Top locations in Madeira
🏙 Funchal - the capital of the island
This is where everyone starts. Here’s what you can see in 1–2 days if you have limited time.
Start with the Botanical Garden - a lovely place for a walk. Then take the cable car Botanical Garden Cable Car up to visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
After that, go down by the famous Madeira toboggan ride -a wicker sled with two drivers: 2 km downhill at up to 50 km/h, around €35 for two.
Back in the city centre:
- visit Mercado dos Lavradores (exotic fruits)
- explore the Old Town
- visit CR7 Museum (€5)
- relax in Santa Catarina Park and watch cruise ships at sunset
🌊 Boat trip
On the next day (choose based on weather), take a catamaran tour from Funchal marina to see dolphins and whales.
Price: around €30–35 for 3 hours.
Many companies operate several times a day.
🚌 Hop-on / hop-off buses
To explore around Funchal, try:
- City Sightseeing
- Yellow Bus
You can get on and off at any stop. Tickets are valid for 1 or more days.
🌳 Fanal Forest
Magical forest - foggy or sunny depending on the weather.
🌊 Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Natural lava pools — ocean swimming but safe and very scenic.
🏝 Seixal Beach
Black volcanic sand beach — one of the most beautiful on the island, with waterfalls nearby.
🏡 Santana Houses
Traditional triangular houses — a symbol of Madeira.
🌊 Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe (580 m) with a glass platform.
🌴 Câmara de Lobos
A picturesque fishing village where Winston Churchill loved to paint.
Also home to Pestana Churchill Bay — a hotel I really liked.
🚡 Cable cars:
- Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz
- Teleférico das Fajãs do Cabo Girão
- Cristo Rei Cable Car
- Santana Cable Car
For hiking lovers:
⛰ Pico do Arieiro (PR1 route)
1818 m — stunning sunrises and clouds beneath your feet
⛰ Pico Ruivo
1862 m — panoramic views
⛰ Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8 route)
Moderate trail on the eastern side
🌿 Levada das 25 Fontes
Levada walks — easy trails through lush jungle scenery
💡 Plan at least 5–7 days and rent a car 🚗
