Madeira: 15 most beautiful places to see in Madeira
Madeira is an island that attracts many tourists. Wondering what places to see in Madeira during your first holiday? I’ve prepared my practical list of the most beautiful places that I definitely wouldn’t miss on the island. Madeira will be the ideal destination for you if you want to combine mountains, the ocean, waterfalls, viewpoints, exotic gardens, and swimming in one holiday.
Although the island is famous mainly for mountain treks and levadas, this paradise island isn’t just for experienced hikers. Many of the most beautiful spots are accessible by car, cable car, or a short walk, and can be managed by families with children as well.
For your first visit, I recommend spending at least 7 days in Madeira. I consider the main highlights to be Funchal, the north coast around Seixal and Porto Moniz, mountain viewpoints, and at least one easy walk along a levada.
Seixal, Madeira
Where to stay in Madeira?
Find accommodation in Madeira using the map:
For your first trip, I recommend Funchal, where you’ll find the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and services. However, Caniço or Câmara de Lobos are also good alternatives. If you want to explore the whole island, the most practical option is to rent a car and take day trips from your accommodation.
My recommended accommodation in Madeira:
Hotel Orca Praia
- The hotel stands directly on a cliff above the ocean at Praia do Arieiro, featuring an outdoor pool with Atlantic views and direct beach access. All rooms are sea-facing and have a balcony.
- Great hotel location only about 6 km from the center of Funchal, good buffet breakfasts
- The hotel caught our attention this year because, from 2026, it will operate as an Adults Only hotel
Hotel Orca Praia – Adults Only – Madeira
Enotel Sunset Bay
- Ideal for a peaceful holiday, it lies practically directly opposite the beach in Ponta do Sol, which is one of the sunniest spots in Madeira. We were also pleasantly surprised by the price of the stay.
- The hotel has a heated indoor pool with a children’s section, sauna, wellness, and most rooms face the sea or the bay. We were also thrilled by the excellent breakfast, and in my opinion, half board is well worth it.
- The advantage is free parking and a location suitable for trips around western and central Madeira.
Enotel Sunset Bay
Hotel Quinta do Furão
- If you’re looking for accommodation in nature in Madeira, then this matches my idea of perfect Madeira, green mountains, and breathtaking views.
- This 4* hotel is located near Santana on the northeast coast among vineyards and green slopes, high above the ocean. There are views of the ocean and surrounding mountains from the rooms and grounds, with two pools, a sauna, and a restaurant serving Madeiran cuisine available.
- While it is a more expensive choice, given the services and location, I consider this hotel a very good compromise between luxury and price.
Quinta do Furao
What places to see in Madeira? 13 most beautiful places
1. Funchal and Mercado dos Lavradores
We start with the capital. We walk through the old quarter Zona Velha, Rua de Santa Maria with its painted doors, and of course, we stop at the Mercado dos Lavradores market, which has been operating since 1940. You’ll find tropical fruit, flowers, and a fish section here, and the market is liveliest in the morning.
2. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
From the center of Funchal, take the cable car up to Monte. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and covers an elevation gain of about 560 meters. At the top, Monte Palace Madeira awaits you, a vast garden with exotic plants, ponds, Asian elements, and beautiful views of Funchal. It’s suitable for families too, just be prepared for hilly terrain.
3. Câmara de Lobos
This small fishing town west of Funchal is one of the nicest stops on the south coast. You can still see the colorful xavelhas fishing boats in the bay today. The place was also made famous by Winston Churchill, who painted the local scenery here in 1950.
4. Cabo Girão
Just a few kilometers further lies one of Madeira’s most famous viewpoints. Cabo Girão is located at an altitude of 580 meters, and its main attraction is the glass Skywalk suspended over the cliff. You can reach it comfortably by car, making it a very pleasant trip with almost no walking.
5. Eira do Serrado and Curral das Freiras
You can get some of the best mountain views without a demanding hike at Eira do Serrado at an altitude of 1,095 meters. A short walking path leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint overlooking the deep Curral das Freiras valley. Afterwards, I recommend driving directly down into the village to taste local specialties made from edible chestnuts.
6. Pico do Areeiro Madeira
Pico do Areeiro measures 1,818 meters and is one of the highest points in Madeira. The advantage is its very good accessibility, so you can enjoy the mountain landscape above the clouds even without completing the famous PR1 route. For families and recreational tourists, I recommend only the main viewpoints around the summit.
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7. Ribeiro Frio and PR11 Vereda dos Balcões Madeira
If you want to try one easy Madeiran trail, choose PR11 Vereda dos Balcões. An almost flat 1.5 km route leads from Ribeiro Frio to the viewpoint, and you return the same way. In total, you’ll walk 3 km in about 1.5 hours. Officially, the route is marked as easy.
> Note: In 2026, a time slot reservation via SIMplifica is required for classified PR routes, and the basic fee is €4.50 for visitors over 12 years old.
8. Traditional houses in Santana
The colorful triangular Casas de Santana with thatched roofs are one of the symbols of the entire island. The easiest way is to visit the Núcleo de Casas Típicas right by the town hall, where traditional houses are adapted for visitors and you can also find local products for sale.
9. Ponta do Rosto Madeira
The Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula offers a completely different Madeira – instead of green forests, dry rocky cliffs dominate here. The entire PR8 hike is more physically demanding, so with children, we recommend the Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint, which you can reach by car and from where you can see both the north and south coasts of the island at the same time.
10. Praia do Seixal Madeira
In our opinion, the most beautiful beach in Madeira is Seixal Beach with its black volcanic sand. Green mountains and cliffs tower above the beach, making it one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Showers, a bar, and other basic services are available.
11. Véu da Noiva Madeira
On the way from Seixal, stop at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint. A waterfall falls down a green cliff towards the Atlantic here, resembling a bridal veil. No hike is needed for the view, so it’s an ideal short stop during a road trip along the north coast.
12. Porto Moniz Natural Pools Madeira
Definitely include Porto Moniz in your itinerary with children. Volcanic rocks have created natural pools here filled by the ocean. The main area has a children’s pool, playground, changing rooms, a bar, and facilities for people with limited mobility.
13. Ponta do Sol / What places to see in Madeira
This place is my secret tip for a peaceful holiday in Madeira. Ponta do Sol is a small seaside town on the southwest coast of Madeira, known for its pleasant microclimate, long sunny days, and beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic. You’ll find a pebble beach, a short promenade, restaurants by the sea, and a calmer atmosphere than in Funchal, so I recommend it as a base for trips around the western part of the island.
14. Jardim do Mar / What places to see in Madeira
Jardim do Mar is a picturesque village on the west coast of Madeira, squeezed between the Atlantic and high green cliffs with terraced fields. Take a walk through the narrow streets between white houses and along the coastal promenade, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and sunset. The place is also known among surfers, but thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, it’s worth a stop even during a regular road trip through Madeira.
15. Fanal / What to see in Madeira
Finally, we recommend the mysterious Fanal, which is part of the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest. It’s famous mainly for its twisted centuries-old laurel trees and mist that creates an almost fairytale atmosphere. You don’t have to complete the entire PR13; you can drive to the most beautiful part of the forest and just take a short walk around the trees and the rest area.
Weather in Madeira / When to fly to the island of Madeira?
You can visit Madeira practically all year round, as even in winter, the coast doesn’t experience typical European winter temperatures. Spring from March to May brings about 18–22 °C, occasional showers, and a wonderfully green and blooming landscape, so for me, it’s one of the best times for levadas, trips, and exploring the island.
Summer from June to August is the driest and sunniest part of the year; in Funchal, average daily highs are around 24–27 °C and the ocean temperature gradually rises to approximately 23–24 °C. It’s therefore ideal for swimming, but it’s also the main tourist season.
Autumn from September to November starts very pleasantly; September still has a summer character and temperatures around 25–27 °C, but during October and November, rainfall gradually increases. In any case, I consider September and early October to be one of the best options if you want to combine swimming, hiking, and fewer tourists on your holiday.
Winter from December to February is mild on the coast, with daytime temperatures around 19–21 °C, but it’s also wetter and can be significantly colder, windy, and foggy in the mountains. The ocean stays around 18–19 °C even in winter. So, if you’re going to Madeira for the first time and want the best chance of pleasant weather for trips and swimming, I especially recommend May, June, September, and early October.
My recommendation: It’s a good idea to check the weather every day according to the specific part of the island. Thanks to distinct microclimates, it can be sunny in Funchal while it’s simultaneously raining and shrouded in mist on Pico do Areeiro. Personally, we always had a program ready for both sides of the island and decided in the morning based on the current weather.
How many days to spend on the island of Madeira?
For your first holiday, I recommend 7 to 10 days. Madeira isn’t large, but the roads are mountainous and the weather changes quickly between different parts of the island. It’s therefore best not to try to do everything in a few days. Leave Funchal and the south of the island for one to two days; we dedicated one separate day to the east of the island, another to the north coast, and leave at least one day for an easy levada and mountain viewpoints. This way, you’ll get to know the best of Madeira without needing to complete demanding full-day treks.
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