Madeira is also called the Hawaii of Europe. Looking at its massive mountains, diverse nature and clear sea, one has to agree with this statement. Madeira really looks like Hawaii, but it is closer and also cheaper. But beware, this is not an island for people who like to vacation on the beach. On the contrary, Madeira is for active tourists. If you want to go hiking above the clouds or discover waterfalls in the jungle, then Madeira is just for you! This is a list of the top 10 things to do and experience in Madeira.
Transportation
Madeira is a very small island. It has a diameter of only 40 km, so even if you wanted to get from one side of the island to the other, it would not take more than 1.5 hours. However, there is no need to rely too much on public transport, as it works very limited here. The best thing you can do is rent a car. You can get them here at really favorable prices compared to other European destinations, and you can arrange the rental directly at the airport.
However, the roads here are definitely not for inexperienced drivers. On the contrary, it can represent a big challenge. Narrow roads and steep hills are simply the domain of Madeira. It even happened to us there that a stranger’s car ran over us. Fortunately, we had insurance, so we didn’t have to pay unnecessary fees. Definitely don’t try to save a few € on insurance. Even an experienced driver can have a problem driving in Madeira.
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Madeira is really not a problem. There are a number of hotels and Airbnb apartments/houses available for rent in various price ranges. You have the biggest choice in the capital city of Funchal, where we also stayed. But if you have a rented car, it is not a problem to find nice holiday homes in all parts of the island.
15 things you must experience on Madeira
1. Walk above the clouds-Pico do Arieiro
If I had to say the absolute best thing you can do in Madeira, it would be a walk above the clouds on Pico do Arieiro. Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak of Madeira with a height of 1818 meters above sea level. You can easily go here by car and enjoy the beautiful view without the need for hiking. But if you want proper and challenging hiking, I have the best tip for you. From Pico de Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is an absolutely wonderful hike.
But it is only for really good and experienced tourists, as you will have an elevation gain of about 1 km and a total length of 6 km in one direction. Don’t forget good hiking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and lots and lots of water in your backpack. You are above the clouds and the sun can be dangerous here. Otherwise, this hike is a real highlight of Madeira and really worth experiencing.
2. Admire the tropical garden of Monte Palace
The tropical garden of Monte Palaca is located on the top of Mount Monte. It is a true highlight of Madeira that you really have to see. I have visited many gardens in my life, but this was the most beautiful. Here you will find a lot of non-traditional flora, typical only for tropical environments. But what really makes the garden interesting are its Asian-style sculptures. The designers here combined the first elements of Japanese, Chinese and Buddhist and ancient Greek culture and thus created a perfect garden. I really strongly recommend a visit to Monte Palace.
3. Swim at Seixal Beach
Although I already said earlier that Madeira is not exactly an ideal place for swimming and rather for tourism, you can visit the beach even here. The most beautiful one is called Seixal Beach. It is located in the Seixal region, which is on the northwestern part of the island. Unlike other Madeiran beaches, here the beach is sandy. But what is even more interesting is that this sand is completely black. Overall, this beach makes you feel like you’re vacationing right in Hawaii. So if you are also thinking about a trip to the sea, this is definitely the best beach you can visit.
4. Cape Girão
Cape Girão is known as the second-largest sea cliff in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located up to 580 meters above sea level and provides tourists with truly beautiful views. You can go up by car and a small entrance fee is paid on site. (2 euros/person). However, visiting this cliff is really worth it and it is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Madeira that you can visit and experience.
5. Verada da Ponta de São Lourenço
Another beautiful hike that you can use to diversify your stay in Madeira is Vera da Ponta de São Lourenço. It is located on the very eastern tip of the island. This place is completely different from everything else in Madeira. There are no forests or trees here, on the contrary, you will find yourself in a parched desert.
The scenery looks more like something from the movie Mad Max. But don’t worry, the desert isn’t the only thing this place has to offer. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of the rocky cliffs above the sea. Moreover, this hike is only moderately difficult. You don’t have to be a trained athlete to conquer this route. It is approximately 5 km there and 5 km back on the same route. I really recommend this hike.
6. Levada des Fondes 25
Levada 25 Fontes is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations you can experience in Madeira. Along the way, you will be accompanied by smaller and larger waterfalls. The whole forest seems like such a mysterious jungle. This hike is not difficult at all, on the contrary. The entire circuit takes approximately 3 hours and is approximately 6 km. If you like hiking, you should definitely try the Levada des 25 Fondes.
7. Dolphin and whale watching
Seeing dolphins with your own eyes is an experience of a lifetime. If you ask anyone what they want to experience before they die, everyone will say they want to see dolphins. Ma Madeira you can make this dream come true! Here you will find many dolphin and whale-watching tours at very reasonable prices.
However, beware, there is also a catch. If you want to see dolphins, no problem. There are many dolphins living in the North Atlantic Ocean and in 95% of cases, tourists will actually see them. However, if you have already seen dolphins and your priority is whales, then this is less of a problem. No travel card can guarantee that you will see them. They are much rarer than dolphins and all tour companies only offer “dolphins&whale watching”, which in practice means that if you see dolphins once, you can forget about the whale and the ship goes back to the port.
Unfortunately, that was also my case. I was looking forward to whales, but I only saw dolphins. Of course, it was also a great experience, but if you have a dream to see whales, then these trips do not really guarantee it. But my opinion is that it is still worth trying and one day I will see a whale.
8. Visit the historic center of Funchal
The capital, Funchal, is a vibrant center of history and culture. Take a stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, where you can discover quaint shops, traditional Madeiran restaurants and historic buildings such as the Funchal Cathedral and the Forte de São Tiago.
Photos from Funchal are from: Get Your Guide
9. Taste the culinary specialties of Madeira
Indulge in the unique cuisine of Madeira, which is influenced by Portuguese, African and Latin American flavors. Don’t miss tasting traditional dishes such as Espetada (grilled meat skewers) and the famous black bramble served with banana. this island has a really specific cuisine and good wines. You can find great restaurants all over the island, but mainly in the capital, Funchal, the gastronomic offer is really wide.
10. Traditional Madeira houses in Santana
Would you like to see how life was in Madeira in the past? Then you have to go to the village of Santana. Here you will find several smaller and very nice traditional Madeiran houses. In Santana, it’s actually a small open-air museum with free entry. But if you’re lucky, you might see these houses in other places on the island.
11. Drive your car over a waterfall on the road- Madeira ‘s hidden gem
You have probably never seen such a waterfall! Madeira people call it the free car cleaner. because here you are driving through a real waterfall directly over it. The Cascata dos Anjos waterfall falls on the road and for tourists, this is simply a great experience. But you have to be prepared for the fact that cars can stand in a row at the waterfall, and tourists can also run over it and, so to speak, shower in it. This waterfall is completely typical of Madeira and if you are going to visit this island, this is a place you should not miss.
12. Admire Botanical Garden in Funchal
All of Madeira is one big botanical garden. But do you want to see a really professionally arranged botanical garden with tropical flowers and a beautiful view of Funchal and the sea? Then visit the Madeira Botanical Garden on Mount Monte. The great thing is that you can even take the cable car up here and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
13. Walk Verada dos Balcões
Verada dos Balcões is another beautiful scenic route on the island of Madeira. It can’t even be called a hike, more like a walk. You can get there from the parking lot in about 30 minutes – 1.5 km, and return by the same route. it’s a great option if you’ve had enough of hiking from the previous days and want something simpler. However, it is not worth going there if the weather is bad. Since it’s above the clouds, it can be completely foggy and you won’t get anything from the observation deck. Unfortunately, that happened to me too. In the end, instead of a beautiful cliff, I saw an opaque fog. So maybe next time..
The left picture shows how was the wether during my hike. The right picture is taken from: Madeira best blog
14. Christian Ronald Museum – CR7
The capital city has a lot to offer. For football fans, it is definitely an experience to visit the Christian Ronaldo Museum. The most famous football player in the world was born on this island. Madeirans are rightly proud of him and that is why there are many places named after him. There is, for example, the Christian Ronaldo airport, a statue of Christian Ronaldo and also his museum, where you can find, among other things, a collection of his personal trophies.
If you enjoy visiting different museums, then check out this list of The 15 Best museums in Europe!
15. Gliding on Mount Monte- The most favorite attraction in Madeira among tourists
A truly unconventional Madeiran attraction. On Mount Monte, you can slide along the path in wooden baskets with two helpers. Weird, right? But in Madeira, in the past, they were already thinking about how they could bring rich people down the hill quickly and safely and invented such a historic toboggan. Apparently, it has taken off quite a bit, as today there are crowds of people waiting to ride such sledges on Monte.
