Madeira is the island of eternal spring. This island, part of Portugal, is a true paradise for those who love active relaxation and hiking.
Madeira consists of two larger islands (the other being Porto Santo) and several smaller islands and cliffs, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Its vegetation is among the richest in Europe, with laurel forests that have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island’s topography is defined by a mountain range slightly north of its central line. As a result, the northern slopes and valleys are steeper than those in the south. The island’s highest point is Pico Ruivo, standing at 1,862 meters (more on this below).
The island’s distinctive surface features are the terraces known as fajãs: these are gently sloping lava plateaus that formed among the surrounding topographical elements, from which erosion has removed the more friable materials.
I was in Madeira in 2023, from which I wrote a travelogue with many pictures.
Table of Contents
Madeira attractions
Funchal
The capital city, located on the southern coast, is one of the most charming places I have ever visited. The rich flora can be seen in the Jardim Botanico, offering a wonderful view of the city and coastline. The thematic garden, located in the park of the former residence of the Scottish Reid family, is organized according to the origin of the plants.
Don’t miss the cable car (Teleférico Funchal-Monte), which goes from the seaside to the Jardim Monte Palace in the hills. Its garden is also a must-see, featuring many paths, flowers, and a waterfall.
When it comes to sports museums, one of the most famous in the world is located here. The CR7 Museum is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in this city.
The main church is the Funchal Cathedral, three blocks from the coast in a small square. It is one of the few remaining buildings in Manueline style, featuring elements of European Gothic, Moorish style, and the influence of local architects.
São Lourenço Peninsula
This is an approximately 8 km long peninsula in the eastern part of Madeira, extending into the sea. It looks stunning from the plane and is one of the most spectacular parts of the island.
Starting near Caniçal village at Abra Bay, you can drive further in, where a hiking trail begins from a parking area. There’s also a bus (no. 113) from Funchal.
Machico
This city on the eastern part of the island is a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its beach and proximity to the São Lourenço Peninsula.
The city has a sandy beach lined with cafes and restaurants. Additionally, there are several hiking and levada trails nearby.
Its historical significance is also noteworthy. It was here in 1419 that the island’s first Portuguese explorers, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, landed.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
This terrace, not far west of Funchal, is one of the most visited viewpoints.
The glass-floor viewing platform, 580 meters high and extending from the cliff, offers a thrilling experience as you look down into the depths. It is particularly recommended for those with a fear of heights. 🙂
Porto Moniz
This town is the center of the northwestern tip of the island, offering a splendid view of the northern mountainside.
Its most famous attractions are the seaside lava pools. These were mostly carved out by the waves from basalt, and later partly renovated: some are paid, while others are free beaches. The pools are filled with water by crashing waves during high tide.
I visited here on a March day, and despite the cold water, many were swimming in the pools. I just watched them from the outside. 🙂
São Vicente
Located in the middle of the north, it’s also important from a road transport perspective.
The town has a black beach and is surrounded by high mountains. These two attractions alone make it worth visiting.
On the west side of the town, next to the main road, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, Cascata Água d’Alto. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the center and is highly recommended.
Santana
This small town in the northern part of Madeira is famous for its colorful, triangular-shaped houses.
About a hundred of these buildings, testifying to the past poverty, remain mainly on the outskirts of the town. All have been declared monuments, with most no longer inhabited. In the three houses in the center, there is a shop and a gift store.
The island’s history and culture are presented in the O Parque Tematico thematic park. On its seven hectares, there is a mill, a maze, and a lake.
One of the island’s traditional festivals is the 24 Horas de Bailar folklore festival held every July, featuring dance groups and bands.
After climbing Pico Ruivo, my tour ended here, so with a longer walk, even the highest peak can be reached from here.
Arco de São Jorge
This village is known for its view at the end of one of its streets. This panorama can be seen in several pictures.
There is a wonderful view of the western coast and the high mountains. I included it in my itinerary, and it’s definitely worth a stop here.
Pico Ruivo
At 1,862 meters, this is Madeira’s highest peak, accessible by foot.
There are two main starting points where you can drive up and park:
- From the east at Achada do Teixeira viewpoint (1,592 m), this is the easier route. About a 3 km hike. Marked PR 1.2 on maps.
- From the south at the parking lot below Pico do Arieiro peak (1,818 m), this trail is much more challenging. It has many ups and downs and stairs, so it’s more suitable for the fit. Marked PR 1 on maps.
Many companies offer to drop hikers at Arieiro and pick them up at Teixeira. Guided tours are also available.
I chose a slightly harder hike: I took a bus to Poiso (nr. 56), hiked up to Arieiro, then up to Pico Ruivo, and from there down to Santana. This was about a 20 km hike with quite a bit of elevation gain. I had trouble getting up for a few days. 🙂
Levada hikes
Most of Madeira’s trails run along levadas. These channels supply water to plants and small hydroelectric plants.
Levada paths are marked PR: there are more than 20 such routes, which are well-maintained and walkable.
Important levada hiking trails:
- PR 1, Vereda do Pico do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo): I wrote above that this is the most popular route, leading to the southern part of Pico Ruivo.
- PR 1.1, Vereda da Ilha (Pico Ruivo – Ilha): from the peak northward to the village of Ilha, about 15 km.
- PR 1.2, Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo): another important route to the peak, also mentioned above.
- PR 6, Levada Das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal – 25 Fontes): the most beautiful hike in the western part of Madeira. Starts from ER110 and leads to a spectacular waterfall via the Rabaçal house. About 11 km round trip.
- PR 8, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Baia d’Abra – Cais do Sardinha): the trail on São Lourenço Peninsula, about 7 km round trip. I wrote about the peninsula above.
