Best Things to Do in Madeira: A Local's Ranked Guide

Madeira is not a lie-on-a-sun-lounger destination (though you can do that too). The island's best experiences are active, outdoors and specific to this place — the kind of things you can't replicate anywhere else in Europe.

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Quick Answer: Top Things to Do in Madeira

1. Hike a levada (PR1, PR9 or PR6)

2. Funchal Cable Car and Monte Toboggan

3. Whale and dolphin watching

4. West-coast drive: Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Calheta

5. Morning at Mercado dos Lavradores

6. Explore the Old Town's painted doors (Zona Velha)

7. Porto Moniz volcanic pools

8. Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) coastal trail

9. Madeira wine tasting in Funchal

10. Sunset from the west coast

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1. Hike a Levada or Mountain Trail

The single best reason to visit Madeira. No other accessible European destination offers this quality of walking through ancient laurel forest, volcanic ridges and river gorges. The headline routes — PR1, PR9 and PR6 — are genuinely world-class experiences. See our guide on Best Hikes & Levada Walks.

From January 2026, all classified PR trails require advance booking via SIMplifica (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt) at €4.50–€10.50 per person. Book before you travel. See our SIMplifica booking guide.

For guided hiking with transport included: Hiking Madeira.

2. Funchal Cable Car & Monte Wicker Toboggan

Take the Funchal Cable Car from the Old Town up to Monte — a 15-minute ride rising 560 metres, with extraordinary views over Funchal bay on a clear day.

At Monte: the Tropical Garden is outstanding (camellias, orchids, Japanese-style ponds). Then take the Monte Wicker Toboggan — the famous wicker basket on runners, guided by two men in straw hats down 2 km of cobbled streets. Kids love it; adults are usually more surprised by how much they enjoy it.

3. Whale & Dolphin Watching

Madeira's waters support one of the most consistent cetacean-watching opportunities in Europe. Resident bottlenose and common dolphins are present year-round; sperm whales are regularly sighted; pilot whales and occasional blue whales are seasonal bonuses.

Half-day excursions depart from Funchal marina. This is a serious wildlife experience operated by biologists — not a staged attraction.

4. West-Coast Drive: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão & Calheta

Câmara de Lobos: Churchill's painting village — the harbour is genuinely unchanged, surrounded by colourful fishing boats and pastel houses.

Cabo Girão: 580 metres of sheer cliff with a glass skywalk cantilevered over the edge. Go before 11am.

Calheta: Madeira's only two sandy beaches. A marina, a rum distillery and a contemporary arts centre with good free exhibitions.

5. Morning at Mercado dos Lavradores

Funchal's covered market — built in 1940 — is the best place on the island to buy tropical fruit, fresh flowers, local spices, Madeira wine and handmade embroidery. Arrive early (before 9am on weekdays) to see the flower sellers at the entrance and to get genuine market atmosphere before the organised tours arrive.

6. The Old Town & Painted Doors of Zona Velha

The Portas & Janelas project has turned the doorways of Rua de Santa Maria into an open-air gallery since 2011. Every door is different, painted by a different artist. Best visited in the late afternoon when the light catches the tile-fronted buildings.

7. Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools

At the north-west tip of the island, volcanic eruptions left a series of naturally formed rock pools in the basalt — now maintained with walkways, ladders and changing facilities, filled with seawater. Swimming here in the afternoon sun, with the Atlantic crashing against the outer rocks, is one of Madeira's most memorable experiences. About 1.5 hours from Funchal by car.

8. Ponta de São Lourenço — PR8 Coastal Trail

The eastern peninsula is visually distinct from the rest of Madeira — sparse, wind-sculpted vegetation, dramatic layered volcanic rock in reds and oranges, cliffs dropping into clear turquoise water. The PR8 trail (8 km return, €4.50, SIMplifica booking required) runs to the tip of the peninsula. About 40 minutes from Funchal by car.

9. Madeira Wine Tasting

Madeira wine is one of the world's great fortified wines — and the only major wine region aged by heat rather than protected from it. Blandy's Wine Lodge on Avenida Arriaga in Funchal offers excellent guided tours and a tasting room. The Madeira Wine Festival (27 August–13 September) is the best time to go deeper. Madeira Wine Festival 2026

Looking to explore Madeira's food scene? Don't miss our guides to Madeira's traditional dishes and the island's best restaurants, from local favourites to fine dining experiences.

10. Sunset from the West Coast

Paúl do Mar faces west. The combination of open Atlantic, dark basalt cliffs and low evening light creates sunsets famous in Madeira. Sit at Bar de Pedra with a cocktail and watch the must-see sunsets.

Things to Do in Funchal Specifically

• Madeira TukTuk — a guided city tour in a tuk-tuk; good for orientation on day 1 or 2.

• The Sé cathedral — Funchal's Manueline cathedral, 5 minutes from the Old Town.

• Santa Catarina Park — free entry, great sea views, good for a morning walk.

• Evening poncha at Dash Cocktail Bar or in the Zona Velha bars.

Final Thoughts

Madeira packs an incredible variety of experiences into one island. If you're not sure how to fit everything into your trip, our detailed 5-Day Madeira Itinerary and 7-Day Madeira Itinerary can help you plan the perfect stay.

If you’re looking for the perfect base, browse our collection of Holiday Homes and Apartments across Madeira and explore the island's best hikes, restaurants, beaches, and attractions.

For even more local tips, destination guides, and travel advice, explore our complete Madeira Travel Guide.

FAQ: Things to Do in Madeira

• What is Madeira most famous for?

  Levada walks, the New Year's Eve fireworks (one of the largest in the world relative to population), Madeira wine, and dramatic mountain and coastal scenery.

• Is Madeira good for families?

  Yes. The cable car and toboggan, the Lido pools, whale watching, the market and easy levada walks (PR11) all work well with children.

• What is there to do in Madeira in the rain?

  Mercado dos Lavradores, Blandy's Wine Lodge, the Funchal Contemporary Art Museum (MUDAS), the volcanic caves at São Vicente, and the many excellent restaurants in the Old Town. Rain in Funchal is usually short-lived.