Location: Madeira
Top Things to do in Madeira
Countries
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Madeira, Madeira Islands
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. Capela Nossa Senhora da Penha de Franca
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By A8827ZZjohnm - Liverpool, United Kingdom
This Catholic Chapel is a must for those who still love their faith! This ancient chapel in the past, was a shrine to Our Lady and attracted pigrims from all over the world to its tiny enclave. Mass on Sunday Morning at 10.am in English is a joy. Celebrated by a wonderful Christian man, Father Bernardino. He is to Christianity what Ronaldo is to football! A warm, caring, loving, and beautiful person, who embraces people of all denominations, and will pray with you, and for you,during every mass. He once told me that Jesus never came to establish the Catholic Church but the "Kingdom of God". Ecumenism flows in his veins as does his faith in humankind. There are not many like him left, so dont miss the opportunity of this very fulfilling experience. Tea and coffee and cakes are served in the little house which gives you chance to look over the ocean and enjoy the time with other like minded people. You do not have to be a Catholic to listen to the Word of the Lord so please come and join in a beautiful experience. You will not regret it!
2. Valley of the Nuns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,153 reviews
The "Nuns Valley" is a small village situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, which has kept its 16th-century Santa Clara Convent where the nuns used to hide from pirates who were attacking Funchal.
Reviewed By bryanmg141 - Oldbury, United Kingdom
Our trip (with Lido Tours) included going to the top Pico de Arieiro so we could look down on the village, then onto the village itself where we enjoyed some chestnut bread and chestnut cake and had a sample of chestnut liqueur.. And we visited the chestnut museum! We didn't actually have time to eat anything in the restaurant itself, but did see people eating - you guessed it - roasted chestnuts! It's only a small place, but nice for a gentle wander - and don't miss the church, it's also pretty spectacular, especially given the size of the village. Our trip then went on to Camara de Lobos, another beauty spot where we thoroughly enjoyed a glass of poncha.
3. Faja dos Padres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
An out-of-the world organic farm comprising 9 rental cottages, a beach and a restaurant, located by the sea in Madeira island southern coast. Access to the property is done exclusively by a cable car that takes you down a huge cliff with more than 300 m to Faja dos Padres, or by boat.
Reviewed By MajelleW1
Amazing place to relax and discover Madeira. The only way to get to Faja dos Padres is by cablecar that takes you down one of the most beautiful cliffs of Madeira. It operates all day long until 19:00 hours and then between 21:00 and 22:00 h. My house Julia was immediately at the sea on the cliff with a breathtaking view and with my own terrace with a lot of privacy. A lot of reading there in the sun, when I wasn't discovering the island, and enjoying the sunset every night. Faja dos Padres has its own biological farm where they grow vegetables and fruit. You'll walk in between the fruittrees to your house and to the restaurant. So in their restaurant, again immediately at the sea with a beautiful view, you always get fresh biological fruit and vegetables... and of course fresh fish. The only disadvantage is that they often already close at 17:00 hours. It would be great if that would change to at least 19:00 h. The team of Faja dos Padres is always available for questions. Tip: ask the manager Bruno for tips to discover the island. I've seen a lot of beautiful places all over the island because of that.
4. Colegio dos Jesuitas do Funchal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Founded by royal charter of D. Sebastiao in 1569, the Jesuits' College of Funchal marked, throughout the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants of Madeira Island. For more than 400 years of history, it served a number of tenants, from British invaders to the University of Madeira, coming to serve as a military facility and a number of schools. Despite its military applications, it has always kept a close relationship with education. Portrayed as "one of the most remarkable buildings that exist in the island" by historian and professor at the University of Madeira Rui Carita, the Jesuits' College of Funchal is the stage of a cultural and scientific awareness project lead by the Students' Union meant for both local residents and visitors of the region. The inauguration of another Gaudeamus - AAUMa Academic Store at the entrance of the College was the starting point of its opening for the general public. Added to it was a circuit of autonomous tours of the College, as well as monthly gatherings for Coimbra Fado and a service of guided tours, whose circuit includes reserved areas of the University of Madeira Rectory, among others. The Students' Union has also published The Jesuits' College of Funchal - A History, by Rui Carita, a book that narrates the history of the College, its tenants and its transformations throughout the centuries. These are projects that, above all, show the spirit of this institution, which benefits from a precious asset both scarce and undervalued in this country; the volunteer work and the dedication of a solid team. Everyone's contribute will be vital, even if in the form of a simple visit to our store. Only then will we be able to continue financing all of the projects that we have to offer to both our associates and the population, whether free of charge or under a symbolic price.
Reviewed By GeorgesVer - Antwerp, Belgium
The facade is magnificent, so is the typical Jesuit interior of the church. Drop in when you are in the neighborhood, it is worth the effort
5. Bica Da Cana
6. Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By 462antonv - Newquay, United Kingdom
We bought tickets on the Yellow hop-on-hop-off bus and this is one of the stops along the route. The bus stops for a few minutes for you to take photos, but if you don't get off the bus and have a walk around, you are missing the best of the views. Simply walk up the hill, through the car park and gardens and you come across a viewpoint across the whole of Funchal. It's superb and not to be missed! There is a cafe at the top - you can sit back and take in these views. Highly recommended!
7. Miradouro da Portela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By AlexMa1981 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
We stopped on our way between Machico and Porto da Cruz, definitely worth the visit for the stunning views! We also had fab lunch there. Easy car park and not much walking involved. The clouds and fog just fly by 100times a minute, one can just stare and admire the view.
8. Levada Caldeirao Verde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 791 reviews
Reviewed By 491leonies
Truly beautiful walk. From the car park to the end and back, including a sit down for our sandwiches it took about 4 hours. It’s a beautiful walk (with some slightly scarier parts). A torch will be needed. I wouldn’t say a guide is necessary.
9. Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados
10. Zona Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By IanN112 - Norwich, United Kingdom
It is worth taking time out and having a walk from the old fort down the street down towards the indoor market. There are lots of cafes and restaurants.
