In a nutshell
- Want to know what to do on Madeira? We’ll walk you through 11 great activities to make your Madeira vacation truly unforgettable.
- From outdoor adventures to boat tours to rainy-day ideas, we’ve got recommendations for every type of traveler and every kind of weather.
- Absolute must-dos include hiking, swimming in natural pools, and the iconic wicker toboggan ride in Funchal. Keep reading to find out more.
Outdoor Activities on Madeira
Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe for outdoor enthusiasts. Towering mountains, extraordinary landscapes, open ocean — there are so many amazing things to do on Madeira that it can be hard to know where to start.
Hiking
Hiking is THE activity on Madeira, plain and simple. There’s hardly a visitor on the island who hasn’t walked at least one trail.
One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Pico Ruivo — the highest peak on the island. The trail starts at the third-highest mountain, Pico do Arieiro. Also seriously impressive are the hikes on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and in the Fanal fairy-tale forest.
Another highlight is the countless levada walks on Madeira. These are trails that run alongside the so-called “levadas” — irrigation channels that look like small streams.
And there are also many hiking trails that are still genuine lesser-known spots on Madeira, seeing far fewer visitors than the most famous routes.
Read our tips for hiking on Madeira
Swimming in a Natural Pool
If you want to swim on Madeira, your best bet is to head to a natural pool — there are quite a few of them on the island.
The natural pools are far better suited for swimming than the beaches on Madeira, since the waves there are usually pretty strong.
The most well-known natural pools on Madeira are in Porto Moniz. There are two separate areas where you can swim.
Note: Even though the natural pools are sometimes called lava pools, the water isn’t much warmer than the ocean — so expect it to be on the cool side.
More natural swimming pools can be found in Seixal and São Vicente, for example.
Read our tips on the natural pools in Madeira too:
Learn to Surf
Surfing is a popular activity on Madeira, and the island has some really great surf spots. Beginner or pro — you’ll find waves to match your level.
A top surf spot is Praia Alagoa in Porto da Cruz — one of the most beautiful places on Madeira. There’s also a really cool place to stay for surfers right there: the Jaca Hostel.
Other popular surf spots include Baía dos Juncos in São Vicente, Praia do Seixal for beginners, and the beach at Jardim do Mar.
Canyoning
Are you a true adrenaline junkie? Then canyoning is absolutely for you. Whether it’s your first time or you already have experience, there are options for every level.
With canyoning you’ll discover waterfalls and natural pools you’d never find on a regular hike — and with a whole lot of fun along the way.
You’ll rappel down waterfalls, slide down natural rock slides into the water, and swim in hidden pools. Seriously awesome.
Snorkeling or Diving
Not quite as adrenaline-fueled, but just as rewarding — snorkeling and diving are well worth your time, because Madeira’s underwater world has more to offer than most people expect.
There are several dive schools on Madeira. We’ve heard great things about the Mero Diving Center at Praia do Garajau.
If you’ve never been diving before, it’s best to book a beginner diving course — they’ll take care of everything.
Beginner diving experience on Madeira
A great alternative is snorkeling. How about a kayak tour with snorkeling included?
Kayak and snorkeling excursion on Madeira
Getting Around Madeira
Not every Madeira activity has to be high-octane. Here are three great ways to explore the island at a more relaxed pace.
Road Trip Around the Island
We really recommend renting a car for at least one day and exploring the island on your own terms. Madeira isn’t huge, and with a car you can drive all the way around it.
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Drive along the north coast and stop at beautiful viewpoints like the Miradouro de São Cristovão or the Miradouro da Portela.
And don’t be afraid to turn off spontaneously onto side roads — stunning panoramas are everywhere on Madeira.
Read our tips for a road trip on Madeira as well:
Whale Watching
You can spot whales year-round in the waters off Madeira — which is exactly why whale watching tours are so popular here.
Most boat tours depart from Funchal. You head out into the open ocean, and with a bit of luck you’ll see whales and dolphins.
But even if the whales don’t show up, the tour is still totally worth it for the spectacular views of Madeira from the water.
Whale watching tour on Madeira by catamaran
Wicker Toboggan Ride
The wicker toboggan ride is one of the most popular things to do in Funchal. In the Carrinhos de Cesto (as they’re called in Portuguese), you slide down the hill from the Monte neighborhood.
It’s a ton of fun, and you also get a real taste of local culture — back in the day, the wicker toboggans were the only means of transportation for getting down the hill.
The easiest way to reach the start is by taking the cable car up from Funchal to Monte — from the top station it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the toboggans.
For two people, you’ll pay 35 euros per ride.
Note: When cruise ships are docked in Funchal, there’s usually a long line at the toboggans. Avoid those days if you can, or take the first cable car up at 9:30 AM.
Madeira Activities When It Rains
Even though Madeira gets a lot of sunshine overall, a rainy day can happen.
Our tip: If it’s raining in the south, head to the north — and vice versa. The weather on the other side of the island can look completely different.
Also read our tips on the weather on Madeira
But even if it’s raining everywhere, you’ve still got plenty of great options to keep your Madeira trip on track.
Visit a Museum
A museum visit is always a solid call when it’s raining. Most of Madeira’s museums are in Funchal.
Probably the most famous is the CR7 Museum, dedicated to Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo — who was born right here on Madeira and is a genuine icon on the island.
Not a soccer fan? You might enjoy the Electricity Museum or the 3D Fun Art Museum — the latter is especially great for a family vacation on Madeira with kids.
Sightseeing in Funchal
Madeira’s capital, Funchal, makes a great rainy-day excursion on Madeira. Many of the city’s highlights are easy to explore even in wet weather.
The famous Mercado dos Lavradores, for example, is covered, and you can also pop into the Sé Cathedral.
If it starts pouring too hard and you’re done with sightseeing, just duck into a cozy café — the Loja do Chá is a great pick.
By the way: Funchal is one of the best places to stay on Madeira. You’ll also find many of the most beautiful Madeira luxury hotels and Madeira boutique hotels here.
Read our tips for Funchal too:
Drink Poncha and Go Out to Eat
Eating and drinking works in any weather — and a rainy day on Madeira is honestly the perfect excuse to work your way through the island’s local specialties.
Don’t miss Poncha — a sugarcane spirit with honey and lemon juice that you’ll find in almost every bar on Madeira. In Funchal, we love the Rei da Poncha Bar.
Typical dishes include Espada com banana (scabbardfish with banana), the bread Bolo do Caco, and Espetada (meat skewers).
Our top restaurant picks are O Recante in Caniçal and Calamar in São Vicente.
Read also our tips on eating in Madeira:
