol and Jardim do Mar.

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is hidden in a bay of rocks, where colorful fishing boats bob on the blue ocean. It is one of Madeira’s most scenic and authentic villages, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, green vineyards and banana plantations. Experience local life, see how the fishermen successfully return with their catch and spot the most beautiful art on the doors of the houses in the narrow streets.

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is the village with the most hours of sunshine. It is small, but worth visiting! In Ponta do Sol you will find one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset, you walk over an old bridge, through an arch, along the huge cliffs, looking out over the ocean. Park your car in the center of Ponta do Sol and walk to this spot.

Jardim do Mar

Jardim do Mar is a whole of narrow steep streets that lead to squares and the impressive boulevard. A walk on the boulevard is a must. You constantly have beautiful views over the surrounding cliffs and the deep blue ocean, which is loved by many surfers.

10. Drive your car through the natural car wash at Ponta do Sol

Cascata do Anjos is a waterfall that pours in the middle of the road. This unique waterfall is a free car wash; close the windows, turn on the windshield wipers and let’s go! Navigate to this point to get there by car. The route to the waterfall is already impressive. An old narrow coastal road takes you along the beautiful coastline and several spectacular views of the waterfall. When it’s not busy, you can stop the car at one of the road widenings to enjoy this special nature phenomenon.

11. Taste the unique Madeira Wine

Madeira is rich in vineyards where the delicious local Madeira Wine is made. It is a dessert wine and characteristic is the sweet taste and the strong alcohol percentage (between 16% and 22%). Madeira wine is different from other wines. This is mainly due to the different maturation process, which was discovered ‘accidentally’ at sea. Portuguese sailors took wine with them on long ship journeys to get extra vitamin C. The wine left over after the long journey tasted different. This was because they kept the barrels on the ships in warm rooms where the wine was heated repeatedly. This change was so popular that it was the beginning of the unique Madeira Wine. From then on, shipmen took extra barrels with them so that they could sell the wine on their return.

Madeira Wine is available in every supermarket on the island. But it is a wine with an interesting history, so how nice is it to learn more about it through a wine tour. In collaboration with Madeira Atlantic Tours we went with the Private Madeira Halfday Tour. Through this tour we not only learned more about the Madeira Wine, the production and the different variations, but we also learned a lot more about the island.

Also read: 6x local food and drinks you want to taste on Madeira

12. Admire the Chapel in São Vicente

In a vast valley in the north of Madeira lies the picturesque village of São Vicente. Here you will find the chapel Nossa Senhora de Fatima on top of one of the hills. The 14 meter high bell tower protrudes above the hills and is therefore a real eye-catcher. Climb up to get a closer look at the remarkable chapel. From the top you will be surrounded by mountain peaks and the green plateaus of the valley, where the typical houses are built on the slopes.

13. Walk the glass plateau at the Cabo Girão Skywalk

Challenge yourself and walk on the glass plateau at Cabo Girão. During the skywalk you walk 580 meters above the ocean. Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk on a clear day. We could see the depths below us, but the rest of the view was unfortunately hidden behind a thick layer of fog.

14. Make a stop at the most beautiful viewpoints

A road trip across the island takes you straight through the mountains, past constantly changing landscapes and coastal routes overlooking the blue Atlantic Ocean. Every ride is unique and you are treated again and again to the most beautiful viewpoints. You do not always have to make a long hike for this. Many lookout points can be found along the way.

These are the 11 most beautiful viewpoints on Madeira

15. The volcanic Peninsula Ponta de São Lourenço

In the east of the island is the narrow 6 kilometer long peninsula; Ponta de Sao Lourenco. It is the very tip of Madeira. The moon-like volcanic landscape here is completely different from what you see on the rest of Madeira. You can explore the area via the 7-kilometer PR8 hike, which takes you past amazing views, unique rock formations and colorful fields.

16. Madeira’s Traditional Cottages in Santana

The traditional houses of Madeira, Palheiros, are triangular with thatched roofs. Palheiros usually have red, white or blue painted accents. You can see the houses all over the island and some are still inhabited. Here in Santana you can see the houses from the inside and get an idea of ​​how the locals used to live here – and still do. Some cottages in Santana have been transformed into shops and are today a popular tourist attraction.

Combine a visit to the houses with the most beautiful levada hike on the island; PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde. The starting point of the hike is about a 10-minute drive from Santana.

Best time to visit Madeira

The subtropical climate makes Madeira a good place to stay all year round. The island is also known as the island of eternal spring. In the months of October to March there is more rain. Even then it is a great idea to visit Madeira. The waterfalls are at their most powerful then and the moody vibes are more often present, which suits the island perfectly!

Madeira is also known as the flower island. If you want to see madeira in bloom, the spring months April to June are the best time to go.

How to get to Madeira

Madeira has an international airport, with many options for direct flights from all over Europe. The airport is located in Santa Cruz, in the east of the island. From here it is about a 15-20 minute taxi ride to Funchal, using a taximeter. Another option is to go by bus. Shuttle buses (€5) run between the airport and Funchal. This is a cheaper option, but takes much longer.

Traveling around Madeira

We have been on Madeira for a month and rented a car for a few days. The rest of time we traveled by public transport or did tours.

By car

The most ideal way to discover Madeira is with a rental car. This way you can get the most out of your trip. The highlights are spread over the island and with a car you have the ultimate freedom to see all the beautiful sights. Madeira is beautiful to drive around and you are guaranteed to often park the car along the road to enjoy spectacular viewpoints.

Tip: If you have booked a trip to Madeira, try to arrange a rental car immediately. Prices can rise significantly if you book last minute.

Driving on Madeira is not very different, you may just have to get used to the winding roads with sharp bends here and there or the few extremely steep roads in the villages or high in the mountains. The locals generally drive quietly and the roads and tunnels are well maintained.

To make it a bit easier for yourself to drive in the mountains, we recommend renting an automatic car. You don’t need a 4×4, all roads are passable. A car with a stronger engine is nice, but not necessary.

Find a rental car

By public transport

Traveling by public transport on Madeira is a cheap option, but not always easy. Good preparation is therefore good, so that you do not have to figure out a lot while on holiday.

Our best tips are:
🚌 Always keep the bus times in mind, because there are only a certain number of buses per day, sometimes there is even only 1 option back. If you miss a bus, it may be the last bus running that day.
🚌 You can only buy a bus ticket with cash. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver.
🚌 Departure times are not always clearly indicated at the stops, not even on the websites of the different bus companies themselves. We often used the Rome2Rio website. The times were generally correct, but it is sometimes difficult to find the stop where you have to get on.
🚌 ‘Paragem’ means bus stop. There are several bus companies, on top of the bus stop is a sign that indicates which company stops at that bus stop.

Book one of the fun island tours

Do you not want to rent a car on the island and do you not want to be dependent on public transport neither? Then you can also explore the island through tours. There are a lot of great tours that take you all over the island. The nice thing about a tour is that you will learn a lot about the island. It is therefore also very educational and interesting. Keep in mind that it is not the cheapest option.

Where to stay on Madeira

If you only want to stay in one place during your trip to Madeira, Funchal is certainly a nice base for your entire trip on the island. Madeira is not that big and Funchal has a central location. From here you can easily discover the beautiful places all over the island. Funchal is also the ideal place to stay if you want to travel a lot by public transport. Many buses depart from Funchal. 

Another reason why we loved staying in Funchal is because of the many restaurants and bars and the bustling vibes in Funchal. If we have been out in nature all day, we think it is nice to be in a bustling place again.

Hiking trails on Madeira

In total, the island has more than 100 hiking trails. There are plenty of fun and challenging hikes for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Walking routes with ‘PR’ indication

The official and recommended walking routes on Madeira can be recognized by the ‘PR’ designation.

Levada walks

On Madeira you will find more than 3000 km of levadas and together they form the impressive irrigation system of the island. The ancient levadas were built in the 16th century to transport condensation water and rainwater from the humid north via the mountains to the dry south. The paths next to the winding levadas were intended to be able to maintain the levadas. Today, these are popular hiking trails that make it possible to discover Madeira’s rugged inland. Levada walks are easy, because there are almost no height differences.

Handy to take with you

It is good to be prepared for all weather conditions when you go hiking on Madeira. Due to the different microclimates, the weather is different in many parts of the island and can change quickly. It is therefore useful to always take a raincoat with you. On some routes you walk close to waterfalls, so don’t forget to put a waterproof cover on your bag so that your gear and other valuables won’t get wet. And because it rains regularly, the paths can be wet and slippery, so we recommended to wear (hiking) shoes with extra grip.

Temperatures on Madeira can fluctuate a lot and it can get chilly high in the mountains. Therefore, be sure to wear several layers, so that you can always take something off or put on if it gets too hot or cold.

On some hikes you walk through tunnels, so make sure your phone is charged enough to use the flashlight, or take a headlamp with you just to be sure.

Our 6 favorite hikes on Madeira

1. PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is the most beautiful levada walk on Madeira. The hike is 13 km in total and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The hike incline over the entire hike is only 100 meters. So the walk is flat and therefore it is the perfect hike for beginners.

The levada leads you through the lush jungle and takes you deep into the São Jorge Valley where you will be treated to impressive views of the green peaks and waterfalls. You are completely surrounded by the greenery of ferns, moss and overgrown rock walls. The last part you will walk close to the abyss which makes this hike very adventurous. The goal of the hike is to get to one of the highest waterfalls on Madeira. This waterfall is powerful and the water falls from a height of 100 meters into an ice-cold natural pool.

Read more about PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

2. PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço

On the east part of the island is the narrow 6 kilometer long peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. It is the very tip of Madeira. Here you can walk the beautiful route PR8 of 7 km in total. This hike takes about 2 to 3 hours and is flat, so it is accessible to everyone. Only the very last part will be a little climb to reach the final view. The landscape here is completely different from what you see on the rest of Madeira. The moon-like volcanic landscape takes you past amazing views, rugged rock formations and colorful fields.

3. PR7 Levada do Moinho and levada Nova

A lesser known and more hidden hike is the PR7 Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova. With this hike you will follow a Levada and walk on narrow paths along steep abysses through a beautiful green valley. The views during the hike are spectacular. The highlight of the hike is the waterfall that pours down right next to the hiking trail. The path continues behind the waterfall. The hike is 7.5 km in total and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. It’s a loop, so you don’t walk back the same way. The starting point of the hike is located behind the church Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol.

4. PR13 Vereda do Fanal

Fanal Forest, is a fairytale, ancient laurel forest in the mountains of Madeira. The unique forest is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as it is one of the last laurel forests in the world. The trees are special, they all have a different shape and are covered with different layers of moss. Walking route PR13 of about 20 km takes you through the forest in about 4 hours. Don’t want to take such a long walk? Then there are several points where you can park the car to get lost in a part of this mysterious forest.

All tips for a visit to Fanal Forest

5. PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

Vereda dos Balcões is a short but enjoyable walk of 3 km in total. Ribeiro Frio is the starting point of the route. From here you walk to a beautiful viewpoint that is located in the middle of the Natural Park Parque Natural da Madeira. From the ‘balcony’ you look out over the green valley Ribeira da Metade and on a clear day you can see the three highest peaks of the island; Pico do Areeiro (1817 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m).

The viewpoint is also the perfect place to spot birds. Bring some nuts, seeds or fruit and wait patiently. If you give the birds their time, they will come flying over to you for a snack.

6. Rota da Banana

Madeira is a large producer of bananas and in the coastal village of Madalena do Mar you will find the largest banana plantation on the island. Here you can walk directly between the densely vegetated banana plantations and view the entire growing process of the bananas up close. Rota da Banana consists of three short walks: RB1, RB2 and RB3. In total it is an exotic walk of 1.5 km. The walk is easy and takes you in about half an hour along narrow paths, levadas and a whole lot of banana plants. Along the way you have beautiful views over kilometers of banana plants, the surrounding cliffs, the authentic village of Madalena do Mar and the ocean.

Read more about Rota da Banana

Other awesome hikes

Walking on Madeira is great and as we said before there are many walking routes spread all over the island. We have not been able to make all the hikes yet. When we return to Madeira, we definitely want to walk the epic hikes below. So if you have more time, you might want to add a few of these hikes to your to do list as well.

🥾 PR1: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (we did go to the insane viewpoint at Pico do Areeiro during sunrise)
🥾 PR6: Levada 25 fontes
🥾 PR6.1: Risco waterfall
🥾 PR6.2: Levada do Alecrim
🥾 Boca do Risco