If you’re searching for a holiday destination that has the perfect balance of natural beauty with unforgettable experiences, then Madeira is waiting for you.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just southwest of mainland Portugal, is the lush island of Madeira. It’s a hot spot for outdoor adventure lovers; with its volcanic cliffs, tropical forests, and beaches, Madeira feels like a different world.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Madeira and all the unforgettable things to see on the island.
Hiking in Madeira
Hiking in Madeira is a must-do when visiting the island. It has some of the most diverse hiking trails in Europe, with well-marked paths, many of which follow ancient levadas.
Here are our top three picks of hiking routes in Madeira.
1. Vereda dos Balcões
This is a short and easy-to-follow trail that begins in Ribeiro Frio. It is 1.5 kilometres long (each way), leading you through stunning viewpoints. It overlooks the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its flat terrain, this is one of the top things to do in Madeira for families.
2. Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro
If you prefer a more challenging adventure, the trail between Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is a great choice. This is one of Madeira’s most iconic hikes; it’s an 11-kilometre round trip and winds around narrow ridges with stone stairways and tunnels carved into the rock. Be well-prepared for this trail, as weather conditions can change quickly. Bring layers, water, and a flashlight for the tunnels.
3. Levada das 25 Fontes
No list of things to see and do in Madeira would be complete without mentioning the Levada das 25 Fontes. This route begins near Rabaçal and is one of the island’s most popular trails. It is a total of 8.6 kilometres and typically takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete. As you follow the path carved into the hill, you will find several small tunnels before reaching the 25 fontes (25 springs). These are small pools, fed by multiple waterfalls.
Dolphin and whale watching
Dolphin and whale watching is one of the top things to do in Madeira. 28 different species of whales and dolphins have been recorded near Madeira, including sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales. The peak season to spot whales and dolphins is from April to October since the sea is calmer and more species are active near the island.
There are plenty of tour providers available, and most tours depart from Funchal Marina or Calheta. You can choose from small rigid inflatable boats or large catamarans.
Descent on wicker slides in Funchal
One of the best things to do in Madeira is to experience the Carros de Cesto. It’s unique to Madeira, and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world! These traditional wicker baskets are used as toboggans, and you go flying down a 2-kilometre hill from Monte to Livramento (just above Funchal).
This is a tradition from the mid-19th century, meant for locals to travel downhill quickly. Today, they are steered by carreiros, expert drivers who control the speed and direction using their boots and rope. The ride lasts about 10 minutes, reaching 30 km/hour with fantastic views of Funchal. It’s one of the top things to do in Madeira Funchal.
Beaches in Madeira
Madeira is known for its cliffs and rugged coastline, but there are still some patches of sandy beaches where you can enjoy the ocean.
Prainha Beach
Located near Caniçal on the island’s eastern coast, Prainha has natural black sand and is surrounded by volcanic cliffs. The beach is located in a small cove and accessible on foot, with a short walk down from the main road. There are basic amenities nearby, including showers, restrooms, and a beach bar.
Calheta Beach
On the southwestern coast, Calheta Beach is a family-friendly beach. It is an artificial beach that was created with imported sand from Morocco. It has two crescent-shaped stretches within the sea walls, creating a calm swim area, perfect for families with children. In addition to lifeguard services during the summer season, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, shops, and water sports rentals all within walking distance. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
Diving and snorkelling in Madeira
The clear water in Madeira and volcanic seabeds create the perfect destination for diving and snorkelling. Underwater visibility often reaches 25 metres deep, making this activity perfect for beginners or experienced divers. It is one of the best things to do in Madeira Island.
One of the top spots is the Garajau Marine Reserve. Established in 1986, it was Portugal’s first underwater nature reserve and is now a protected area full of groupers, barracuda, rays, and eels. Another excellent location is Ponta de São Lourenço, where the rugged cliffs above the water continue below the surface. This creates underwater caves and arches that attract large schools of fish. You can sign up for organised boat tour dives and even night dives.
If you prefer snorkelling, the calm waters at Machico Bay are ideal since it has shallow rocky areas where you can spot colourful fish and marine plants.
Boat and catamaran tours at sunset
Watching the sun set over the Atlantic is one of the most relaxing things to do in Madeira. There are sunset cruises departing daily from Funchal marina, with most tours including Madeira wine and local snacks. Many of these tours include the chance to see dolphins or whales along the way.
Paragliding over the cliffs of Madeira
Madeira’s cliffs and steady sea breezes make it one of Europe’s best paragliding destinations.
Flights typically lift off from spots like Pico da Cruz, Madalena do Mar, Porto da Cruz, or Prazeres. From these areas, the cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic and have ideal conditions for thermals and lift. Local operators use certified tandem pilots and high-quality gear to ensure safety while offering stunning 360° views of forests, cliffs, waterfalls, and the ocean.
Typical glides last between 15-20 minutes, and can range in price from €35–€50 to more premium experiences that include photo/video packages for €65–€75. Family and group tours are common, accommodating up to 8 participants per session, but we highly suggest reserving your expereince ahead of time.
Boat and catamaran tours at sunset
Experiencing Madeira from the sea at sunset is one of the best things to do in Madeira Portugal. Just imagine sailing away from Funchal Marina aboard a traditional wooden boat or luxurious catamaran as the sky turns to gold over the Atlantic.
Most tours last around three hours and typically offer wine or beer and a light snack to enjoy as you sail along the coast. Many itineraries also include a chance to swim or snorkelling stop, usually near Cabo Girão. As one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, this spot is a sight to see with its dramatic drop and crystal-clear waters. In addition to stunning views, most tours also include dolphin and whale watching. Sightings of bottlenose and spotted dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, and even sea turtles are common year-round. Some tour operators even offer a sightings guarantee. Meaning, if no marine life appears, you’re invited back for another trip at no extra cost.
Prices for these excursions typically range from €40 to €60 per person, depending on the type of boat and services included. For instance, a basic sunset catamaran tour may start at around €40, while traditional wooden boats that offer drinks, snacks, and a swim stop can cost between €55 and €65.
Alternatively, for those seeking a premium experience, private yacht charters are also available, complete with gourmet snacks, Madeira wine, Wi-Fi, and space for up to 35 guests. These sunset cruises are consistently rated among the top things to do in Madeira Island as they perfectly combine nature with adventure.
Discover volcanoes and caves
The São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre is a must-visit when in Madeira. It offers insightful information about the island’s formation and history. Formed around 890,000 years ago during a powerful volcanic eruption on Paul da Serra, these caves are part of a 1 km network of lava tubes, which were discovered by locals in 1885 and were finally opened to the public in 1996.
At the centre, you can enjoy a 30–60 minute guided tour that takes you along a 700 m underground trail, passing through tunnels up to six meters high. Along the way, you will see stalactites and translucent lava pools. The caves have been closed temporarily in the past, but when open, they operate daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, with entrance priced at €5 for adults and discounted rates for children and seniors. Please check online for opening hours and tour times.
The Volcanism Centre also has multimedia exhibits, a 3D volcanic eruption film, and audiovisual displays. This is one of the more unique things to see and do in Madeira.
Visit to Botanical Gardens and Panoramic Viewpoints
When visiting Madeira, one of the easiest and most beautiful things to do is expereince its natural beauty. To start, the Funchal Botanic Garden is a must-see. Opened in 1960, this is an 8-hectare space divided into six themed zones, with over 2,000 exotic plant species from all over the world. In addition to its colourful gardens, it also houses a small zoo with tropical birds.
Next, just a short ride away, is the Quinta da Boa Vista orchid estate. Overlooking the city of Funchal, this privately owned garden is home to hundreds of rare orchids and other subtropical plants. After exploring the gardens, we suggest taking in Madeira’s famous views. The island is full of dramatic cliff-edge viewpoints that are easy to access. The Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, is a glass platform suspended 580 meters above the ocean. Lastly, the Paul da Serra plateau provides wide, open views of both the mountains and the ocean. Perfect for sunset!
Gastronomy and Madeira wine tasting
You might not think that Madeira has a vibrant wine culture, but the fertile island produces some excellent wines. Using the unique “estufagem” method, wines from Madeira are usually characterised as rich with caramelised notes. We recommend taking a wine tour on the north of the island to learn about the grapes and cultivation processes.
To accompany a good glass of wine, of course, is excellent dining. Local dishes we suggest trying are Espada com banana, Black scabbardfish paired with banana, Espetada, Grilled beef skewers on bay leaf sticks and Bolo de mel, spiced honey cake with molasses and nuts.
Your adventure in Madeira awaits
From hiking mountain trails and spotting whales to diving into crystal-clear waters, Madeira is full of unforgettable experiences.
Are you ready to explore the top things to do in Madeira? Let Behomie help you plan the perfect trip. Explore our wide selection of accommodation rentals across the island, perfect for any group size. Enjoy the best things to do in Madeira with expert guidance, handpicked accommodation, and local insights with Madeira Sun Travel.
