Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers. From green levadas to rugged cliffs and mysterious forests: this is where you want to hike, get lost, and swim. It’s also known as the flower island or the island of eternal spring. Below, I share a number of fun things to do in Madeira and recommendations for great hikes on the island.
Fun things to do and see on Madeira
Discover Funchal
The capital city of Funchal is a great base or a fun destination for a day trip. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is full of charming restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s ideal for a day of strolling, sitting at a sidewalk café, or simply wandering through the parks, where you’ll see beautiful flowers and palm trees everywhere.
I highly recommend taking the cable car up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. The ride alone, with its views of the city and the ocean, is well worth it. At the top, you can stroll past exotic plants, ponds, and various works of art. I spent a leisurely two hours walking around. A return ticket for the cable car costs €20 and admission to the gardens is €15. Tip: the cable car closes at 5:45 p.m., so make sure you don’t return too late.
Hike along the levada’s
The hikes on Madeira are marked with PR numbers. Most hiking trails follow old irrigation channels (levadas), but there are also trails along cliffs or to mountain peaks. Check in advance whether the official hiking trails are open. Due to bad weather, for example, a trail may be closed. It may also be useful to check the live webcams on the island.
💡For all official hikes, you pay a €3 entrance fee. You can pay in cash or by debit card to the people in yellow vests who are often standing at the start of the hikes.
PR11 – Levada dos Balcões (1,5 km return, 45 min)
The Levada dos Balcões is one of the easiest and shortest levadas you can walk on Madeira, but it is definitely worth the trip. The path winds through a beautiful laurel forest that is part of the UNESCO Laurisilva forest. Along the way, you can hear birds singing and, with a little luck, spot finches that often hop around here and dare to come surprisingly close! There is also a café halfway along the route where you can enjoy a delicious coffee and homemade pastries.
After about half an hour, you will reach a panoramic viewpoint, the Miradouro dos Balcões. This is one of those walks that you can easily do in between other activities, for example on your first day or if you don’t have much time.
PR6 – Levada 25 Fontes (8,6 km return, 2,5 – 3 hours)
The Levada 25 Fontes is one of the best known and most popular hikes on Madeira, and for good reason. The route takes you right through the beautiful Rabaçal area, with green slopes and a babbling levada along the path. The path can sometimes be narrow with low-hanging branches. Good shoes are a must here, as it can be slippery.
From the starting point, a shuttle bus takes you to ‘Casa da Rabaçal’, where you can use the toilet or grab a snack. You can also decide to walk here from the parking lot. From the café, you continue along the levada towards the waterfall. Don’t forget: you will walk back along the same route.
💡Start early, between 8:00 and 9:00, to beat the busloads of people.
PR6.2 – Levada do Alecrim (7 km retour, 2 hours)
If you want to explore the Rabaçal area further, you can add the Levada do Alecrim to your itinerary. This easy walk is a nice addition if you have already been to the 25 Fontes or if you prefer a more leisurely route. You follow a clear levada between green ferns and coniferous trees until you reach the waterfall. Here you can take a break and dip your feet in the water. Again, the route is the same on the way back. This hike is not difficult, so it can be combined with another shorter route in the area if you have enough time.
PR18 – Levada do Rei (9,8 km return, 3 hours)
The Levada do Rei is one of the greenest walks on Madeira. The route starts in São Jorge and follows the levada through dense, humid forest full of ferns, moss, and flowers. The path is mostly flat and easy to walk on, but can be muddy after rain.
About two-thirds of the way along the route, you will even walk under a small waterfall, which is wonderful on a hot day, but it is definitely a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Eventually, you will arrive at the source of the levada, where you can take a break before walking back the same way.
Stroll through the mystic Fanal Forest
It is a mysterious place, especially when you visit early in the morning and the fog still lingers among the trees. The unique shapes of the trees make it a very photogenic location. There are several trails in Fanal Forest, but the most well-known one starts from this parking lot. You walk up the hill and are rewarded with an incredible view of the coast (when there is no fog, that is).
Hike along the cliffs
PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (7 km retour, 2,5 hours)
This walk across a narrow peninsula in eastern Madeira is truly spectacular. Expect rugged cliffs and many beautiful views along the way.
At the end of the route is Casa do Sardinha, a small house where you can have a drink and use the toilet. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as there is no shelter and there is no guarantee that this café will always be open.
💡Combine this walk with a visit to the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto viewpoint. This viewpoint is a little further away and can be easily reached by car.
Boca do Risco (2 to 3 hours)
The walk to Boca do Risco is a delightful coastal route if you want something different from the popular routes. You walk along steep cliffs overlooking the ocean. Chances are you will hardly encounter any other hikers. The route is not difficult and well marked, although the path can be a bit rocky in places. Be sure to bring some snacks and water, as there are no restaurants or cafés along the way.
Climb one of the highest peaks of the island: Pico do Arieiro
PR1 – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (or part of it)
The walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is not without reason the most famous hike in Madeira. The views along the way are truly amazing.
The drive there is an experience in itself. You are literally driving above the clouds. If you are coming from Funchal, it’s better to take the ER203 road instead of the ER103. There are two parking lots near the starting point. At 6:30 a.m., you can still easily park lower down, but higher up it is already quite full. At 8:30 a.m., there is often space again, but when I was there, the police temporarily closed the road.
Due to heavy rainfall, there is a risk of landslides, which means that not the entire route is open (in the summer of 2025). You can still walk the first part, including the ‘stairway to heaven’. Check the website with official hiking routes in advance to see if the entire route is open.
Always check the mountain forecast in advance to see if the weather will be clear at the top. If it’s very cloudy or raining, it’s better to go another day. It can be very cold at the top, so wear enough layers. A hat and scarf will come in handy!
💡Walk the route at sunset instead of sunrise! It is much quieter and just as beautiful.
Swimming on Madeira
After all that hiking, it’s extra nice to take a dip in the water somewhere. Madeira doesn’t have many sandy beaches, but the ones it does have are quite special.
Praia do Porto do Seixal
A black sand beach with an almost tropical feel, surrounded by green cliffs and palm trees. The view here is truly beautiful and the water is often calm enough to float around in.
Natural pools in Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz in the northwest is known for its ‘natural pools’ where you can swim safely in the sea. In Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz , the water is very calm, while in Piscinas Naturais do Aquário, the water really crashes against the rocks. Both are very beautiful and you can spend a few hours there.
Doca do Cavacas
A smaller but delightful natural pool in Funchal. Perfect for cooling off after a hike. You can literally swim between the rocks with a view of the sea. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel, because with a bit of luck you might see small fish swimming around.
Complexo Balnear do Lido
If you are looking for a quiet swimming pool close to Funchal, Complexo Balnear do Lido is highly recommended. Here, too, you can swim in refreshing seawater, but in a well-maintained pool with plenty of lifeguards. It’s also possible to swim in the sea via the stone steps that have been built.
Practical tips for transportation
Renting a car on Madeira is actually the best way to really explore the island. Especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking or visit viewpoints, you won’t get very far by public transport. Public transport in Funchal is fine, but many hikes are difficult to reach without a car.
Personally, I loved having the freedom to go wherever I wanted. The roads are generally good, although some mountain roads can be steep and winding. For this reason, an automatic car is recommended. No stress: if you’re a confident driver, it’s perfectly doable.
Useful tips:
- Renting an automatic car? Do it in time! They are popular and go quickly.
- Navigation: Google Maps works fine, but I also used Maps.me for the hikes.
- Parking:
- White lines = free parking
- Blue lines = paid parking (usually with a parking meter)
- Yellow lines = no parking (for buses or local traffic)
- “M” on the sidewalk = residents only (moradores)
Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and a credit card. Without a credit card, many rental companies won’t let you rent a car. And choose a rental car with a bit of power if you also want to drive on mountain roads.
