7 Things to do on Madeira Island for First-Time Visitors

Though Madeira Island is rather small (it only takes around 1.5 hours to get from one side of the island to the other) it has endless beauty that, naturally, comes with endless adventures. You'll see lush mountains, picturesque villages and beautiful beaches while finding activities that range from hikes in the forest to sightseeing in old towns.

If you're like me, it's important to fit as much as possible into a trip while keeping it manageable. I spent one month on Madeira so I had plenty of time to go on a wide range of adventures. This helped me sort activities into 'bucket-list' must-dos and 'only-if-you-have-time' extras. If I were to go on a shorter (week-long) vacation, I've determined the following to be bucket-list activities on Madeira Island you shouldn’t miss!

Table of Contents

Quick Madeira Facts:

Currency: Euro (EUR, €)

Getting Around: While public transportation is great for getting around more locally, renting a car is highly recommended. Car rentals are cheaper than getting taxis or Ubers for long distances (across the island) and some locations do not have taxis, Ubers or busses available.*

*If you don't drive, you may have to book tours to get to some locations (i.e. PR1 & Pr9 hikes).

Things to do: Hiking, Historical Sights, Beaches, Viewpoints, Old Towns

Data: Getting an e-sim online instead of a physical sim card is infinitely more convenient! I always use Maya Mobile for mine.

Tours: I always book my tours through GetYourGuide. They have free 24hr cancellation in case plans change, and they offer some of the best tours on the island.

Where to Stay:

My recommendation is that you start in the capital city of Funchal for at least 3 nights, followed by Seixal for 2-3 nights and finally Santana for 1 night. In Funchal, stay somewhere in the Old Town (Zona Velha). I stayed in a beautiful airbnb for the entire month of my visit so I can only honestly speak to that. However after walking past many hotels, apartments and resorts throughout the island, I can confidently say there are some lovely places to choose from.

The only airport on the island is the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, about a 20-30 minute drive to Funchal's old town. Madeira's airport is notoriously challenging for pilots, requiring crews to undergo specialized training to land there. It's actually the 3rd most dangerous airport in Europe and 9th in the world due to the islands climate. Strong winds and unpredictable weather can force planes to circle and try landing a few times, or head to the Canary Islands until weather conditions change. My plane landed on the first try with no issues, while some people I met who landed that same week ended up on the Canary Islands for a few hours. Whatever happens, it's all part of the adventure!

7 Things to do on Madeira Island

1 Seixal Beach

Located among the village of Seixal on the north side of the island is Seixal beach. It's a long stretch of black sand surrounded by high rigid cliffs painted in dense green forest. It's one of the few sandy beaches on the island (rather than pebbles), making it both a beautiful and comfortable place to spend the day. If you've ever heard Madeira Island be referred to as the "Hawaii of Europe", this gem is a huge reason why! It's truly my favorite beach on the entire island.

2 Porto Moniz Natural Pools

About 20 minutes from Seixal you can find large, uniquely shaped pools full of clear ocean water, formed naturally over time by volcanic rock. There are two areas of lava pools, one is free and the other has an entry fee of €3 which includes a bathroom, shower and changing room. It's a great place to swim and spend a few hours, and there are cafés and restaurants nearby.

3 Cabo Girão Skywalk 

Located about 25 minutes from Funchal is a viewing platform with see-through tiling on one of the highest cliffs in all of Europe. Set 580m above sea level, you'll find some of the most beautiful oceanside views on the island. It costs €2 to walk out onto, and the views are exceptional! It's worth a stop, especially on the way to Ponta do Sol (the next of my top things to do). There's a few little tourist shops but I don't recommend buying anything, as I'd do more authentic shopping in one of the many beautiful villages on the island.

4 Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol, known as "sun point", is an area known for having the most sunshine hours per year than anywhere else on the island. Ponta do Sol beach is located in a cove in front of the main town with a backdrop of tall cliffs and lush mountains. Its low, calm & clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming - it's definitely one of the best spots for these activities as most of the other beaches have rougher water. Hang at the beach, grab some lunch and don't miss trying the the Nikita or Poncha (traditional Madeiran alcoholic drinks) at Sol Poente restaurant for incredible flavors and views.

5 Go Hiking

There are so many beautiful hikes on Madeira Island, each magical and with its own unique charm. I have separate posts of full hiking guides for 3 out of 4 hikes, linked below!

Full Hiking Guides:

PR8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

PR1 - Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

(L-R: PR1 and PR8)

Hike at sunrise along the "Stairway to Heaven" of PR1.

One of the most famous hikes, the "stairway to heaven" trail is easily among the top things to do on Madeira Island. Wake up very early and head out to watch the sun rise above the clouds. This majestic hike through the mountains starts at the peak of Pico do Areeiro and ends 5hrs and 10km later at Pico Ruivo - the highest mountain peak on Madeira. Since its a point-to-point hike (meaning if you park at the start, you'll end up miles away from your car) I highly recommend reading my full guide for information on how to get there! This hike is more difficult than others on the island but the scenery makes it infinitely worth it. As long as you're in decent physical shape you'll do just fine! Make sure to bring snacks or lunch and extra water since the hike is so long.

Hike along the arid peninsula of PR8.

"Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço", located on the easternmost tip of Madeira, is a beautiful 6km (2.5-3 hour) out-and-back hike of moderate difficulty. This peninsula has breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and was one of my favorites on the island.  From Funchal you can either drive (35-45 min), or take the public SIGA/CAM bus #113 (1-1.5 hr) to the final stop 'Baia D'Abra' which is the starting point of this hike. 

(L-R: PR13 and PR9)

Hike through the mystical Fanal forest of PR13.

The Fanal forest itself is centuries old and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It's part of the Laurisilva forest which is around 20 million years old. Fanal is the single most mystical location I've ever seen, especially when you're there during a a thick fog which is personally my favorite time to see it. [Luckily] fog is quite common for this area. Among the forest there are unique ancient trees, each reaching through the sky in wild directions as if they were dancing before they became frozen in time.

The PR13 hiking route takes you through the Laurisilva forest above Rabaçal Valley and finishes 3hrs and 11km later within the forest of Fanal.

Hike to a waterfall through the mountainous forest of "The Green Cauldron" PR9.

The "Levada do Caldeirão Verde" hike is inside Queimadas Forest Park in Santana on the northeastern side of the island. Named the Green Cauldron for its thick emerald forest, this location in northern Madeira thrives on frequent rainfall, creating a vibrant, moss-draped trail. What makes it unique is its mix of narrow paths hugging the mountainside with sheer drop-offs and dark tunnels carved through the mountains. It's a 7km out-and-back hike, where the end of the trail is marked by a beautiful 100m high waterfall.

6 Explore the village of Santana

See the typical houses of Santana (Casas Típicas de Santana), visit coastal viewpoints, and wander through the village stopping at outdoor markets, eating local food and doing authentic shopping.

Santana is a charming, historic village on Madeira’s north coast. It's steeped in rich culture, which is reflected in its vibrant community and iconic architecture. You can't miss the Casas Típicas de Santana - with their bright colors and thatched roofs, these houses are among the island’s most distinctive buildings. They were originally built by early settlers using local materials like wood, wheat or rye; many have been preserved, either housing local villagers or they've been converted into a museum for visitors. But Santana's more than just culture - it's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are stunning waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, and forest parks, representing the sustainable harmony between humans and nature, where adventure and tradition collide.

7 Explore the Old Town of Funchal (Zona Velha)

Funchal's old town is known for narrow cobblestone streets, old picturesque buildings, rich culture, historical attractions and a vibrant atmosphere. For a full, detailed 3 day itinerary to Funchal (including a breakdown of everything listed below), you can visit my blog post on the top things to do in Funchal!

Note: If you happen to be in the old town in the summer (which I definitely recommend), check my blog of summer events in Funchal to see if you'll be there for any of the events! Weekly fireworks, vibrant flower parades and classic car shows are some of the fun community festivals that take place.

Cobblestone Streets & Historical Sights

One of the top things to do in Funchal is to walk around and get lost on the beautiful streets! Follow my easy walking tour that I created on Google Maps and really get to know the old town. The route hits every popular street with stops at parks & gardens, churches, and a historic fortress. I recommend stopping at one of the restaurants in the art district along Rua de Santa Maria, where every door on the street is painted with a gorgeous mural done by local and international artists.

Cable Cars, Botanical Gardens & Toboggans

Take the Funchal cable cars (Teleférico do Funchal) up to the beautiful mountaintop area of Monte. At the cable car station in the old town, purchase a €15.50/adult one-way ticket that includes entrance to the botanical gardens. The panoramic views are incredible - you'll be riding above the orange-roofed traditional Madeiran houses with views of the ocean!

When you get to the top after a 20 minute ride, visit the Monte Palace Botanical Gardens - Asian-inspired gardens located directly next to the cable cars in Monte. It's a hidden tropical paradise with diverse flora, beautiful statues and even live flamingos.

If you were wondering why I said to buy a one-way ticket on the cable cars, here's why... You have to take the most famous mode of transportation back to the old town from Monte - the toboggans! Considered one of the most unique things to do in Funchal, you'll ride in a wicker sledge while two drivers (Carreiros) guide it down the steep mountain roads for 2km.

Beaches

(L-R): São Tiago beach, Almirante Reis beach, Toco beach

There are a few nice pebbled beaches among old town Funchal. São Tiago beach is right in front of the historic yellow Fort of São Tiago and is my personal favorite. Other options are Almirante Reis Beach, a long stretch of pebbles with a jetty that has beautiful views of the Funchal coast, or Toco Beach, a hidden gem along a cliffside with old fisherman homes and caves.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Located at the Funchal marina is the departure point for boat tours (day & sunset) with marine-life watching! They can be booked either online or in-person at the various tour operator stands along the marina. The island has beautiful sunsets and nothing ends the day like witnessing one from the sea. Alternatively you can take a day tour where snorkeling with fish in the clear blue waters are included! I recommend taking a catamaran tour with a limited amount people so you can sit comfortably and not be in a crowded, smaller boat.