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The 10 things to do in Madeira • Wanderlix

Visit Madeira: Discover the must-see tours and activities on this island off the coast of Morocco!

Madeira is an island located in the middle of the archipelago of the same name, off the northwest coast of Africa. In this autonomous region of Portugal, many tourists come to enjoy the wild beauty of the place. Known for its delicious wine and its favourable climate of tropical type, the island remains rather preserved from urbanization.

Many tourist points of interest are present on the island, which organizes great festivities for the New Year! Whether you want to spend a relaxing stay, a sports holiday or a romantic weekend, visit Madeira will delight you.

So you're wondering what to do in Madeira during your stay? Here is a selection of the must-see activities when you visit Madeira and want to enjoy her journey!

1. Visit Funchal

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – photobeginner

This pretty city is the capital and largest city in the Madeira archipelago with its 110,000 inhabitants. It is the economic, political and cultural heart of the island and offers many fascinating points of interest. When we look for what to do in Madeira, Funchal is obviously the place to see in the first place!

With its cathedral combining Gothic and Romanesque style, the historic centre is really worth a look. We recommend the Santa Maria district, its decorated doors and its Labour market. Also discover the vestiges of the colonial period, the wine cellars or the fortress of São Tiago. This is home to an exciting contemporary art museum!

2. Explore Madeira Botanical Garden

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – A_Mikhail

Are you still in Funchal? Perfect: on the heights of the city, the Botanical Garden of Madeira and its rare plants offer you. Accessible by taking advantage of the famous cable car, it houses more than 2,000 varieties out of 35,000 m2. This green paradise is a visual treat for small and large, plant lovers or not. Even higher in the hill, a second plant park awaits you, the famous tropical garden Monte Palace. This one is also worth the detour!

Another thing: to descend, why not use Funchal's famous iconic sledges? They're tuk-tuk ersatz typical of Madrid! Powered by two seasoned pilots, their wooden skates will offer you strong sensations to reach the historic centre.

3. Mount the Pic Ruivo

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anna Lurye

Visit Madeira is well known, is for lovers of hiking a unique opportunity to make unforgettable walks. The island has more than 60 marked itineraries offering optimal safety and varied difficulties.

We have selected one that will fill you if the exceptional panoramas are your dada. This is the path leading to the top of the Pico Ruivo. With its 1862 meters, it is the highest point of the island - and the third summit of Portugal by its size. Easy and with many security elements -ramps, stairways or panels-, the path is available to anyone.

Don’t wait anymore, put on your boots: the reward is nothing but a splendid view of the island and the ocean!

4. Make a boat ride

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak

After enjoying the splendid view of the island and the ocean from the Pic Ruivo, embark for a boat ride and admire the landscape from the wide sea!

renting a boat In Madeira, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings at your own pace by stopping swimming in the clear waters surrounding the island. Thus, you will have the chance to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Madeira!

5. Make an immersive trek in the wild paradise of Madeira

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – aldorado

Among the activities to visit Madeira, why not try the trek? After all these strong sensations, nothing like a little tranquility. Madeira offers a wide range of marked trails that are suitable for any type of trekkers.

If you are novices but you want to become real experts in the region, we recommend that you visit Explora Project , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « Trek immersive in the wilderness paradise of Madeira » , you will dive into the heart of the island. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: 6 days walking in varied landscapes from the forest to the sea, accommodations outside the beaten paths held by Madrid families and discovering local cuisine and traditional dishes from Madrid. Unbelievable!

6. Discover the Cap Girão

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Valentina Photo

Cape Girão? Don’t say any more, it’s simply “the place to be” when we’re looking for what to do in Madeira. This cliff close to... 600 meters is one of the highest in the entire European continent! Either, geologically and culturally, the site is quite remarkable. But it’s a recently established activity that pushes us to talk to you about Cap Girão.

Since 2012, a glazed platform overhanging the void is indeed located at the top of the rocky promontory. Perched on this one, the most mysterious visitors offer strong sensations looking down. Sensations guaranteed provided that they are not sensitive to vertigo!

7. Visit Porto Moniz

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vitaly Fedotov

Porto Moniz is a charming small town located on the northwest coast of the island. When we visit Madeira and look for the most charming places, Porto Moniz is a must. And we quickly understand why: the city has splendid natural pools made of rock and lava. We bathe in a refreshing salt water and the place, very appreciated by local residents, is also tourists.

Your swim is finished, we recommend you go enjoy freshly fished seafood in a raw restaurant. Before embarking a digestive walk to the Miradouro da Santa overlooking the bay that offers an exceptional view of the bay.

8. Canyoning on the Ribeira das Cales

It is in this sublime valley in the heart of the island that you can indulge in a nature activity, canyoning! Served by many buses from the surrounding cities, so you can enjoy it easily. The canyoning consists of walking down a low river in the middle of its bed.

To do this, you can take advantage of various techniques such as the use of the well-known escalation reminder. Of course many guides will accompany you and help you cross the delicate passages. Cascades, cliffs, steep rocks, no obstacle will resist you.

You will have understood that this is one of the best activities we are looking for in Madeira. Will you jump the step and slip into the skin of an adventurer in Ribeira das Cales?

9. Observe the cetaceans of Madeira

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – xavier gallego morell

We will now present one of the most popular tourist points on the island. Finally, off the island: make a pretty sea trip to see whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Is that tempting you? Just go to the marina of Calheta, which is west of the island.

It is from here that speedboats start at regular intervals leading visitors to the meeting point with cetaceans. The encounter is not always done in the same place, of course. Staff of the pilot of the boat placed on a cliff scoop the waves and guide him.

This unforgettable experience will appeal to the little ones as well as to the great ones. No hesitation to have, go say hello to these spectacular specimens! For the most curious, let us say that a museum dedicated to the whale is also on the island in Canical.

10. Visit the ethnographic museum of Madeira

It is in Ribeira Brava, a small town on the southern coast of the island, where you can find a most enriching exit. It is quite possible to grow when you visit Madeira and her ethnographic museum proves it. It is located in a historic building - a former convent then became a distillery - and was inaugurated in 1996. We come to learn more about the habits and customs of the population as well as its history. Island mentality is very anchored on the island and the inhabitants are proud of their rich culture.

By going to this place of cultural interest you can apprehend the so special history of this little piece of land. For example, you will be able to put yourself in the skin of the first Maderians and discover their winemaking techniques. Madeira wine is an institution here: go and taste it after your visit!

How do I go to Madeira?

The city of Madeira has an airport, Madeira Cristiano-Ronaldo International Airport. The famous footballer, native of the island, offered him such a aura that the airport now bears its name! It is located in the east of the island and ensures many regular connections to the world. If you come from a distance, the air network remains the best solution to get there.

Moreover, our partner Ulysses will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price. Ferries also ensure the crossing from Portugal to Madeira. This slower solution, however, allows you to enjoy a nice boat ride, and will delight small and large.

Once on the island you can take a coach, an excellent way to get around while admiring the landscapes. Taxis are, of course, available, but what you are advised is rent a car or a scooter. It is the best way to move freely on the wonderful island of Madeira!

Where to stay in Madeira?

When we look for what to do in Madeira, we must necessarily think about housing. In fact, you will find on site several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. Madeira, very touristic, is an island with several hundred hotels. They are obviously a simple and flexible solution for the occasional traveler who is looking to visit Madeira! To do this, you will find your ideal establishment on this Compare hotels .

In addition a wide locative offer is present on this island which has typical splendid villages. It is therefore interesting to consult the offers of apartments for rent on Airbnb , for example, or on other platforms. These solutions are adapted to your budget and will allow you to choose between a more affordable villa or studio. The goal is simply to allow you to feel at home!

Now you know how to explore Madeira and enjoy the best activities offered in this incredible island. But you'll have to choose the ones that will convince you!

Ethan Wilson

Ethan Wilson

I'm Ethan Wilson, an enthusiastic globetrotter forever in pursuit of the extraordinary. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, filled with vibrant moments, from scaling mountain peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Each destination holds a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Join me on this thrilling adventure, as we unveil the world's hidden treasures and create lasting memories that define our shared journey.

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