What to do
Book unforgettable Madeira experiences with access to more than 200 tours and activities. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, giving you total flexibility. And if plans change, Get Your Guide offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages.
World-Class, Ethical Marine Encounter
If swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat is on your must-do list, Madeira offers one of the world's most responsible and rewarding experiences. The island’s deep, crystal-clear waters are a year-round home to over 25 cetacean species, giving you an incredible 98% chance of spotting dolphins or whales in the wild.
Crucially, Madeira was designated a World Cetacean Alliance Whale Heritage Area in 2023. This means that guided tours operate with an unwavering focus on responsible ecotourism and animal welfare. Tours are led by marine biologists or expert naturalists who use land-based spotters to locate the animals, ensuring minimal disturbance.
Thrills & UNESCO Beauty: Canyoning in Madeira
Madeira has cemented its reputation as Europe’s premier destination for Canyoning holidays—an unforgettable way to experience the island’s pristine, dramatic interior, particularly the beautiful green valleys of the North Coast. This isn't just a sport; it's an immersive journey into the heart of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
​
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive high into the mountains. Once there, you'll gear up in a professional wetsuit, helmet, and harness, ready to climb, jump, and abseil down spectacular forest gorges and natural waterfalls. This high-adrenaline activity perfectly taps into the sustainable tourism and active holiday trends, offering thrilling challenges in a safe and incredibly beautiful setting.
Explore Madeira Your Way: Guided & Independent Tours
Whether you prefer the convenience of a driver-guided tour or the freedom of exploring at your own pace, Madeira offers a fantastic array of options to discover its diverse landscapes. The island’s stunning beauty—from the dramatic coastal cliffs to the central mountain peaks and the lush Levada trails—is easily accessible.
• Guided Tours: You can choose from comfortable mini-bus excursions visiting famous spots like Pico do Arieiro and the charming villages of the west coast, adventurous 4x4 jeep safaris exploring off-road trails, or specialized half-day trips to cultural landmarks like the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras). Guided tours are often conducted in multiple languages, including English, German, and Portuguese, ensuring a rich, informative experience.
• Independent Options: For those who prefer autonomy, renting a car is a popular and affordable option, allowing you to stop where and when you wish. The island is also well-served by an extensive network of accessible roads and viewpoints (miradouros) for self-guided exploration.
Madeira: A World-Class Mountain Biking Paradise
Madeira has exploded onto the global scene as a world-class bike destination, drawing increasing numbers of riders each year with its incredible variety and volume of trails. The island's steep, volcanic landscape and year-round mild climate create the perfect playground for every style of mountain biking, from relaxed XC to full-on Enduro.
The seemingly endless network of trails offers something for everyone:
• XC & Flow: Enjoy scenic Cross-Country trails that expertly mix riding alongside Madeira’s famous Levadas with breathtaking, flowy singletrack along the spectacular coastline.
• Enduro & Downhill (DH): For adrenaline seekers, you will find thrilling, technical descents with natural rock gardens, deep loam, and professional tracks used for international events.
• Unique Terrain: Explore technical zig-zagging footpaths that hug the North Coast cliffs and fast, woodland descents crisscrossing the lush Laurissilva Forest.
Local shuttle services and expert guides (like Freeride Madeira and Radwall) make it easy to maximize your ride time, ensuring you get maximum descent and minimal climbing.
Year-Round Whale & Dolphin Watching: A Responsible Encounter
Madeira's prime location in the North Atlantic and its year-round temperate waters make it one of the world's most reliable and ethical destinations for cetacean observation. The deep, warm waters off the coast are home to an incredible 26+ species of whales and dolphins, ensuring a high-probability sighting experience regardless of the season.
Tours operate with an unwavering commitment to responsible ecotourism (Madeira is a World Cetacean Alliance Whale Heritage Area). Tours use land-based spotters to guide vessels, minimizing disturbance and ensuring your encounter is respectful and safe for the marine life.
What you can expect to see:
• Year-Round Residents: The majestic Sperm Whale (the largest toothed whale), Short-Finned Pilot Whales, and highly sociable Bottlenose Dolphins are regularly sighted throughout the entire year.
• Seasonal Visitors: Depending on the month, you may also encounter Bryde’s Whales, Fin Whales, and playful pods of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (especially common in summer).
The abundance and variety mean an unforgettable wildlife encounter is virtually guaranteed on your trip.
World-Class Diving in Protected Atlantic Waters
Madeira is consistently ranked as a top-tier European scuba diving destination, offering year-round crystal-clear waters and an astonishing variety of marine life. The island's commitment to conservation is centered on its Garajau Partial Nature Reserve—a protected marine park renowned globally for its thriving ecosystem and the tame, giant Dusky Groupers (Epinephelus guaza) that frequently interact with divers.
The diverse dive sites cater to all levels:
• Marine Reserves: Explore the protected reefs of Garajau and Cabo Girão, which are a haven for barracudas, rays, moray eels, and huge shoals of fish. Keep an eye out for the elusive Mediterranean Monk Seal (one of the rarest seals in the world), a special highlight.
• Wreck Diving: For certified divers, the island offers thrilling artificial reefs, most notably the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira Wreck (F488), which was purposefully sunk in 2018 to create a new, vibrant ecosystem accessible near Cabo Girão.
With excellent visibility (often up to 40m) and comfortable water temperatures (18°C-25°C), diving in Madeira is an unforgettable experience for both beginners and advanced adventurers.
The Levada Walks: Hiking through a UNESCO Heritage Site
The renowned Levada Walks are Madeira's signature outdoor experience, offering over 2,500 km of unique hiking trails. These paths follow the centuries-old irrigation channels (levadas) originally constructed to distribute water across the island's steep terrain for agricultural and industrial use.
Today, these maintenance paths are celebrated as the primary gateway for tourists and locals to access Madeira's breathtaking interior, which is largely inaccessible by car. The trails wind through dramatic cliff faces, offer stunning coastal views, and lead you into the heart of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you seek an easy, flat stroll like the Levada do Risco (1.5 km, easy) or a more challenging, immersive journey like the Levada dos Cedros (7.2 km), these classified pedestrian routes provide an unparalleled connection to the island’s rich natural and historical heritage.
Stand-Up Paddle (SUP): Glide Along the Volcanic Coast
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most serene and rewarding ways to experience Madeira's spectacular coastline. With crystal-clear, calm waters in protected areas, the island offers ideal conditions for this trendy activity, regardless of your fitness level.
You can hire a board for a casual paddle or take a guided tour with a certified instructor to explore unique coastal features, including hidden sea caves and bays inaccessible by larger vessels. Tours often launch near iconic locations such as Cabo Girão and the protected marine park of Garajau, offering breathtaking, sea-level views of the green, volcanic cliffs.
Whether you want to try something new, enjoy a full-body workout while soaking up the scenery, or simply "walk on water" at your own pace, SUP provides a peaceful, yet active, way to connect with the Atlantic.
Big Game Fishing: Hooking a Grand Slam in World-Record Waters
Madeira is internationally recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for Big Game and Deep Sea Fishing. What sets the island apart is its unique volcanic geology: the ocean floor plunges rapidly just minutes from the marina, bringing migratory, record-sized pelagic fish incredibly close to the shore.
This privileged position has led to Madeira winning the prestigious Blue Marlin World Cup multiple times and establishing a global reputation for its incredible catches.
Targeting Giants Year-Round
• Atlantic Blue Marlin (May–October): Madeira is a true Blue Marlin haven. The average catch weighs between 600 and 700 lbs, and local captains frequently report "Granders"—fish exceeding the colossal 1,000-pound mark. Prepare for a world-class battle!
• World-Class Tuna (Year-Round): When the Marlin season tapers off, the action shifts to the massive Tuna species. Bigeye Tuna are dominant from March to June, while Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna provide thrilling year-end fights, ensuring all-season sport fishing.
Whether you are a seasoned angler looking for a record-breaking catch-and-release experience or seeking the thrill of landing species like Wahoo, Dorado, or White Marlin, Madeira offers professional charters and top-tier equipment just a short distance from the stunning coast.
Horse Riding: A Gentle Journey through Nature
For a serene and unique perspective of the island’s interior, discover the extensive Horse Riding trail rides available across Madeira's hills, valleys, and forests. This accessible activity is ideal for riders of all experience levels—from first-time beginners to experienced equestrians.
Guided tours typically lead you through the stunning countryside, offering riders exceptional views of the unique and fascinating flora and fauna of the central highlands, often following the winding paths beside the famous Levadas and into the ancient Laurissilva Forest. It's a peaceful, close-up encounter with Madeira's lush green heart.
Paragliding: Soar Above the Atlantic's 'Floating Garden
To truly appreciate Madeira’s stunning contrasts—where lush mountains meet the deep blue Atlantic—there is no better way than Paragliding. Soaring high above the coastline offers an unforgettable bird's-eye view, providing a perspective you simply cannot get from the ground.
Tandem paragliding, guided by certified professionals, makes this breathtaking experience accessible to everyone. You’ll launch from high cliffs, joining the local buzzards and falcons as you glide effortlessly on the warm thermal currents. From your vantage point, you can spot the dramatic Laurissilva Forest, the winding Levada trails, and even catch glimpses of whales and dolphins migrating below in the clear ocean.
This high-thrill, low-impact activity is available almost all year, thanks to the island's consistently favorable weather and winds, making it a spectacular addition to any active holiday.
Dive with Sharks & Rays at Madeira Aquarium (Porto Moniz)
For an unforgettable close encounter with the ocean's most majestic species, try the Madeira Aquarium Dive Experience in Porto Moniz. This unique activity allows you to dive into the main tank—home to black-tip sharks, rays, and moray eels—all in a safe, controlled environment.
Crucially, no prior diving experience or certification is required, as professional instructors guide you through the entire 2.5 to 3-hour experience. Before the main event, you'll receive a detailed briefing and often a warm-up session in a natural pool. The tour is conducted in small groups, ensuring personalized attention, and you will receive a certificate and photos to commemorate your adventure swimming alongside these incredible creatures.
Gastronomy: From Rustic Tradition to Michelin-Starred Innovation
Madeira’s dining scene offers a world-class culinary journey, seamlessly blending authentic traditional Portuguese flavors with modern international innovation. The island is now home to three superb Michelin-starred restaurants—all located in Funchal—making it a prime destination for food lovers.
Fine Dining & Gourmet:
• Three Michelin Stars: Madeira proudly boasts three highly-rated Michelin-starred establishments (Il Gallo d’Oro (2 stars), William, and Desarma, all with spectacular views). These spots celebrate local produce with haute cuisine techniques, often featuring incredible tasting menus that cater to celebratory and luxury travelers.
Traditional & Authentic:
• To experience the heart of Madeiran cuisine, divert off the main tourist areas to find authentic espetada (meat skewer) restaurants like the well-known Abrigo do Pastor. Seek out fresh Atlantic seafood, including the traditional Espada (Black Scabbard Fish) or delicious grilled lapinhas (limpets), often enjoyed in charming, family-run tabernas and fish markets (peixarias).
International & Contemporary:
• Funchal’s cosmopolitan scene offers high-quality international cuisine, from contemporary Asian fusion (Kyoto na Ilha), to classic Italian (Il Basilico), and various options for global tastes, ensuring every palate is satisfied.
Catch the Passion: Funchal Football Match Day
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Portuguese football match by watching one of Funchal's historic rivals: C.S. Marítimo or C.D. Nacional. Both clubs play in Funchal and represent the fierce sporting passion of the island.
Watching a match is more than just a game; it's a deep cultural immersion. The intimate, scenic stadiums—like Estádio do Marítimo (Estádio dos Barreiros)—offer a truly unique experience with views that stretch from the pitch over the city and the Atlantic Ocean. When the local team scores, prepare for the deafening roar of the fans, the drums, and the famous commentators' drawn-out "GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!"
Tickets are incredibly accessible and affordable (often ranging from €5–€15), making this an easy and high-value outing. You can typically purchase them directly from the club shop downtown or at the stadium ticket offices on match day.
Baltazar Dias Theatre: Neoclassical Beauty in the Heart of Funchal
The Baltazar Dias Theatre is a magnificent cultural landmark and a cornerstone of Funchal's vibrant artistic life. Located right on the central Avenida Arriaga, this stunning Neoclassical theatre—inspired by Milan's La Scala—is instantly accessible and impossible to miss.
It stands as a tribute to the island's 16th-century blind playwright, Baltazar Dias, whose works were performed across Europe and Brazil. Inside, the theatre is a work of art, featuring romantic-era painted ceilings, a distinctive horseshoe-shaped stall area, and gilded carved wood boxes decorated with Greek theatre masks. The entire building is a masterpiece of balance and elegance dating back to 1888.
Visitors can experience the theatre in two ways:
1. Attend a Performance: It hosts an eclectic program of events, including classical music (often featuring the Orquestra Clássica da Madeira), theatre, and festivals.
2. Take a Guided Tour: Behind-the-scenes tours are often available, allowing you to explore the stunning architecture, the beautiful foyer, and learn about its history and secrets.
World-Class Entertainment: Casino da Madeira & Dinner Shows
Located in a building designed by the legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer (part of the Pestana Casino Park complex), the Casino da Madeira is Funchal’s most vibrant center for adult entertainment, combining sophisticated gaming with world-class shows and nightlife.
Gaming & Excitement
The elegant gaming room offers a considerable number of modern slot machines as well as classic live table games, including Blackjack and American Roulette.
• Hours: Slot machines and live table games are generally available from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM (Sunday to Thursday) and 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM (Friday, Saturday, and holiday eves).
Dinner Shows & Nightlife
For a truly memorable evening, book a seat at the Bahia Restaurant for a glamorous dinner show (such as the new "The Peacock" spectacle), which typically includes a three-course meal and international performances. Afterwards, you can experience the high-energy nightlife at the adjacent Copacabana Nightclub—a legendary venue in the Madeiran night scene.
Premier Shopping & Cinema Experiences in Funchal
Funchal offers a choice of modern, full-service shopping centers where you can easily shop till you drop and catch a movie, all within a short distance of the city center. Each complex is equipped with a large supermarket, a multi-screen cinema, extensive food hall options, numerous modern shops, ample car parking facilities, and free Wi-Fi. All are well-served by public transport.
Whether you are seeking the convenience of the central Plaza Madeira, the sea-view dining and entertainment at the largest Madeira Shopping, or the open-air design of Forum Madeira, Funchal has the perfect complex for your retail and leisure needs.
Discover Funchal: The Ultimate Hop-On/Hop-Off City Tour
Experience the charm and magnificent views of Funchal at your own pace aboard our open-top tour bus. This hop-on/hop-off service is the perfect way to explore the city's key attractions with total flexibility, allowing you to create your perfect day of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation.
Your Tour Highlights Include:
• Pico dos Barcelos: Hop off at this stunning observation point, standing at 355 meters above the city, for a magnificent, panoramic view across Funchal and the surrounding coast. It’s the perfect photo opportunity.
• Madeira Wine Lodge: Take a break to sample some of the island’s famous unique regional wines, an essential cultural experience.
• Unrivaled Flexibility: Hop off to visit any attraction or take a break for lunch, and simply hop back on when you’re ready to continue your journey.
To ensure an informative and engaging trip, audio commentary is provided in 14 languages, including English, Portuguese, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Chinese, and Polish.
Guided Island Tours: Choose Your Adventure Vehicle
​Explore Madeira's dramatic contrasts with a vast array of guided tours. Leave the driving to expert local guides and choose your perfect ride for navigating coastal roads, mountain peaks, and hidden valleys. A specialized tour unlocks every corner of the island.
Adrenaline & Off-Road
For the most rugged experience off the beaten track:
• 4x4 Jeep Safaris: Explore the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest and Paúl da Serra plateau on thrilling off-road trails. (Appeals to 🇩🇪)
• Buggy Tours: Drive your own open-air buggy on adventurous mountain circuits for high-energy fun. (Appeals to 🇬🇧)
Unique & Stylish Journeys
For a personalized, memorable day out:
• Sidecar Motorbike Tours: Private chauffeur guides you through coastal cliffs and charming villages—perfect for couples and photos. (Appeals to 🇵🇹/🇬🇧)
• Classic Car Tours: Cruise the island in elegance (vintage Rolls-Royce to VW Beetles) for a luxury or nostalgic sightseeing experience. (Appeals to 🇵🇹)
• Tuk Tuk Tours: A fun way to explore Funchal's historical center and narrow streets. (General Appeal)
Sail the South Coast: The Santa Maria Pirate Ship
Board the Santa Maria de Colombo, a magnificent, faithful replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship, for a unique 3-hour journey back in time.
Departing from Funchal Marina, this sailing adventure offers stunning views of the southern coast, often sailing past the towering Cabo Girão. Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or turtles frequently spotted in these clear waters. The crew, sometimes dressed as friendly pirates, enhances the historical experience.
Your adventure includes a tasting of traditional Madeira Wine and honey cake. In summer, the ship typically anchors for a swimming and snorkeling break.
Porto Santo:
The Golden Island Escape
Porto Santo, Madeira's sister island, is often described as "one long beach with an island attached." This unique destination is famous for its nearly nine kilometres of therapeutic, soft golden sands, often cited for their medicinal qualities.
The island offers a genuine escape, featuring just a handful of hotels and restaurants, making it one of the last ‘undiscovered’ resorts in Europe. You can easily visit for the day via the fast ferry from Funchal to enjoy sunbathing, diving, and various water sports, or stay longer to fully relax on the unspoiled coastline.
​Rent Your Freedom: Mopeds, Sports Cars & Jet Skis
In Funchal, you can hire almost anything for independent exploration, offering maximum freedom and fun. Numerous providers cater to every desire:
• Land Adventures: Rent a nimble Moped for easy city access, a powerful Harley-Davidson for thrilling coastal rides, or an exhilarating Sports Car to navigate the winding mountain roads.
• Sea Adventures: Hire a Speed Boat for private coastal cruising or a high-adrenaline Jet Ski for fun in the Atlantic waters.
Go-Karting: Indoor Thrills & Outdoor Tracks
Madeira offers two distinct Go-Karting options for racing enthusiasts of all ages:
1. Indoor Racing: Located in Funchal, this track offers all-weather speed and convenience.
2. Outdoor Track: Situated in Faial (North Coast), this venue provides a scenic and challenging open-air experience with both single and double karts available.
It is always advisable to check current opening hours and weather conditions, especially before traveling to the outdoor track in Faial.
Paintballing:
High-Energy Fun for Groups
For an exciting, high-energy day out, various Paintballing companies on Madeira offer organized sessions perfect for adults and children alike.
This activity is excellent for groups and parties, with customized play formats available. You can choose from classic games like team-vs-team, focusing on elimination, or the strategic challenge of capturing the flag. All equipment and safety briefings are provided for a thrilling and safe experience.
Santa Cruz Water Park:
Summer Family Fun
The primary water park in Madeira, located in Santa Cruz, is the perfect destination for family fun. Please note: Water parks here are typically open only during the summer season, so check details before visiting.
The large Santa Cruz facility has capacity for over 1,000 people and boasts:
• Five toboggan rides and four fast slides.
• Two seawater swimming pools (one reserved for children).
• A relaxing saltwater lazy river that encircles the main pools.
With a bar and locker rooms, the park provides an excellent full-day outing. A smaller facility is also available in the Lido area of Santa Cruz.
Segway Tours:
Eco-Friendly City Exploration
Looking for a truly unique and eco-friendly way to discover Funchal? Join a Segway tour!
Segways are easy and fun to ride, making them accessible to almost everyone. Various companies in Funchal offer:
• Guided City Tours: Glide effortlessly through the main streets, parks, and historical areas of Funchal with an expert guide.
• Independent Hire: Rent a Segway to explore at your own pace, a fun and unique way to cover more ground than walking.
Ride the Cable Car to Monte
Take a unique aerial perspective of Funchal by riding the Cable Car from the town center to the hilltop village of Monte.
This ride offers spectacular views and is the quickest way to reach Monte, home to the famous Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Toboggan ride departure point.
Children 0-6 Free
Child 7-12 5.50 euros
Adult 11 euros
Nightlife & Live Music Scene
Madeira boasts a dynamic live music scene, from major summer festivals to intimate nightly performances in Funchal’s bars and cafes.
Major Festivals (Summer)
Don't miss the major musical highlights:
• NOS Summer Opening: A huge festival in Funchal attracting international and national artists.
• Funchal Jazz Festival: Features renowned national and international jazz artists annually.
• ALeste Festival: A relaxed, unpretentious music festival with great live acts by the sea.
Nightly Venues (Funchal)
For year-round entertainment, explore the central nightlife spots:
• Café do Teatro: Located in the city heart (Avenida Arriaga), featuring live music most nights.
• Copacabana Garden (Casino): A sophisticated open-air spot renowned for its gin selection and live performances.
• Barreirinha Bar Cafe: Famous for its cool crowd, local/foreign DJs, and scenic views.
• Specialty Bars: Venues like "Trap" (cocktails/live acts), "DTOX" (acid jazz/cocktails), and "The Hole in One" (relaxed patio bar) offer diverse evening atmospheres.
Pubs, Tavernas & the
Famous Poncha
Funchal offers two distinct routes for an evening drink: familiar pub comfort and authentic local tradition.
Pubs & Sport
The city center hosts several English Pubs and an Irish Bar, offering a reliably warm atmosphere. These spots are perfect for enjoying a pint of Guinness or watching live football and rugby matches on TV.
Local Tavernas & Poncha
Explore the smaller, local Tavernas and bars to try the island's famous traditional alcoholic drink: Poncha. Made with sugarcane brandy (aguardente de cana), honey, sugar, and lemon juice, Poncha is said by Madeiran tradition to cure the common cold—a delicious local custom!
Nightclubs & Discotheques:
Funchal Nightlife
Funchal offers a diverse and energetic nightlife with numerous clubs and discos open late into the morning.
Top Venues
• Copacabana Disco (Casino): Located beneath the Casino da Madeira, this iconic spot offers a mix of music from the 70s and 80s through to modern House and Pop, with regular Latin music nights.
• Vespas: Known as one of the biggest and best nightclubs in Madeira, often open until 6:00 AM.
• FX Club: Features a good selection of food and drink, often with live music.
• Rooftop Vibes: The Pestana CR7 Rooftop offers excellent music and modern vibes with great views.
• Other Late Spots: Clubs like Trap and Dubai (near the new Savoy hotel) ensure action all week long, late into the morning.
Championship Golf &
Palheiro Gardens
The Palheiro Estate offers a premier, high-altitude golf experience. This 18-hole, Par 72 Championship Golf Course is set nearly 500 meters above sea level, boasting dramatic, panoramic views of Funchal, Madeira's mountainous skyline, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The course is adjacent to the five-star Casa Velha do Palheiro Hotel and offers challenging play with breathtaking scenery on every hole. Visitors can also explore the magnificent Quinta do Palheiro Gardens—a world-famous botanical sanctuary—perfectly combining sport with nature.
CR7 Museum & Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotel
The Pestana CR7 Funchal hotel and adjacent CR7 Museum form Madeira’s tribute to the island's global icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 4-star lifestyle hotel, located only 300 meters from Funchal Marina, is a collaboration between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Pestana Hotel Group. It offers contemporary design and modern amenities, instantly making it one of Funchal's latest hotspots. The museum, situated next door, displays the vast collection of 126 trophies and memorabilia won by the legendary Portuguese international.
Funchal Old Town:
Art, Culture & Cuisine
Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha) is the city’s historic and artistic heart, known for having the island's best variety of restaurants and bars.
Key Features
• "Arte de Portas Abertas" (Open Doors): This popular public art program transformed Rua de Santa Maria into a permanent outdoor art gallery, with over 200 works painted on the doors.
• Mercado dos Lavradores: Explore the famous Farmer’s Market for exotic tropical fruits and vegetables.
• Historic Landmarks: The area hosts Forte São Tiago, the Bordal Embroidery Factory, the Madeira Story Centre, and the Monte Cable Car Station.
Funchal Botanical Gardens
The magnificent Botanical Gardens in Funchal are a beautiful place of leisure, spanning 35,000 m² and housing over 2,000 exotic plants, shrubs, and trees.
Originally owned by the famous Reid’s family, the gardens now belong to the Regional Government. Thanks to Madeira’s mild climate, the gardens thrive, serving as both a stunning horticultural display and an important Science and Culture Centre.
The gardens are easily accessible and offer panoramic views, making them a perfect spot for a tranquil visit.
Natural Seawater Pools of Porto Moniz
The natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz are one of Madeira Island’s most unique attractions. Formed by ancient lava flows and naturally filled by the Atlantic Ocean, these crystal-clear pools offer a safe and refreshing place to swim while surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
Located on the island’s northwestern tip, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are a favourite stop for both locals and visitors. The site includes lifeguard supervision, changing areas, cafés, and sunbathing terraces — making it ideal for a relaxing day out.
The seawater is renewed daily by the ocean, keeping it fresh and clean year-round. Even if you don’t swim, it’s worth visiting for the panoramic views of the cliffs and sea, especially at sunset.
Perfect for families, couples, and photographers alike — Porto Moniz’s natural pools are a must-see highlight of any Madeira itinerary.
Historic Churches & Cathedrals of Madeira
Madeira Island is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant churches in the Atlantic. Scattered across the island, these sacred landmarks tell the story of Madeira’s faith, art, and community over the centuries.
Our selected churches and cathedrals are among the most recommended places to visit for travellers interested in Madeira’s history, architecture, and culture. From the majestic Sé Cathedral in Funchal to quiet coastal chapels surrounded by mountain views, each building reveals the craftsmanship and devotion that shaped the island’s identity.
Visitors can admire intricate woodwork, azulejo tiles, gilded altars, and stunning ocean views, while discovering the peaceful atmosphere that makes Madeira so special. Whether you’re exploring for spiritual reasons or simply to appreciate timeless architecture, these historic sites are an essential part of any Madeira travel itinerary.Experience the heritage of Madeira — where history, art, and devotion meet in every stone.