Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food

Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, a mix of jagged volcanic peaks, incredibly lush valleys, and a rugged coastline where cliffs drop straight into the sea. This natural setting shapes the best things to do in Madeira; activities are less about sandy beaches and more about incredible hikes along the old levada irrigation channels and taking in the serious scenery.

Top Madeira Island attractions to do

If you're wondering where to even begin with planning your trip, there are a few iconic experiences that really capture the spirit of the island. Tackling these first will give you a brilliant foundation for your visit and help you figure out how many days you might need to see the highlights.

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Ride the Monte toboggan wicker sledges

One of the most unique attractions is the traditional wicker toboggan ride down the steep streets from the hillside parish of Monte. Back in the 19th century, this was a quick way for locals to get to Funchal. Today, it’s a thrilling 2km journey where two men, the carreiros, dressed in their classic white outfits and straw boaters, use their rubber-soled boots as brakes to steer you down the hill. 

Hike the peaks from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The trail (known as PR1) connects the island's third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, with its highest, Pico Ruivo. The pathway is carved right into the volcanic rock face, taking you through tunnels and along narrow ridges with amazing views that often rise above the clouds. You’ll need a good head for heights and some sturdy shoes, but the otherworldly landscape is more than worth the effort. 

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Swim at the Seixal and Porto Moniz natural pools

On the north-western coast, the Atlantic Ocean meets volcanic rock to create some of Portugal's most incredible natural swimming pools. The pools at Porto Moniz are the most famous; they have been developed with pathways and facilities, making them great for families. For a more rugged experience, head to the nearby village of Seixal, where you can swim in natural lava pools right next to a beautiful black sand beach.

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Explore the ancient Fanal Forest

This part of the island’s ancient Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its gnarled, twisted laurel trees, often shrouded in an eerie mist. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and magical, making it a favourite spot for photographers and anyone looking for a quiet walk in a truly unique environment.

Best things to do in Funchal

As the island's capital, Funchal is the vibrant heart of Madeira. It’s a beautiful city that slopes down from the mountains to a wide harbour, full of historic buildings, great restaurants, and lovely gardens. Most of the top attractions are concentrated here, and it's a fantastic base for exploring the rest of the island. 

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Take the Funchal cable car to tropical gardens

One of the best ways to get a sense of Funchal's layout is by taking the teleférico, or cable car, from the waterfront up to the parish of Monte. The 15-minute journey provides incredible panoramic views over the city’s terracotta rooftops and the expansive bay. At the top, you'll find the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a vast and stunning botanical garden with plants from all over the world, Japanese-style landscaping, and a fascinating museum with a collection of minerals and sculptures.

Wander the Zona Velha and see the painted doors project

The Old Town, or Zona Velha, has narrow, cobbled lanes lined with old fishermen's houses that are now home to little bars and restaurants. What makes it really special is the Arte de Portas Abertas (Art of Open Doors project), an open-air gallery where local artists have transformed the doors of buildings into colourful canvases.

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Experience the sights and smells of the Mercado dos Lavradores

The "Workers' Market" is a feast for the senses. This art deco market is packed with vendors selling exotic flowers, including the island’s famous Bird of Paradise flower, and an almost overwhelming variety of tropical fruits. The downstairs level is dedicated to the fish market, where you can see the formidable-looking black scabbard fish (espada), a local delicacy.

Outdoor activities: what to do in Madeira’s nature

While Funchal is fantastic, the real soul of Madeira is found in its wild, natural spaces. The island's volcanic origins have created a unique environment that’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. 

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Walk along a traditional Levada

You'll hear the word levada everywhere in Madeira, and for good reason. They are these brilliant, narrow irrigation channels that criss-cross the entire island, originally built to carry water from the wetter north to the drier south for farming. Today, they have service paths running alongside them, creating an amazing network of over 2,000 km of walking trails. There's a walk for every level of fitness, from gentle, flat strolls through lush valleys to more challenging hikes along steep mountainsides. A couple of the most popular are the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6), which leads you to a stunning lagoon fed by multiple waterfalls, and the Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9).

Find the best views at a Miradouro

The island's winding, mountainous roads are dotted with viewpoints, and it’s well worth pulling over whenever you see the sign miradouro. Each one offers a different, spectacular perspective of the island. One of the most famous is Cabo Girão, which has a terrifying glass-floored skywalk dangling over one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. For dramatic, barren coastal scenery, head to the easternmost tip at Ponta de São Lourenço.

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See the traditional thatched houses of Santana

These brightly coloured, triangular thatched-roof houses are the iconic image of Madeira's rural past. While you will see them on postcards everywhere, it's good to know that the main cluster of houses in the centre of Santana now functions as a tourist attraction.

Food and drink experiences in Madeira

A huge part of the Madeiran experience is its food and drink, which is shaped by the island's history, its fertile volcanic soil, and the surrounding Atlantic. 

Sample Poncha and Madeira wine

Poncha is the island’s signature drink, a potent local fuel made from sugar cane, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice. On the more refined end of the spectrum is Madeira wine, the famous fortified wine that has been produced here for centuries. You can take a tour of one of the historic wine lodges in Funchal, like Blandy's, to learn about the process and sample the different varieties.

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Eat traditional Madeiran food

The most famous local dish is espetada, which are large chunks of beef seasoned with garlic and salt, skewered onto a bay leaf stick, and cooked over hot coals. It's often served with a side of bolo do caco, a circular, flat bread that’s baked on a basalt stone slab and slathered in garlic butter. For something more adventurous, look out for espada com banana – black scabbard fish served with fried banana. 

Your Madeira trip: planning for kids, rain, and a longer stay

A bit of planning always goes a long way, especially for a place as varied as Madeira. You may be travelling with family, find yourself caught in a downpour, or both at the same time.

What to do in Madeira with kids

The Funchal cable car ride is always a winner with children, and the natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz are a safe and fun way for them to experience the sea. For something educational, the Madeira Whale Museum in Caniçal offers a fascinating look at the island's whaling history and its marine life. And if you just need a straightforward day of fun, the Aquapark in Santa Cruz has all the slides and pools you could wish for.

Things to do in Madeira when it rains

The island’s incredible greenery is no accident; showers can and do happen, but there’s no need to let them dampen your spirits. A rainy day is a perfect excuse to explore the many museums in Funchal, from the CR7 Museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo to the historic Quinta das Cruzes Museum. Alternatively, you can head underground at the São Vicente Caves on the north coast to learn about the island’s volcanic formation. For an adults-only plan, a tour and tasting at a Madeira wine lodge is an excellent way to wait out the weather.

Living in Madeira

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It's easy to visit Madeira and find yourself wondering what it might be like to stay for longer. The year-round mild climate, the magical scenery, and the relaxed pace of life appeal to many who decide that living in Madeira is for them. 

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