The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Madeira. So if you are in Madeira, I recommend visiting the following:
- Levada do Alecrim, Calheta, Madeira
- Cabo Girao, Camara de Lobos, Madeira
- Pico do Arieiro, Camara de Lobos, Madeira
- Botanical Garden of Madeira, Funchal, Madeira
- Fort of Santiago, Funchal, Madeira
- Jardim Tropical Monte Palace, Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Catarina Park, Funchal, Madeira
- Cristo Rei, Garajau, Madeira
- Machico Beach, Machico, Madeira
- Natural Swimming Pools, Porto Moniz, Madeira
- Waterfall of the 25 Fountains, Rabacal, Madeira
- Levada do Caldeirao Verde, Santana, Madeira
- Jardines Palheiro, Sao Goncalo, Madeira
- Sao Vicente Caves, Sao Vicente, Madeira
- Pico Ruivo, Santana, Madeira
- Paul da Serra, Serra da Agua, Madeira
1. Levada do Alecrim, Calheta
The Levada do Alecrim is part of a set of routes starting from the Rabaçal area. The route is easily accessible and clearly signposted. Along the way there are often many endemic species such as the Leituga and the Serra orchid.
2. Cabo Girao, Camara de Lobos
It is located on the highest promontory in Europe, 580 m above sea level, with a magnificent view of the “fajãs” of Rancho and Cabo Girão and a magnificent panorama of the sea. Many tourists are attracted by the view, taking the spectacular ring road to an otherwise inaccessible small beach or visiting the characteristic terraces of the island. This is a privileged place for paragliding and parachuting.
3. Pico do Arieiro, Camara de Lobos
At 1,818 metres above sea level, it is the third highest peak in Madeira. The view is spectacular, with a sea of clouds over the beautiful rock formations. Unlike other routes, it is very easy to walk and can even be reached by car. It is one of the most visited places on the island thanks to its extraordinary views and the famous nature trails leading to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo.
4. Botanical Garden of Madeira, Funchal
It is a floral jewel located in the mountains of Funchal. It is only 3 km from the city centre and although it can be reached by car or bus, we recommend the cable car, which offers the visitor an extraordinary window into the flora of places like Madeira and Porto Santo. . in the world. Inside is an elegant white house with green shutters which houses a small museum.
5. Fort of Santiago, Funchal
It was built to protect the city from pirates and pirates, and stands out with its bright yellow colour. A must-see as it is very close to the liveliest area of the capital. It houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses Portuguese art and temporary exhibitions from the 1960s. And as if that weren’t enough, this historic building stretching over the harbour wave has a paved concrete beach in the middle of the Esplanade.
6. Jardim Tropical Monte Palace, Funchal
You will find lush and exotic vegetation that complements plants from all over the world. The garden also houses the Monte Palace Museum, which houses two permanent collections. Admission costs €10 per person (children under 15 free) and includes a Madeira wine tasting.
7. Santa Catarina Park, Funchal
From the bay to Ponta do Garajau, which offers a beautiful view of Funchal, the area of the park is approximately 36 000 square metres. Visitors can observe some aviaries. Highlights of this municipal park are the church of Santa Catalina and the lagoon, where an island has been created where the birds that live there can rest and nest.
8. Cristo Rei, Garajau
The statue of Christ the King of Garajau is located on a lookout point with a wonderful view. The monument was built in honour of the Heart of Jesus and consists of a statue of Christ with his arms outstretched towards the sea. There is a path near the monument which, according to the people, increases the good energy. Its main feature is the impressive cliffs of the beach where numerous sea birds can be observed.
9. Machico Beach, Machico
It is close to Funchal airport, and although it is made of cobblestones, it is a vast space that is a dizzying array of artificial sand. This beach has bars, restaurants, hotels, changing rooms, parking and all the tourist facilities of a large city. It also offers water and land sports such as volleyball, football, skiing and pedal boats.
10. Natural Swimming Pools, Porto Moniz
The natural pools of Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic lava where seawater flows naturally, creating a great place to swim without waves. Watching the powerful waves crash against the edges of Madeira’s natural pools is a wonderful sight as bathers relax, swim, share and sunbathe. Entrance fees to the natural pools of Porto Moniz are ridiculously cheap – less than two euros.
11. Waterfall of the 25 Fountains, Rabacal
This is a hiking route known for its famous canal that runs through a spectacular subtropical rainforest, better known as laurel forest. At the end of the trail there is a waterfall that some say has 25 springs, hence the name. When you decide to do a levada, you should be well prepared. Even the easiest ones, such as 25 Fontes, require good hiking boots, a torch and a hat.
12. Levada do Caldeirao Verde, Santana
It is the second most visited levada on Madeira Island and one of the most impressive. It is flat and not too hard. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of the interior of the island. It is also a way to explore the Laurissilva Forest with its particularly beautiful routes. It is a simple levada with small slopes. Walking through the tunnel can be a bit tricky, but it is not too difficult if you have good shoes, a torch and a mackintosh.
13. Jardines Palheiro, Sao Goncalo
This garden is the product of the Brandy family’s collection of plant species from around the world, creating a garden full of surprises. Most of the properties retain their late 18th century design, such as the ancient avenue of sycamores leading up to the mansion. Further on you will find a wilder area of woodland and vegetation known as Inferno where you can see giant New Zealand ferns.
14. Sao Vicente Caves, Sao Vicente
The caves of St. Vincent are one of the main attractions of Madeira. During the half-hour tour, we can see impressive geological formations, their charm is enhanced by lights and appropriate music, and small lakes with clear water. They are approximately 700 metres long and contain a dizzying array of underground galleries and nooks and crannies. We guarantee you won’t fall in love with volcanic stalactites, lava deposits, on a trip to the centre of the earth.
15. Pico Ruivo, Santana
As a comfortable cobblestone path turns the trail into a pleasant walk of about an hour, the climb is easy for everyone. Remember to wear warm clothing as the weather is changeable and it is sometimes normal to walk in a sea of clouds. There are several shelters along the way.
16. Paul da Serra, Serra da Agua
This is a beautiful tourist destination located west of the centre of the island, the flattest part of the whole of Madeira. It offers a fantastic view of the green mountains and valleys. It is the starting point of many paths and levadas connecting different parts of the island, such as Rabaçal, Risco, 25 Fontes, Ribeira do Alecrim, Lombo do Mouro and Bica da Cana through the laurel forest. You can also pick blueberries in autumn.
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