Six of the best things to do in Madeira

Made up of four islands – Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and the Selvagens – this Portuguese archipelago sits in the Atlantic off Africa’s northwest coast. Thanks to a sub-tropical climate it’s an ideal location to visit year-round, with snorkelling, dolphin watching, and ancient forest trails just some of the active alternatives to relaxing on black pebble beaches or by the hotel pool.

If you’re seeking a spot for new year sunshine or fancy seeing in the spring surrounded by blooming botanical gardens, Madeira’s a great place to look forward to after an English winter. And if you’re interested in things to do while you’re here, read on for our six top picks and suggestions.

If you’re planning on lacing up your hiking boots on a trip to Madeira, you’re in luck. The island’s crisscrossed with hundreds of kilometres of manmade channels – Levadas – used to collect and carry water to irrigate farmland. These ancient waterways have been recognised by UNESCO for their cultural significance and provide perfect paths to follow on foot.

Levada trails

Levadas range from easy flat trails such as the Levada da Referta to the challenging gradients between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (1,861 metres) – the highest peak in Maderia. They lead past working watermills, waterfalls, and along steep valleys as well as through the famous Laurissilva Forest within Madeira National Park. This rare primordial laurel forest is millions of years old and following the Levadas under the sun-dappled canopy will leave a lasting impression on natural history lovers.

Madeira’s capital city, Funchal, sits on the south coast fronted by the faded turmeric-coloured fortifications of the Forte de São Tiago – now a modern Portuguese art museum. It’s a real find for art lovers with the city’s 15th-century gothic cathedral – Our Lady of The Assumption – and the Santa Clara Convent combining with the Episcopal Palace to house an incredible collection of ecclesiastical paintings, frescos, and statues.

Funchal

Take a stroll around the cobbled streets of the old town – Zona Velha – and you’ll find giant murals and colourful façades as well as imaginatively painted doorways. The whole place is like an al fresco art gallery and perfect for popping in and out of tapas bars and wine cellars in between pausing for arty photos.

Thanks to Madeira’s climate and coastal location, you can expect to find a rich variety of tropical produce and some truly exquisite seafood. This makes it a must for foodies with the farmers' market – Mercado dos Lavradores – in the centre of Funchal a great place to start a tour.

Mercado dos Lavradores

Some of the must-try summer dishes include marinated tuna, limpets and grilled espada (black scabbard fish), with fried corn and fresh salads laced with tomatoes and onions. In the cooler months, tuck into hearty tomato and onion soups, topped with poached eggs and served with warm Bolo do Caco – a traditional flat bread.

Barbecue lovers should try espetada – sausage, pork and beef or squid and monkfish on skewers. And don’t forget to leave room for delicious pudim de maracuja (passion fruit pudding), washed down with a glass of fortified Madeira wine, of course.

As Madeira’s a volcanic island most of the beaches are pebbly and lined with basalt rocks. The seawater is super clear and ideal for snorkelling in warm temperatures. If you’re looking for sand, your best bet is to head to an artificial beach like Praia da Calheta or Praia de Machico – 30 minutes’ drive from Funchal. The sand’s imported from Morocco and both beaches are popular hangouts for locals and visitors during the summertime.

Porto Santo

If you can’t stand to be without natural sand while on holiday in Madeira, why not catch the two-hour ferry to Porto Santo? Known as the Golden Island thanks to its beautiful beaches and shimmering coastline, this is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

If you’ve got a head for heights, Pico do Areeiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, standing at 1,818 metres. Situated in the centre of the island, the views from the summit are spectacular and you can see right across the island and over to Porto Santo (weather permitting). If you’re not up for the moderate hike to the top – don’t forget sun protection and water – there’s a road with plenty of picturesque parking places.

Another scenic elevation to make the most of in Madeira is the tiny village of Monte. Situated overlooking Funchal, this former health retreat was once a haven for Europe’s elite. These days, it’s the mountain views that are all the rage with visitors looking for peace and quiet outside the capital. Also, if you’re in the area, take a trip into the tranquil countryside bordering the coastal town of Camara de Lobos. This is where you can climb the foothills of Pico Ruivo and peer down into the Valley of the Nuns from the Eira do Serrado viewpoint. And once you’ve enjoyed the volcanic views from inland, head to the cliffside village of Cabo Girao where you’ll find Europe’s highest cliff skywalk – a 589-metre-high glass walkway over the Atlantic. Not for the faint-hearted.

Sao Vicente caves

If you tire of the glorious views from up high in the south, opt for a subterranean alternative in the north. The Sao Vicente caves were formed after a volcanic eruption some 890,000 years ago. They were the first caves of their kind to be open to the public in Portugal and now form the backdrop to a fascinating underground tour featuring stalactites, solidified lava, and illuminated caverns and chambers. There’s also an educational volcano centre where you can learn more about Madeira’s thermal past and enjoy a walk around the adjoining gardens.

Thanks to Madeira’s climate and fertile volcanic soil, the island has become a hot bed for tropical gardens and lush green parks. Orchid fans should visit the Quinta Boa Vista Garden just outside Funchal or you can catch the cable car up to Madeira Botanical Garden for landscaped lawns, ornamental shrubs, and thousands of exotic plants and flowers. The Magic Gardens, by the theme park promenade, are also filled with indigenous flora as well as examples of the famous Laurissilva Forest and numerous other exotic plant species from all over the world.

Madeira Botanical Garden

Last but not least, the multi-level Monte Tropical Gardens are spread across a hillside, to the north of Funchal, and feature Chinese-style pagodas, bridges, and tranquil water features. It’s a peaceful place to take in the panoramic views across the bay as you stroll to the sound of waterfalls and sit in the shade beside statues and under huge overhanging ferns and palm trees.

Want to explore this spectacular island yourself? Find out more and browse our range of Madeira hotel holidays and tours.