Madeira’s Best Things to Do
The remote Portuguese island Madeira is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love nature and other outdoor activities.
The archipelago, technically Madeira, Porto Santo and the nature-protected Desertas Islands, is magnificently isolated in the Atlantic Ocean. It lies approximately 1,000 km from Europe and 520 kilometers off the coast of Africa.
Here are the top things to do in Madeira, from whale-spotting to Levada hiking:
Enjoy a Levada walk.
Madeira is known for its stunning Levada walks. The old waterways winding through the island, passing remote waterfalls, flower-filled meadows and banana farms, make for incredible walking routes.
The island also boasts more than 2,000 kilometers of channels that allow visitors to follow them through beautiful countryside and natural areas. No matter what itinerary you choose to follow, Madeira’s intricate Nevadas are a great way to discover this volcanic island and its stunning natural wonders.
Whale, Dolphin and Seal Watching
Madeira’s unique climate and location make it a great place to spot marine wildlife. The warm, deep Atlantic waters just 5km from the shores of Madeira are a great place to spot migrating whales and swim with them. You can have a unique experience by visiting the Desertas Islands, where you will find many monk seals. Researchers and biologists have found that 40 monk seals remain in the world, of 500.
The CR7 Museum is located in Funchal.
The CR7 Museum was opened in December 2013. It is a popular attraction in Funchal, Madeira. The museum is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, the city’s most prominent son. It houses more than 125 awards he won throughout his career, including his first cup as a top scorer in Andorinha, his most recent Golden Boots, Fifa Ballon d’Or, and other trophies.
Explore the Parks and Gardens
Madeira has a wide range of recreational options, from beautiful flower gardens to unique theme park experiences. The Santa Catarina Park and the Municipal Garden are both easily accessible. Both are located in the heart of Funchal.
However, for truly stunning plant life, visit the 35,000 m2 Botanical Garden at Quinta do Bom Sucesso. These gardens, located on a hillside just 3km from Funchal’s center, offer stunning views of the city and an incredible variety of foreign and indigenous plant species. They also have a special area that houses 300 rare birds. Jardim Orquidea is a magnificent orchid garden and research center that features over 7,500 varieties of plants from around the globe. It is located close to Madeira Botanical Garden.
Indulge in Local Delicacies
This Floating Garden is famous for its Madeira wine. It also boasts a unique cuisine that relies on traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients. Bolo do Caco – is a tasty variety of bread with garlic butter and parsley; Espetada is a marinated beef chunk grilled on a skewer with butter and bay leaves; Carne de Vinho e Alhos: This mouth-watering dish consists of small pieces cooked in the same sauce and marinated in garlic and vinegar; and Bolo de Mel, Madeira’s traditional honey cakes.
Water Sports
Madeira is known for its stunning scenery and amazing trekking opportunities. It also offers many water sports such as canoeing, leisure boating, and sailing. The island’s mild climate throughout the year and its clear, clean waters are a magnet for divers.
Fishing in all forms is a popular activity on Madeira’s oceans – from sport, bottom and deep-sea fishing to the incredible big game fishing.
Visit Porto Santo
Madeira’s less-known island, Porto Santo, is a peaceful haven of tranquility with rugged mountains and golden sands. It is known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
The main attraction of Porto Santo is its 9km-long, almost perfect beach. It is well-known for its curative properties. The Christopher Columbus Museum is another notable attraction. Vila Baleira, the charming capital, has the Porto Santo Golf Club. It was designed by Severiano Ballesteros, a Spanish professional golfer.