Things to Do in Madeira, Portugal: The Complete Guide to Top Attractions
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We moved from India to Canada in 2019, and after five years of exploring new places together, Madeira became one of our favourite international trips yet.
If you are dreaming of dramatic cliffs, lush green mountains, volcanic coastlines, and charming seaside towns, Madeira Island, Portugal deserves a spot at the top of your travel list. Often called the “Hawaii of Europe,” Madeira offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, culture, and scenery, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for travelers seeking unforgettable things to do in Madeira Portugal.
This guide covers the best things to do in Madeira, highlights the most scenic Madeira island attractions, and shares smart planning tips. At the end, you will also find a downloadable itinerary to help you explore the island effortlessly. Whether you are searching for what to do in Madeira Portugal on a short trip or planning a longer island adventure, this guide has you covered.
If you would rather have the planning done for you, browse our ready made travel itineraries for inspiration on planning the rest of your trip.
Explore Funchal, Madeira’s Capital
Funchal is the cultural and social heart of the island and one of the best places to start when planning things to do in Funchal. The city blends historic charm with a relaxed coastal vibe. Do not miss: Zona Velha (Old Town) with its painted doors, Mercado dos Lavradores for local produce and souvenirs, Scenic oceanfront walks and seaside cafes. One of the most popular things to do in Funchal is taking the cable car up to Monte, offering sweeping views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. We spent our first two nights in Funchal and found it was the easiest base for exploring the rest of the island, with cafes and grocery stores an easy walk from most hotels. Address: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Hours: Open access, city centre shops typically open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Admission: Free to explore Parking: Paid municipal parking available near the city centre and marina Confirm parking rates and shop hours before visiting. For another walkable European base, our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona Spain is worth a look.🌺 Staying in Funchal?
Compare top-rated hotels in Funchal and lock in the best rate for your Madeira stay — all in one place through Expedia.
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Experience the Famous Madeira Toboggan Ride
Among the most unique Madeira island attractions, the Monte Toboggan Ride is a must for first-time visitors. Dating back to the 19th century, this experience involves riding a traditional wicker sled downhill through the streets of Monte. It is one of those unforgettable things to do in Madeira that perfectly blends fun, culture, and history.
We booked our toboggan ride first thing in the morning before the queues built up, and the speed down the narrow streets was faster than either of us expected.
Address: Caminho do Monte, Entrada 151, Porta 4, 9050-288 Monte, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: From €30 for one person, €40 for two, €60 for three (cash only, on site)
Confirm same day pricing before visiting, as advance booking is not available.
For another unique local experience, see our guide to things to do in Innsbruck, Austria.
Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk
Cabo Girão is one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and a standout among Madeira island attractions. The glass floored skywalk offers dramatic Atlantic views and is one of the most photographed things to do in Madeira Portugal.
Walking out onto the glass floor was more nerve wracking than we expected, even though we had seen photos beforehand. We would recommend going early morning to avoid the tour bus crowds.
Address: Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal (approximately 6.5 km from Câmara de Lobos)
Hours: 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM in summer, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM in winter
Admission: €3 for adults, free for children under 12
Parking: Free car park on site, though it fills up quickly once tour buses arrive
Confirm current admission and seasonal hours before visiting.
For more dramatic viewpoints, our guide to the best places to visit in Italy is a good comparison.
Levada Walks and Waterfall Hikes
Levada walks are among the most iconic things to do in Madeira. These scenic trails follow historic irrigation channels through lush forests and mountain landscapes. Popular routes include: Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada das 25 Fontes, Levada do Rei. Each hike showcases Madeira’s natural beauty and ranks among the top outdoor Madeira island attractions.
We hiked part of the Levada das 25 Fontes and found the trail well marked, though a few sections were narrow enough that we were glad we had proper shoes on.
Address: Trailheads vary by route, including Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada das 25 Fontes, and Levada do Rei
Hours: Open access, best attempted in daylight hours
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available at most trailheads, though it fills early during high season
Confirm trail conditions before setting out, since levadas can close after heavy rain.
For more trail ideas, see our list of the best biking trails in Canada.
Discover Santana’s Traditional Houses
The triangular roofed houses of Santana are a cultural highlight and one of the most recognizable Madeira island attractions. Visiting Santana offers insight into traditional island life and peaceful countryside views.
We stopped in Santana on our way to the north coast and it made for a nice change of pace after the busier parts of Funchal.
Address: Santana, Madeira, Portugal
Confirm museum hours and admission locally, as these were not independently verified for this guide.
For another slower paced destination, see our guide to exploring Edinburgh city.
Sunrise or Sunset at Pico do Arieiro
At over 1,800 meters, Pico do Arieiro delivers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island. Watching clouds roll below your feet is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Madeira Portugal.
We drove up before sunrise and it was cold enough that we needed jackets, even though it had been warm at sea level the night before.
Address: Estrada do Pico do Areeiro, Madeira, Portugal
Hours: Open access, though the road can close temporarily in high wind or fog
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available at the summit
Confirm road conditions before driving up, particularly outside summer.
For more volcanic landscapes, our guide to things to do in Martinique is worth a read.
Relax at Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools
Located on the north coast, Porto Moniz offers natural volcanic swimming pools surrounded by rugged cliffs. This experience is a refreshing break from sightseeing and a favorite among visitors looking for relaxed things to do in Madeira.
We spent a full afternoon at the pools and would recommend bringing water shoes, since the volcanic rock underfoot can be sharp in places.
Address: Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal
Parking: On site car park available
Confirm opening hours and admission locally, as the pools occasionally close for maintenance.
For another natural swimming spot, see our guide to why Curacao is the best Caribbean island for families.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira is one of Europe’s top whale and dolphin watching destinations. Ocean excursions are available year round and remain one of the most rewarding nature based things to do in Madeira.
We booked our tour through a small local operator in Funchal and saw a pod of dolphins within the first half hour, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Address: Most tours depart from Funchal marina, Madeira, Portugal
Confirm schedule, price, and cancellation policy with your chosen operator before booking.
For more on ocean side stays, our review of Ocean El Faro Punta Cana is a good read.
Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest feels like stepping into a fairytale. As part of the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands out as one of the most atmospheric Madeira island attractions, especially when mist blankets the ancient laurel trees.
We got lucky with a misty morning at Fanal Forest, and it genuinely felt like walking through a fairytale, though the road up can be foggy and a little slow going.
Address: Fanal, Paul da Serra plateau, Madeira, Portugal
Hours: Open access
Admission: Free
Parking: Free, limited parking near the forest entrance
Confirm road access and weather before visiting, since the area is often misty.
For more trail tips, our guide to the best biking trails in Canada.
São Vicente
São Vicente is a charming seaside village on Madeira’s rugged north coast. Known for volcanic landscapes and scenic coastal views, it offers a quieter side of the island and adds variety to your list of things to do in Madeira.
We stopped in São Vicente for coffee before continuing along the north coast, and it was one of the quieter, more low key spots on our whole trip.
Address: São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal
Hours: Open access, village
Admission: Free to explore
Note that the nearby São Vicente Caves are temporarily closed, so confirm status before planning a visit.
For another quiet coastal town, see our guide to things to do in Panama City.
Cascata dos Anjos
Cascata dos Anjos is one of the most unusual roadside Madeira island attractions. Located near Ponta do Sol, the waterfall flows directly onto the road, creating a short but memorable stop during a Madeira road trip.
We almost drove past Cascata dos Anjos without noticing it, and then suddenly there was a waterfall running across the road in front of us.
Address: Near Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal (roadside)
Hours: Open access
Admission: Free
Parking: Limited roadside stopping only
Confirm road safety before stopping, as pull off space is limited.
For tightly planned itineraries, see our 2 days in Madrid itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
We think spring is one of the best times to visit Madeira, since the flowers are in bloom and temperatures stay mild for hiking. We found it a good middle ground between quieter crowds and pleasant weather.
Summer
Summer brings warmer, drier weather and is peak season for swimming at Porto Moniz. We noticed Funchal and the popular viewpoints get busier, so early mornings are worth planning for.
Fall
We loved visiting in the fall, since the weather was still warm enough for hiking and swimming but the island felt less crowded than summer. It is a season we would recommend for a good balance of weather and fewer people.
Winter
Winter in Madeira is mild compared to mainland Europe, and Funchal stays lively over the holidays. Higher elevation spots like Pico do Arieiro can get cold and occasionally see fog, so we would still pack layers.
Things to Do in Madeira Portugal by Area
Funchal and the South Coast: Where most visitors base themselves, including us. Between the Old Town, the marina, and the cable car to Monte, it is easy to fill several days here.
Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão: A short drive from Funchal, home to the skywalk and small fishing villages. We would treat it as a half day trip.
The North Coast, including Porto Moniz, São Vicente, and Fanal Forest: Wilder, with volcanic pools, misty forest, and quiet villages. We would allow a full day here.
Santana and the East: Known for its triangular houses, offering a slower, rural side of Madeira, and pairs well with a stop at Cascata dos Anjos.
The Central Mountains, including Pico do Arieiro and the levada trails: Home to the island’s best hiking and viewpoints. We would recommend an early start.
Free and No Reservation Options
A good number of things to do in Madeira do not cost anything. Fanal Forest, Pico do Arieiro, Cascata dos Anjos, the levada trailheads, and São Vicente are all free.
Most also do not require booking ahead. The Toboggan Ride is the exception, since it only sells same day tickets on site.
If planning without much advance booking, we would prioritise the free spots early and leave anything weather dependent, like whale watching, for more flexible days.
Tips for Visiting with Kids or Toddlers
We found Madeira manageable for families, though a few spots suit older kids better. Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools was easier with younger children, since the calmer pool areas are more sheltered than the open ocean. The Cabo Girão skywalk and some levada trails involve heights or narrow paths, so we would use your own judgement based on your child’s comfort level.
If you are planning a longer family trip and want more ideas for kid friendly stops, our guide to why Curacao is the best Caribbean island for families has some useful comparisons for planning around younger travellers.
Discover the Wild North — Stay in Porto Moniz
Don’t let the perfect Atlantic hideaway slip away. Find and book top-rated hotels in Porto Moniz through Expedia and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean on Madeira’s rugged northwest coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a must do in Madeira?
For us, the Cabo Girão skywalk and at least one levada walk were the two things we would not skip, covering both the coastal views and the inland scenery Madeira is known for.
How many days is enough in Madeira, Portugal?
We would recommend at least four to five days to cover Funchal, the north coast, and a couple of hikes without feeling rushed.
Which is nicer, Azores or Madeira?
We have only visited Madeira ourselves, so we cannot compare the two firsthand. Madeira is known for its mild climate and dramatic coastal cliffs, while the Azores are often described as greener and more volcanic.
What is the best month to go to Madeira?
Based on our own trip, we would lean toward spring or fall for the best balance of mild weather and smaller crowds.
What is Madeira best known for?
Madeira is best known for its dramatic sea cliffs, levada hiking trails, and the historic Monte Toboggan Ride, along with whale and dolphin watching.
What are the top 10 attractions in Madeira?
Based on what we covered in this guide, our list would include Funchal’s Old Town, the Monte Toboggan Ride, Cabo Girão Skywalk, the levada trails, Santana’s traditional houses, Pico do Arieiro, Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools, whale and dolphin watching, Fanal Forest, and São Vicente.
Plan Your Trip
With so many things to do in Madeira, a well-planned itinerary ensures you: Avoid unnecessary backtracking, Visit top attractions at the best times, Balance adventure with relaxation. Our travel-tested itinerary covers: Day-by-day sightseeing, Must-book experiences, Drive-time planning tips. ✨ Skip the overwhelm and experience Madeira the smart way. 👉 Download the itinerary and start planning your unforgettable journey filled with the best things to do in Madeira.
We hope this guide helps you find the best things to do in Madeira Portugal for your own trip.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
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