Explore Madeira By City
Discover the best of each city and village across the island
Top Places to Go
Must-Visit Attractions
Cabo Girão – The highest sea cliff in Europe, featuring a glass skywalk with breathtaking views of the ocean below.
2. Pico do Areeiro – A must-see for hiking enthusiasts, offering one of the best viewpoints in Madeira.
3. Mercado dos Lavradores (Funchal) – The vibrant city market, filled with local produce, exotic fruits, and flowers.
4. Monte Palace Tropical Garden – Stunning botanical gardens with exotic plants, ponds, and panoramic views over Funchal.
5. Santana Traditional Houses – Iconic triangular, thatched-roof houses that offer a glimpse into Madeira’s past.
6. Porto Moniz Natural Pools – Beautiful lava rock pools, perfect for swimming in natural seawater.
7. Curral das Freiras – A village nestled in a deep valley, famous for its chestnuts and dramatic views.
8. Ponta de São Lourenço – A rugged peninsula on the eastern end of the island, known for its volcanic landscapes.
9. Jardim Botânico da Madeira – A large botanical garden with a wide variety of native and exotic plants.
10. Funchal Old Town – Historic streets filled with charming restaurants, street art, and vibrant nightlife.
11. Ribeira Brava – A coastal town with a beautiful beach, a historic church, and a scenic promenade.
12. Câmara de Lobos – A fishing village famous for its poncha and stunning harbor views.
13. Grutas de São Vicente – Volcanic caves offering an educational journey into Madeira’s geological history.
14. Teleférico do Funchal ao Monte – A scenic cable car ride with stunning views of Funchal and its surroundings.
15. Pico Ruivo – The highest peak on Madeira, accessible by a rewarding hike with incredible views.
16. Prazeres – A peaceful village surrounded by nature, perfect for a relaxing escape.
17. Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro – Historical gardens known for their stunning flora and quiet paths.
18. Museu CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo) – A museum dedicated to Madeira’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
19. Museu de Arte Sacra (Funchal) – Featuring religious art and artifacts, this museum offers insight into Madeira’s cultural heritage.
20. Achadas da Cruz Cable Car – A thrilling ride down to a remote part of the island, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Best Viewpoints
Best Viewpoints for Stunning Panoramas
Cabo Girão Skywalk – The most famous viewpoint on the island, featuring a glass platform perched over a 580-meter drop.
2. Pico do Areeiro – At 1,818 meters, this viewpoint offers one of the best sunrise experiences in Madeira.
3. Eira do Serrado – Overlooking the deep valley of Curral das Freiras, surrounded by towering mountains.
4. Ponta do Rosto – Located on the east coast, this viewpoint offers dramatic views of cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.
5. Véu da Noiva – A stunning viewpoint overlooking a waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean.
6. Balcões Viewpoint – A short, easy walk leads to this viewpoint offering sweeping views over Madeira’s central mountains.
7. Miradouro do Guindaste – Known for its panoramic views of the northern coastline and nearby cliffs.
8. Pico Ruivo – The highest point on the island, accessible via a challenging hike, offering breathtaking 360-degree views.
9. Bica da Cana – A lesser-known viewpoint with stunning views of Pico Ruivo and the surrounding peaks.
10. Pico dos Barcelos – A popular spot offering panoramic views over the city of Funchal.
11. São Cristovão Viewpoint – Overlooking the north coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
12. Encumeada – A viewpoint at a mountain pass that offers views of both the north and south coasts.
13. Ponta de São Lourenço – A viewpoint on the easternmost tip of Madeira, offering dramatic cliffside views.
14. Fanal – A viewpoint within the magical Fanal Forest, with its misty, ancient trees.
15. Cristo Rei (Garajau) – Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this viewpoint features a statue similar to Rio’s Christ the Redeemer.
16. Miradouro da Portela – Known for its views of Penha d’Águia and the surrounding coastline.
17. Eira da Achada – A stunning viewpoint near Porto Moniz, known for its views of the northwestern coast.
18. Miradouro da Santa – Located in Porto Moniz, this viewpoint offers panoramic views over the natural pools and coastline.
19. Quinta do Furão Viewpoint – A beautiful spot located within a vineyard, offering views of the cliffs and ocean.
20. Miradouro da Ponta Delgada – A northern coastal viewpoint offering a dramatic perspective of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cabo girão, ponta do rosto, eira do serrado, véu da noiva, pico do arieiro
Top Beaches and Volcanic Pools
Best Beaches to Relax and Unwind
1. Porto Santo Beach – The longest golden-sand beach in Madeira, stretching for 9 km. Ideal for sunbathing and water sports.
2. Seixal Beach – A striking black-sand beach surrounded by mountains, known for its crystal-clear waters.
3. Porto Moniz Natural Pools – The most famous volcanic pools, featuring stunning lava formations and clear ocean water.
4. Prainha (Caniçal) – A beautiful natural black-sand beach, tucked away and perfect for relaxation and snorkeling.
5. Ponta do Sol Beach – A pebble beach bathed in sunshine, located in one of the warmest spots on the island.
6. Calheta Beach – A man-made golden-sand beach, ideal for families, with calm waters and nearby cafés.
7. Doca do Cavacas Pools – Small volcanic pools near Funchal, ideal for swimming and ocean views.
8. Seixal Natural Pools – Stunning volcanic pools, offering a serene swimming experience in the midst of lush landscapes.
9. Praia dos Anjos (Ponta do Sol) – A quiet, isolated beach, perfect for those looking for tranquility.
10. Praia Formosa (Funchal) – The largest pebble beach in Madeira, popular with locals, and surrounded by bars and restaurants.
11. Reis Magos Beach – A rocky beach in Caniço, famous for snorkeling and a variety of water sports.
12. Machico Beach – One of the few golden-sand beaches on the island, great for families and swimming.
13. Jardim do Mar Beach – A popular surfing destination, with impressive waves and a laid-back atmosphere.
14. Ribeira de Natal Beach (Caniçal) – A small, rocky beach known for snorkeling and diving.
15. Praia da Madalena do Mar – A peaceful pebble beach surrounded by banana plantations and a scenic promenade.
16. Praia de São Vicente – A pebble beach on the northern coast, known for its surf conditions.
17. Piscinas Naturais de Ponta Delgada – Less crowded volcanic pools, offering a unique and quieter experience.
18. Piscinas Naturais da Ribeira da Janela – Hidden volcanic pools with breathtaking views, perfect for a peaceful swim.
19. Praia das Palmeiras (Santa Cruz) – A pebble beach with ample space for sunbathing and leisure activities.
20. Fajã dos Padres – An isolated beach accessible by cable car, with a rural setting and organic farm-to-table restaurant.
Must-Visit Nature Spots
Discover Madeira’s Natural Wonders
1. Laurisilva Forest – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this subtropical forest is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
2. Levada das 25 Fontes – Famous levada walk featuring 25 springs and stunning waterfalls in the heart of Rabaçal Valley.
3. Pico Ruivo – The highest peak in Madeira at 1,862 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço – A coastal hike showcasing the rugged volcanic landscape of Madeira’s easternmost point.
5. Caldeirão Verde – A beautiful waterfall reached by a scenic levada walk through dense forests.
6. Fanal Forest – Known for its misty, mysterious atmosphere, this forest is part of the Laurisilva and is a favorite for photography.
7. Rabaçal – A green valley featuring waterfalls, levadas, and a rich variety of native plant life.
8. Cabo Girão (by boat) – Experience Europe’s highest sea cliff from the water or from its famous glass skywalk.
9. Rocha do Navio – A remote coastal area only accessible by cable car or boat, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
10. Encumeada – A mountain pass that offers views of both the north and south coasts of Madeira.
11. Queimadas Natural Park – Home to lush green landscapes and traditional Santana houses, perfect for easy hikes.
12. Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno – A challenging continuation of the Caldeirão Verde walk, leading to even more remote spots.
13. Garganta Funda Waterfall – One of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls on the island.
14. Ribeiro Frio – Known for its trout farm and nature walks, with stunning mountain and valley views.
15. Levada do Rei – A beautiful levada hike offering views of the lush Laurisilva forest.
16. Vereda do Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo – One of Madeira’s most iconic hikes, connecting two of its highest peaks.
17. Pico das Torres – The second-highest peak in Madeira, offering a challenging trail for experienced hikers.
18. Fajã dos Padres – A secluded beach and organic farm accessible by cable car, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
19. Poço da Neve – Historic snow storage houses used to preserve ice, with a scenic trail leading to them.
20. Ribeira da Janela – A remote valley with impressive rock formations and excellent hiking trails.
