Location: Madeira
Top Things to do in Madeira
Countries
9 Things to Do in Madeira That You Shouldn't Miss
Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.
Restaurants in Madeira
1. Monte Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Penny.M - England
We were staying in Madeira and purposely chose to do the cable car when there were no cruise ships in to avoid the queues. It is a good trip that provides great views over Funchal. It is probably one of the must dos in Madeira. No good if you are afraid of heights but we felt very safe. The cars run continuously and it is all very organised. We felt it was good value for money. You would not need to be on an organised trip to do this. Just walk to the entrance and pay, avoid paying the inflated cruise trip prices. It is a 10-15 minute walk on the flat Promenade from the cruise ship port in Funchal.
2. Pico do Arieiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By scorpio001 - UK
Our visit here was part of an organised tour. It was well-worth the visit It does to get the views above the cloud line. It does get very busy, so be prepared for crowds at the summit. Take a warm coat/hat as it does feel very cold at 1800m above sea level!
3. Ponta de Sao Lourenco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Lesterbeach - Winnipeg, Canada
There is a large parking lot but no washrooms. The trailhead is easy to spot behind the sign. The walk is quite desolate. There are no trees but lots of wildflowers. We walked halfway to Esperito which is quite a climb. The stairs are good but there are hundreds of them. There are some gorgeous lookout points where you can see the sea on both sides. It was rainy in Funchal but beautiful blue skies here.
4. Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By nadi O o - Israel
One of the most interesting places in Madeira. This person Abreu did a wonderful job and the collection is marvelous. The house itself is a pearl. The stuff is nice and welcoming. Do not miss!!!!Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your testimony. You're always welcome
5. Levada Caldeirao Verde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelGorm - Denmark
Not for people with vertigo, as the trail takes you on a narrow levada walk. At the end, continue the 100 meters up to the green lagoon with a stunning waterfall. 100s of photo opportunities on this walk!
6. Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
7. Igreja do Colegio Sao Joao Evangelista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Terry W - Bracknell, United Kingdom
Whilst meandering around the streets, you must visit this wonderful church, even if you are not religious. The sheer splendour of the architecture and the ornate works inside are beautiful.
Do ensure that your flash is turned off as a curtesy to others, also no sound on the cameras too.
8. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Nik R - Varna, Bulgaria
It is an interesting natural formation created when hot lava met the cold ocean and it is turned into a public swimming pool with amenities (showers, changing rooms, etc) therefore you have to pay 1.50 € to use it. If it is windy or the sea is rough, the waves crash into the natural barrier and jump inside the pools. A number of restaurants and a nice cafeteria are close-by, and a free parking lot is there on a large gravel area. You can find a similar formation about 200 meters away from the main one but no life-guards are there. We'd love to try it but we didn't have our swimming suits :).
9. Cabo Girao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Anne001_12 - Bristol, United Kingdom
We took the yellow tourist bus from Camara de Lobos where it was sunny. As we drove up the mountain it got more and more cloudy. At the top we could not see a thing but had to wait 40 minutes for the next bus. There is a small cafe and a rather tacky gift shop but nothing else. No doubt the glass walkway would be spectacular on a clear day but the weather let us down.
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