Madeira Island is a true paradise island and fulfil the requirements of the vast majority of the visitors, as it has activities and entertainment for all tastes and pockets, whether you are looking to explore the nature on its most immaculate status, entertain the kids on the aquaparks, swim in natural volcanic lava pools, hike above the clouds, venture inside the only volcanic caves in Europe, try delicious local cuisine, taste the award winning wine or liqueurs, mingle with the friendly locals, enjoy breathtaking views all over the island, explore the 9km of golden sand beach in Porto Santo, or simply discover the beautiful city of Funchal with its many attractions.
My mum was born in Madeira, back in 1947 and since very young age, I have been fortunate to explore the island from a local point of view. I have since organised some tours to show the beauties of the island for those joining and I still believe it is impossible not to fall in love with this island. Sadly many people restrict their stay to the hotels/resorts and that leaves them with a wrong impression of the island.
Unlike the Spanish islands where you have touristic resort areas full of bars and restaurants and shop after shop, to discover the real beauty of Madeira, you have to go and explore beyond the big centres. That is, in my opinion, where the real beauty is.
Madeira is a destination to explore, to discover, to venture (always with the necessary caution).
Is not the traditional "all inclusive" destination (although you can find great all inclusive resorts in the island) and that should be in your mind when you book your next holiday to Madeira. Madeira invites you to discover.
So, let's look at some of the top places to visit in the island, whether you decide to hire a car, or you take tours from the resort you are staying at.
Funchal
The capital city of Madeira today is very different from its pirate days. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top class restaurants, stunning new 4 & 5-star hotels, warm all year round climate, incomparable natural beauty and, of course, its most famous ‘export’, world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains, it is located in the south of Madeira, on its sunniest coast amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens where flowers bloom all year round in an extremely lush demonstration of the nature. When the sun goes down, the city shows a vibrant and varied nightlife scene.
Funchal is also one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe and the perfect place for a short break as it allows you to explore the majority of the island from here.
Some of the top attractions in the city are the XV century manuelin cathedral, the cable car journey taking you to Monte where you can visit the Monte Palace Garden or the Botanical Garden and take the toboggan ride from Monte down to the city centre, the Madeira Story Centre, the CR7 Museum, the old town and fort of san Tiago with its many restaurants and bars, and the beautiful promenade from where you can join boat trips to Porto Santo, the Desert Islands, or to watch whales and dolphins.
You cannot miss the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, possibly on the way to Câmara de Lobos, where you will find the most spectacular views from the Bay of Funchal and spot the neighbourhood where the well known Cristiano Ronaldo spent his childhood.
The Farmers Market also deserve a visit if you want to try some of the most tasty fruits or simply see some stunning flowers in a colourful ensemble.
To taste the famous Madeira Wine, visit the Blandy's Madeira Wine Cellars in downtown where you can learn more about this nectar.
Curral das Freiras or the Nuns' Valley
The Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras is probably the village with the most curious history on the island.
This small "pueblo" is nestled among steep mountains, said to have been created by erosion or volcanic activity (according to recent studies) located right in the heart of the island.
It's name comes from the fact that in 1566 the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here, where they also brought the convent treasure.
It's a very isolated parish and the best views of are from either Eira do Serrado or Paredão viewpoints.
The village is very famous for different fruit liqueurs and also for products connected to chestnut, used in several culinary delights. There is actually a festival which is a big attraction with plenty of food, music, dancing and, of course, wine.
Câmara de Lobos
Situated 5km away from Funchal, this old fishing village has inspired many paintings along the years, due to its beautiful and picturesque scenery.
If we had to translate the name of the city literally, it would be "Monk seals Bed". The name was given by the discoverers of this Island, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, due to the shape of this port (in the form of a bay) and because when they arrived, they found lots of monk seals leaving there.
The picturesque bay is best admired from the Pico da Torre Viewpoint and deserves a stroll through its narrow alleys.
This is also the municipality where you will find the most plantations of banana in the island, specially if you go inland towards Estreito de Camara de Lobos, with its beautiful church. Carry on to Jardim da Serra (where my mum is from :)) and visit the viewpoint of Boca dos Namorados or Boca da Corrida. Certainly worth a visit for the views.
This municipality is also known for its poncha, a mixture of lemon juice, honey and sugarcane spirit, available at the many local taverns.
Cabo Girão
You cannot leave Câmara de Lobos without a visit to Cabo Girão, the highest promontory or sea cliff in Europe with 580m high.
It recently had added a suspended platform, allowing you for a more realistic experience.
The views are absolutely stunning. On clear days you can see to the horizon, all the coastline of Camara de lobos and Funchal and if you look down to the bottom of the cliff and your sight allow you can see the cultivated fields that extend all the way to the sea. Don't ask me how the farmers get there...
There is a cable car that takes you down to Fajã do Cabo that is a vertiginous experience for those feeling adventurous.
Pico do Arieiro
The third highest peak in the island with 1518m (and the second with pedestrian access), offers stunning views across the spectacular scenery of the heart of the island, and on clear days you can even see the island of Porto Santo. Very often you will find yourself standing above the clouds and that is a unique landscape.
From this peak you can take the pedestrian path to Pico Ruivo, the highest in the island with 1862m. On this 3h walk you also pass by Pico das Torres, the second highest with 1851m.
Camacha
This small village is known for its folklore traditions, the embroidery works, well known all over the world and also by the most diverse wicker basket works.
If you go inland from here, which you are likely to do if you are on the way to Santana, you will explore nature on its most pure state.
There are numerous levada walks in this area that leads to Poiso (in the heart of the Laurissilva endemic forest) at 1400m high, close by to Santo da Serra, a favourite spot for Golf lovers in the island.
It was in Camacha, or more precisely, in Achada da Camacha, that football was played for the first time in Portugal, back in 1875. However there are records that suggest that the first foot-ball was introduced to the country in 1815 by the British Harry Hinton.
Ribeiro Frio
Ribeiro Frio or cold river is located amongst mountains in a very deep valley in the centre of the island. It is known for its trout farm pools and fascinating nature paths, ideal for anyone who enjoys a relaxed walk in nature. You may also be lucky enough to see the smallest bird in the island called Trocaz Pigeon.
Don't leave Ribeiro Frio without trying the Poncha, one of the best in the island, on the small taverns right outside the trout farms exit. Yummy :)
Santana
Possibly the most photographed image from Madeira, this is the place where you will find the colorful typical houses made of stone or wood and covered with a straw roof. Some date back to the 16th century and majority of the remaining samples are today a tourist attraction.
Here you will also find the Madeira Theme Park, where exhibitions about the history, traditions and cultures of Madeira along with some well thought shows, can give you a general idea of the island. Is a good choice if you don't have much time to visit the actual places in the island, but still want to learn about them.
From Santana you can explore more of the endemic Laurissilva forest, taking walks along the levadas to Queimadas, Pico das Pedras and for the bravest, Madeira’s highest point Pico Ruivo, at 1862 m for some spectacular views.
Porto da Cruz
Another charming village in the North Coast, known for its pebble beach, the sugar cane plantations and the huge rock of Penha d'Águia (Eagle's Rock).
Porto da Cruz (or Port of the Cross) takes its name after the cross that was placed on the shore to indicate the port for the Portuguese explorers.
The sugar cane factory still operates since 1927, mainly producing rum and honey molasses. Besides sugar cane it also produces a dry red wine known as ‘vinho seco’.
The Eagle's Rock rises 580m above sea level and can be reached by a steep hike path that leads to beautiful views. The rock has this name because, when seen from afar, it resembles as an eagle's nest.
The best viewpoint to see Porto da Cruz bay is Portela.
Ponta de São Lourenço and Caniçal
Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the my favourite places in the island and is a natural reserve. The views from both the north and South Coast here are absolutely stunning.
The volcanic rock formations on the coast are so beautiful and the tranquility you can experience here on a sunny day is just reenergizing.
From here you can walk the whole length of the land to the lighthouse, whilst discovering native species of flowers, plants and birds.
Amongst the cliffs is the small beach called "prainha" which is the only natural golden sandy beach on the island.
Caniçal is a small fishing village and has assisted to a growth on the commercial traffic to and from the island, leading to the development of its once small port.
Machico
The oldest town in the island and the place where the discoverers first arrived and settled, made of this city the actual first capital of the island.
The city still has marks of the structures built in 1420 buy Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, but the main ones are franciscan constructions, like the Chapel of Lord of the Miracles and the Fort of São João Baptista.
There is a beautiful golden sand beach in the Bay of Machico, man-made with sand from Morocco (I still remember it being of huge stones... and falling on them too) and nice hotels in the area too.
It's very close to the airport too and 20 minutes from Funchal.
Santa Cruz
Home to the Madeira Airport and to Madeira largest Aquapark, built in 2004, this nice town has a beautiful promenade with cafes and restaurants inviting you to spend some leisure time.
Palmeiras Beach is a pebble beach very popular with locals and tourists in the summer and is equipped with kids swimming pool, beach toys, trained lifeguards and first aid centre.
Christ the Redeemer in Garajau
Some don't know, but Madeira has a statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the Ocean on the beautiful natural reserve of Garajau.
From here the views of Funchal are beautiful as well as those of the Desert islands right in front.
This is a place of tranquility as well, but if you fancy spending the day at the beach, you just have to take the cable car down the cliff for the pebbled beach.
Ribeira Brava and Encumeada
This coastal city on the southwest of the island is very likely to be on the itineraries of those wanting to explore the island as it is part of the most common route to cross from South to North, on the way to São Vicente.
On the city you will find a nice pebble beach, great views along the coast line and certainly a nice place to unwind and have a meal or a coffee.
Once you start climbing, I assure you will be astonished by the beauty of the mountains, the waterfalls and the scenery that the valley of the Serra d'Água has to offer. There are several spots to stop along the way up to Encumeada that will allow you to have a bite to eat or simply grab your camera, sit and enjoy. Simply stunning.
Paul da Serra
Located in the Central West Part of the island, at 1500 m above the sea level, this is the flattest surface in the whole area and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys and, on clear days, you can see both north and south of the island.
Most certainly you will encounter some cows along the road, make sure to give them the way.
Here is the starting point of many paths and levada walks which connect you to different locations on the Island such as Rabaçal, Risco, 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo, Ribeira do Alecrim, Lombo do Mouro and Bica da Cana all passing through the Laurissilva forest.
If you are doing this walks, please make sure to go accompanied with a local guide, or if you do it on your own, please don't venture off the marked trails, as this may put you in trouble.
São Vicente
This is one of the most popular stops in the north coast of the island and is a small town located in a valley. This is also the place where you will find the most volcanic heritage in the the island with a visit to the Caves of São Vicente, with its underground tunnels of lava, resulting of an eruption that occurred about 400,000 years ago.
The church of São Vicente is also a monument worth a visit with its stunning ceiling paintings, as well as the little chapel right on the seafront built in 1694 and constructed right on the very spot where it is said Saint Vicente appeared.
Porto Moniz
The most popular town on the north coast has to be Porto Moniz with its tempting natural pools of lava.
Here you can swim on the old natural pools, or spend some time at the club next to it where paths have been built to make the pool experience more accessible for everyone.
Here you will also find the Madeira Aquarium, built on the old Fort of St João Batista, built in 1730 to protect the island from pirate attacks.
There are a few hotels here and the promenada has plenty shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.
Paul do Mar and Madalena do Mar
Located on the southwest coast of Madeira, Paul do Mar is an old fishing town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain. The beach and the soothing sounds of the ocean together, take you on a soul-healing journey.
Madalena do Mar is a characteristic fishing village with a beautiful promenade along the pebble beach, with beautiful sea and cliff views.
Calheta
Founded in 1430, Calheta is one of the favourite places to visit in the southwest coast of Madeira. It hosts a beautiful little marina and two man-made golden sandy beaches, some resorts and has a large selection of historical churches as it was one of the first places to be explored by the early colonisers.
This village is also famous for the production of Aguardente and Poncha and has a popular distillery called "Engenho da Calheta".
Porto Santo Island
Madeira's sister island is most famous for its 9km of golden sand beach, crystal clear waters and for the laid back atmosphere.
It can be reached by ferry boat or by plane and is the perfect place to rest and relax.
The island is also known for its therapeutic value, attracting visitors with orthopedic and rheumatic problems to its shores.
There is a main avenue with restaurants and shops in Vila Baleira and some nice smaller beaches like Praia da Calheta with the perfect sunset view.
The island is mainly a beach destination for those who seek for a peaceful stay.
As you can see Madeira and Porto Santo Islands are excellent choices to spend a few days, whether you like to explore or simply relax.
Tips for your holiday
Moving around: The island is very easy and simple with the new road system and tunnels, making it quicker. However, if you wish to see some of the spots I have mentioned above, you have to go off the motorway, through the old roads. It will be worth it but drive safely.
Where to Stay: Depending on what your main holiday aim is, the best place to stay can vary. I like to stay in city centre, as that allows me to walk in the evening to the promenade and enjoy the show of lights on the mountains as well as the atmosphere of the coast.
Other popular areas to stay are the Praia Formosa, Lido, Calheta, Santa Cruz and inland for those who seek more authentic experiences.
Sample itinerary: To get a good glimpse of the island, I would recommend no less that 6 full days to explore, but of course this can be adjusted.
The best way to explore is dividing the island in 5 lets say and organise it depending on your available time:
- Take one or two days to explore Funchal, Monte, the gardens and the bay and museums in the city centre.
- Take another day to explore the west coast from Funchal to São Vicente, Porto Moniz, Calheta, Paul do Mar, Ribeira Brava, Pico do Arieiro.
- Take another day to Visit Câmara de Lobos, Pico dos Barcelos, Pico da Torre, Cabo Girão and the Nun's Valley.
- Take another day to visit the east part of the island from Camacha, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, Santa Cruz and Garajau.
- Take a full day tour to Porto Santo to get a glimpse of the island if you don't have much time.
Climate: Madeira Island can be visited all year round as the climate is very stable.
Festivities: There are many festivities taking place in the island throughout the year like the Madeira Flower Festival (usually April or May), the Atlantic Festival (June), the Rally Vinho Madeira (August), the Madeira Wine Festival (September) or the New Year's Eve (December), with one of the most amazing fireworks in the World.
I hope this post has made you want to visit this beautiful island and feel free to message me if you have questions.
xx Lina
