10 Amazing Things to Do in Madeira: The Ultimate Island Itinerary
Monte Toboggan
Known fondly as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a spectacular subtropical island defined by its jaw-dropping landscapes, year-round spring climate, and famously warm hospitality. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker looking to hike above the clouds, a foodie ready to taste world-class wine, or a traveler simply wanting to relax by the ocean, Madeira delivers. If you are planning your island escape, here are 10 of the absolute best things to do during your stay.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round! Madeira is famous for its "eternal spring."
Getting Around: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the rugged coastlines and mountain peaks at your own pace.
Home Base: Funchal offers the perfect central hub to explore the entire island.
1. Hike the Famous Levadas
Madeira is famously crisscrossed by a unique network of historical irrigation channels called levadas. Today, these watercourses serve as incredible hiking trails that wind deep into the lush, emerald-green Laurissilva forest—a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Popular routes like the Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Caldeirão Verde reward hikers with cascading waterfalls and dramatic valley views.
2. Watch the Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Set your alarm early; this is mandatory. Standing at a towering 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the island's third-highest peak and is accessible by car. Watching the sun break over a thick sea of clouds from this rugged summit is widely considered one of the most spectacular sunrise experiences in the world.
3. Explore Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha)
Wander through the historic heart of Funchal. The Zona Velha is famous for the Rua de Santa Maria, an open-air art gallery where the doors of historic buildings have been transformed into vibrant paintings by local artists. While there, stop at the iconic Mercado dos Lavradores to discover exotic local fruits, and duck into a local tavern to try Poncha, the island's traditional sugarcane rum punch.
4. Swim in the Volcanic Lava Pools of Porto Moniz
Located on the rugged northwestern tip of the island, the Porto Moniz natural pools are a geological wonder. Formed millennia ago by cooling volcanic lava, these natural basins are continuously filled by the crystal-clear, crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a completely unique, dramatic, and refreshing place to swim while safely protected from the wild ocean currents.
5. Sample Legendary Madeira Wine
No trip is complete without tasting the island’s famous fortified wine, a historical favorite of everyone from European royalty to America's Founding Fathers. Visit a traditional wine lodge in Funchal to learn about the unique canteiro aging process and enjoy a guided tasting session ranging from dry Sercial to rich, sweet Malvasia.
6. Drive the Dramatic Coastal Roads
Hire a car and let the island's incredible engineering amaze you. Madeira’s coastal roads, especially along the rugged North Coast, cling tightly to towering basalt cliffs and pass through countless tunnels. You will discover hidden miradouros (viewpoints) with sweeping ocean vistas, and you might even drive straight under a waterfall at the famous Cascata dos Anjos.
“Madeira is an island where adventure and relaxation live side by side. From mountain peaks towering above the clouds to wild volcanic ocean swims, every corner has a story to tell.”
7. Visit the Picturesque Village of Santana
Santana is the postcard-perfect heart of Madeira. This village is famous for its Casas Típicas—traditional, triangular A-frame houses built with stone and topped with steep thatched roofs. Beyond the architecture, Santana serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the broader Madeira Natural Park.
8. Take a Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Because the ocean floor drops off drastically just a short distance from the coastline, Madeira’s deep blue waters are a global hotspot for marine life. Book a catamaran or speedboat tour from the Funchal marina for a remarkably high chance of spotting playful dolphin pods, majestic whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
9. Relax on a Volcanic Black Sand Beach
While Madeira is characterized by dramatic cliffs rather than endless white sand, it hides some truly spectacular volcanic beaches. Skip the pebbles and head to the breathtaking Praia do Porto do Seixal on the north coast, where velvety black sand meets vibrant green cliffs. Prainha de Caniçal on the eastern peninsula is another fantastic natural dark-sand spot for sunbathing.
10. Ride the Historic Monte Toboggans
For a quirky, purely Madeiran adventure, take the cable car up to the leafy suburb of Monte. To get back down, climb into a traditional wicker sledge! Steered by the famous Carreiros do Monte—two men dressed in traditional white uniforms and straw hats using their rubber-soled boots as brakes—you will be whisked down the steep, winding asphalt streets back toward Funchal. A truly unique thrill!
Make Madeira Your Home
Whether you are here for a few days of rapid-fire adventure or a few weeks of slow coastal living, you will quickly understand why visitors fall deeply in love with this Atlantic paradise. Planning your trip? Discover premium stays, prime locations, and local hospitality with Ola Madeira.
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