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Must-do activities in magical Madeira
While Madeira is a relatively small island, it packs a punch when it comes to activities. You’ll find a diverse range of things to do in Madeira, from serene botanical gardens to thrilling hikes. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Madeira!
Best Places to Visit in Madeira
So let’s start off strong with the 3 straight-up best things to do in Madeira.
1. Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Cable Car
Monte is a genuinely lovely hillside village in the interior of the island. It’s well worth a trip for spectacular, sweeping views of Funchal Bay and the wild Atlantic Ocean beyond. It’s also incredibly easy to hop on a bus and head inland to Monte.
You can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Covering a staggering 70,000 m2, these impressive gardens are home to countless species of exotic plants. You’ll even see swans swimming, peacocks preening and chickens clucking and ducks…. ducking?
And as if that weren’t enough, while you’re up there, you can catch the cable car for a bird’s eye view of the lush greenery below.
2. Cabo Girão
Another place to head if what you’re looking for is breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean is Cabo Girão. Who would’ve thought that the mini island of Madeira has one of the highest sea cliffs in the world?
Standing at 580 metres above sea level, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least on top of a very tall tower)!
While you’re up top, those of you who love a bit of danger can wobble onto the Skywalk, a suspended glass platform that juts out over the cliffs. Look down at your peril!
3. CR7 Museum
Get ready to kick it like a champion at the CR7 Museum, dedicated to the world’s most famous Funchalense and football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.
This fantastic museum detail the goals, golden boots and jaw-dropping skills of the legend himself. You’ll get to admire a gleaming selection of his trophies, from Golden Boots to Ballons d’Or, as well as snap a selfie next to a Cristiano waxwork. Say cheese!
Madeira's Outdoor Activities
If you’re seeking adventure, Madeira has plenty to offer. Here are some thrill-seeking activities for adrenaline junkies:
4. Hike the Levada trails
Madeira is famous for its 3100km of aqueducts that wind through the island’s lush, green landscapes: the Levada trails. Luckily for you, you can hike these glorious trails!
There are Levadas dotted all over the island. But you don’t need to go too far to experience a Levada.
If you’re staying in Funchal, Levada dos Piornais is within easy walking distance. The trail starts just outside the city, south of Barreiros football stadium. As the urban sprawl passes, the scenery turns into banana plantations, gorgeous valleys and sea views.
5. Pico do Arieiro
Next up, we have Pico do Arieiro, where you can get a taste of what it’s like to be on top of the world (or at least on top of Madeira). As well as enjoying spectacular views, you’ll get a good dose of exercise hiking the many trails.
If you’ve got a head for heights and are looking for a challenge, try stretching those calf muscles on the iconic Vereda do Arieiro trail. It connects the three highest peaks in Madeira, Pico do Arieiro (1818 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m). An ideal backdrop for your new Instagram profile picture!
6. Mountain Biking
Why not swap your hiking boots for a pair of wheels and hit the trails with some mountain biking?
Mountain biking offers an exhilarating way to explore Madeira’s varied landscapes. Feel the wind in your hair (or helmet for the safety-conscious among you), the adrenaline pumping through your veins, and the occasional bug smacking against your face.
The Levada trails are as good for mountain biking as they are for hikes. Novice mountain bikers can make their way up to Pico das Pedras for small jumps and an easy, but fun, drop.
Madeira's Coastal Charms: Beaches and Watersports
While Madeira isn’t known for its vast sandy beaches, it does offer some unique, characterful coastal experiences:
7. Praia Formosa
Anyone who says that Madeira has no beaches needs to check out Praia Formosa. This urban beach is the largest in Funchal and is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming and water sports.
The picturesque pebble and black sand beach is well-serviced with cafes and bars so you can enjoy drinks and ice creams as you relax.
8. Diving and snorkelling
Next on our adventurous agenda is diving and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Madeira. Yes, Madeira is one of the top snorkelling destinations in the world!
Known for the diversity if its marine life, excellent visibility conditions and gorgeously mild water temperature (18 – 24 °C), you’ll find yourself swimming amongst fish, vibrant coral and sea turtles.
If you’re a diver, you can swim down to the depths to see shipwrecks, do a shore dive straight from the beach and enjoy the biodiversity in the protected Garajau Nature Reserve.
9. Whale and Dolphin Watching
And that same biodiversity even includes larger sea creatures, including whales and dolphins! You can take a boat tour to spot these majestic sea dwellers in their natural habitat.
You’ll want to keep your cameras ready and your eyes peeled for these magnificent sea creatures as they breach, splash and play in the open sea.
Madeira's Traditional Gastronomy Not to Be Missed
No visit to Madeira is complete without indulging in its delicious cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:
10. Espetada
Make like a Madeiran and order Espetada for lunch. This simple, traditional dish is made up of only four ingredients: meat, bay leaves, garlic and salt.
These skewers of meaty goodness are marinated to mouthwatering perfection, grilled to smoky tenderness and served with a side of fried sweet potatoes. And don’t worry, it’s perfectly acceptable to lick your fingers in public when you’re eating something this delicious!
11. Lapas
Lapas, the not-so-secret treasure of Madeira’s culinary scene, might look like bog-standard muscles or clams. They are, in fact, grilled limpets cooked with lemon, butter, salsa and garlic.
Mmmmmmmmm. If your mouth isn’t watering at the thought of them, you might want to get your taste buds checked out.
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12. Poncha
And what’s a meal without a drink to wash it all down? Enter Poncha. Madeira’s liquid gold is made with a potent mix of freshly squeezed citrus juices, local honey, and a generous splash of aguardente (sugarcane spirit).
If Poncha doesn’t float your boat, there’s always the island’s old fave, Madeira wine. Sipped by kings, celebrated by poets, and cherished by wine enthusiasts around the world, it has barely changed since it became popular 300 years ago.
Madeira's Craft and Markets
Explore the vibrant local culture by visiting Madeira’s craft markets and shops. Here are some highlights:
13. Mercado dos Lavradores
First up is the iconic Mercado dos Lavradores, an absolute treasure trove of fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. This market is where the hustle and bustle of local life collide with holiday makers hoping to discover something special to take home.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a Madeira-shaped fridge magnet or a chunk of heavenly honey cake to snack on as you shop, Mercado dos Lavradores has got you covered.
14. Monte Palace Tropical Garden Craft Market
Thought Monte Palace only had stunning gardens? Think again. This tropical paradise also offers a craft market! From intricately woven tapestries to one-of-a-kind ceramic wonders, the market at Monte Palace Garden has something for everyone. And as you browse the stalls, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeously green plant life and the hum of nature.
15. Wine Lodges
Did we mention that Madeira wine is delicious? Well, it’s worth another mention! Trying this local tipple is an essential part of any Madeira trip.
The wine itself is fortified, more similar to sherry than standard wine. However, it has its own unique flavour. Often made from grape varieties that are often found only on this island and are grown on elevated volcanic slopes, it has a distinctive, sweet flavour.
The ideal way to try Madeiran wine is by visiting one of the island’s many wine lodges, which you can often do as part of a bus ticket with wine tasting included. Cheers!
Book your Madeira island adventure today!
With its diverse scenery, thrilling activities and rich culture, Madeira offers an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Madeira island is around 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, with a total area of approximately 286 square miles.
The best time to visit Madeira is during the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to November) when the weather is mild, and the island is in full bloom. However, Madeira experiences a subtropical climate, so it is pleasant to visit all year round.
Madeira has a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C or rising above 25°C. The island is known for its lush vegetation and is often referred to as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring.’
It is not necessary to have a car in Madeira, although having one can make it easy to visit more remote areas. For travel around in and around Funchal, Monte and Câmara de Lobos, you can hop on our hop-on hop-off bus, which has two routes to choose from.
If it rains in Madeira, there are still many things to do indoors, such as visiting museums, art galleries, and historic sites like the Cathedral of Funchal. You can also enjoy wine tasting in Madeira’s wine cellars, indulge in local cuisine at a restaurant, or relax in one of the island’s spas.