Madeira is a varied and fascinating holiday destination, offering a wealth of unique sights and experiences that set it apart from more conventional beach resorts.

Many visitors come simply to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather, but Madeira rewards those who venture beyond their hotel. Whether you wish to hike along the island's famous levada trails, explore traditional fishing villages, or simply take in views that rank among the most dramatic in Europe, there is something here for every type of traveller.

This guide presents our selection of the top ten activities and top ten sights on Madeira, chosen to help you make the most of your time on the island. We have aimed to include options suitable for all ages and interests.

The first section covers activities for those seeking a more active holiday, from mountain hikes to canyoning adventures. The second section focuses on the island's finest sights and towns, ideal if you prefer a holiday centred on sightseeing and leisurely exploration.
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Madeira offers no shortage of spectacular mountain roads, but the coastal route between São Vicente and Porto Moniz ranks among the most scenic drives on the island. This stretch follows the dramatic northern coastline, where massive cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, steep river valleys cut deep into the landscape, and small villages cling to narrow ledges above the sea. In places, waterfalls cascade directly from the clifftops into the ocean below.

The original road twisted precariously along the cliff faces, a hair-raising experience that required steady nerves and a good deal of faith. Today, the modern VE2 has made the journey considerably safer, however, the old coastal road remains accessible in sections, and there are numerous laybys and viewpoints where you can pull over to admire the scenery.

The drive ends in Porto Moniz, a small town known for its natural lava swimming pools formed by ancient volcanic flows. After the drama of the coastal road, a swim in these sheltered pools, filled by the Atlantic tide, makes for a refreshing conclusion to the journey.
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The rugged coastline close to Porto Moniz

The wicker sledge ride down Monte hill may be touristy, but it represents one of Madeira's most authentic historical traditions. This unusual form of transport has genuine roots in local necessity, making it far more than a gimmick for visitors.

The tradition began in the 1850s when workers needed an efficient way to transport goods from Monte's elevated position down to Funchal's markets. The wicker sledges, known as carreiros after their drivers, provided a practical solution for navigating steep cobblestone streets that were treacherous for wheeled vehicles. By the 1910s, wealthy visitors staying in Monte's grand hotels had begun using the sledges as a thrilling means of transport back to the city.

Today's experience remains close to the original. Two skilled carreiros in traditional white cotton uniforms and straw boater hats guide each sledge, using only their rubber-soled boots for steering and braking. The two-kilometre descent covers 200 metres of elevation through narrow residential streets, requiring genuine skill to navigate safely around parked cars and pedestrians.

The ride takes around ten minutes and finishes at Livramento, from where you can catch a taxi back to central Funchal or continue exploring the historic neighbourhoods on foot.

The wicker sledges that slide down the roads

The Cabo Girão Skywalk offers one of Madeira's most thrilling viewpoints. At 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, these are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and the glass-floored viewing platform extends out over the precipice, allowing you to look straight down to the waves crashing against the rocks far below.

For those who can steady their nerves, the views are extraordinary: the vast expanse of the Atlantic stretching to the horizon, the southern coastline of Madeira curving away in both directions, and the sheer scale of the cliff face itself.

Looking down, you can spot the fajãs, small agricultural plots on narrow coastal ledges at the base of the cliffs. Local farmers have cultivated these tiny terraces for centuries, growing vegetables and vines on land that would seem impossibly inaccessible. Even today, produce is transported up and down the cliff face using a cable car system, a sight that speaks to the ingenuity and determination of Madeirans in adapting to their dramatic landscape.
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It is 580m drop to the sea below

Pico Ruivo stands at 1,862 metres, making it the highest point on Madeira. From the summit, the views are spectacular: a panorama of jagged peaks, deep valleys and, on clear days, the distant coastline far below. It is a fitting reward for the climb and offers a true sense of the island's volcanic origins.

The most accessible route to the summit is the PR1.2 trail from Achada do Teixeira. This scenic mountain path takes between two and three hours for the round trip, following high ridges before scaling the northern flank of the mountain. The trail is well maintained with clear signposting, and whilst there are some steep sections, it is manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear. A small shelter near the summit provides welcome respite if the weather turns.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the PR1 trail from Pico do Arieiro offers an even more dramatic approach. This longer route traverses some of the most breathtaking terrain on the island, with exposed ridges, tunnels carved through the rock and sheer drops on either side.
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The final steps up to the summit of Pico Ruivo

To experience authentic Madeiran culture, step into a neighbourhood taberna where locals gather for their daily glass of Poncha, the island's traditional drink.

Poncha is deceptively simple: aguardente de cana (sugar cane rum), fresh lemon juice and honey, mixed together with a special wooden swizzle stick called a caralhinho. The proportions vary according to family recipes and personal taste, and every establishment claims to make the best version.

The drink originated in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where it provided warmth and sustenance for fishermen heading out to face cold Atlantic mornings. Today, you will find variations made with maracujá (passion fruit), tangerina (tangerine) or more unusual fruits such as tamarillo, though purists insist the original lemon version remains the finest.

For the most genuine experience, seek out traditional tabernas rather than tourist-oriented bars. In Câmara de Lobos itself, the small bars clustered around the harbour remain the spiritual home of the drink, and you can still find fishermen starting their day with Poncha and a plate of grilled limpets.

Be warned: Poncha goes down remarkably easily but carries a considerable kick

A bottle of Poncha ready to make the bar jolly…

Madeira is a paradise for walkers, with an extensive network of hiking trails crossing the island's varied terrain. Many of these routes follow the levadas, the man-made irrigation channels that have transported water from the wet northern slopes to the drier, more fertile south since the 15th century. Walking alongside these gentle waterways allows you to explore deep into the island's interior with relatively little climbing.

One of the most popular and rewarding routes is the PR6, which winds through the Rabaçal valley on the western side of the island. This area is laced with streams, blanketed in dense laurel forest and punctuated by numerous waterfalls, creating scenery that feels almost prehistoric in character. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked, making it accessible to walkers of moderate fitness.

The highlight of the walk is the Risco waterfall, where water plunges around 100 metres from the high plateau of Paul da Serra into the valley below. The sheer volume of water here, fed by the plateau above, is impressive even in drier months. A little further along a branching path, you reach the 25 Fontes, a natural amphitheatre where dozens of small streams cascade into a crystal-clear pool. This abundance of water gives the hike its name.

The PR6 follows a Levada waterway as it meanders along the Rabaçal valley

Pico do Arieiro stands at 1,818 metres, making it the third highest point in Madeira and one of the finest locations on the island to watch the sunrise. On a clear morning, the experience is unforgettable: the first light of day spreading across the mountain peaks, the valleys below still cloaked in darkness, and the sky shifting through shades of pink, orange and gold.

The best vantage point is the Miradouro do Juncal viewpoint on the eastern side of the peak, which offers unobstructed views towards the rising sun and across to the jagged ridges of central Madeira. On particularly clear mornings, you can see all the way to Ponta de São Lourenço and the distant outline of Porto Santo on the horizon.

A word of caution: the viewpoint is frequently shrouded in cloud or fog, particularly during autumn and winter. There is little more disappointing than making the early start only to find yourself standing in a grey mist, so always check the weather forecast and webcams before setting off.
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The view from the Miradouro do Juncal

The deep, warm and nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean around Madeira provide ideal conditions for marine life, making the island one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. These waters serve as important feeding grounds and lie along major migration routes, meaning there is a good chance of sightings throughout the year.

Pilot whales and sperm whales are resident in the waters around Madeira year-round, as are bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins. The peak months for whale migration are May to June and September to October, when you may also spot fin whales, sei whales and occasionally even blue whales passing through. Dolphins are seen far more frequently than whales, and most tours encounter at least one pod.

A range of tours operate from Funchal marina and other harbours around the island. A typical three-hour catamaran trip costs around €25 per person. For those wanting to cover more ground, two-hour speedboat tours are available for around €45, allowing boats to travel further offshore in search of larger whale species.
One word of caution: the seas around Madeira can be rough, particularly on the north coast and during winter months.

Two whales on the south coastline of Madeira

Madeira is regarded as one of the best destinations in the world for canyoning, thanks to the island's dramatic topography. Steep river valleys, carved deep into the volcanic rock, offer an abundance of waterfalls, sheer cliffs, plunge pools and giant boulders, creating ideal conditions for this exhilarating activity.

During a guided canyoning experience, you can expect to make your way down a river gorge using a combination of climbing, swimming, abseiling, jumping and sliding. Getting thoroughly wet is guaranteed, and that is very much part of the appeal.

The north side of the island is home to some extremely challenging routes suited to experienced canyoners, but most visitors opt for the easier or moderate options. Popular choices include the Ribeira das Cales river in the Parque Ecológico do Funchal, conveniently close to the capital, the Ribeiro Frio in the Parque Natural do Ribeiro Frio, and the Ribeira do Lajeado. Each offers a different character, from narrow gorges surrounded by laurel forest to more open valleys with larger pools.

Canyoning is particularly enjoyable during the hot summer months, when the cool mountain water provides welcome relief from the heat. A typical three-hour session costs around €70 per person, though prices vary depending on the operator and the difficulty of the route. Book in advance during peak season, as group sizes are kept small for safety reasons.

The PR1 hiking trail, known as the Vereda do Arieiro, is widely considered the finest mountain walk in Madeira. This challenging route connects the island's third highest peak with its highest, traversing some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the Atlantic islands.

The full round trip covers approximately 15 kilometres and takes around five to six hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. The trail follows high mountain ridges with near-vertical drops on either side, passes through short tunnels carved into the rock, and scales paths cut into sheer cliff faces. The endpoint is the summit of Pico Ruivo, standing at 1,862 metres and offering panoramic views across the island and, on clear days, out towards Porto Santo.

This is not a walk to underestimate. The outward leg includes a particularly demanding section of steep stairs that takes around 20 minutes to climb, and the return journey is predominantly uphill. The altitude and exposed terrain mean that weather conditions can change rapidly, with cloud, wind and rain arriving with little warning.

For those who would prefer not to tackle the logistics alone, guided tours are available from €46 per person. These include transport to and from the trailhead and the company of a knowledgeable guide who can point out features along the way.

PR1 route as is climbs through the mountains

Calhau das Achadas is one of Madeira's most unusual destinations: a remote hamlet on the wild western tip of the island that tells a poignant story of isolation, survival and the changing face of rural life.

Until 2003, this tiny farming community was completely cut off from the modern world. Residents could reach the outside world only by treacherous boat journeys or gruelling climbs up the cliff face. Families here lived much as their ancestors had for centuries, growing potatoes and maize in terraced plots carved from the clifftops, raising goats, and surviving almost entirely from the land and sea.

The construction of the Achadas da Cruz cable car changed everything. One of the steepest in Europe, it now carries visitors on a thrilling five-minute descent, dropping 436 metres down the sheer cliff face to the settlement below. The cable car was originally built to help the remaining farmers transport their produce, but it gradually opened the area to visitors and, in doing so, contributed to the community's decline as younger residents moved away to easier lives elsewhere.

Today, many of the stone houses stand empty, their roofs slowly giving way to the elements. The agricultural terraces that cascade down towards the crashing Atlantic remain largely intact, and wandering among them offers a glimpse into a way of life that persisted here well into the 21st century. It is a quietly moving place, and one that feels far removed from the busier tourist spots elsewhere on the island.

Riding the cable car down to Calhau das Achadas

Santana offers far more than the triangular thatched houses that appear on every Madeira postcard, though these traditional structures remain undeniably charming. This northern coastal town provides a genuine glimpse into traditional Madeiran rural life that many visitors rush past without properly exploring.

The famous casas de colmo, with their steep A-frame roofs reaching almost to the ground, were not built for photographs. They represent ingenious adaptations to the harsh mountain weather of northern Madeira. The thick thatch sheds heavy rainfall whilst the steep pitch prevents snow from accumulating during winter months. Although only a handful of the original hundreds remain standing, six preserved houses near the town centre are meticulously maintained and open to visitors.

Beyond the postcard appeal, Santana offers excellent access to some of Madeira's finest walking trails. The Queimadas Forest Park lies just a short drive from town, and it is here that the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail begins, leading walkers through lush laurel forest to a spectacular waterfall. The town also serves as a good base for exploring the less-visited northern coast more generally.

If you can, time your visit for a Sunday morning when locals gather at the small weekly market to sell homemade honey, traditional bolo de mel (honey cake) and embroidered linens.

The population of Madeira used to live in houses similar to this one, with its steep roof to keep the harsh winter weather out

The Ponta de São Lourenço is a stark, windswept peninsula that feels worlds apart from the lush green interior of Madeira. This eight-kilometre finger of land stretching into the Atlantic displays the island's volcanic origins in their most dramatic form, where relentless trade winds have shaped a landscape of bare rock, rugged cliffs and sweeping coastal views.

The headland's unique microclimate creates a semi-arid environment quite unlike anywhere else on the island. Despite appearances, this seemingly barren terrain supports a number of rare endemic plants found nowhere else on earth. If you visit during spring, between March and May, the landscape transforms as wildflowers burst into colour: the endemic Madeiran viper's bugloss and coastal ice plants paint the clifftops in brilliant purples and yellows.

The PR8 walking trail to Ponta do Furado is the main reason to visit, but it demands a degree of preparation. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is no shade along the route, and check weather conditions before setting out. For those who time it right, the rewards are considerable: towering basalt pillars rising from churning seas, hidden coves accessible only on foot, and views across to the uninhabited Desertas Islands on the horizon.

The Ponta de São Lourenço headland as seen from the Pico do Facho viewpoint

Câmara de Lobos is a colourful fishing town on Madeira's south coast, perhaps best known as the place where Winston Churchill spent many hours painting during his visits to the island in the 1950s. A small plaque marks the spot where he set up his easel, overlooking the harbour.

The harbour area forms the heart of the town, where brightly painted fishing boats are pulled up onto the pebble beach and nets are laid out to dry in the sun. Narrow cobbled streets wind uphill from the waterfront, lined with traditional houses and small shops. During the day, the bars surrounding the harbour fill with local fishermen enjoying glasses of Poncha, a potent drink made from aguardente, honey and lemon that originated in this very town. Joining them for a glass or two is one of the pleasures of a visit here.

The harbour area forms the heart of the town, where brightly painted fishing boats are pulled up onto the pebble beach and nets are laid out to dry in the sun. Narrow cobbled streets wind uphill from the waterfront, lined with traditional houses and small shops. During the day, the bars surrounding the harbour fill with local fishermen enjoying glasses of Poncha, a potent drink made from aguardente, honey and lemon that originated in this very town. Joining them for a glass or two is one of the pleasures of a visit here.

Câmara de Lobos sits at the base of the Cabo Girão cliffs, home to one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and a spectacular glass-floored viewing platform. The two are easily combined in a half-day trip from Funchal.

The colourful fishing boats of the difficult and dangerous livelihood

The Ribeiro Frio river flows down from the steep mountains of Madeira's interior, carving a deep valley cloaked in ancient laurel forest. These Laurissilva forests, with their rich biodiversity found nowhere else on earth, are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected within the Parque Natural do Ribeiro Frio.

The valley is a popular area for walking, and one of the finest routes is the PR11, known as the Vereda dos Balcões. This relatively easy trail leads to the Miradouro dos Balcões viewpoint, offering panoramic views across the canopy of the laurel forest towards Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak.

The valley takes its name, meaning "Cold River", from the freezing mountain water that feeds it. Along the riverbank you will find a large government-run trout farm, where concrete tanks teem with fish. Visitors can observe the trout at various stages of growth, and the small café nearby serves fresh trout dishes, a pleasant reward after a morning's walk.

The combination of easy walking trails, extraordinary forest scenery and a genuine working farm makes Ribeiro Frio an excellent half-day excursion from Funchal, particularly for those wanting a taste of Madeira's mountainous interior without committing to a full day's hike.

The lush Ribeiro Frio valley

Curral das Freiras sits at the bottom of a deep volcanic crater, surrounded on all sides by sheer mountain walls that rise dramatically to over 700 metres. This secluded location in the very heart of the island served as a refuge for the nuns of Funchal's Santa Clara convent, who fled here to hide during pirate raids in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town's name translates as "Corral of the Nuns", a lasting reminder of this history.

For centuries, the valley's isolation meant that residents had little contact with the outside world. The community later found prosperity through the cultivation of sweet chestnuts, which thrive in the forests surrounding the town. Today, chestnuts remain central to local identity: you will find them in bread, cakes, liqueurs and soups, and the annual Chestnut Festival each November draws visitors from across the island.

The principal attraction here is the setting itself. To appreciate the full drama of the landscape, visit the Eira do Serrado viewpoint before descending into the valley. From this lofty vantage point, you can look down into the crater and watch the town emerge from the morning mist, the white houses appearing almost impossibly small against the vast green slopes.

Curral das Freiras nestles at the base of huge mountains

Porto Moniz sits on the far north-western tip of Madeira, known for its natural lava swimming pools and wonderfully remote setting.

Historically, the town was cut off from the rest of the island by towering cliffs, and for centuries it served as a centre for whaling, an industry that continued until the 1980s. Today, this isolation has left Porto Moniz with a wild, rugged character quite different from Madeira's southern resorts.

The town itself is wedged between giant volcanic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Ancient lava flows that once spilled from Madeira's volcanoes have created a series of jagged rock pools along the seafront. These natural swimming pools, filled by the high tide and warmed by the sun, are the main draw for visitors and offer a unique bathing experience.

Porto Moniz lacks the historic architecture found in other Madeiran coastal towns, however, what it may lack in heritage buildings, it more than makes up for with dramatic coastal scenery and a genuine sense of being at the edge of the world. The journey here, whether via the old coastal road or the newer tunnel route, is an adventure in itself.
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The lava pools of Porto Moniz are filled by the high tide

Ribeira Brava is a welcoming coastal town situated where the Serra de Água valley meets the sea. During winter, rainwater rushes down this steep valley with considerable force, giving the town its evocative name: "Angry River".

The town offers a pleasant beachfront promenade running alongside its pebble beach, and a modern lido complex that proves particularly popular with families. The Igreja de São Bento, a pretty church dating from the 15th century, is worth a visit for its Manueline font and traditional azulejo tiles. Beyond the seafront, the town centre features cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, and many visitors consider Ribeira Brava to be one of the prettiest towns on the island.

Ribeira Brava also serves as an important transport hub, sitting at the junction of roads leading to the Paul da Serra plateau and the south coast. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the island's interior, whilst still enjoying easy access to the beach. If you are looking for a relaxed, friendly destination for your holiday, or simply a rewarding day trip from Funchal, Ribeira Brava delivers on both counts.

The pretty beachfront of Ribeira Brava

Monte is a picturesque hillside town that sits high above Funchal. The slightly wetter and cooler microclimate here creates ideal conditions for lush gardens, and the town is home to three outstanding examples, along with the beautiful Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Monte is connected to Funchal by a cable car (Teleférico Funchal-Monte), which glides over the rooftops of the entire city. The wicker toboggan sledges, known as Carreiros do Monte (see activity no. 9), provide an exhilarating downhill ride back towards the city centre: two drivers in traditional white clothing steer the sledge down the steep, polished streets, and it really is unlike anything else you will experience on Madeira.

The three gardens in Monte are the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, famous for its exotic plant species and extensive tile collections; the Parque Leite Monteiro, which surrounds the Quinta do Monte Hotel; and the smaller Jardim do Monte, tucked just behind the church. Of these, the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is by far the largest and most impressive, requiring a good two to three hours to explore properly.

Note: The most famous garden in Funchal, the Jardim Botânico da Madeira, is not technically in Monte, but it can be accessed via the Teleférico do Jardim Botânico cable car, which has a station in Monte. Many visitors choose to combine both areas in a single day out, and this is an excellent way to make the most of your time if you are keen to see the best of Madeira's gardens.

The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, with its many water features, statues, and exotic plants

Funchal is the largest city in Madeira and offers a delightful historic centre, a pretty harbourfront, and a vast selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. The city is surrounded by steep hills, forming a natural amphitheatre where every district leads down towards the waterfront and the old town. This layout gives Funchal a wonderful sense of orientation: wherever you are, the sea is always downhill.

There is a great deal to see in Funchal, and a visit could include the Sé Cathedral, the Forte de São Tiago, the handsome Praça do Município, and the peaceful Convento de Santa Clara. For museums, highlights include the Museu da Quinta das Cruzes, the Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas, and the CR7 Museu, dedicated to Madeira's most famous sportsman, Cristiano Ronaldo. I found the Museu da Quinta das Cruzes particularly worthwhile for its collection of decorative arts and its tranquil gardens, though the CR7 museum draws far larger crowds.

On a warm summer's day, there is no more pleasant walk than strolling along the water's edge from the marina around to the Forte de São Tiago, with views across the bay and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee. The old town itself, known locally as the Zona Velha, is full of narrow streets lined with restaurants and bars, many with tables spilling out onto the cobblestones.

While on holiday in Madeira, you should devote at least one full day to exploring the historic centre of Funchal. If your time is limited, I would prioritise the cathedral, the old town, and a walk along the seafront, as these give you the best sense of the city's character.

Looking up from Funchal waterfront up to the Fortaleza de São João Baptista