When it comes to ‘Madeira attractions,’ you quickly think of the island’s stunning natural beauty. Many flora and fauna enthusiasts visit to hike and enjoy the unique outdoor life. An added bonus for many is that there is no mass tourism. So, take your time to enjoy this beautiful island!
Madeira attractions: 10 favorites
Whether you love nature, culture, or sports, the Portuguese island is the place to be. To give you a bit more insight into Madeira attractions, here is a list of 6 favorites. Be sure to visit these places to see the best of the island.
The natural pools of Porto Moniz
The breathtaking coastline is one of the most beautiful Madeira attractions. The village of Porto Moniz is known for its natural sea pools, formed by numerous lava rocks. The rocks act as a sort of reef along the coast. At high tide, the area floods and fills the pools. This makes it the local favorite spot to spend a day off.
> Open in summer from 09:00 – 19:00, in winter from 10:00 to 17:30 | Entrance €1.50 (children under 3 free)
Exploring the city life of Funchal
No list about Madeira attractions would be complete without the capital. There is plenty to see in the city. For example, take the cable car that brings you to the mountain Monte. From here, you have a fantastic view over the entire city. You can also visit the Sé do Funchal: a picturesque cathedral. Or go and see the palace of São Lourenço. Furthermore, there’s the Santa Catarina Park where you have a stunning view over Funchal Bay. A very nice place for a picnic!
Madeira Story Centre
The Madeira Story Centre is an interactive museum located in the heart of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the island’s history and culture.
Upon entry, visitors receive an audio guide that leads them through the museum. The audio guide is available in various languages and offers interesting facts and stories about the different exhibitions.
The museum has different sections, each highlighting a different aspect of Madeira’s history and culture. There is a section dedicated to the discovery of the island and the first settlements. There is also a section about the island’s flora and fauna, where visitors can learn about the plants and animals unique to Madeira.
Another section of the museum focuses on the island’s economy, with attention to wine production and the sugar industry. There is also a section about the traditions and customs of the people of Madeira, focusing on music, dance, and folklore.
The museum is interactive and offers visitors the opportunity to use various objects and devices to learn more about Madeira’s history and culture. For example, there are binoculars that allow visitors to view the city of Funchal as it looked in the past.
The Madeira Story Centre is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Madeira. It’s a fun and educational experience for both adults and children. If you’re traveling to Madeira, this museum is a must-see!
Cave tour at São Vincente
The caves of São Vincente are the island’s underground treasures and definitely belong in the top Madeira attractions. When the island was formed, the caves served as the channels through which lava was pushed outward. Led by an English-speaking guide, you can visit the caves. After a half-hour tour, you end up in the ‘Volcanic Centre,’ where you learn everything about the island’s volcanoes. Tip: it can be a bit cold in the caves, so bring a sweater just in case.
> Open daily from 10:00 – 19:00 (except Christmas) | Entrance €7 (children under 5 free)
Forte de São Tiago
Forte de São Tiago is a historic fort located on the coast of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The fort was built in the 17th century and served to protect the city from pirates and other attackers.
The fort has a distinctive red and white color and is built on a cliff above the ocean. It offers a beautiful view of the coast and the ocean and is a popular attraction among tourists.
The fort has several areas open to visitors. There is a museum with information about the history of the fort and the city of Funchal. There are also various rooms furnished with furniture from the time when the fort was still in use as a military base.
One of the highlights of the fort is the chapel, dedicated to the fort’s patron saint, São Tiago. The chapel has a beautiful altar and is decorated with frescoes.
The fort is surrounded by a wall and has a courtyard that once served as a training ground for soldiers. Now, the courtyard is a peaceful place where visitors can enjoy the view and the sun.
Forte de São Tiago is an important piece of Madeira’s history and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the island. The fort is easily accessible from the center of Funchal and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the ocean view.
Refreshing Risco waterfall and 25 fontes
Many consider the hike to the 25 springs one of the most beautiful Madeira attractions. You start from the village of Rabaçal and walk for an hour to the 100-meter-high Risco Waterfall. But the spectacular endpoint is the 25 fontes. This is a breathtaking spot where 25 streams cascade in a semicircle into a pond. The hike to get there is quite challenging with narrow paths and steep descents. If that seems daunting, there are shorter, easier routes available. Follow the signs to reach this wondrous natural phenomenon.
Jardim Botânico da Madeira
Also known as the Botanical Gardens of Madeira, this is a stunning attraction on the island. The gardens are renowned for their vast variety of plants and flowers and are a fantastic place to relax and enjoy nature.
The gardens are located in the hills above Funchal, covering an area of about 35,000 square meters. There are more than 2,500 plant species from all over the world. Some of these plants are rare and endangered.
There are different sections in the gardens, each with a different focus. For example, there is a section with native plants of Madeira, a section with tropical plants, and a section with cacti and succulents. There are also ponds, waterfalls, and an aviary where you can see various birds.
The paths through the gardens are well-laid and easily accessible, making the gardens accessible for those with limited mobility. There are benches and shaded areas to rest and enjoy the view.
Besides the plants, there is more to see in the gardens. There is a viewpoint offering panoramic views over Funchal and the surrounding area. There is also a museum with information about the plants and the history of the gardens.
Santana and its characteristic houses
North of the capital Funchal, you’ll find the village of Santana. It is known for the Palheiros. These are characteristic, triangular houses with thatched roofs that are a must-see among Madeira attractions. The houses are often painted with white walls, blue frames, and red shutters. Some are still inhabited, but several are open to the public. It’s well worth taking a look inside.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is a mountain peak on the island of Madeira. It is one of the highest peaks on the island and offers spectacular views. If you love hiking and mountains, then Pico do Arieiro is an absolute must-see.
To reach the summit, you need to follow a hiking trail that starts at the parking lot. The trail is well-maintained and has several viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the view. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the views become increasingly impressive.
Once at the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings. You can even see all the way to the coast and the ocean. It is truly breathtaking.
If you’re not a fan of hiking, you can also drive to the top. There is a road that leads all the way to the summit, and you can enjoy the views along the way.
Pico do Arieiro is a popular attraction on Madeira, so it can be busy, especially during peak season. However, it is worth braving the crowds to enjoy the views.
If you love nature and adventure, you should definitely visit Pico do Arieiro. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of a trip to Madeira.
Perfect place for mountain biking
The island is frequently visited by mountain bikers who ride through the rugged nature. Sounds appealing, right? If you haven’t brought a mountain bike, there’s the option of the Baja Bikes Madeira Bike Tour.
A professional guide will take you on a 5-hour tour, showing you even more Madeira attractions. The tour is suitable for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers. Discover the beautiful nature by mountain bike and experience the island in a spectacular way!
