Madeira Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ponta do Sol featuring a coastal town and rocky coastline
Funchal which includes a coastal town, a sunset and mountains
Camara de Lobos which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Camara de Lobos featuring boating, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Funchal which includes landscape views, general coastal views and mist or fog

Visit this dream-like island, home to lush vegetation, charming towns, haunting volcanic rock formations and mist-covered mountains.

Madeira Island offers truly spectacular natural scenery and warm temperatures year-round. Follow walking trails that run parallel to man-made irrigation channels and take in views of clear blue waters and green cliffs. Spot brightly colored and sweetly scented flowers in the spring. Chill out on sandy beaches, participate in exhilarating watersports or delve into the island’s fascinating cultural heritage.

One of the best ways to take in Madeira’s idyllic natural scenery is to enjoy a levada walk. The levadas are a series of mini-canals developed by early settlers to distribute water around the island. Explore a network of more than 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) of trails to find waterfalls and lagoons, as well as valleys, mountain ranges and laurel forests.

Brave the glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão, one of the highest ocean cliffs in the world. Standing 1,902 feet (580 meters) above the water, you can spot Funchal and Câmara de Lobos from this dramatic location.

Visit the gorgeous village of Santana, known for its multicolored A-framed cottages, called palheiros. These charming thatched-roof residences are unique to the island and well worth a visit.

See the ornate geometric patterns decorating the roof of Funchal's cathedral, Sé. Constructed in the 16th century, this Moorish-influenced cathedral also features beautiful Baroque altars, gilded choir stalls and intricate tiling.

Don’t miss the views over Funchal from Jardim Botanico, a beautiful botanical garden. Walk along the well-labeled paths and admire collections of cacti and anthuriums. Look for the overlapping roots of an ancient heather tree, which is said to be more than 10 million years old.

Calheta Beach may be man-made, but its golden sands and clear waters are nonetheless scenic. Canoe, windsurf, swim or stop for some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants found along the beach. Be sure to sample the region’s unique white rum called aguardente.

Madeira Island is located about 350 miles (563.3 kilometers) from Morocco. Regular flights leave daily from Lisbon.

Where to stay in Madeira Island

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Old Town Funchal

If you're spending some time in Old Town Funchal, Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Funchal
Museum of Natural History featuring a city and street scenes

Sao Pedro

5/5(1 area review)

Sao Pedro is known for its colourful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Santa Clara Monastery while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
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São Roque

São Roque is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Funchal area, you might plan a trip to Madeira Congress Center or Monte Palace Gardens.

São Roque
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Santana

Visitors to Santana rave about its fantastic nightlife, breathtaking beach views and beautiful gardens. You might also want to make some time to see Madeira Theme Park or Santana Traditional Houses while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Santana
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Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Visitors to Imaculado Coracao de Maria like its gardens and seaside views, and Quinta Palmeira is a sight worth a stop.

Imaculado Coracao de Maria
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Estrela da Calheta

Estrela da Calheta might not have many top sights, but 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco and Paul do Mar Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Estrela da Calheta
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

5 out of 5
Avenida do Infante, 25, Funchal
The price is AU$671 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$671
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
 Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort

5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is AU$499 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
AU$499
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Calheta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Saccharum Resort
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
The price is AU$1,383 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$1,383
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua da Casa Branca, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing ...
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel
Pestana Casino Studios

Pestana Casino Studios

4 out of 5
Av. do Infante, nº9, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Estádio ...
Pestana Casino Studios
Dom Pedro Garajau

Dom Pedro Garajau

3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Dom Pedro Garajau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Madeira Island