Madeira kept surprising us at every turn. Here are the 10 experiences that made us fall hard for this little volcanic island in the Atlantic.
We’ll be honest: before we booked flights to Madeira, we weren’t totally sure what to expect. Some people sell it as a hiking destination, others as a beach holiday. Some describe it as a botanical paradise, others as a dramatic, cliff-edged wilderness. Turns out, it’s all of those things at once, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best things to do in Madeira: just show up and let the island surprise you.
We spent 8 days here with our two kids (ages 10 and 4) in September, and honestly that felt like the sweet spot. Enough time to drive the whole island, do all the big hikes, swim in the natural pools, and still have a few slow mornings where nobody had to rush anywhere. This is the list we’d hand to any family (or friend) heading to Madeira.
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1. Hike Levada Nova + Moinho — One of the Best Things to Do in Madeira (Circular, 3.5 Hours)
If there’s one hike that captures what Madeira is all about, this is probably it. The island is crisscrossed by a network of levadas, the irrigation channels built centuries ago to carry water from the rainy north to the drier south, and walking alongside them is one of the most unique hiking experiences we’ve had anywhere.
The Levada Nova + Moinho trail is a circular route that winds along the water channel, out along cliff edges with dizzying views down to the coast, and through a couple of waterfalls where you can stop and just stand there for a moment while the mist hits your face. One of those waterfalls drapes right over the trail, so you’re basically walking underneath it.
The whole loop takes about 3.5 hours and isn’t overly technical. Bring a light jacket and a headlamp (or use your phone light), because there is a section that passes through a short tunnel carved into the rock. We found that Alltrails worked well for this beautiful hike.
Parking in the neighborhood can be a little difficult so arrive early!
Regarding hiking with young kids: For little ones, the drop-off from the levadas can be very steep. We carried our 4-year-old for parts of the trail (just to be safe). The levadas are also narrow, which also make it hard when others are traveling in the opposite direction of you. The 10-year-old had no problems with the hike. If you get vertigo from steep drop-offs, this may not be the best hike for you.
2. Visit Monte Palace Gardens + Take the Toboggan Back Down
Monte is a neighborhood perched high above Funchal, and the gardens up here are genuinely something special. Monte Palace Tropical Garden sprawls across terraced hillsides with a mix of Mediterranean and Asian architectural touches that pop up unexpectedly between towering palms and plants you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. There are koi ponds, tile panels telling the history of Portugal, and corners that feel more like outdoor art installations than a garden.
But the real highlight? The ride back down.
The traditional Monte toboggan ride is one of those things that sounds slightly ridiculous until you’re actually doing it. You climb into a wicker basket sled on a pair of wooden runners, and two men in white linen outfits and straw hats, the Carreiros, start pushing you downhill through the cobblestone streets. They use their rubber-soled boots to steer and brake. The whole thing covers about two kilometers of steep, winding road and takes around 5-10 minutes (but feels a lot shorter). At certain points it gets going faster than feels entirely safe, which is probably part of the charm. The kids absolutely loved it.
The Carreiros have been doing this for generations and many of them sing while they push. It’s completely unlike anything we’ve done anywhere else, and somehow both touristy and genuinely exhilarating at the same time. The cost is a bit for the short ride but definitely worth and it and something we all enjoyed.
3. Swim at Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
About 10 minutes west of Funchal’s city center, the island’s volcanic coastline opens up into a series of natural pools at Doca do Cavacas. The lava rock creates natural barriers that calm the Atlantic swell enough to swim safely, while the water beyond churns dramatically against the cliffs. Views out over the sea are stunning from every angle.
Entry is €5.50 and the pools are open 10 AM to 8 PM. We went in September and the water felt great. Highly recommend timing it for the afternoon when the sun has had a chance to warm things up. There’s a small cafe on site if you need a break, but honestly the hardest part is convincing yourself to leave. We stayed there for sunset and was greeted with beautiful light and a great experience. If you reserve a chair or umbrella, which I recommend doing as a place to put your bags, be sure to keep your receipt because they come around checking at times to see if you paid for the reservation. Costs to reserve a chair or umbrella are minimal.
4. Hike PR8: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (2.5 to 3 Hours)
If dramatic landscapes are your thing, block off a half day for this one. The PR8 trail heads out along Madeira’s far eastern tip, a long narrow peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic with the sea visible on both sides almost the entire way.
The route is about 6km circular and takes 2.5 to 3 hours, though budget a little extra time if you’re bringing younger kids. The terrain is rocky and exposed compared to the island’s lush interior, more rugged and windswept, and the contrast with everywhere else on Madeira is stark. On one side you’re looking across to the Desertas Islands. On the other, the cliffs drop straight down to dark blue water. Although there was a relatively high number of parking spots, they did fill up pretty quickly so, as with most places in Madeira, get there early. You will be glad you did as there is not much sun cover for most of the hike.
Go on a clear day if you possibly can. The views are everything on this one. The day we went it was slightly cloudy to overcast but still provided a lovely landscape.
5. Watch the Sunset from PR1: Pico do Arieiro to Pedra Rija
Important heads up before you plan this: As of our visit, only the first 1.2km of the PR1 trail is currently open due to forest fires in August 2024. The trail runs from Pico do Arieiro up to the Pedra Rija viewpoint but cannot be completed past that point.
Even with the short trail, it’s still absolutely worth doing.
Pico do Arieiro is about a 45 minute drive from Funchal. The first section of PR1 includes the stretch people call the “Stairway to Heaven,” a series of stone steps climbing through the clouds above Madeira’s central mountain range. You’re walking above a sea of clouds with peaks poking through on every side. A lot of people recommend going at sunrise, but we went at sunset and the views were awesome. There’s something to be said for watching the light change over the mountains without a 4am alarm attached to it. There was a fairly large group of people watching the sunset from the trailhead that made it seem like an evening ritual.
Entry is €3, bookable via the SIMplifica online portal. The hike is about 1 hour each way. It can have a steep drop-off in some places to be sure to watch the little ones.
6. Catch the Sunrise on PR1.2: Vereda do Pico Ruivo (1 Hour Each Way)
This one requires an early start, and we mean early. We were up at 4:30am, walked to pick up our car, and got to the trailhead parking lot at around 6:15am. Then came the hike up to Madeira’s highest point at 1,862 meters.
When we reached the top it was seriously windy. Cold, exposed, can’t-keep-your-hat-on windy. We didn’t exactly linger. But was it worth it? Absolutely. The sunrise views from Pico Ruivo are the kind that make a 4:30am alarm feel completely reasonable in retrospect. You’re above the clouds looking out over the entire island, and on a clear morning the colors are unreal.
The trail starts from Achada do Teixeira and is about an hour each way, well-marked and not technically difficult. There’s a mountain refuge near the top if you need to duck out of the wind for a few minutes before heading back down.
7. Explore Fanal Forest in the Morning
This one is hard to describe without sounding like you’re exaggerating. We recommend to visit in the morning, when the mist is still rolling in.
Fanal Forest is a stretch of ancient laurisilva woodland in Madeira’s northwest, where the trees have been growing for so long, some reportedly over 800 years, that they’ve taken on shapes that look more like folklore than botany. The trunks are twisted and gnarly, draped in moss, with branches that reach out in every direction. When the morning mist swirls between them it’s almost surreal. The whole thing looks like a set designer’s idea of an enchanted forest, except it’s completely real and you can just walk into it.
Budget around 1-1.5 hours to wander through. There’s no single marked trail here, which is part of what makes it feel like a proper discovery. One tip: if you’re coming from the western side of the island, make sure you fill up on gas before heading into this area. The roads through the mountains are hilly and winding, and the nearest gas station can be further away than you’d expect. We were running lower than we’d have liked at one point and it’s not a situation you want to be in up here.
8. Hike PR9: Levada do Caldeirão Verde (4 Hours)
If you’re doing one full-day levada hike during your time in Madeira, this is probably the one to pick. The PR9 trail starts from Queimadas Forestry Park, about 30 minutes from Santa Maria Madalena, and follows narrow irrigation channels through forest so dense and fern-covered it feels like the island is slowly swallowing the path.
The trail ends at Caldeirão Verde, a waterfall dropping roughly 100 meters into a pool ringed by sheer cliff walls covered in ferns. The approach through the tunnels in the final stretch is genuinely dramatic. Bring enough food and water for the full 4 hours.
For the first 20-30 minutes of the hike, you walk along a paved road. They have a shuttle that runs up and down the paved road where you can pay for a round-trip or one-way. With our youngest being 4 and the mid-day September heat warming up, my wife opted to take him in the shuttle back up. There can be a line and be sure to bring cash. The cost was fairly minimal and can be worth it considering there is not much shade (or views) walking up the road.
9. Spend an Evening in Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol sits on Madeira’s southern coast and is one of the sunniest spots on the island. The town itself is pretty and unhurried, with brightly painted buildings and a seafront that rewards an evening stroll.
Swim off the pier. The water is calm enough here to just float and watch the cliffs change color as the light drops. This one is easy to skip in favor of another big hike, but you’d regret it. After a week of early alarms and mountain drives, it was exactly what we needed. Stay long enough to see the evening sky do its thing. The colors that come through at dusk, the way the golden light hits the basalt and the white buildings, are the kind that make you glad you didn’t rush back to the hotel.
It’s not a big production. It’s just a genuinely lovely place to slow down.
10. Swim at Porto Moniz Natural Pools
On the island’s rugged northwest tip, Porto Moniz has a set of natural volcanic rock pools that are the most developed on Madeira, with amenities that make a full day there genuinely easy: a cafe, locker rooms, and even a diving board for anyone feeling confident.
The pools vary in depth and fill naturally with Atlantic seawater. The snorkeling is great if you bring a mask, and the water is clear enough to see the rock formations beneath you. It’s busier here than Doca do Cavacas and a bit more commercial, but the setting is hard to beat.
The drive out along the north coast road to get there is spectacular on its own and worth taking slowly. We went once in the afternoon and another time in the morning. The afternoons can get busy but don’t seem overcrowded. The morning we had the place to ourselves for the first 30 minutes before people started to trickle in.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Madeira Trip
How long to spend: We were there for 8 days and felt that was the right amount of time. Long enough to see the whole island, do all the major hikes and pools, and still have a few unhurried mornings. If you can swing it, don’t go shorter than 6 days.
Best time to visit: We went in September and the weather was perfect. The water was warm, the trails weren’t overcrowded, and we had mostly clear skies for the mountain hikes. Spring is also popular for the wildflowers.
Renting a car: You need a car in Madeira. There’s really no other practical way to see the island properly, especially with kids. We rented through Cassiano’s and had no issues with the car itself. Fair warning though: their airport pickup took close to an hour, which after a delayed RyanAir flight with two young kids was a tough wait. Read reviews carefully for any rental company here, as experiences seem to vary quite a bit across the board. Once you’re on the road the driving is easy, but keep an eye on your gas tank particularly on the western side of the island. Gas stations can be sparse once you’re up in the mountains and the hilly roads burn through fuel faster than you’d expect.
Where to stay: We split our trip between Funchal for the first half and Santa Maria Madalena for the second half, and that worked really well. Basing yourself in two locations cuts down on daily driving significantly since the island is longer than it looks on a map. Funchal makes a great home base for the southern and eastern sights, while Santa Maria Madalena puts you close to Queimadas, Fanal, and the north coast without a long drive each way.
Getting around Funchal: Parking in Funchal is genuinely tricky. There are several underground garages but the spaces are tight, especially if you’re used to driving in the US. For one of our days in Funchal we just left the car at the hotel and used Bolt instead. It was convenient, inexpensive, and honestly less stressful than hunting for a spot near the gardens. Worth keeping in mind.
Book the PR hikes in advance: Entry requires a booking through the SIMplifica portal. Don’t leave this until the last minute, especially in peak season.
Layers matter: Even in September it was cold and windy at the top of Pico Ruivo. Bring a packable jacket on every mountain hike regardless of what the forecast says down in Funchal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Madeira
How many days do you need in Madeira?
We’d recommend at least 6 days, and 8 is ideal. That gives you enough time to cover the main hikes, visit both sets of natural pools, explore the interior, and still have a day or two to just relax. Madeira is compact but hilly, and the drives between sights take longer than you’d think on a map.
Is Madeira good for families with young kids?
Yes, genuinely. We brought a 10 year old and a 4 year old and both had a great time. The toboggan ride in Monte is a hit with kids of all ages, the natural pools at Doca do Cavacas and Porto Moniz are safer for swimming than open beaches, and most of the levada hikes are manageable as long as you pick the right ones. The PR8 hike runs along some exposed cliff edges, so use your judgment with very young children on that one.
What is the best hike in Madeira?
It depends on what you’re after. For pure drama and views, the PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pedra Rija is hard to beat, even with the current trail restrictions. For a classic levada experience, PR9 to Caldeirão Verde is our top pick. For coastal scenery, PR8 at Ponta de São Lourenço is stunning. If we had to pick just one, we’d say PR9 for the full Madeira experience: jungle-like forest, water channels, tunnels, and a waterfall finish.
Is the PR1 trail open?
As of our September visit, only the first 1.2km of PR1 is open due to forest fires in August 2024. The trail runs from Pico do Arieiro to the Pedra Rija viewpoint but is closed beyond that point. Check the SIMplifica portal for the latest trail status before booking.
Do you need to book hikes in Madeira in advance?
Some of them, yes. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro requires a booking and entry fee of €3 through the SIMplifica portal. Other trails like PR8 and PR9 do not currently require advance booking, but always check ahead during peak season.
What is the best time of year to visit Madeira?
Madeira has mild weather year round, which is part of its appeal. We went in September and loved it. Spring (March to May) is beautiful with wildflowers in bloom. Summer is busier and drier in the south. Winter is mild compared to most of Europe but the north of the island gets more rain. For hiking and swimming combined, late summer through early autumn is hard to beat.
Do you need a car in Madeira?
Yes, we’d strongly recommend renting one. Public transport is limited and many of the best things to do in Madeira, including Fanal Forest, Queimadas, and the eastern and western tips of the island, are not easily reachable without a car. Just be prepared for steep, winding mountain roads and tight parking in Funchal. Using Bolt for getting around Funchal itself is a practical alternative to driving and parking in the city center.
What are the natural pools in Madeira like?
There are two main sets worth visiting. Doca do Cavacas, about 10 minutes from Funchal, is less crowded and has a stunning clifftop setting. Porto Moniz on the northwest tip is more developed with better facilities including a cafe, locker rooms, and a diving board, but gets busier with tourists. Both are volcanic rock pools filled naturally by the Atlantic and are great for swimming and snorkeling. We visited both and would recommend making time for each. There are also two in Sexial, which are both nice, but we didn’t like as much as the others. It also could’ve been that the sea was rough that day and overcast.
Is Madeira expensive?
Compared to most western European destinations, Madeira is quite affordable. Entry to the natural pools is around €5.50, the PR1 hike costs €3 to book, and Bolt rides around Funchal are inexpensive. Accommodation and food are generally reasonable. Car rental costs vary, so shop around and read reviews carefully.
Can you visit Madeira with a toddler?
We had a 4 year old with us and made it work well. The key is choosing activities thoughtfully. The toboggan ride, gardens, natural pools, and Ponta do Sol are all great with toddlers. Long mountain hikes like PR9 are better suited to older kids or if you have a carrier. Having a car seat sorted in advance with your rental company is essential.
Have you been to Madeira? We’d love to hear what made your list. Drop a comment below!