If you’re coming to Madeira for the first time, planning can feel deceptively simple — the island looks small on a map. But in real life, the mix of mountains, tunnels, microclimates and steep roads changes everything.
This guide keeps it practical: 8 places that genuinely deliver, plus the local details that make each stop smoother (best timing, small mistakes to avoid, and what people usually don’t tell you).
Choose 2–3 stops per day, mix viewpoints + one short walk + one “local life” stop, and keep flexibility for weather. For quick planning, use our Interactive Madeira Map.
1) Ponta de São Lourenço
A raw, volcanic coastline — windy, exposed, and completely different from green Madeira.
This is the kind of place that resets your expectations. You arrive thinking “Madeira = green”, and suddenly you’re on a dry, dramatic peninsula with open ocean on both sides. If you only do one coastal walk on the island, this is a strong contender.
Curiosities
- One of the oldest visible parts of Madeira (often referenced around 100,000 years).
- Shaped by explosive volcanic activity, with rock colours very different from the island’s interior.
- It’s Madeira’s driest area, with low vegetation adapted to wind and sun.
Local tips
- Do the PR8 trail (about 7 km return, ~3 hours depending on stops).
- Go early (before 9am) or late afternoon for softer light and less heat.
- Bring water — little shade and no fountains.
- Wind can be strong: pack a light layer even on sunny days.
2) Cabo Girão Skywalk
A fast “wow” stop — huge cliff views with almost zero effort.
Cabo Girão is a perfect quick win: you park, walk a few steps, and you’re looking down one of Europe’s most famous sea cliffs. The skywalk is fun, but the best views often come from taking a few extra minutes to walk along the viewpoint area.
Curiosities
- At 580 metres, it’s one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
- The glass skywalk opened in 2012.
- The fajãs below are traditional agricultural terraces reclaimed from the sea.
Local tips
- Don’t stop at the glass: walk along the viewpoint for better framing.
- Late afternoon usually gives softer light and nicer photos.
- Easy to combine with nearby stops on the south coast.
The island can be sunny on the coast and completely foggy in the mountains at the same time. Before driving, check our live webcams — it saves a lot of wasted time.
3) Porto Moniz Old Volcanic Pools
Madeira’s iconic ocean pools — but the “old pools” are the calm local move.
Porto Moniz is a must on a west/north day. The scenery is wild, the coastline feels powerful, and the pools give you the classic “swim inside lava rock” moment. The free old pools can be a great alternative when the paid complex gets busy.
Curiosities
- Often referenced as forming around 25,000 years ago, when lava met the Atlantic and cooled into basalt.
- Over time, the ocean shaped natural basins in the rock through erosion.
- This landscape links to one of the last major volcanic phases in Madeira.
Local tips
- The old pools are free (the paid complex is nearby).
- They can be less crowded in peak season, but they’re still popular.
- No showers/changing rooms: arrive prepared and bring an extra towel.
- Avoid days with rough sea — waves can enter the pools.
- The water is cold (Atlantic temperature) — totally normal here.
4) Garganta Funda Viewpoint
A “hidden waterfall” viewpoint that feels secret — but is very easy to reach.
This is a short walk with a big reward. On rainy-season days, the waterfall can feel dramatic and cinematic. In summer, it may be quieter — so it’s a great stop to keep in your pocket when conditions are right.
Curiosities
- The waterfall is often referenced as around 140 metres high.
- “Garganta Funda” translates to “deep gorge”, describing the steep valley.
- Flow varies seasonally and depends heavily on rainfall.
Local tips
- Best season is usually November to April.
- Short walk (around 10 minutes) from the parking area.
- Perfect quick stop when driving between Porto Moniz and Paul da Serra.
5) Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market)
Great for atmosphere and photos — just shop smart.
Treat this as a cultural stop: colour, local products, tiles, and that classic “Madeira market” vibe. The best day to visit is usually Friday, when there’s more movement and more stalls open.
Curiosities
- The building opened in 1940.
- It includes traditional azulejos showing regional scenes.
- Often described as having Art Déco / Modernist influences.
Local tips
- Go on Friday — it’s usually when more stalls are open and the market feels more alive.
- Arrive before 8am for the best atmosphere (and the fish market below).
- Don’t buy fruit here — it’s typically more expensive than supermarkets.
- The fish market tends to feel more authentic.
6) Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
Wild Atlantic cliffs and one of Madeira’s best sunsets.
This is Madeira at its most open and dramatic: cliffs, wind, huge ocean, and a sunset that feels genuinely special. Arrive early, walk around the viewpoint, and stay until the sky softens — that’s when it gets beautiful.
Curiosities
- The westernmost point of Madeira.
- Located around 300 metres above sea level (site elevation).
- Opened on 3 June 1922.
- There’s a small free museum in the annex.
Local tips
- Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and stay until the light fully fades.
- Usually less crowded than south-coast sunset spots.
- Easy parking close to the viewpoint.
7) Ponta do Sol
A calm seaside town — perfect for a slow evening.
Ponta do Sol is a “slow down” place. Come late afternoon, sit by the sea, watch the light change, and turn it into an easy evening rather than a rushed stop.
Curiosities
- “Ponta do Sol” means “Point of the Sun”.
- Known as one of Madeira’s sunniest areas (often referenced around 300 sunny days per year).
- Popular with digital nomads for climate and lifestyle.
Local tips
- Great for sunset right by the sea.
- Weekends can fill up — book dinner ahead if you want something nicer.
- Villa is a popular dinner choice (but there are good nearby options too).
- Small pebble beach — perfect for a quick dip, not a “sand day”.
8) Porto Santo
A different holiday: beach-first, golden sand, and a slower rhythm.
Porto Santo is the best reset after a busy Madeira itinerary. Even one night can feel like a different trip: long beach walks, quiet evenings, and a softer pace.
Curiosities
- The main beach stretches about 9 km of golden sand.
- The sand is often described as having therapeutic properties, linked to mineral composition.
- A complete contrast to volcanic Madeira — this is a pure beach escape.
- About 43 km northeast of Madeira.
Local tips
- Ferry from Funchal is around 2h30; flights are about 15 minutes.
- Ideal as a 1–2 day side trip.
- Best enjoyed slow: beach walk, sunset, one good meal — no rushing.
You can rent a car with trusted local partners here and plan your days with full flexibility. For quick planning, use our Interactive Madeira Map.
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
Madeira may look small on a map, but travelling here is all about timing, light, weather and knowing which places truly deserve your time.
This guide focuses on 8 places that consistently deliver — paired with local context, small practical tips, and honest advice that helps you avoid common mistakes.
Pick 2–3 places per day, mix viewpoints with one easy walk or local stop, and stay flexible with the weather. Use our interactive Madeira map to group nearby places without overplanning.
1) Ponta de São Lourenço
Raw volcanic coastline and one of Madeira’s most scenic walks.
This eastern peninsula feels completely different from the rest of the island. Dry, exposed and dramatic, it offers wide ocean views and a sense of scale that surprises most visitors.
Curiosities
- One of the oldest visible parts of Madeira (~100,000 years).
- Formed by explosive volcanic activity.
- The driest area on the island.
Local tips
- Walk the PR8 trail (~7 km return).
- Go early or late afternoon.
- Bring water and sun protection.
2) Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs — big views with minimal effort.
Curiosities
- 580 metres above the Atlantic.
- Glass platform opened in 2012.
- Views over traditional fajãs below.
Local tips
- Walk beyond the platform.
- Late afternoon light is best.
3) Porto Moniz Old Volcanic Pools
Swim between lava rocks on the island’s wild north coast.
Curiosities
- Formed around 25,000 years ago.
- Basalt rock shaped by the ocean.
Local tips
- Old pools are free.
- No showers or changing rooms.
- Avoid rough sea days.
4) Garganta Funda Viewpoint
A hidden waterfall viewpoint with minimal walking.
Curiosities
- Waterfall around 140 metres high.
- Seasonal flow.
Local tips
- Best after rain (Nov–Apr).
- 10-minute walk from parking.
5) Mercado dos Lavradores
Cultural stop — best experienced on Fridays.
Curiosities
- Opened in 1940.
- Art Déco influences.
Local tips
- Visit on Friday for more stalls.
- Skip buying fruit.
- Fish market is the most authentic.
6) Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
One of Madeira’s most dramatic sunset viewpoints.
Curiosities
- Westernmost point of Madeira.
- Lighthouse opened in 1922.
Local tips
- Arrive 30 min before sunset.
- Stay until light fades.
7) Ponta do Sol
Slow coastal evenings and golden light.
Curiosities
- One of the sunniest areas.
Local tips
- Great sunset stop.
- Book dinner on weekends.
8) Porto Santo
Golden sand and a slower rhythm.
Curiosities
- 9 km sandy beach.
- Therapeutic sand.
Local tips
- Perfect 1–2 day escape.
- Slow travel works best.
Travel slower. Choose the right moments.
— Beyond Madeira
