My trip to Madeira was quite unexpected. It was not on my travel plans for this year, but somehow, the stars aligned and there I was, spending my birthday on the beautiful island of Madeira. I didn’t know much about the island before I went, but from the moment I landed at the airport, I knew this was going to be a special trip.
There are plenty of epic things to do in Madeira, the “Hawaii of Europe” as the island is often referred to. It doesn’t matter how long your stay in Madeira is going to be, because due to its compact size, you can experience all the corners of the island in a short time.
In this article, I want to tell you about all the incredible things I’ve done in Madeira, the most delicious food I tried, as well as the dramatic scenery I witnessed here. I came to Madeira without expectations and left with my heart full of incredible memories.
Where is Madeira
Madeira is a lovely island located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. It is a Portuguese island with an autonomous region, as well as its own Parliament and legislation.
Most of the landscape of Madeira is mountainous, making the island a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts. The island is small, easy to explore on a short break, but because there are so many things to do, you can easily go on a road trip around Madeira.
How to Get to Madeira
Getting to Madeira from the UK is pretty easy, with plenty of affordable flights throughout the year, and Madeira is a great year-round holiday destination, which makes it attractive for a winter sun break. The airport in Madeira is quite spectacular as it has been built on a platform, over the sea. Landing here is a pretty unique experience. The airport also has an open balcony overlooking the runway, from where you can watch the planes landing and taking off.
Where to Stay in Madeira
I booked my accommodation in Madeira last minute, as I only decided to go around two weeks before. By then, all the affordable hotels were gone. I wanted to stay in the old town of Funchal rather than in the hotel zone because I wanted to experience the city and not the resorts. I found a lovely apartment a 10 minute walk away from Zona Velha of Funchal, a bit uphill, with beautiful views over the harbour and the sea.
I had a great stay at Solar do Ribeiro. The apartment was spacious, modern furnished, and with a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. I loved having my morning coffee there. I also liked that the apartment had daily cleaning – except for the weekend. A taxi ride from the hotel area to the apartment was approximately 10 euros.
I spent 270 euros for 5 nights there. You can check the reviews of the apartment on Tripadvisor, or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com.
If you want to stay in the hotel area and are looking for a place with a pool and a spa, I highly recommend either VidaMar Resort or Hotel Porto Mare. I spent some time around both during the conference I attended in Funchal over the weekend, and I really loved their facilities.
For VidaMar Resort, you can check the reviews on Tripadvisor or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com
For Hotel Porto Mare, you can check the reviews on Tripadvisor or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com
I would highly recommend booking your accommodation ahead of time. This way you can make sure that you have plenty of places to choose from, that fit your budget as well as your requirements.
How to Get Around Madeira
Most of the tourists who visit Madeira choose to base themselves in Funchal, the capital of the island. Funchal is split between two areas: the old town and the hotel area. I highly recommend staying in the old town, but if you choose to stay in the hotel area, it’s good to know that there are plenty of buses connecting the two destinations.
The local bus connects the airport with the hotel area, via the old town of Funchal. A one-way ticket costs 5 euros, whilst a return is 8. You can buy it directly from the driver, with cash. It is good to check the timetable for the bus here, as it doesn’t run late at night. A taxi from the airport to Funchal is around 25 euros. You can also book a transfer by clicking here, if you want a meet and greet at the airport.
Whilst there is public transport in Madeira, if you want to visit other places around the island, I recommend either joining a tour or hiring a taxi for the day. The taxi drivers in Madeira are licensed to take you around Madeira for day trips – which are recommended if you want to see the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro for example, as the public bus does not go up to the viewpoint. A trip from Funchal to Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos by taxi costs 60 euros – as a comparison, a taxi round ride from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos costs around 40 euros, so it is well worth exploring the taxi option if you don’t want to join a group tour.
If you are a confident driver, you can always hire a car in Madeira. I usually use Holiday Extras to hire cars through because they are transparent with the costs, and I don’t get hit with hidden fees when I pick up my rental. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that the island is mostly mountains and some of the roads are very steep. I would recommend hiring a more powerful engine than the Fiat 500, otherwise you will struggle to get up some of the mountain roads.
Epic Things to do in Madeira:
Explore the Old Town of Funchal
The Old Town of Funchal is the first settlement in Madeira and dates from 1420 when the colonisation of the “Island of the Wood” began. Madeira is the Portuguese word for “wood”, as the island used to be covered by a thick, native forest. João Gonçalves Zarco, who discovered the island, settled there with his family, some noble families from the Algarve, and their slaves. It didn’t take long for Funchal to become an important urban development with a strategic position for the trade on the Atlantic Ocean. In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus stopped there three times on his way to the Americas.
There are still a few original buildings from the 15th century in the old town of Funchal, such as the Corpo Santo Chapel which was built by fishermen at the end of the 1400s. Another great building that you can see in the old town of Funchal is the Sao Tiago Fort, which dates from 1614. This bright yellow fortress was built to protect the city from the pirate attacks coming from the sea. Near the fort, don’t miss having a drink at Santiago Beach Bar, which is right on the seafront.
At the other end of the old town, you will find Mercado dos Lavradores, which is a must see, and where you will find fresh fish in the morning, delicious food, local fruits and vegetables, as well as many local flowers. I actually bought a beautiful blue agapanthus from the market, which I planted in a pot at home.
Find the Painted Doors of Funchal
Rua de Santa Maria, on Zona Velha, is Funchal’s happiest street. This tiny, narrow cobblestone road is home to many restaurants where terraces take over the pavement, barely leaving any space for pedestrians. Behind the small tables with checked tablecloths, parasols of all sizes, and cold displays of fresh fish and limpets, you will notice the colourfully painted doors of Funchal.
Almost every door is painted in vivid bright colours depicting a fantastic world, or a nautical theme, or a surreal animal, or even a movie scene.
The idea of the painted doors was not only to revive the old town of Funchal, but also to make the tourists slow down and really observe the artwork. There are around 200 painted doors in Zona Velha, with most of them concentrated in and around Santa Maria Street.
After you have finished walking around and admiring the painted doors, you can sit down at one of the local restaurants, order a plate of freshly grilled espada and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. My favourite restaurant was Snack Bar Bela – an inconspicuous hole in the wall with the most delicious fish I had on the island.
Go on a Food Tour in Funchal
The best way to learn about a country’s gastronomy is through a food tour. I always book food tours or cooking classes when I travel somewhere new. And Madeira was no different. I wanted to join the food tour in Funchal to discover the flavours of the island, as well as to learn a little more about Funchal. I liked that the tour combined the traditional Madeira food and drink with the history of the island in a relaxed stroll around Funchal.
The food tour I went on included a Madeira wine degustation at Blandy’s, one of the island’s most popular winemakers. If you want to book this food tour, click here.
Go on a Ride on the Funchal – Monte Cable Car
The Monte Cable Car is one of the most popular things to do in Funchal. This is actually the first sight I had of Funchal, whilst the bus from the airport was descending from the motorway to the centre of the city. The cabins are quite small and can hold up to seven people. The ride up the mountain is slow and relaxing, starting just above the rooftops of Funchal, offering stunning panoramic views over the city and the ocean.
There are plenty of things to do once you reach Monte, from visiting the parish of our Lady of Monte, to strolling around the tropical garden of the Monte Palace, from where you can also take another cable car for a shorter ride to the Botanical Gardens.
A cable car ticket costs 12.50 euros each way, or 18 euros return.
Ride the Famous Madeira Toboggan
One of the top attractions in Funchal is the famous Madeira Toboggan. Starting from Monte, this 2 kilometre ride in a traditional wicker basket sledge at 30mph, is full of adrenaline and fun.
The sledges are pushed by two men dressed in traditional white outfits, wearing typical hats called straw boaters. They wear special rubber-soled boots that they use to break on the steep road down the mountain.
The tradition of the wicker toboggan started in the 19th century, when as an alternative to walking, this was the only way locals could go down the slope fast. Later it became a touristic attraction that everyone visiting Funchal wants to experience.
The cost of the ride depends on how many people are in the baskets. For one person, the price is 25 euros. For 2, is 30, whilst for three (which is a bit of a squeeze) is 40 euros.
Tip: When cruise ships are in town, this activity is extremely popular among the passengers, and you can wait as long as two hours or even more for your turn. It is best to arrive as early as possible for this activity, as you can’t book tickets online. Also, make sure you have cash as you can’t pay with card.
Watch the Sunrise from Pico do Arieiro
Out of all the things I did in Madeira, my favourite was watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island. The entire experience was magical!
To see the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro you have to wake up early! My transfer from Funchal left at 4:30 am, whilst it was still pitch black. We arrived at Pico de Arieiro just as the first morning light rays were starting to break through the darkness. There were quite a few people there already, setting up their cameras, or trying to find the best place to sit down and enjoy the experience.
You see, as Madeira has its own micro-climate, at that altitude you are above the clouds! And due to the wind, they move fast! The sun rises spectacularly from underneath the clouds, which at this point break up, allowing you to see glimpses of the ocean sparkling in the bright orange light of the sunrise.
My tip for watching the sunrise from Pico de Arieiro is to take a warm coat or blanket with you to wrap up in. Up there, at over 1800 meters high, it’s really cold! Whilst in Funchal it was 20 degrees Celsius, up the mountain it was barely 5!
Tip: Book your transfer at least a couple of days in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season. You can choose between a private tour that includes warm clothes and hot drinks by clicking here, or a shared transfer in a minibus by clicking here.
Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
One of the most spectacular hikes in Madeira is from Pico de Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the third highest peak and the highest peak on the island. The trail there and back is 11 kilometres long and takes between 3 and 5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. It is not an easy hike, so make sure you prepare accordingly. If you have vertigo, bear in mind that there are a few narrow paths alongside steep drops.
The hike is considered the be one of the most beautiful in Madeira because of the breathtaking views and the dramatic scenery.
Make sure to check the weather before you go, high on the mountain it can be very unpredictable. If you are unsure, it’s better to hire a guide to go with you. During my trip to Madeira the trail was closed because of a landslide which had happened a few days before.
Go on a Dolphin and Whales Catamaran Cruise
Madeira is one of those rare places in the world when it is guaranteed to see dolphins when you go on a cruise around the island. Dolphin and whale watching tours are one of the best things to do in Madeira.
Pretty much as soon as the catamaran leaves the harbour, the playful dolphins congregate around the boat. And it’s not one or two, but a large group of over 10. It’s quite a sight!
If you are lucky, you can also spot whales! The best time to go whale watching in Madeira is between May and September. The most common mammal that lives around Madeira is the Sperm Whale. Pilot whales are also sometimes spotted.
You can book a catamaran dolphin and whales watching tour by clicking here.
Explore Câmara de Lobos Fishing Village
Câmara de Lobos is a lovely fishing village located a 15 minute drive away from Funchal. It is said that in Câmara de Lobos you will taste the freshest fish on the entire island of Madeira. The village is very cute, with small, narrow alleyways dotted with restaurants, cafes, and taverns selling poncha.
Câmara de Lobos was one of Winston Churchill’s favourite painting spots, during his holiday in Madeira in 1950. And no wonder, as the village is extremely picturesque. Inside the bay, there are many colourful Xavelhas – traditional fishing boats in Câmara de Lobos.
Eat Lapas
Lapas is another traditional Madeiran food that you must try on the island. The best lapas I had was in Câmara de Lobos, where the size of the limpets was double than at the restaurants in Funchal. A portion of lapas usually costs 7 euros. It consists of a frying pan filled with limpets grilled in a delicious garlic and butter sauce, served with wedges of lemon.
Limpets are shellfish similar to barnacles. They taste like mussels but have a different texture, they are meatier and chewier. They make a great lunch, alongside a pint of local Coral beer.
Go on a Levada Hike
Levadas are a system of irrigation channels that carry water and distribute it from their source to different areas around the island. Most of the levadas have well-maintained paths alongside them, which are mostly used for hiking. Going on a levada hike is one of the best things to do in Madeira because you don’t really get a chance to do this anywhere else in the world.
Many of the levada hikes are flat and don’t require a lot of physical preparation, except for good hiking shoes and attention.
I loved walking alongside the levada in Ribeiro Frio National Park, an easy hike towards Balcões viewpoint. The trail cut through the thick forest and offered plenty of opportunities to observe the local flora as well as to try and spot the birds.
See the Three Highest Peaks in Madeira from Vereda dos Balcões
Vereda dos Balcões is a beautiful viewpoint from where you can see the three highest peaks in Madeira. The platform is located at the end of a pretty walk between the thick forest of Madeira. The trail starts in Ribeiro Frio National Park, follows a water channel, and is flat.
I wasn’t lucky enough to see the peaks due to the low clouds, but I still enjoyed the spectacular scenery. The viewing platform from Balcões is a great place for bird spotting. Ribeiro Frio National Park is part of the native forest of Madeira, which is a Unesco natural heritage site because of its great biodiversity which includes the native species of the Madeira Laurel-pigeon, the Madeira Firecrest, and the Macaronesian Sparrowhawk.
Swim in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz
The natural pools from Porto Moniz make a perfect day trip from Funchal. It takes one hour to get there, and the pools are so inviting that you will want to spend the entire day there. The natural pools are a great way to cool down on a hot day in Madeira.
The natural pools are volcanic, have formed naturally, and are filled with ocean water. You can choose to swim in the undeveloped ones, or at the lido – where it’s much safer, especially on a windy day when the waves are high.
It is a lot of fun to swim to the edge of the swimming area, where the waves are breaking onto the rocks, and let yourself get pushed by the waves back to the middle of the pools. The water is cold, but it’s a nice refresher when the temperatures are high, as it was during my visit.
The fee to enter the lido is 1.5 euros – where you will also have access to toilets, showers, and lockers.
Take in the Views of the Black Sand Beach in Seixal
Seixal is a small village close to Porto Moniz, one of the few places in Madeira where you can actually sunbathe on a sandy beach. The scenery here is very dramatic: the tall mountains are covered with lush vegetation and drop sharply into the ocean. A lone waterfall pours directly into the ocean.
When I first saw this place, I thought to myself that this could easily be a filming location for Jurassic Park. Climbing on a cliff nearby, I discovered that I wasn’t the only one who thought this, as someone had built two dinosaurs out of metal and placed them on the way to this viewpoint, like they were guarding it.
Besides the beach, Seixal also has a large volcanic natural pool, in which you can swim safely in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the rocks surrounding the pool, you can see plenty of small crabs running away sideways as you approach them.
Try Poncha
Poncha is a delicious but very dangerous drink. Locals do warn tourists not to have more than two glasses of this traditional Madeiran drink, if they want to avoid a hangover the next day. Poncha is a refreshing cocktail made with sugar cane rum, local honey, and lemon juice. The poncho bars around the old town of Funchal have many versions of Poncha, mixed with different other fruits. My favourite was the passion fruit poncha.
There is something special about ending the night in Funchal at Rei de Poncha bar, standing in the cobbled street, chatting with friends, drinking poncha from a paper cup. A glass of poncha usually costs 4 euros.
Experience a Madeira Wine Tasting at Blandy’s
Blandy’s is one of the oldest Madeira wine producers on the island. Their tasting rooms are in the centre of Madeira, in the historical town, minutes away from the Se Cathedral. Even though it’s one of the largest wineries on the island, Blandy’s is still a family business, run by the descendants of the founders.
A tour costs 11 euros (or 22.90 euros for the vintage one) and includes a history lesson about the Madeira wine and how the barrels are made, the process of creating Madeira wine, as well as a visit to their museum. It ends with a tasting of Madeira wine.
The process of making Madeira wine is very interesting, as the wine is aged in American oak casks using the heat of the sun. There are also different types of Madeira wine, some that are meant to be drank as an aperitif, and others that are meant to accompany desserts.
Check Out the Historical Houses in Santana
Santana is an area in the North of the island famous for the triangle-shaped traditional Madeiran houses with thatched roofs. The entire village of Santana is a Unesco Heritage site because of its historical and cultural importance.
It is believed that this style of building houses was initiated by the first colonisers of the island. They used local timber to build the houses, and hay to construct the roofs. The sharp angle of the roof was meant for draining the rainwater quickly, preventing it from entering the house. Each house has a small garden, where grazing animals used to be kept.
Whilst there are a few houses still inhabited, most of the heritage triangle-shaped houses are empty. Some of them can be visited, free of charge. You can visit Santana through an inexpensive tour of the east of Madeira.
Sail on a Pirate Ship
A unique thing to do in Madeira is to sail on Santa Maria de Colombo, an exact replica of the flagship of Christopher Columbus. A journey on this spectacular ship can make you feel like you’ve literally stepped into the real life Pirates of the Caribbean.
The ship sails to Cabo Girão, where in summer it stops for you to have a dip in the ocean. On the way there you get a chance to spot dolphins and whales. The ticket also includes a glass of Madeira wine as well as a slice of traditional honey cake.
It is best to book a ticket in advance, as sailing on Santa Maria de Colombo is a very popular activity in Madeira, especially during the summer months. You can book your spot on the pirate ship online by clicking here. The trip costs 32 euros.
Take the Cable Car at Cabo Girão
Cabo Girão is the highest cliff in Europe, with a sharp drop of over 500 meters. If you are brave enough you can step onto the glass skywalk over the cliff, for an unforgettable panoramic view.
Next to Cabo Girão there is the Rancho Cable car, which descends on an almost vertical trajectory to a secluded beach at the bottom of the cliffs. Near the beach you can see vines which are still used to grow grapes. In the past, the cable car was used to transport their products to the city. Now it is a touristic attraction in Madeira, and riding it makes an epic adventure.
Stay at an Organic Farm
I met Andrew on my first day in Madeira, through a common friend. He invited us to see his organic farm, nestled inside a deep forest. Andrew has two cottages on his land that he rents to people who want to spend a holiday surrounded by nature, close to levada trails.
Andrew’s farm, Quinta das Colmeias, is not like any farm I have ever seen before. His land stretches deep into the forest, where you can stroll between the tall pine trees. He has lemon trees and blueberries shrubs, vegetables, chickens and sheep, which he grows and raises organically.
See a Traditional Folk Performance
There is no better way to learn about a place than through its culture. I was so lucky to see a traditional Madeiran Folk Performance, where a local group from Porto Santo danced and sang for us.
The traditional Madeiran dance is a reflection of the struggles of the island’s inhabitants’ lives. The turns and bends symbolise the hard work in the sugar cane fields. The jumps represent the crushing of the grapes in autumn. The curving of the body portrays the heavy baskets of bananas carried on shoulders.
It is believed that the local dances have been influenced by the Moorish slavery, as well as the immigrants from North Africa.
The music that accompanies the dance is played on traditional instruments such as machete – an instrument similar to the ukulele, rajao – an instrument similar to a guitar, as well as the iconic Brinquinho which is a typical Madeiran instrument. It consists of dolls filled with sawdust, which are dressed in the traditional costume of the island, and attached to a piece of wood resembling an umbrella. The dolls have wooden castanets attached to them that make a noise when the Brinquinho is moved up and down.
You can book an evening with traditional folk dances and dinner by clicking here.
Attend a Traditional Event in Madeira
During my stay in Madeira I was lucky enough to witness the procession for Corpus Christi, a national religious holiday in Portugal. The locals laid the entire route of the procession with beautiful flower arrangements.
After the mass at the Se Cathedral, the procession led by the local bishop followed the carpet of flowers, going around the town before returning back to the church.
Another great event to attend in Funchal is the Atlantic Festival. This is a fireworks competition that takes place each Saturday in June. Four different countries compete to create the island’s best firework display. The show includes thematic music as well as interactive elements, and regardless of whether you are watching from the shore or from a catamaran, you will have the full experience of the festival.
Visit the CR7 Museum
If you love football, you probably know that Cristiano Ronaldo is Madeira’s most famous footballer. The airport in Madeira is named after him and he has a hotel collaboration with Pestana CR7 where you can have a bespoke stay, tailor-made with gym sessions designed by Ronaldo himself. The rooftop of the hotel features a pink pool and a cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink and a view of the ocean.
The hotel hosts the CR7 Museu, dedicated to the trophies Cristiano Rolando won during his career. Besides the trophies, the collection also includes photos and videos of memorable moments of his career, as well as wax statues which visitors can take photos with. In front of the museum there is also a life-size bronze statue of Ronaldo.
The entrance ticket to the museum costs 5 euros.
Have a Prego
Prego is without a doubt the traditional sandwich of Madeira. I started my foodie adventure in Madeira with a prego, and continued to have one pretty much every day during my trip to the island. Prego is not just a sandwich, but a meal in itself. It usually costs 3-4 euros and you can find it pretty much at every restaurant and café on the island.
Prego is a steak sandwich inside a typical Madeiran bolo de caco flatbread. A prego especial also includes bacon, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and a fried egg.
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Wow. This is a complete guide. Loved the details. The Old Town of Funchal has a lot to offer. The sunrise from Pico de Arieiro is a sight to behold. Prego looks super delicious. I had no idea how an island had so much to offer. I am adding this to my bucket list. Thank you for introducing to this fantastic destination.
Happy Birthday to you! This is definitely an awesome way to spend your special day. I think your accommodation is really nice. Happy to know you had a great stay. I would love to go on a food tour and experience riding the Famous Madeira Toboggan. Thank you for sharing this. We look forward to visiting in the future.
Madeira looks amazing. I love the idea of the painted doors to get tourism!
I loved everything about Madeira! From Funchal to the levadas, the unlimited tunnels, waterfalls and the food. There was so much I didn’t do, so I need to go back again.
That pirate ship is legit!! I love that they modeled it after Columbus’ ship. My son would really enjoy a ride on that!
What a dreamy destination and love that it’s referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe”. What luck that you got to experience Corpus Christi, what a beautiful site that must have been to see the flowers lining the streets. I would love to see the traditional thatched roof houses, so unique to this area. What a helpful and inspiring guide for the top things to do in Maderia.
Saved the link of that apartment immediately! Hope to get to visit soon!
Fantastic guide of Madeira! I truly loved to read about this! Ironically one of my least favorite places on the island was Funchal, but the island is one of my favorite places ever, great food, fantastic people, unique houses, dramatic mountains, waterfalls everywhere, and beautiful beaches. I am all in with you about moving around, a car, or alternatively a driver, is essential to enjoy the best of the island,