Planning a trip to the stunning island of Madeira? We’ll take you on a journey through the island’s most breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. From lush levadas walks and dramatic clifftop views to vibrant Funchal and the enchanting Laurel Forests. Here is our 10 Favourite places in Madeira.
1. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Any trip to madeira should include the beautiful historic capital of Funchal. While you are there take the cable car up to the Monte neighbourhood and check out the Monte Palace tropical garden. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a stunning botanical garden filled with a collection of exotic plants from around the world. The garden features beautifully landscaped areas, serene ponds filled swans and flamingos and enchanting oriental inspired gardens, it’s such a beautiful place to explore and see what you discover. You can also find impressive sculptures, a mineral museum, and amazing views looking over the city of Funchal. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden really surprised us and defiantly worth adding to your itinerary.
2. Praia do Porto do Seixal
Praia do Porto do Seixal is a stunning black sand beach in the town of Seixal on the northwest coast of Madeira. The beautiful volcanic beach is sheltered by towering cliffs, lush green mountains and all topped off by 2 waterfalls at the end of the beach the pour into the ocean. This is easily the most spectacular beach in Madeira, make sure you add you pack your swimmers and add it to your madeira itinerary!
3. Levada das 25 Fontes
Madeira is famous for the iconic levadas that are irrigation channels that were built in the 16th century to distribute water across the island. The levadas stretch for over 2,000 km, where a large portion of these are accessible via hiking trails. The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most beautiful levada trails in Madeira that winds its way through a lush laurel forest running alongside the levada. On the trail you will pass 2 spectacular waterfalls including the impressive 100m Risco waterfall before finishing at the 25 Fontes waterfall which is like a natural water feature where the waterfall trickles down through lush greenery into clear pool below. If you only do one levada hike in madeira make sure it is the 25 fontes!
4. Cabo Girão
Cabo Girão is a towering cliff that is one of Madeira’s most breathtaking viewpoints. At a dizzying height of 589 meters, Cabo Girão is Europe’s tallest sea cliffs. There is a glass-floored skywalk, where you get amazing views of madeira’s rugged coastline and if you look down through the glass you can see right down the cliff with the tiny crashing waves of the Atlantic ocean below.
5. Ribeiro Frio
Ribeiro Frio is tucked away in Madeira’s lush mountainous centre. The area is a peaceful and tranquil spot that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Ribeiro Frio is a hikers paradise with many levada hikes in the area that wind through the laurel forests, offering stunning panoramic views of cascading waterfalls and lush valleys. This is a great place to get away from the crowds and go for some walks and get close to nature.
6. Santana
Santana, is a charming village nestled on the northern coast of Madeira known for Its iconic triangular thatched-roof houses, known as “casas de Santana,” These unique dwellings, were once essential for survival in the harsh mountain climate, and are now symbols of the island’s heritage. The town centre has some of these houses that are part of a cultural display that sell local products. You can also find the houses dotted around the area that people still live in today.
7. Fanal
Located in eastern Madeira Fanal is an ancient laurel grove filled with trees over 500 years old. The trees have knarley twisted branches creating a mysterious and dramatic landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a great place to come and explore where there is a number of hiking trails in the area that allow you to see more of this unique place. The best tie to come here is early morning when it can be foggy for a really in for a truly unique experience.
8. Ponta de São Lourenço
Perched at the easternmost tip of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço is a dramatic peninsula that feels worlds away from Madeiras lush, tropical interior. Here you will find a dry rocky otherworldly landscape that’s best experienced via the PR8 trail. The PR8 trail winds along the spine of the peninsular, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, towering sea stacks and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail ends at a stunning viewpoint looking back along the peninsular back where you come from towards the island of Maderia. This trail has some of the best ocean vistas in Madeira.
9. Valley of the Nuns
Tucked away in the heart of Madeira, the Valley of the Nuns, or Curral das Freiras, is a picturesque valley cradled by towering mountains. Its name comes from a historic event in the 16th century, where nuns sought refuge here from pirate attacks, giving the valley its name. Today, the valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming villages, and its local chestnut delicacies. Be sure to Check out the viewpoint Miradouro Eira do Serrado where you get commanding views of the valley, and from here you can hike down into the valley to the village of Curral das Freiras or you can drive if you prefer that.
4. Pico Ruivo
The last and what we think is the most beautiful spot is Pico Ruivo. Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s tallest mountain where you will get commanding 360 degree views of the entire island from it mountainous interior all the way to the Atlantic ocean. And if you come here for sunrise you will witness a truly magical experience with one of the best sunrises you will ever see. This will not be for everyone as it requires a strenuous hike to the summit via the stunning PR1 trail that winds its way along the side of rugged mountains with lush valleys below. Absolutely epic experience! don’t just add this to your itinerary, add it to your bucket list!
Next Stop:
- Hike the spectacular Pico Ruivo
- Explore Funchal: Madeira’s historic capital
- Experience an unforgettable levada hike
Also check out our YouTube video below 👇
