Highlights of Madeira: What We Loved About This Portuguese Island

The highlights of Madeira include exploring Funchal, riding the famous Monte toboggans, standing high above the Atlantic at Cabo Girão, visiting Câmara de Lobos, and tasting the Madeira wine and food that are such an important part of the island.

Madeira was a real gem and a pleasant surprise of our travels through several Atlantic Ocean islands. As soon as we began exploring the island, it reminded us of our time in the Azores. The steep volcanic landscape, lush vegetation, small towns, and dramatic coastline created a very different experience from Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

We explored Funchal and also ventured a little farther around the island. One of the best things we did was hire a private tuk-tuk with a local guide. It allowed us to tailor our day around the places that interested us rather than following a set tour itinerary. There is far more to see on Madeira than we could possibly experience during one visit. In fact, by the time we left, we were already talking about coming back.

If you are planning your first trip, these are the highlights of Madeira that stood out most from our time on the island.

What You’ll Discover In Madeira

During our visit, we experienced a mix of history, scenery, food, and some activities that are unique to Madeira. Keep in mind that Madeira is a relatively small island, but its mountainous landscape means getting around can take longer than you might expect.  In this guide, we’ll share:

A Little History of Madeira

Understanding a little about Madeira’s history helped us appreciate what we were seeing around the island. The Portuguese began colonizing Madeira in 1419, bringing settlers from northern Portugal. Sugarcane was introduced because the volcanic soil and climate proved suitable for growing it.

Sugar became an important part of Madeira’s early economy and eventually led to the production of rum. But success also brought unwanted attention. Pirates began targeting the island, which resulted in defensive forts being built around the coastline. You can still see reminders of this period today, including the Fortress of Santiago in Funchal.

Even the names tell you something about the island. Madeira means wood, referring to the thick forests that covered the island when Portuguese explorers arrived. The name Funchal comes from funcho, the Portuguese word for fennel, which grew abundantly in the area.

Explore Funchal Old Town

We really enjoyed walking around Funchal. The Old Town is compact enough to explore on foot and is filled with restaurants, shops, churches, squares, and reminders of the island’s history.

Like elsewhere in Portugal, we found ourselves admiring the patterned stonework beneath our feet. Many of the squares have impressive fountains, and the streets invite you to wander without needing a particular route.

Walk Along Rua de Santa Maria

One street you shouldn’t miss is Rua de Santa Maria. Restaurants line both sides, but what really makes the street interesting is its collection of painted doors.

The artwork was introduced as a way of bringing new life and happiness to the community, and the idea continued as more artists added their own designs. Today, walking along the street feels a little like visiting an outdoor gallery.

Each door is different. We enjoyed looking at the original ideas and seeing how something as ordinary as a doorway had been transformed into art. Apparently the doors are changed regularly so you never know what you may see.

Nearby is the Fortress of Santiago, which dates from the 1600s. It is free to enter and provides another glimpse into the defensive history of Funchal.

Visit Funchal Cathedral

The Sé Cathedral is one of the most important churches in Funchal.

From the outside, it is relatively plain, but we were particularly interested in the intricately carved wooden ceiling inside. The cathedral has been part of the city for centuries and was also visited by Pope John Paul II during his trip to Madeira in 1991.

But there was another church in Funchal that surprised us even more.

Step Inside Igreja do Colégio

The interior of Igreja do Colégio, the former Jesuit church, is incredible. Gold leaf covers large sections of the interior, creating a dramatic contrast with the traditional exterior.

We had seen many beautiful churches during our travels through Portugal, but this was another reminder that you should never judge a Portuguese church by its outside appearance!

Look Inside The Regional Government Palace

If you enjoy Portuguese tilework, take a few minutes to step inside the Regional Government Palace on Avenida Arriaga. We discovered some gorgeous tile panels here along with a peaceful interior courtyard.

In the centre is a fountain with turtles swimming in the water. It was such a calm place that it felt completely removed from the streets outside.

Nearby, the Municipal Garden is another small escape. It doesn’t take long to explore, but there is a nice collection of plants, flowers, and water features.

Enjoy The Shops And Food Of Funchal

Funchal has plenty of shopping and restaurants, so leave some time to wander. One shop that certainly caught our attention was UAU Cacao.

The chocolates were almost too pretty to eat, and choosing which ones to buy was not easy.

We also stopped at the Golden Gate Grand Café, which is the oldest café on Madeira. Unfortunately, our experience wasn’t quite as memorable. The service was so slow that we eventually gave up and left. Guess you win some and you lose some when travelling!

One local dish we did enjoy was picado. This popular Madeira dish consists of pieces of beef in a savoury sauce and is commonly served with french fries. It is designed for sharing, although how much you actually want to share may depend on how hungry you are. We thought it was very tasty.

Take A Tuk Tuk Tour From Funchal

One of the best ways we found to see some of the highlights of Madeira was by tuk tuk. We had already enjoyed tuk tuk tours in other destinations, and Madeira was another place where having a private driver worked particularly well.

Our guide could tailor the route to the places that interested us and easily stop at viewpoints along the way. With Madeira’s steep roads, it was also a lot easier than trying to walk everywhere!

One of our stops on the journey uphill was Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, where we had our first taste of the views that are so gorgeous.

Ride The Famous Monte Toboggans

Probably the most famous thing to do in Madeira is riding the traditional Monte toboggans. This activity has to be near the top. These wicker sleds were originally used to transport goods down the steep hills. They later became transportation for wealthy residents and eventually evolved into the tourist attraction they are today.

We learned from our guide that only men from the town of Monte are permitted to work on the toboggans. I was curious to know how often they change their shoes, and was told they last about 2 months.

We climbed into the wicker basket and set off down the narrow streets with two men standing behind us to steer and brake. And yes, it was thrilling!

The road is steep in places, and watching the men control the toboggan while we slid down the pavement was quite an experience. At one point, the road levels out and the momentum disappears. Our two drivers actually had to move to the front and pull us until the road became steep enough to start sliding again.

It was unlike any transportation we had tried before, and definitely one of those Madeira experiences we won’t forget.

Visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte

But before you head down the hill, spend some time exploring Monte. The gardens surrounding the church are lovely. In one pond, we noticed a rock shaped remarkably like the island of Madeira.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is one of Madeira’s most important churches. The original church was damaged and later rebuilt following the earthquake of 1818. Inside is a beautiful painted ceiling and an important image of Our Lady of Monte.

The statue has great significance for local pilgrims and is carried during religious celebrations. It was a peaceful stop before our considerably faster journey down the mountain!

Stand Above The Atlantic At Cabo Girão

For one of the most impressive views on Madeira, head to Cabo Girão. The viewpoint sits approximately 589 metres above sea level, providing a spectacular perspective over the coastline and Atlantic Ocean.

There is a glass skywalk extending over the cliff. Standing on the transparent platform and looking straight down certainly adds another dimension to the view!

Even if glass floors aren’t your favourite thing, the panorama alone makes Cabo Girão worth visiting. The scale of Madeira’s landscape is difficult to appreciate until you see the cliffs from a viewpoint like this.

Discover Madeira’s Viewpoints

One of the pleasures of travelling around Madeira is that spectacular views seem to appear everywhere. Like our experience in São Miguel, miradouros, or viewpoints, are easily accessible with pull-offs from the road. One that we particularly enjoyed was Miradouro Cruz da Caldeira. It is worth searching out if your route takes you nearby.

We found that these smaller stops often became memorable parts of the day. You don’t necessarily need a famous attraction at every destination. Sometimes pulling over and looking across Madeira’s mountains and coastline is enough.

Are Madeira’s Levada Walks Worth Doing?

Before travelling to Madeira, we had heard a lot about its famous levada walks. Levadas are irrigation channels that carry water from wetter areas of the island to agricultural regions. Paths alongside the channels have become popular hiking routes.

As we travelled through the hills, we could see several of these trails. Some looked incredibly narrow. We also noticed that certain sections experienced significant drops without the safety barriers we would normally expect. For us personally, seeing them from above was enough.

However, travellers who enjoy hiking and are comfortable with heights may feel completely differently. There are numerous levada walks in Madeira with varying levels of difficulty, so it is worth researching the individual trail carefully before deciding which one suits you.

Visit the Natural Pools On The Coast

Another side of Madeira that we enjoyed discovering was its volcanic coastline. At Ponta da Cruz, we made our way through some very cool caves to reach an area with natural pools beside the sea.

The weather was a little cool during our visit, so we didn’t spend the day swimming, but we could immediately see the appeal. On a warmer day, it would be a great place to spend some time beside the water.

The dark volcanic rocks against the Atlantic also provided another reminder of how different Madeira is from the sandy coastline we had experienced in the Algarve.

Explore Câmara de Lobos

One of our favourite stops outside Funchal was Câmara de Lobos. This working fishing village has a very different atmosphere from the capital.

Colourful fishing boats line the water while banana plants and vineyards climb the terraced hills behind the town. 

We loved wandering through the small streets and looking at the street art.

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is another example of why you should step inside churches even when the exterior looks fairly simple.

From outside, we weren’t expecting much. Inside was completely different. Large paintings cover the walls, and the decorated ceiling makes the small chapel feel much more elaborate than its exterior suggests.

Taste Madeira Wine

If you are going to visit Madeira, you need to learn about its famous fortified wine. One of the best places to learn about the tradition is Henriques & Henriques, a producer whose history dates back to 1850.

During our tasting, we learned about the ageing process and sampled several styles of Madeira wine, including wines made from Verdelho, Malvasia, and Terrantez grapes. The differences between them were fascinating.

Each had its own flavour profile and level of sweetness, making the tasting a good introduction to a product that has been connected to Madeira for centuries.

Even if you don’t normally drink fortified wine, we think a tasting is worthwhile for the cultural and historical experience.

Try Poncha And Bolo do Caco

There are two more Madeira specialties worth adding to your list. The first is poncha, a traditional drink made with sugarcane spirit, citrus juice, and honey. It was originally associated with fishermen who drank it to keep warm. Today, you’ll find numerous versions and flavours served around the island.

Then there is bolo do caco. Despite the name, it isn’t actually cake. It is a traditional Madeira bread commonly served warm with garlic butter.

We highly recommend trying both during your visit.

Where To Stay In Madeira

For a first visit to Madeira, we think Funchal makes a convenient base and is the best place to stay.

If you want to stay near the water and within the Old Town, PortoBay Santa Maria is worth considering. This adults-only hotel has a seaside location along with a pool, spa, and rooftop terrace. Its location also means you can easily walk to many of Funchal’s restaurants and historic sights.

For something more central within the Old Town, Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is another good option. The hotel has spacious rooms and great views, while its location puts many of Funchal’s main sights within walking distance.

For the style of travel we enjoy, being able to leave the hotel and explore on foot is always a major advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madeira

Is Madeira Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Madeira was one of the surprises of our Portugal trip. We loved the volcanic scenery, Funchal, small villages, viewpoints, local food, and the variety of experiences available around the island.

What Are The Main Highlights Of Madeira?

For us, the highlights of Madeira included exploring Funchal, taking the Monte toboggan ride, visiting Cabo Girão, seeing Câmara de Lobos, stopping at the island’s viewpoints, and tasting Madeira wine.

Is Funchal A Good Base For Exploring Madeira?

Yes. We found Funchal convenient because it has plenty of restaurants, shops, and historical sights. It is also easy to arrange tours and transportation to other parts of the island.

Is Madeira Good To Visit In Winter?

Madeira’s temperatures remain relatively mild during winter compared with much of Europe. However, the island can experience rain, particularly in January and February, and wind can affect conditions at higher elevations.

Final Thoughts On The Highlights Of Madeira

We loved wandering through Funchal, racing down the streets of Monte in a wicker toboggan, looking over the Atlantic from Cabo Girão, and exploring the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. The food and wine added another layer to the experience.

There is still a lot of Madeira island that we haven’t seen. And that may be the best indication of how we felt about the island. We would definitely go back.

If you are planning your own Portugal itinerary, we think these highlights of Madeira provide a great introduction to the island. Just don’t be surprised if your first visit leaves you planning another one.

If you are planning to explore additional Portuguese locations, check out our other resources:

Best Things to Do in Lisbon
Sintra in One Day
Visit Cascais
Top Things to Do in Porto
What to Do in Lagos
São Miguel Travel Guide