Madeira looks small on a map — but in real life, the mountains, tunnels and microclimates change everything. This guide focuses on 20 places that genuinely deliver, plus practical tips (timing, prices where relevant, and small mistakes to avoid).
Keep this list open alongside our Interactive Madeira Map and group places that are naturally on the same route (so you’re not driving back and forth).
The map also helps you spot nearby viewpoints, short walks, and good places to eat — which is usually what turns a “nice plan” into a smooth day in real life.
1) Funchal
The capital with 500+ years of history — and the best “base day” in most itineraries.
Funchal got its name from wild fennel (“funcho”) found by early settlers. Over the centuries it became a key Atlantic stop connected to sugar and Madeira wine — and you still feel that old-port energy in the streets today.
Perfect 1-day flow
- Walk the historic centre in the morning.
- Take the cable car up to Monte (prices can change — check on the day).
- Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
- Descend by bus/taxi… or do the classic toboggan ride down to Livramento.
Local tip
- Use the map to group nearby spots and avoid zig-zagging.
- If you want the market at its best, go early — and preferably on Friday (see #5).
2) Pico do Areeiro
One of the easiest high-mountain viewpoints by car — and one of the biggest “wow” moments.
Pico do Areeiro sits around 1,818 m and is famous for sunrise/sunset above the clouds. Conditions change fast — sometimes within minutes — so checking webcams before you drive is the smart move.
Local tips
- Check the webcams before you go.
- Arrive early for sunrise/sunset — parking fills up fast.
- There’s a conservation fee in some areas/trails (rules can change).
- Easy win: walk towards Miradouro da Pedra Rija (about 1.2 km) — you pass the famous “Stairway to Heaven” viewpoint on the way.
- In April, the full route towards Pico Ruivo is expected to reopen (confirm official status before hiking).
Do it without driving
- Pico do Areeiro is a highlight on our East Tour.
- Great if you want the views without stress about roads, parking and timing.
3) Porto Moniz – Volcanic Pools
The iconic “swim in lava rock” experience on Madeira’s north coast.
The pools were shaped by volcanic rock over thousands of years, and the ocean keeps renewing the water naturally. It’s a classic stop on a west/north day — especially if you want a mix of scenery + a swim.
Prices & options
- Main pools are often around €3 per person (confirm locally).
- Next door you can also find old volcanic pools that are typically free.
Local tips
- In high season, go earlier for calmer water and less crowd.
- Avoid days with rough sea.
- Porto Moniz is a highlight on our West Tour.
4) Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs — a quick stop with huge views.
At about 580 meters, Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The skywalk is fun — but the best photos usually come from walking a little along the viewpoint to find a calmer angle.
Useful info
- Location Câmara de Lobos
- Fee Often around €3 (12+), free for residents (confirm locally)
- Tickets On-site kiosks or SIMplifica (varies)
Local tips
- Best light is usually late afternoon.
- Combine it with Câmara de Lobos (#17).
- Also included on our West Tour.
5) Mercado dos Lavradores (Funchal)
Classic atmosphere, tiles, fish market — but shop smart.
A traditional market in a historic building (opened in 1940). It’s worth visiting for the vibe — especially early — but it’s also one of the easiest places to overpay if you don’t know the common tourist traps.
Local tips
- Friday is usually the best day — more stalls open and a stronger “real market” feel.
- Ask the price clearly: per kg or per unit.
- Avoid buying fruit here — prices are often inflated for tourists.
- Don’t miss the fish market downstairs for a more authentic feel.
Easy add-on
- Combine with the Old Town + a slow lunch.
- Plan your Funchal stops with the map.
6) Santana Traditional Houses
Madeira’s iconic thatched houses — a quick cultural stop that’s worth it if you do it right.
The colourful thatched houses in Santana are one of Madeira’s most recognisable symbols — small, triangular, and built for rural life. Today, the best way to enjoy Santana is to treat it as a short, photogenic cultural stop, not a long visit.
What to do (simple + good)
- Walk the small central area where the houses are preserved.
- Pop into the small craft/museum spaces if they’re open.
- Use it as a “reset stop” between viewpoints and nature spots.
Local tips
- Best light for photos is early or late (less harsh).
- Pair it with Ribeiro Frio (#9/#16) and a viewpoint day in the east.
- Included on our East Tour.
7) Fanal Forest (Laurissilva – UNESCO)
Mystical ancient trees, foggy mood, and one of Madeira’s most unique landscapes.
Fanal is part of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest (UNESCO). The ancient trees and frequent fog create that “other-worldly” atmosphere people come to Madeira hoping to see — especially on moody days.
Local tips
- Fog is normal here — it’s part of the magic.
- Bring a layer: it’s often colder and windier than the coast.
- Great combined with Porto Moniz (#3) on a West day.
Hike options
- PR13 / PR14 are common in the area (confirm official status).
- Use the map to group nearby stops efficiently.
8) Seixal Beach (Black Sand)
A north-coast postcard: black sand + waterfall cliffs + dramatic ocean (when conditions are safe).
Seixal is one of those places that looks unreal on camera — dark sand, green cliffs, and powerful ocean energy. It’s a quick stop that can become a highlight if you time it right and respect the sea.
Best way to enjoy it
- Go when the light is soft (morning or late afternoon).
- Use it as a photo + short walk stop — not necessarily a “long beach day”.
- Pair it with Véu da Noiva (#13) and Porto Moniz (#3) on the same route.
Safety + real-life tip
- On rough sea days, keep distance from the waterline.
- Before driving to the north coast, check our live webcams.
- It saves time (and avoids arriving to fog/rain unexpectedly).
9) Ribeiro Frio – Balcões Viewpoint (PR11)
Laurissilva without effort: an easy, flat walk to one of the best viewpoints.
Ribeiro Frio is one of the best “everyone can do it” nature stops in Madeira. The walk is short and mostly flat, and the viewpoint opens to a wide panorama of valleys and peaks — often with endemic birds around you.
Trail info (easy)
- Distance: ~3 km return
- Duration: 1h–1h30
- Elevation: very low
- Difficulty: Easy
Local tips
- Go earlier for clearer views (clouds often build later).
- Bring a light layer: the forest is cooler than the coast.
- Look for endemic birds (like the Madeiran chaffinch and the Trocaz pigeon).
- There may be a conservation fee depending on the period — confirm on the day.
10) Achadas da Cruz (Cable Car)
A steep, dramatic ride down to a fajã — for people who love wild scenery.
The real highlight is the descent: dramatic cliffs, open ocean, and that feeling of dropping into a hidden agricultural world below. It’s beautiful — but not for everyone if you dislike steep drops.
Cable car prices (typical)
- One way: around €3
- Return: around €5
- (Always confirm locally — prices/schedules can change.)
Alternative (for hikers)
- There are steep trails down (not recommended for everyone).
- Only do it if you’re confident and conditions are good.
11) Monte Palace Tropical Garden
A “slow Madeira” classic: exotic plants, lakes, art, and peaceful viewpoints over Funchal.
Monte Palace is one of the most enjoyable “calm” experiences in Madeira: you walk through lush gardens, koi ponds and art collections, with viewpoints that open over Funchal and the bay. It’s perfect when you want something beautiful without hiking.
Best way to do it
- Go up by cable car and enjoy the ride as part of the experience.
- Take your time inside — it’s not a “rush through” place.
- After, descend by taxi/bus… or do the toboggan ride if you want the classic fun moment.
Local tips
- Go early or late to avoid peak excursion crowds.
- Bring a light layer: Monte is often cooler than the city.
- Plan nearby stops with the map so the day stays smooth.
12) Cristo Rei (Garajau)
A panoramic viewpoint above the ocean — one of the easiest “big views” near Funchal.
Cristo Rei is a simple stop that delivers: wide-open Atlantic views, cliff edges, and a great angle over the south coast. It’s also one of the nicest “close to Funchal” sunset spots when the sky is clear.
Good to combine with
- Easy add-on if you’re staying in Funchal/Caniço.
- Great before dinner as a quick golden-hour stop.
- Use the map to find nearby viewpoints and restaurants.
Extra tip
- If you want a calm sea moment, Garajau beach below can be a nice add-on (time + access depend on the day).
- On windy days, it can feel cold — bring a layer.
13) Véu da Noiva Waterfall
One of Madeira’s most iconic north-coast waterfall viewpoints.
Véu da Noiva (“Bride’s Veil”) is one of the classic Madeira postcards — a waterfall dropping down steep cliffs towards the ocean. It’s a short stop, but it works beautifully as part of a north coast route.
Best time / conditions
- After rain, the waterfall usually looks stronger.
- On clear days, the contrast (green cliffs + ocean) looks incredible.
- Great combined with Seixal (#8) for a “north coast highlights” flow.
14) Eira do Serrado (Curral das Freiras Viewpoint)
One of Madeira’s most dramatic inland panoramas — mountains wrapping a hidden valley.
Eira do Serrado gives you that “Madeira is a mountain island” moment: a high viewpoint looking down into Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), surrounded by steep peaks.
Local tips
- Go early for clearer views — clouds can close in fast inland.
- Bring a layer: it’s usually cooler up here than on the coast.
- It’s a high-impact stop with minimal walking (great on low-energy days).
Make it a smooth combo
- Pair it with a Curral das Freiras stop (if you want the valley “from inside”).
- Use the map to avoid adding detours that don’t make sense.
15) Rabaçal – 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco (PR6)
The most famous levada area — waterfalls, forest, and classic Madeira trail atmosphere.
One of the most popular levada routes on the island, with the 25 Fontes lagoon and the Risco waterfall detour. It’s beautiful — and busy — so timing matters.
Trail info
- Distance: 11 km return
- Elevation gain: ~300 m
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Local tips
- Start early to avoid crowds.
- Wear proper shoes (mud + slippery sections are common).
- Parking is at Rabaçal/Paul da Serra; consider the shuttle if available.
16) Laurissilva Forest (Ribeiro Frio)
The deep-green Madeira that people imagine — humid, quiet, and full of life.
If you want to feel Madeira’s Laurissilva properly, Ribeiro Frio is one of the easiest places to do it. You get the forest atmosphere without needing a long hike — and you can pair it with other east-side stops without losing your whole day.
17) Câmara de Lobos
A fishing village with colourful boats — and one of the most “Madeira real” bays.
Câmara de Lobos is famous for its photogenic bay filled with colourful fishing boats — and for inspiring Winston Churchill’s paintings. The name comes from the sea lions/monk seals (“lobos-marinhos”) that once lived along this coast — not land wolves.
Local tips
- Best done late afternoon: softer light, calmer vibe.
- Perfect place for a relaxed drink by the harbour (this is the “slow moment” stop).
- Easy to combine with Cabo Girão (#4).
Do it smoothly
- Included on our West Tour.
- Good option if you want to enjoy the bay without worrying about timing/parking.
18) Ponta do Sol
Madeira’s sunniest microclimate — a calm town made for golden-hour evenings.
Ponta do Sol is known for its sunny microclimate and warm light — it’s the kind of place you visit to slow down. The town has a charming seafront, and the Cais do Duque (with its stone arch) gives the area a distinctive, historic feel.
Local tips
- Go near sunset for the best light and atmosphere.
- Great “end of day” stop after viewpoints or a levada.
- Use the map to spot nearby places to eat without guessing.
Good to know
- It’s a vibe stop — not a checklist stop.
- Best enjoyed slow: short walk, sea air, one nice meal.
19) Ponta de São Lourenço
Madeira’s most dramatic volcanic peninsula — protected, raw, and completely different from the green interior.
Ponta de São Lourenço is the eastern tip of Madeira, famous for its dry volcanic scenery and sharp cliff lines. It’s a protected natural area (Natura 2000) with rare endemic plants (like the Perpétua de São Lourenço), seabirds, and wide-open Atlantic views on both sides — stunning, but exposed.
What makes it special
- Rare flora + seabird life in a protected reserve.
- Striking rock colours and formations — a total contrast to the rest of the island.
- Sea access at Cais da Sardinha on calmer days.
- 🎬 Fun detail: often mentioned as a filming setting (people love this spot’s “cinematic” look).
Local tips (important)
- Go prepared for wind + strong sun (it can feel intense even in mild weather).
- Bring water and a light layer — conditions change fast.
- Best light is usually early or late (less harsh, more dramatic).
20) Praia da Fajã dos Padres
A hidden agricultural paradise below Cabo Girão — reachable by cable car or boat.
A fertile fajã tucked under the cliffs, with calm water, organic crops and a peaceful vibe that feels far from the main tourist flow. Perfect if you want a quiet “Madeira secret” kind of day.
Local tips
- Go for a slow lunch — the atmosphere is part of the experience.
- Best combined with Cabo Girão + Câmara de Lobos.
- Check sea conditions if you’re going by boat.
Typical prices (confirm locally)
- Cable car: often around €12 return
- Boat: often from €12 (routes vary)
Use our Interactive Map to group stops by area, check live webcams before you drive, and if you want a guided day, browse our Tours & Experiences.
Send us your dates + where you’re staying, and we’ll help you plan something realistic (and smooth).
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Travel slower. Choose the right moments. And if you need help — we’re here. 😊
— Beyond Madeira
