tuktukrides.pt
25 Best Things to Do in Madeira
From wicker toboggans and glass skywalks to levada walks and poncha bars — the island’s highlights, picked by the local drivers who show them to visitors every day.
Madeira packs an astonishing amount into an island just 57 km long: subtropical gardens, sea cliffs over half a kilometre high, mountain peaks above the clouds, ancient laurel forest and a capital, Funchal, full of history and good food. This guide covers the best things to do in Madeira, how long each one takes and how to get there — with honest tips from people who drive these roads every day.
Top 10 things to do in Madeira at a glance
| # | Experience | Area | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slide down from Monte in a wicker toboggan | Monte, Funchal | 2–3 hours with Monte |
| 2 | Stand on the glass Skywalk at Cabo Girão | Câmara de Lobos | 45 minutes |
| 3 | Wander Funchal’s Old Town and its painted doors | Zona Velha, Funchal | Half a day |
| 4 | Walk a levada through the mountains | All over the island | 1 hour to a full day |
| 5 | Watch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and hike to Pico Ruivo | Central mountains | 6–7 hours return |
| 6 | Taste exotic fruit at Mercado dos Lavradores | Funchal centre | 1 hour |
| 7 | Explore the Madeira Botanical Garden | Bom Sucesso, Funchal | 1.5–2 hours |
| 8 | Visit the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos | Câmara de Lobos | 1.5–2 hours |
| 9 | Look down into the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) | Curral das Freiras | Half a day |
| 10 | See Cristo Rei at Ponta do Garajau | Garajau, Caniço | 45 minutes |
The 25 best things to do in Madeira
Filter by what you enjoy most, or scroll through the full list.
-
1. Slide down from Monte in a wicker toboggan
Madeira’s most famous ride began in the 1850s as a quick way for Monte residents to get down to Funchal. Today two carreiros in white clothes and straw hats steer a wicker basket sledge about 2 km down the steep streets towards Livramento, braking with their rubber-soled boots.
Arrive early: visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte (where the last Austrian emperor, Charles I, is buried) and the oriental gardens of Monte Palace before you ride.
- Time
- 2–3 hours with Monte
- Best for
- Everyone, first-timers
- Cost
- Paid per sledge, on site
-
2. Stand on the glass Skywalk at Cabo Girão
At 580 m, Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and its glass-floored platform lets you look straight down at the farm terraces and the ocean below. The view along the south coast to Funchal is spectacular on a clear day.
Entry to the Skywalk is free. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour-bus crowds, and bring a jacket — it is windy at the top.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Best for
- Views, photography
- Cost
- Free
-
3. Wander Funchal’s Old Town and its painted doors
The Zona Velha is Funchal’s oldest quarter and its liveliest at night. Walk Rua de Santa Maria, where dozens of doors have been turned into an open-air gallery by local artists, then continue to the yellow 17th-century Fortaleza de São Tiago and the little Corpo Santo chapel.
The street is lined with seafood restaurants — try espetada (beef skewers) or black scabbardfish with banana.
- Time
- Half a day
- Best for
- Culture, food, evenings
- Cost
- Free to explore
-
4. Walk a levada through the mountains
Levadas are irrigation channels dug into the hillsides since the 15th century to carry water from the rainy north to the farms of the south. More than 2,000 km of them survive, and the maintenance paths beside them are Madeira’s best walks.
Easy start: Levada dos Balcões (PR11) at Ribeiro Frio, about 1.5 km to a viewpoint. Classics: 25 Fontes & Risco (PR6) at Rabaçal and Caldeirão Verde (PR9) near Santana.
- Time
- 1 hour to a full day
- Best for
- Hikers, nature lovers
- Cost
- Trail fee on main PR routes
-
5. Watch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and hike to Pico Ruivo
Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) is the island’s third-highest summit and you can drive to the top — at sunrise you often stand above a sea of clouds. From there the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro follows a dramatic ridge with tunnels and stairways to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), Madeira’s highest point.
The trail is demanding: allow around 3 hours each way, carry warm layers and water, and check the official trail status before you go, as sections close after storms.
- Time
- 6–7 hours return
- Best for
- Fit hikers, sunrise
- Cost
- Trail fee on main PR routes
-
6. Taste exotic fruit at Mercado dos Lavradores
Funchal’s Art Deco farmers’ market opened in 1940 and is decorated with hand-painted azulejo tile panels. Upstairs you will find passion fruit varieties, custard apples (anona) and the banana-pineapple monstera; downstairs is the fish hall, where the eel-like black scabbardfish is laid out each morning.
Tip: ask the price per kilo before accepting a tasting. The market is busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings and closed on Sundays.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Best for
- Foodies, photographers
- Cost
- Free entry
-
7. Explore the Madeira Botanical Garden
Set on a hillside above Funchal, the Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1960 and grows thousands of plants from the island and around the world — from Madeira’s native laurel forest species to cacti, cycads and tropical fruit trees.
The famous geometric carpet beds frame one of the best views over Funchal bay. You can arrive from Monte by the Botanical Garden cable car, or be dropped at the gate.
- Time
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best for
- Couples, families
- Cost
- Paid entry
-
8. Visit the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos
A short drive west of Funchal, this working fishing village is all colourful boats, steep lanes and harbourside bars. Winston Churchill came here to paint the bay in 1950 — look for the plaque at his favourite spot.
For the best overview, stop at the Pico da Torre viewpoint above town, then head down for a poncha in one of the tiny bars by the harbour.
- Time
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best for
- Culture, photography
- Cost
- Free
-
9. Look down into the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras)
Hidden in a deep volcanic valley surrounded by mountains, Curral das Freiras got its name in 1566, when the nuns of Funchal’s Santa Clara convent fled here to escape a pirate raid. The Eira do Serrado viewpoint, high on the rim, is one of the most breathtaking on the island.
Down in the village, try chestnut liqueur and chestnut cake — the valley celebrates its harvest with a chestnut festival every autumn.
- Time
- Half a day
- Best for
- Views, mountain scenery
- Cost
- Free
-
10. See Cristo Rei at Ponta do Garajau
Madeira’s Christ the King statue stands on a headland east of Funchal with open arms towards the Atlantic. It was inaugurated in 1927 — a few years before the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro.
The headland looks over the protected waters of the Garajau marine reserve, and a small cable car runs down to Garajau beach below.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Best for
- Views, short stops
- Cost
- Free
-
11. Ride the Funchal cable car over the city
The Teleférico do Funchal lifts you from the Old Town seafront up to Monte in about 15 minutes, gliding over rooftops, gardens and banana plantations. It pairs perfectly with the toboggan ride down.
Queues build when cruise ships are in port — go first thing in the morning, or let a tuk tuk drive you up the hill instead.
- Time
- 15 minutes each way
- Best for
- Views, families
- Cost
- Paid ticket
-
12. Taste Madeira wine in a historic lodge
Madeira wine is fortified and then warmed as it ages, which makes it almost indestructible — opened bottles keep for months and the best vintages last for over a century. Learn the four classic grapes, from dry Sercial and Verdelho to rich Boal and Malmsey.
Pair a glass with bolo de mel, the dark, spiced honey cake made with sugarcane syrup.
- Time
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best for
- Wine lovers, rainy days
- Cost
- Paid tastings
-
13. Drink a real poncha
Madeira’s signature drink mixes aguardente de cana (sugarcane rum) with honey and fresh lemon, stirred with a wooden caralhinho. It started as a fishermen’s drink; now you will also find passion fruit, tangerine and other fruit versions.
It is stronger than it tastes — another good reason to let someone else do the driving.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Best for
- Evenings, groups
- Cost
- A few euros a glass
-
14. Hike Ponta de São Lourenço
Madeira’s eastern tip looks like another island entirely: bare, wind-sculpted ridges in red, ochre and black, with sea on both sides. The PR8 trail runs along the peninsula to a viewpoint at Pico do Furado.
There is almost no shade, so start early, bring sun cream and plenty of water.
- Time
- 2.5–3 hours return
- Best for
- Hikers, photographers
- Cost
- Trail fee on main PR routes
-
15. Walk among ancient trees in the Fanal forest
Madeira’s laurel forest, the Laurisilva, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. At Fanal, gnarled til trees that are centuries old stand on a grassy plateau where cows graze.
It is most magical when the fog rolls in — a photographer’s dream. Dress warmly; it is much cooler than the coast.
- Time
- 1–2 hours
- Best for
- Photographers, nature
- Cost
- Free
-
16. Swim in natural volcanic sea pools
With few sandy beaches, Madeirans swim in pools carved into the lava rock and refreshed by the Atlantic. The most famous are at Porto Moniz on the north-west tip, where waves crash over the outer rocks.
Closer to Funchal, the seafront lidos and rock pools such as Doca do Cavacas offer the same experience with mountain views.
- Time
- 2 hours to a day
- Best for
- Families, summer
- Cost
- Free or small fee
-
17. Catch the sunset from a viewpoint
Madeira’s south coast faces the evening sun. Favourite spots include Pico dos Barcelos, with the whole of Funchal below, Cabo Girão and the coast around Ponta do Sol.
Arrive 30 minutes early for the golden light and stay for the city lights coming on.
- Time
- 1–2 hours
- Best for
- Couples, photographers
- Cost
- Free
-
18. Go whale and dolphin watching
Madeira’s deep waters start just off the coast, so whales and dolphins are seen all year. Common sightings include bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins and short-finned pilot whales, with larger whales passing in season.
Boats leave daily from Funchal marina; choose an operator that follows responsible-watching guidelines.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Best for
- Families, wildlife
- Cost
- Paid boat trip
-
19. See a traditional A-frame house
The triangular, thatched casas de colmo of Santana on the north coast are a symbol of rural Madeira, painted white with red doors and blue trim. Farmers once lived in them beside their fields.
Our A-Shaped House tour combines one of these houses with a waterfall and viewpoints in a single relaxed ride.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Best for
- Photos, culture
- Cost
- Free
-
20. Relax on Seixal’s black sand beach
Seixal is the north coast’s most photogenic beach: black volcanic sand, turquoise water and vertical green cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Nearby are natural pools and the village’s vineyards.
The north is wilder than the south — always check the sea conditions before swimming.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Best for
- Beach day, photos
- Cost
- Free
-
21. Take the cliff lift down to Fajã dos Padres
A panoramic lift drops down the cliff face to this green strip of land by the sea, where fruit orchards and old Malvasia vines grow. It is a peaceful spot for lunch at the seaside restaurant and a swim off the pier.
- Time
- Half a day
- Best for
- Couples, slow travel
- Cost
- Paid lift
-
22. Snorkel or dive in the Garajau marine reserve
Protected since 1986, the Garajau reserve has some of the clearest water in Madeira. Divers and snorkellers regularly meet large dusky groupers, rays and shoals of fish close to shore.
Dive centres in Caniço de Baixo run trips for beginners and certified divers.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Best for
- Divers, snorkellers
- Cost
- Paid dives
-
23. Visit the CR7 Museum
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal in 1985, and the island is proud of it — even the airport carries his name. The CR7 Museum on the seafront displays his trophies and awards, and his bronze statue outside is one of the most photographed spots in town.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Best for
- Football fans
- Cost
- Paid entry
-
24. Walk the seafront promenade to Praia Formosa
Praia Formosa is Funchal’s largest public beach, a long stretch of dark sand and pebbles with cafés and showers. A flat seafront promenade links it with the Lido area — ideal for an easy walk or a sunset run.
- Time
- 1–3 hours
- Best for
- Easy walks, swimming
- Cost
- Free
-
25. Time your trip with a festival
Funchal throws a party almost every season: the Flower Festival in spring, the Atlantic Festival fireworks in June, the Madeira Wine Festival around the grape harvest and, above all, the Christmas lights from early December.
The year ends with the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the bay — once recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world.
- Time
- An evening or more
- Best for
- Everyone
- Cost
- Free
Madeira itineraries: how to plan your days
One day (cruise stop)
- MorningOld Town & Mercado dos Lavradores, before the crowds
- Late morningUp to Monte, then the wicker toboggan down
- LunchFresh fish or espetada in the Zona Velha
- AfternoonCabo Girão Skywalk and a poncha in Câmara de Lobos
Three days
- Day 1Funchal: Old Town, market, Monte toboggan, Botanical Garden
- Day 2East: Pico do Arieiro sunrise, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço
- Day 3West: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Fanal, Porto Moniz pools, Seixal
Five days or more
- AddNuns Valley and the Eira do Serrado viewpoint
- AddA full levada hike: 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde
- AddWhale watching and snorkelling at Garajau
- AddA day trip to the golden beach of Porto Santo by ferry
Practical tips for visiting Madeira
Best time to visit
Madeira is a year-round destination. Spring brings the Flower Festival, summer is warmest for swimming, and winter days in Funchal are usually mild — around 19–20 °C.
Microclimates
The south coast is sunnier and drier than the north and the mountains. If it is cloudy in Funchal, it may be clear elsewhere — check the mountain webcams before driving up.
Getting around
Roads are steep and winding, and parking in Funchal is tight. Buses cover the main towns; for sightseeing without the stress, a private tuk tuk or guided tour is the easiest option.
Hiking safely
Check the official trail status before every hike, as routes close after storms. The main PR trails charge visitors a small fee, payable online. Start early and carry layers.
Cruise passengers
The cruise terminal is within walking distance of central Funchal. We pick up at the port and plan every tour to get you back on board well before all-aboard time.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes with good grip for steep streets, a light rain jacket, a warm layer for the mountains, sun cream and swimwear.
See Madeira by tuk tuk
Private tours with a local driver, free pickup in Funchal and at the cruise port, and stops wherever you want a photo.
Madeira travel FAQ
What are the top things to do in Madeira?
The most popular things to do in Madeira are the Monte toboggan ride, the Cabo Girão Skywalk, exploring Funchal Old Town and the farmers’ market, walking a levada, watching sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, visiting Câmara de Lobos and the Nuns Valley, and tasting Madeira wine and poncha.
How many days do you need in Madeira?
Three days is enough to see Funchal and the highlights of the east and west of the island. With five to seven days you can add longer levada hikes, whale watching and a day trip to Porto Santo. Cruise passengers with one day can still see Funchal, Monte and Cabo Girão on a half-day tour.
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
Madeira has a mild climate all year. April and May are ideal for flowers and hiking, June to September are warmest for swimming, and December is famous for the Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
What can I do in Madeira with only one day from a cruise ship?
Visit Funchal Old Town and the Mercado dos Lavradores, go up to Monte for the wicker toboggan ride, then see the Cabo Girão Skywalk and Câmara de Lobos. A private tuk tuk tour with pickup at the cruise port is the easiest way to fit it all in.
Is the Cabo Girão Skywalk free?
Yes. Access to the glass Skywalk platform at Cabo Girão is free. It is about 20 minutes by road from Funchal.
Can you visit Madeira without a car?
Yes. Funchal is walkable, buses connect the main towns, and private tours with hotel or cruise port pickup reach viewpoints such as Monte, Cabo Girão and Cristo Rei without the stress of driving and parking on steep roads.
Is the Monte toboggan ride safe?
Yes. Each wicker sledge is steered and braked by two experienced carreiros, and the ride follows a fixed route on public roads. It is suitable for most ages; small children ride on an adult’s lap.
More from our Madeira travel blog
Ready to explore Madeira?
Tell us what you want to see and we will plan the route. Free pickup, private tuk tuk, local driver.