Discover the 25 best things to do in Madeira. Includes crucial 2026 fuel prices, safety driving tips, family/pet advice, and car rental insights.
Madeira is a subtropical paradise famous for its breathtaking sea cliffs, volcanic natural pools, and ancient laurel forests. If you are looking for a top destination for a road trip or outdoor adventures in 2026, this island should be your absolute priority. Public transport cannot reach the best trailheads, sunrise peaks, and hidden coastal villages, so if you want to fully experience its astonishing landscape, renting a car is the best option by far. The absolute highlights for your itinerary include watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, swimming in the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and driving through the misty, fairytale trees of Fanal Forest.
Is Madeira Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—and for many travellers, Madeira becomes one of those places they immediately want to return to. Located in the Atlantic Ocean and belonging to Portugal, Madeira combines dramatic mountains, green valleys, volcanic landscapes, and coastal views that often feel more tropical than European.
Unlike destinations that focus only on beaches or city breaks, Madeira offers a little bit of everything. You can hike mountain trails in the morning, swim in natural volcanic pools in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean in the evening. Whether you are planning a road trip, a family holiday, a hiking adventure, or simply a relaxing getaway, Madeira has more to offer than many visitors expect.
Go if: You love dramatic landscapes, hiking, scenic coastal drives, and rich local culture.
Skip if: Your only goal is to lie on flat, golden sand beaches directly outside a massive mega-resort. Madeira rewards exploration rather than just lounging. Beaches here are mostly volcanic black sand or pebble.
25 Best Things to Do in Madeira
Mountains, Nature & Scenic Views
1. Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk
Cabo Girão is one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, standing approximately 589 meters vertically above the Atlantic Ocean. The viewing platform features a heavy glass floor, allowing you to look directly down to the crashing waves below.
Driving Tip: There is a large, free parking lot at the entrance, but it gets busy around midday. Arrive early to secure a spot for your rental car.
2. Hike Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is Madeira's highest peak, sitting at 1,862 meters. The trail rewards you with spectacular panoramic views above the clouds. Early morning hikes often provide the best visibility before the afternoon fog rolls in.
Insider Tip: If you take the PR1.2 route from Achada do Teixeira, the hike is much shorter and easier (around 1.5 hours each way), with a large parking area at the trailhead.
3. Explore Pico do Arieiro
This mountain viewpoint sits at 1,818 meters and is one of the most photographed places on Madeira. Arrive 45 minutes before dawn to witness a spectacular sunrise above a rolling blanket of clouds.
Orbit Car Hire Advice: The road up is completely paved and modern, but it features steep inclines. A car with a turbocharged engine or an EV makes this high-altitude drive effortless.
4. Discover Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest looks almost unreal. It is part of the ancient Laurissilva forest, and features centuries-old, twisted Til trees covered in moss. Frequent fog and quiet surroundings create one of Madeira’s most magical, fairytale-like locations.
Weather Hack: Don't skip Fanal if the weather app says it's foggy—fog is exactly what makes this place look magical.
5. Visit Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
This peninsula offers a very different side of Madeira. Unlike the lush, green mountains elsewhere on the island, the landscape here feels dry, rugged, arid, and dramatic, featuring striking red volcanic rock formations and crashing sea cliffs.
Preparation: There is absolutely no shade on this trail. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a windproof jacket.
6. Explore the Famous Levada Walks
Madeira’s famous levadas are historic irrigation channels that created hundreds of walking routes across the island. They take you deep into valleys and past hidden waterfalls.
Top 3 Routes: Levada das 25 Fontes (famous waterfall amphitheater), Levada do Caldeirão Verde (lush green canyon with tunnels), and Levada do Rei (a quieter path through primary forest). Always carry a flashlight for the volcanic tunnels.
7. Watch Sunset at Ponta do Pargo
This westernmost point of Madeira features a historic lighthouse standing on a rugged cliff 312 meters above the ocean. It offers one of the island's best and most dramatic sunset locations over the endless horizon.
8. Visit Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns)
This isolated village sits deep at the bottom of a volcanic crater surrounded by towering mountain walls. Historically, nuns from Funchal hid here to escape invading pirates. Stop at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint before driving down into the valley
Local Food Tip: The valley is famous for chestnuts. Be sure to try the local chestnut cake and chestnut liqueur while visiting.
Cities & Culture
9. Explore Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha)
Funchal's historic center combines colorful buildings, small cafés, and local restaurants. Take time to walk through the "Arte de Portas Abertas" (painted doors project) in Rua de Santa Maria. This street was turned into an open-air art gallery.
10. Visit Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market)
A sensory explosion of color and aroma in the heart of Funchal. The local market offers exotic hybrid fruits (like banana-passionfruit), fresh flowers, and massive Atlantic tuna in the fish market section.
Local Warning: Fruit vendors here can use aggressive sales tactics and charge very high prices. Enjoy the free samples, but buy your actual fruit at local grocery stores to save money.
11. Ride the Monte Cable Car
The cable car connects central Funchal with the historic hilltop village of Monte. The scenic 15-minute ride provides spectacular panoramic views over the city harbor, steep valleys, and tile roofs.
12. Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Located right at the top of the cable car, this massive, multi-level botanical garden houses a vast collection of exotic plants from all around the world, alongside koi ponds, Japanese pagodas, and stunning 15th-century tile art.
13. Try Madeira Wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodges
Wine tasting is a must during a Madeira visit. Madeira wine is a world-renowned fortified wine that differs from traditional wines due to its unique heating and aging production process. Take a guided tour through Blandy’s 200-year-old barrels in Funchal to sample different varieties.
14. Explore Câmara de Lobos
This traditional, picturesque fishing village features a harbor filled with colorful boats. It famously inspired paintings by Sir Winston Churchill during his visit in 1950.
Drink Tip: This is the birthplace of Poncha (Madeira's traditional drink made of rum, honey, and fresh citrus juice). Try it at a local harbor tavern.
15. Visit Local Museums
If you encounter a rare rainy day in Funchal, use it to explore the city's culture. There are many interesting options, for example, the CR7 Museum (dedicated to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, born on the island), the Madeira Story Centre, and the Sacred Art Museum.
Beaches & Ocean Activities
16. Relax at Praia Formosa
West of Funchal, there is Praia Formosa, Madeira's largest public beach. It features a mix of volcanic black sand and smooth pebbles, connected to a lovely seaside promenade lined with cafés.
17. Visit Seixal Black Sand Beach (Praia do Porto do Seixal)
One of the island's most beautiful beaches. It features soft black volcanic sand surrounded by emerald-green cliffs and waterfalls that cascade directly into the ocean. It looks like something out of Hawaii
18. Swim in Porto Moniz Natural Pools
These natural volcanic pools were formed centuries ago by cooling lava and are naturally filled and replenished by the ocean tide. They create one of Madeira's most famous attractions, fully equipped with modern changing rooms and lifeguards.
19. Go Dolphin and Whale Watching
Madeira is one of Europe's best locations for marine wildlife tours due to the deep Atlantic waters right off the coast. You can see resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales year-round.
20. Join a Catamaran Tour
Book a catamaran tour out of Funchal harbor. These tours typically include coastal sightseeing along Cabo Girão, swimming and snorkeling stops, and beautiful sunset cruises.
Hidden Gems
21. Explore Ribeira Brava
A quieter coastal town located on the south coast. It features a lovely historic church, a pebble beach, and a more relaxed local charm compared to the busier tourist hubs.
22. Visit Santana Houses (Casas de Santana)
On the north coast, you’ll find Santana’s iconic, triangular-shaped traditional houses built with stone and topped with steep, thatched straw roofs. They serve as a wonderful open-air look into historical rural life.
23. Discover Seixal Natural Pools (Poças das Lesmas)
Often less crowded than Porto Moniz, these natural volcanic pools are completely wild and feature a scenic rock arch. They are perfect for swimming and photography away from the large tour groups.
24. Visit São Vicente
A peaceful village nestled inside a deep valley on the North Coast, surrounded by high mountains. It's famous for its small chapel built inside a rock at the river mouth and its historic vineyards.
25. Drive Through Cascata dos Anjos (The Car Wash Waterfall)
Located on the old coastal road ER101 near Ponta do Sol, this waterfall cascades off a sheer cliff face directly onto the driving lane. It’s a famous hidden gem whereyou can carefully drive your rental car underneath for a natural "island car wash."
Things to Do in Madeira with Kids and Family
Madeira is a safe, educational, and clean environment for a family holiday. Kids rarely get bored here, because activities combine wild nature with relatively short travel distances. Madeira is a perfect place for a road trip with kids.
Recommended Family Activities:
- Porto Moniz Pools: Safe, enclosed saltwater swimming without dangerous ocean waves.
- Madeira Theme Park (Santana): Features interactive pavilions about island history, traditional rowboats, and open spaces to play.
- Easy Levada Walks: Stick to Levada dos Balcões—it's wide, flat, short (1.5 km), and kids love feeding the friendly local birds right from their hands.
- Whale Watching: An exciting boat ride that educates children on marine conservation.
Visiting Madeira with Dogs or Pets
Travelling with pets has become increasingly common, and Madeira's fresh mountain air is perfect for dogs. However, due to the island's unique terrain, certain safety measures are necessary.
Important Pet-Travel Tips:
- Levada Leash Rule: Many levadas are narrow with steep drop-offs. Always keep your dog on a short leash to prevent slips or jumping into the water channels, which supply the island's clean drinking water.
- Carry Extra Water: Mountain hikes can get warm, and dogs cannot safely drink from stagnant puddles. Always carry a separate water bottle and portable bowl.
- Orbit Rental Benefit: Having a rental car is almost mandatory when traveling with pets, as dogs are generally not allowed on public buses unless kept in a closed travel carrier.
Driving in Madeira: Important Tips
Renting a car is the absolute best way to explore Madeira. However, driving in Madeira differs from flat mainland European destinations.
- Steep Inclines: Madeira features some of the world's steepest paved roads. Automatic cars are highly recommended if you are not comfortable with manual hill-starts.
- Engine Choice: Avoid weak, base-model engines. Choose a vehicle with a turbocharged engine, a diesel engine, or an Electric Vehicle (EV). EVs are incredibly useful in Madeira because the brakes regenerate power on the long descents down from the mountains.
- No Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on mountain roads or during rain, as sudden wet patches can cause loss of traction.
Fuel Prices in Madeira (2026 Update)
Fuel prices in Madeira are closely tied to mainland Portugal averages but carry an island premium. Fuel stations are easy to find near larger towns and along the main VR1 highway, but they are scarce in the high-altitude interior.
Real-Time 2026 Price Ranges:
- Petrol (Gasolina 95): €1.95 – €2.05 / Liter
- Diesel: €1.85 – €1.95 / Liter
Pro Tip: Always fill up your tank before driving into remote mountain areas like Paul da Serra or Pico do Arieiro. Most stations are self-service and accept standard debit/credit cards.
Is Madeira Safe?
Madeira is generally considered one of the safest travel destinations in Europe. Violent crime is virtually non-existent. However, nature requires respect:
- Weather Microclimates: Mountain conditions change rapidly. It can be 25°C and sunny in Funchal, but 5°C, windy, and foggy at Pico do Arieiro. Always pack layers and check the "Netmadeira" live webcams before driving out.
- Hiking Safety: Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip. Do not hike on levadas during heavy rain due to landslide risks.
- Ocean Currents: The Atlantic has strong undercurrents. Only swim in designated areas and obey the beach flags (Red means stay out of the water).
Best Time to Visit Madeira
| Season | Months | Why Visit? (Top Highlights & Events) |
| Spring | March-May | Ideal for flowers and lush greenery. This is the perfect time for hiking along the levadas and attending the famous Madeira Flower Festival. |
| Summer | June-August | Best for consistent sunshine and ocean swimming. Expect a lively atmosphere, warm swimming water, and plenty of outdoor festivals. |
|
Autumn |
September-November | Warm ocean temperatures and fewer tourists. Prices drop, the ocean remains warm from the summer heat, and you can experience the annual Wine Festival. |
| Winter | December-February | Incredibly mild compared to Northern Europe. Funchal features world-class Christmas light displays and a massive, record-breaking New Year’s Eve fireworks show. |
When Might Madeira Not Be Ideal?
Madeira is a legendary destination, but it may be less suitable for you if:
- You only want endless golden sand beaches directly outside your hotel window.
- You are an anxious driver who dislikes steep mountain hills, narrow lanes, and tunnels.
- You prefer flat cycling destinations (Madeira is entirely vertical).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Madeira?
7 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time. It allows you to explore the island region by region (South, North, East, West) without rushing through the mountain drives.
Is Madeira expensive?
No, Madeira is moderately priced compared to Western Europe. An espresso coffee is around €1.50, and a traditional lunch menu (prato do dia) costs between €8 and €12.
Do I need a rental car in Madeira?
Yes. Public buses exist, but they are built for locals, meaning they don't stop at top trailheads like Pico do Arieiro, Rabaçal, or the Fanal Forest. A rental car is essential for flexibility.
Is Madeira suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy beaches, whale watching, cable cars, and nature activities.
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
Spring and early autumn are often considered ideal due to pleasant weather and lower tourist numbers.
Ready to Book Your Car in Madeira?
The best way to experience Madeira is with the freedom of your own rental car. From dramatic coastal roads and mountain viewpoints to hidden villages and natural pools, having a car lets you explore the island at your own pace — without relying on limited public transport or crowded tours.
At Orbit Car Hire, you can compare deals from trusted local providers and major international brands in Madeira, all in one place. Whether you need a compact car for Funchal, an automatic SUV for the island’s steep roads, or a family-friendly vehicle for a longer stay, we’ll help you find the right option at the best price.
Start comparing Madeira car rental deals today and get ready to discover one of Europe’s most beautiful islands on your own schedule.
