A jewel in the Atlantic Ocean that promises a stunning escape for every type of traveller, Madeira is increasingly becoming a top destination. In October 2023, the Portuguese island experienced 12% growth in tourism compared to 2022 and anyone that has been will happily tell you why.
Known for its lush landscapes, vibrant cultural tapestry, and year-round mild climate, Madeira offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re winding through the scenic levadas[i], sampling the rich gastronomy, or exploring the historic streets of downtown Funchal[ii], there’s an undeniable charm that will have you fall under the spell of the island fast.
With UK tourists visiting the islands more than any other international visitors in 2022, with 314,000 visitors, Maderia continues to be a top destination for holidaymakers. So, if you’ve not had the pleasure before or are eager to return to the islands this year, below you will find a breakdown of the top attractions and hidden gems of Madeira that you simply cannot miss. From breathtaking hikes to immersive cultural experiences, get ready to discover what makes Madeira a unique and stunning destination for your next holiday.
The Nearby Tropical Paradise
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that sits in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal and just north of the Canary Islands[iii]. At just under a 4-hour flight from London[iv], it’s a tropical paradise close to home that has been voted the “World’s Leading Island Destination”[v] at the World Travel Awards every year since 2015.
This volcanic island group of Madeira and Porto Santo is renowned for its rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush, green mountains that rise straight out of the sea. Madeira has a subtropical climate[vi] with a very mild temperature range year-round, making it an ideal destination in any season you’re planning to travel. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, averaging 25C, and is the most popular time to visit[vii], while Winters are mild, averaging 18C-20C, with occasional rainfall, perfect for the flourishing of its famous gardens and green landscapes that make any outdoor activities pleasant throughout the year.
Starting to see why it’s so popular? We haven’t even begun talking about the places to see and the types of activities you can enjoy…Top of Form
The Sights and Attractions You Won’t Want To Miss
Madeira is quite literally full to the brim of sights and attractions that are unique to the islands, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural heritage that is abundant. Here are some of the must-visit spots:
Funchal
Located on the South Coast, the charming capital city of Madeira is vibrant and teeming with life as the commercial and cultural centre[viii]. Named after fennel, the sweet-smelling wild herb that grows on the island[ix], you can wander through its colourful Mercado dos Lavradores[x] where fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts fill the stalls. Visit the historic Cathedral[xi] and stroll along the picturesque seaside promenade[xii] or one of the many gardens and parks[xiii]. Also, don’t miss downtown Funchal[xiv], with its art-laden doors called ‘Portas Pintadas’, cobbled streets, and eclectic restaurants that capture the spirit of the island.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Start with a scenic cable car ride from Funchal to Monte[xv], which offers panoramic views of the town and the ocean. Once at the top, explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden[xvi] filled with 100,000 species of exotic plants from around the world, swan-filled lakes, and peacocks roaming the garden grounds, along with a collection of tile panels depicting Portuguese historical and cultural scenes from the 16th to the 20th centuries[xvii].
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
For the adventurous heading to the islands, this hike connects two of Madeira’s highest peaks[xviii]. The trail is well-maintained and provides stunning vistas, as well as the “tunnel” which is a natural rock formation. Though challenging and taking around 4-5 hours to complete[xix], the views from Pico Ruivo at sunrise, the highest peak on the island[xx], are particularly spectacular and well worth the early start. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s an absolute must and can be easily reached by either driving or booking a tour.
Laurissilva Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage site[xxi], this ancient laurel forest is one of the largest surviving in the world, with only the Azores, Canary Islands and Madeira having them[xxii]. It is a haven for biodiversity covering 15,000 hectares (about 20% of the island[xxiii]) and hosting numerous species of plants and animals that can only be found in Madeira, such as the long-toed pigeon[xxiv]. Hiking through the Laurisilva is recommended, but you can also enjoy a bike tour, canyoning and climbing if you want to take your experience even further[xxv].
Whilst we could keep listing them, these are just a selection of must-see locations on Madeira. Of course, part of the fun is exploring and finding what works best for you, depending on how many days you’ve got to pack your adventures in.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Want to sample Madeira’s cuisine? You will not be disappointed, as it is a delightful reflection of its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources.
Each meal in Madeira is an experience, and a must-try is the ‘espetada’, succulent skewers of marinated beef grilled over open flames and served on aromatic laurel sticks[xxvi]. Seafood lovers will want to try black scabbardfish for a slice of traditional Madeira food, that is seasoned with lemon and butter – delicious.
As you can imagine due to the climate, fruit is one way to indulge a sweet tooth in Madeira from fresh tangerines to bananas and passion fruit[xxvii]. There’s also Madeira wine, and traditional drinks like Poncha, and Nikitas[xxviii] to help you quench your first whilst enjoying yourself. Top of Form
Cultural Experiences & Activities
If visiting during Spring, The Madeira Flower Festival[xxix] is held each year and is a must-see, where the streets of Funchal burst into colour with floral carpets, parades, and performances[xxx]. For a deeper dive into local customs, explore Madeira’s rich craft heritage[xxxi] by visiting local workshops where artisans meticulously handcraft Madeira embroidery, renowned for its artistry such as botas de vilão[xxxii] footwear.
Madeira is also a paradise for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island’s unique system of levadas, irrigation channels that also serve as walking paths, offer over 3,000 kilometres of scenic trails[xxxiii]. These routes wind through the stunning landscape providing ample opportunities for hiking and bird watching.
The surrounding Atlantic waters also invite a variety of water sports. Scuba diving here reveals vibrant marine life and intriguing shipwrecks[xxxiv], while the coastlines are perfect for sailing and windsurfing[xxxv].
Top Tips for Travellers To Madeira
When travelling to Madeira, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the wonderful things you’ll get to see and experience. Before you do though, be sure to plan as best you can for your trip and have a few things marked off your travel checklist.
- Ensure your passport is valid and issued less than 10 years before the date you plan to visit Madeira. It also needs to be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. For more information, visit the Portugal foreign travel advice page on GOV.UK.
- Be sure to arrange comprehensive travel insurance for your stay so that you will be covered for any unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or even lost luggage. If you’re planning any particular activities, check to ensure you’re covered – you don’t want to have issues if trying to claim.
- Invest in comfortable footwear if you don’t have these already suitable for hiking Madeira’s varied terrain, from levada walks to mountain trails.
- Renting a car can be beneficial for exploring remote areas of Madeira at your own pace, though public transport is reliable for major attractions.
- The types of accommodation range from luxury hotels, and rental apartments, to charming villas, so book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons such as the ever-popular Summer season.
Ready to enjoy everything Madeira has to offer? The island caters to both thrill-seekers and those seeking peace and relaxation, so there is something for everyone. We recommend browsing the Visit Madeira website for an extensive list of sights and activities to add to your itinerary. Enjoy your trip!
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