Epic Hikes & Things To Do in Madeira For First Timers (with Itinerary)
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My sabbatical goal this year has been to investigate which European island I love most, and I hate to call it early – but with all the amazing things to do in Madeira, the hikes, the beaches, the views, and the poncha (feisty local beverage of the island) – this island is topping my list.
A bit of context. While Madeira seemed to me as its own independent island, with its own flag and sub-culture, it is actually part of Portugal.
A little ways off the coast of Africa, it is known as the “Hawaii of Europe“, and while I hate comparisons, I can definitely see similarities with the island of Kauai. The big main difference is that Madeira is way cheaper and easier to get to!
Travel Tip: There are direct daily flights from Lisbon Airport to Madeira Funchal Airport. The flight duration is 1.5 hours via TAP (local Portuguese airline) and a few budget airlines.
So in this article, I’ll gush about my favorite things to do in Madeira, show you some insane views from sunrise and sunset hikes we did (totally manageable), and give my travel tips – especially about driving on their mountain roads. I’ll also include a little itinerary for those who have a long weekend and want to include Madeira as part of the Portugal trip!
Best Things To Do In Madeira
This section will be more of my favorite ‘things to do in Madeira’ list, with Google links to help you save stuff on your map.
Later in the article, I’ll share a 4-day detailed itinerary for Madiera close to what I did, with more information, which I think will be helpful in organizing and planning your trip.
Things to Do In Madeira: For the Nature Lovers
✔️ Do the Pico to Pico Sunrise Hike from Pico Areiro to Pico Ruivo (link to taxi transfer – trust me, you’ll want it, as you won’t want to go back on the return hike.)
✔️ Sunbathe on the black sands of Seixal, one of the prettiest beaches in Madeira
✔️ Hike the Cliffs at Ponta de Sao Lourenco (and take a hat & sunscreen with you!)
✔️ Swim in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz
✔️ Hike the Valley of the Nuns trails
✔️ Visit the Fatima Chapel in Sao Vincente town for the views
✔️ Take the Cable Car down & do the Sunset Hike at Achadas de Cruz (holy mother of god, it’s steep! 🩷)
✔️ Go on the Fontes Levada walk – A 26 waterfalls hike with a guide to understand some Madeira history!
Things To Do In Madeira: For the Foodies
✔️ Feast on Espetada at Churrascaria Spot (my favorites: O Lagar, Restaurante Santo Antonio)
✔️ Visit a Winery & Drink the Famous Madeira Wine (recommend: Terras de Ovo)
✔️ Overindulge in Poncha, the local booze
✔️ Eat Bolo Do Caco, the famous steak sandwich (see picture below)
Things To Do In Madeira: For The Experience
✔️ Ride on the famous Monte Toboggan (take the cable car up, take a left and follow the signs)
✔️ Visit the Island of Porto Santo (ferry schedule as it’s quite a ride)
✔️ Explore Madeira By Boat at sunset
✔️ Go Surfing in Madeira
✔️ Drive to all the Miradoros you can (my favorites: Miradouro Pico da Murta, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, Miradouro Ribeira da Janela)
✔️ Stay in the cute fishing village of Camara do Lobos (where my favorite restaurants are)
✔️ Road Trip the Island – east to west, north to south! (check out the itinerary below!)
4-Day Madeira Itinerary
So now that we have the things to do in Madeira, let’s organize them in a meaningful itinerary. I was on the island for about a week, but I think if you are smart with your time, you can do alot of these things in 4 days – a long weekend – and come out of it feeling like an accomplished traveler.
Day 1: Road Trip West Madeira & Sunset Hike
Pack for a day of road-tripping – take a swimsuit and towel, wear a cute outfit for picture taking, and hiking stuff in your backpack at the end of the day. Today is about fully exploring the west side of Madeira, and it’s a full-ass day.
Morning – Roadtrip & Viewpoints
If you’re staying near Funchal, grab some breakfast and hit the road about 9am. The drives are not long from one viewpoint to the next, and before lunch, you should hit up the following viewpoints off the things to do in Madeira list: Miradouro Pico da Murta, Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. Take your time because the mountain drives are steep, so be brave and push forward.
Lunch & Wine in Seixal: Grab a long lunch at SolMar (I loved the lulas, which are squid).
Afternoon – Natural Swimming Pools
By 2pm, you should be on the road again heading west to Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela and then take a little swim in the Piscinas Naturais Velhas in Porto Moniz. The ones linked are free, just park, take your towel, and spend an hour swimming around. Next, head to Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira for one last viewpoint before our sunset hike adventure.
Evening – Sunset Hike
Before you head down to the cable car for Achada de Cruz, have dinner at Snack Bar Mercearia Paraíso and pack a big bottle of water.
Then drive a few minutes down this steep ass road to the Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz. You will want to get the last cable car down to the town of Achadas da Cruz, which is around 7:30pm. It should only cost about 5 Euro. The cable car is steep, so enjoy the ride. At the bottom, explore and take pictures of this little abandoned town, and wait for the sunset!
👉 TIPS on the Sunset Hike: West of the cable car, so the opposite direction from the town, there is a little path that will lead you to a rock with a wooden post in it. This is the beginning of a steep hike that takes you back to the parking lot. There will be a fork in the road at one point – keep right!
The hike will take 1 hour at a constant pace, so I recommend starting right before sunset so you hike in the dusk (not complete darkness). Either that or bring a headlamp – phones work too. The trail is narrow but well-defined, but it is steep. You gain elevation fast.
From here, head back home and enjoy a good night’s sleep!
Day 2: Beaches & Madeira Sunset from a Boat
Today is a more relaxed day, because yesterday was intense.
Morning – Seixal Beach
Sleep in, grab a late breakfast, and head to the amazing black beach of Seixal. Parking at the very bottom is a bit of a nightmare as the lanes are small and it becomes a clusterfuk of cars, so I recommend finding a spot more near the top (park here) and walking down the last few meters.
Afternoon – Madeira Vineyard
After a few hours of beach, head to this little viewpoint and winery, Terras do Avô, for a late lunch and a taste of the famous Madeira wine.
Evening – Sunset Boat Cruise
For the afternoon, head back to Funchal, refresh yourself with a nap and get ready for a sunset boat cruise around Madeira.
➡️ I recommend this Private Sunset Boat Tour of Madeira ⬅️
While the boat provides a few snacks and adult beverages, I recommend dinner afterwards at Restaurante Santo Antonio. Their parking lot is at a steep incline, but there are plenty of spots at the top – be brave and cautious in your driving.
After dinner, get a good nights rest tonight because it’s an early morning tomorrow for the Pico to Pico hike.
Day 3: Pico To Pico Hike & Funchal Toboggan
Today is filled with half-day hiking and half-day city life.
Morning – Pico To Pico Hike
The Pico to Pico hike starts at Pico Areiro and ends at Pico Ruivo. The trek is best done as an end-to-end hike; otherwise, you will hate yourself on the way back.
👉 IMPORTANT NOTE: You will need to schedule a taxi to pick you up at Pico Ruivo and drive you back to your car at Pico Areiro. You can schedule a taxi here (Whatsapp number: +351 291 600 023). They speak English, are very responsive, and do this drive every day.
The drive from one peak to another is about 1 hour of windy roads and costs about $70 – which you can split if you can find other hikers that need a ride at the end. Have cash on you.
Back to the hike! You will want to get to the parking lot at Pico de Areiro 30 minutes before sunrise, so time your wake up accordingly. Once you get to Pico Areiro, the best viewpoint is actually a 20-minute walk from the parking lot at Miradouro do Ninho da Manta – just follow the crowd and stone path.
Note: If you’re not keen on doing the hike (it is steep and takes some effort in certain places), Miradouro do Ninho da Manta is a great place to go for sunrise, and then turn back.
The hike from Pico Areiro to Pico Ruivo took us about 3.5 hours, and there are a few steep stairs down and up along the way, in addition to a few super dark tunnels through the mountains. That being said, if you’re in decent shape, you can take it slow and get it done. It’s a gorgeous hike that gives views all the way through.
At the end of the hike, you will end up at a parking lot called Achada do Teixeira, where there is a mountain cafe you can grab a snack, catch your breath, and wait for your taxi back to the car. Lunch is back in the city – this amazing spot called O Lagar.
Afternoon – Monte Toboggan in Funchal
This is all about exploring Funchal and the famous Monte Toboggan. I recommend first doing this ride, as the cable car closes at 5:45pm. Drive to the Funchal Cable Car, park nearby at the parking lot, and grab the cable car up to the top.
The cable car operating hours are 9am – 5:45pm, and adult tickets to go up is $12.50 (kids is $6.50). At the top, there are plenty of things to see, but we are on a mission. Take a left off the gondola and walk for 10 minutes until you see good-looking men dressed in white, straw hats, standing next to a wooden sleigh-looking thing.
Grab a ticket from the kiosk ($20 for one person, $30 for 2 people), and wait in the line – the queue moves quickly. Every 30 minutes or so, a new wave of toboggan drivers will haul your cute butt down a mountain in one of their sleds. And this is going the be the most fun little rollercoaster you can take in Funchal!
At the end of the ride, you can take a taxi or walk down a steep street for about 20 minutes to the old town of Funchal, where you can explore, shop, get a gelato, and just meander.
Dinner Recommendation: Casal da Penha for more traditional Portuguese.
Day 4: Road Trip East Madeira & Wineries
On the last day in Madeira, it’s all about the east side viewpoints and wine.
Morning – Skywalk & Vineyards
Another easy-going day on Madeira, I recommend leaving yourself in the capable hands of the 4×4 guide as you go wine tasting in one of my favorite mountain towns, São Vicente.
➡️ This is the best Wine Tasting Tour – and it includes a trip to the famous Skywalk! ⬅️
Afternoon – East Madeira Hike
In the afternoon (and perhaps after a little lunch and nap situation), we took the scenic coastal route to Ponta de São Lourenço for a little afternoon hike – in a neverending battle to get our steps in.
Park as close as you can to the beginning of the trail (parking is free) and get started. This hike is super exposed, so bring sunscreen, water, and a cap. The hike itself is easy, with just a few incline steps here and there. The route is 3 km there, and then you have to come back – so 6 km total. It took us about 1 hour each way.
At the end of the hike, there is a little cafe in the middle of nowhere with snacks and a bathroom. And along the way, tons of scenic views of volcanic cliffs with super clear waters.
Evening – Fancy Dinner in Funchal
And this wraps up a solid four days in Madeira. There are a couple of nice restaurants in Funchal you can try getting a reservation to – Avista and Il Gallo D’oro (2 Michelin Stars) – both from the same renowned French chef, Benoit Sinthon.
In the end, we actually ended up staying about a week, had 1 rainy day, and just revisited a couple of our favorite places another day. Madeira is a small but fun-packed island, so I don’t think you will get bored in a week.
Madeira Map
There are google links in the “Things to do in Madeira” section that will help map hikes, viewpoints, beaches and restaurants for you, but here is a high level view of the main towns and areas of the island, with a few notes from me.
Where to Stay In Madeira
I think the best places to stay in Madeira is around the town of Camara de Lobos or in the mountains near San Vincente or Seixal. This will give you a more authentic experience of Madeira and likely be more cost-effective than Funchal.
That said, you can always stay in Funchal (an amazing town) if you don’t want to rent a car because it has easy access to transportation, restaurants, and walking to almost anything.
Best Madeira Hotels
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, and it is best to stay here if you’re not renting a car or staying just a couple of days.
🏠 FUNCHAL LODGING
📍 Mid-Range: Barcelo Funchal Old Town Hotel – great little spot in old town with a rooftop pool and some insane views of Madeira.
📍 Luxury: Quinta Jardins do Lago – the gardens alone and the views are worth the price tag, which, to be honest, is not as much as you might think.
Camara de Lobos is a smaller little town near Funchal that is a bit more authentic feeling. My favorite restaurants are in this town!
🏠 CAMARA DE LOBOS LODGING
📍 Mid-Range: Quinta da Saraiva – a more quiet spot, but just look at the views!
📍 Luxury: Pestana Churchill Village – in the thick of it, this little hotel is next to all the good restaurants.
Sao Vicente is in the northwest side of the island and is a more rugged area to stay in – a lot of the mountain viewpoints and wineries, and of course, the black sand beaches are around here.
🏠 SAO VICENTE LODGING
📍 Mid-Range: Solar da Bica – my favorite part about this spot is the sunset views.
📍 Luxury: Ocean Garden – super bright little coastal house, right by the ocean and a few cute restaurants.
Getting Around In Madeira
The best way to get around in Madeira is by renting a car and exploring all the little things Madeira has to offer.
The roads in Madeira are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be steep and winding due to the island’s mountainous terrain. And when I say steep, I mean you’ll think you’re driving off a cliff and into the ocean at times!
PRO TIP: It is advisable to drive cautiously and be prepared for narrow roads and sharp turns, particularly off the main highway!
Renting A Car in Madeira
Because public transportation consists only of busses (restrictive schedules) and taxis (which can get expensive), the best way to get around Madeira – even for a long weekend – is by renting a car. This is what we did.
➡️ Best Way To Get Around the Island: Rent A Car ⬅️
The roads are super well maintained and super steep and windy, but after a day or two of driving, you get used to them, and road-tripping becomes a breeze.
One of the most famous roads on the island is the Estrada Monumental, which stretches along the coast of Funchal. This road offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops. Another notable road is the ER101, which circles the island – you will be on this one most of the time.
Driving in Madeira
Driving in Madeira can be a unique (to say the least) and somewhat challenging experience due to the island’s mountainous terrain, narrow and winding roads, and steep cliffs – but worth it all the way!
Here are some tips and lessons learned and tips:
- Roads: The roads in Madeira are narrow and have sharp bends and steep inclines. Some roads are carved into the mountainside, offering stunning views but requiring extra caution. Additionally, the island has tons of tunnels – some well-lit, some needing a bit of love. This is the only place where I was thankful for a speed limit and obeyed it.
- Traffic: Madeira is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer months, which can lead to increased traffic, especially in and around the main cities of Funchal and Caniço (by the airport). Plan for this if you’re visiting July – September. Oh, and the locals (and taxi drivers) drive like crazy maniacs!
- Parking: Finding parking spaces in the city is tough, so we used public garages – which are pretty cheap. Parking at the viewpoints is pretty easy, and most of the observation decks have a few spots allotted.
- Weather Conditions: Madeira has a mild and subtropical climate, which means that weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in higher elevations. Fog, rain, and strong winds are not uncommon, but they pass quickly. Also, while one side of the island can be sunny, another will be cloudy – the weather is all over the place – don’t trust your weather app!
- Buses: Madeir’s main public transport is busses, and they run on popular routes and around scenic viewpoints. Be mindful of their presence and allow them TONS of space because they are chunky vehicles and will take up room on those curves.
Remember to respect to local traffic regulations, including speed limits and traffic signs. Always wear seatbelts, and avoid using your phone while driving.
All that said, driving in Madeira was fun – after the first day of freakout moments at the steepness and curviness of the roads.
Public Transportation in Madeira
Buses are the main mode of public transport on the island, providing services to both locals and tourists. It’s worth noting that Madeira does not have a metro or train system. However, taxis and rental cars are also available for transportation around the island if you prefer more flexibility.
➡️ I recommend Renting A Car so you have the flexibility to do all the hikes on your own schedule! ⬅️
👉 If you need to call a taxi anytime, this is their Whatsapp number: +351 291 600 023
The public bus network in Madeira is operated by the company Horários do Funchal. They offer a comprehensive network of bus routes that connect various towns, villages, and tourist attractions across the island. Buses generally run on a regular schedule throughout the day, but the frequency may vary depending on the route and time of day.
In addition to the regular bus services, there are also special tourist buses and sightseeing tours available in Madeira. But I recommend renting a car when you’re in Madeira. This is the best way to really see the island beyond Funchal.
FAQ: Traveling to Madeira
Here are a few extra fun facts about Madeira you might be wondering about.
How many days are enough for Madeira?
I think 4 days at a minimum to about a week is a good amount of time to spend in Madeira. While the island is packed full of hiking opportunities, beaches, and things to do, it’s still a small island.
If you choose to stay more than a week, this is because you’ve fallen in love with the hiking on the island and want to go deeper into the mountains and forests – I applaud you!
What is Madeira most known for?
Madeira is most known for its stunning natural landscapes, Cristiano Ronaldo (not kidding) and world-famous Madeira wine. Here are the highlights:
- Madeira Wine: Madeira is synonymous with its namesake fortified wine, produced from grapes grown on the volcanic soils of the island. Madeira wine is highly regarded internationally and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
- Natural Beauty: Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of Europe” due to its breathtaking natural beauty and similarity to Kauai (in my opinion). The island is full of dramatic cliffs, lush green valleys, and stunning viewpoints.
It boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the rare Laurisilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Madeira also offers opportunities for hiking, whale watching, and exploring its pristine (and I mean it!) coastline. - Levadas: Madeira is renowned for its levadas, which are a network of irrigation channels that crisscross the island. These levadas were built in the past to transport water from the rainy north to the drier south. Nowadays, they serve as scenic walking paths, offering travelers like you the chance to explore Madeira’s landscapes and enjoy spectacular views.
- Festivals: Madeira is known for its vibrant festivals and cultural traditions. The most famous event is the Madeira Wine Festival, held annually in September, which celebrates the island’s winemaking heritage.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Last but not least, Madeira is the birthplace of the renowned Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The island takes great pride in its association with the superstar, and there is a museum dedicated to him in his hometown of Funchal – even the airport is named after him!
Overall, Madeira is known for its exquisite wine, stunning natural landscapes, unique levada walks, vibrant festivals, and the global icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
These factors contribute to making Madeira a popular destination for travelers seeking a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and good food and wine.
Is it worth going to Madeira?
Yes. Please see this entire article and this picture for extra oomph!
What time of year is best to go to Madeira?
I love traveling anywhere that might be overrun by tourists in the shoulder season, so May, June and September, October, November. My trip was in June, and it was hot enough to enjoy the beach and dry enough to go on hikes.
That said, Madeira has a subtropical climate, which means it enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year.
Here are a few factors to consider:
➡️ Spring (April to June): This is a great time to visit Madeira as the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F). The island is in full bloom during spring, and you can enjoy beautiful flowers and lush green landscapes. It’s an ideal time for hiking, exploring nature, and outdoor activities.
➡️ Summer (July to September): Madeira experiences warm and sunny weather during summer, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). It’s the peak tourist season, so the island can be crowded. However, the warm weather is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beaches. It’s also a great time for water sports and boat trips.
➡️ Autumn (October to November): Autumn in Madeira is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F). The island is less crowded during this time, making it a good option for travelers who prefer a quieter experience. Autumn is also the harvest season, so you can enjoy the local produce and festivals.
➡️ Winter (December to March): Madeira has a mild winter, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F). It’s the rainy season, and you can expect occasional showers. However, Madeira’s winter is still relatively warm compared to many other European destinations. It’s a great time for enjoying the local cuisine and poncha. Also, escaping cold AF Europe.
Conclusion: Things To Do In Madeira
Madeira really is one of the more beautiful islands in Europe, off the coast of Africa, and affordable as all hell for anyone – mostly because a lot of the things to do in Madeira is hiking and nature-loving, which is free!
I recommend spending a long weekend (4 days) to a week here at a minimum and just taking it easy, getting your steps in, and enjoying the nature bath! This is definitely a bucket-list island and one of my favorites in the world.
