All rocky peaks, seas teeming with marine life and historic towns, Madeira puts nature in the spotlight. Head to the coastline, and you can dive, sail, surf, fish and watch wild whales. Meanwhile, inland, you can hike along the iconic levadas, lie back in the sun on beaches such as Santa Cruz, Machico, Caniço de Baixo or Cristo Rei. Wherever you go on the island, you’re likely to be surrounded by standout views and friendly locals.
Top six things to do in Madeira
1. Explore the capital, Funchal
In the capital, Funchal, you’ll discover a historic city that marries past and present. Visit the gardens, the cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores or simply stroll along the new promenade. Marvel at the architecture details of an older Funchal at Rua de Santa Maria, and get your camera out to capture the bizarre geometry of the yellow São Tiago fortress.
2. Hike Madeira’s highest peaks
Pico de Arieiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak – it’s a popular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. Head out on a clear day to be rewarded with spectacular vistas of Madeira and next-door Porto Santo Island. From the summit, you can take the footpath passing through Pico Las Torres to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island. This 13-kilometre route is strenuous and can be made difficult by the weather, so it’s best to do this trip as part of a guided tour.
3. Walk the levadas
The levadas are irrigation channels dating from way back in the 15th century. Built to transport water from the heart of Madeira’s forests to the drier parts of the island, today, they provide an unrivalled network of walking paths in remote and scenic locations. The Levada das 25 Fontes and the Levada do Caldeirão Verde are among the most popular routes.
4. Get out on the water
From relaxing boat cruises to high-octane activities, the waters off Madeira are ideal for watersports. Activities range from sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking to surfing and big-game fishing. The Garajau Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to snorkel and scuba dive. Here, you can expect to see manta rays and large fish, such as giant groupers and barracudas.
5. Watch whales and dolphins in the wild
Madeira is one of the best places in Europe to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Many different species make their homes in the waters surrounding Madeira, so no matter what time of year you visit, you’ve got a great chance of spotting some. Book a wild whale and dolphin-spotting cruise in Madeira for an unforgettable experience.
6. Tuck into the island’s food and wine
Get to know the island’s culinary scene by joining a food tour. Taste freshly caught fish, try bolo do caco – a Madeiran flatbread – and sip poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink made from sugarcane, honey and citrus juice. Wine-lovers can head to one of the island’s vineyards to taste a wide range of high-quality wines, including the fortified tipple that takes its name from the island – Madeira.
