in a nutshell
- Wondering what to do in Madeira Island? Here are 11 great activities to help you make the most of your trip.
- From outdoor adventures and boat tours to things to do on rainy days, we’ve included tips for different interests and all kinds of weather.
- Some great things to do in Madeira Island are hiking, swimming in natural pools, and trying the traditional basket toboggan ride.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Activities in Madeira
Madeira is a great destination, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. High mountains, extraordinary landscapes, open sea – you can do so many activities in the fresh air in Madeira.
Go For a Hike
Hiking is the ultimate activity in Madeira. There is hardly a traveler on the island who has not walked at least one hiking 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. The hikes on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and in the Fanal fairy forest are also incredibly impressive.
Another highlight are the countless levada hikes in Madeira. These are trails that lead along the so-called “levadas” – water pipes that look like small streams.
However, there are also many hiking trails that are still real hidden gems in Madeira and are less busy than the most famous trails.
Swim in a Natural Pool
If you want to go swimming in Madeira, it’s best to go to a natural pool – there are quite a few on the island.
The natural pools are much better for swimming than the beaches in Madeira, where the waves can be quite strong.
The most famous natural pools in Madeira can be found in Porto Moniz. There are two areas where you can swim.
Note: Although the natural pools are also called lava pools, the water is not much warmer than in the sea – in other words, more cold than warm.
There are other natural swimming pools in Madeira, such as in Seixal and São Vicente.
Learn to Surf
Surfing is a popular outdoor activity in Madeira, as there are some really good surf spots on the island. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth in Madeira.
A great surf spot in Madeira is Praia Alagoa in Porto da Cruz – one of the most beautiful towns in Madeira. The Jaca Hostel is a great place to stay for surfers.
Other popular surf spots are the Baía dos Juncos in São Vicente, the Praia do Seixal for learning to surf and the beach at Jardim do Mar.
Try Canyoning
Are you a real adventure junkie? Then canyoning is just the thing for you. Whether you want to give it a try or already have canyoning experience, Madeira has something for everyone.
Canyoning allows you to discover waterfalls and natural pools that you wouldn’t otherwise have come across, while having a whole lot of fun and adrenaline.
You abseil down waterfalls, slide down natural slides into the water and swim in natural pools. Mega!
Book canyoning in Madeira for beginners
Book canyoning in Madeira for advanced canyoners
Go Snorkeling or Diving
While not as adventurous, snorkeling and diving are equally exciting activities, as Madeira’s underwater world offers plenty to explore.
There are several diving schools in Madeira. We have heard good things about the Mero Diving Center at Praia do Garajau.
If you’ve never been diving before, it’s best to book a beginner’s diving course.
Book a diving tour in Madeira for beginners
Snorkeling is a cool alternative. How about a kayaking and snorkeling tour?
Book a kayaking and snorkeling trip in Madeira
On the Road in Madeira
If you don’t want to do quite so much sport, you can also take a more relaxed approach to your vacation. Here are three great activities where you can explore Madeira the leisurely way.
Take a Road Trip Across the Island
We recommend that you take a rental car for at least one day and explore the island. Madeira is not huge and you can drive all over Madeira by car.
For example, you can drive along the north coast and stop at beautiful viewpoints such as the Miradouro de São Cristovão or the Miradouro da Portela.
It’s also worth taking spontaneous detours along country roads to enjoy the stunning views throughout Madeira.
Whale Watching
You can see whales in the sea off Madeira all year round. It’s no wonder that whale-watching tours are so popular on the island.
Most boat tours start in Funchal. You take a boat out into the open sea and, with a bit of luck, you will spot whales and dolphins.
But even if it doesn’t work out, the tour is worth it for the spectacular view of Madeira from the boat.
Book a whale watching tour in Madeira by catamaran
Ride a Basket Sledge
Wicker sledging is one of the most popular things to do in Funchal. With the Carrinhos de Cesto (as they are called in Portuguese), you speed down the mountain from the Monte district.
Not only is it great fun, but you also get to know a piece of Funchal’s culture – in the past, basket sledges were the only means of transportation down the mountain.
The easiest way to reach the start of the basket sledge ride is by cable car. It runs from Funchal to Monte and from the top station it is only a few minutes’ walk to the basket sledges.
You pay 35 euros per ride for two people.
Note: When cruise ships dock in Funchal, the basket sledges tend to have long queues. It’s best to avoid these days or take the first cable car up at 9:30 AM.
Activities in Madeira when it Rains
Although the sun shines often in Madeira, rainy days can still happen.
Our tip: If it rains in the south, head to the north and vice versa. The weather can be completely different on the other side of the island.
However, if it really is raining everywhere, you still have a large selection of activities in Madeira that you can do in the rain.
Visit a Museum
A museum visit is always a great option when it rains. Most of the museums in Madeira can be found in Funchal.
Probably the best known is the CR7 Museum, which is dedicated to the Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. He was born in Madeira and is an icon on the island.
If soccer isn’t your thing, you might enjoy the Museum of Electricity or the 3D Fun Art Museum, especially if you’re traveling with kids in Madeira.
Sightseeing in Funchal
Madeira’s capital, Funchal is a great place for a day trip in Madeira when it rains. You can explore many of the city’s highlights even when it’s raining.
The famous Mercado dos Lavradores, for example, is indoor and you can also visit the Sé Cathedral.
If the rain starts pouring and you don’t feel like sightseeing anymore, relax in a cozy café, like Loja do Chá.
Taste Poncha & Local Food
Fortunately, eating and drinking are great options in any weather. A rainy day in Madeira is the perfect opportunity to sample the island’s specialties.
Don’t miss poncha, a sugar cane spirit with honey and lemon juice. It is available in almost every bar in Madeira. In Funchal, we recommend the Rei da Poncha Bar.
Typical dishes in Madeira are Espada com banana (scabbardfish with banana), the bread Bolo do Caco and Espadata (meat skewer).
Our top restaurant recommendations in Madeira are O Recante in Caniçal and Calamar in São Vicente.
These were our tips for cool activities in Madeira
What activities did you do in Madeira? Do you have any other tips? Feel free to write them in the comments. We are curious!