Discovered in the 15th century by explorers in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator, the beautiful island of Madeira is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and this Portuguese territory is lapped by the waters of the Gulf Stream.
In 2022, Madeira won the award for World’s Leading Island Destination, granted by The World Travel Awards. With a pleasant climate, dramatic scenery, beautiful flowers and gardens, mountain trails and a unique island culture, it is a holiday destination with something for everyone.
Check out our top five things to do in Madeira.
What to Do in Madeira
1. Indulge in Subtropical Wine & Cuising
Thanks to the subtropical climate and volcanic soils, Madeira’s cuisine is based on fresh and varied local ingredients. One of the best things to do in Madeira is to try some of their traditional dishes such as “tuna steak with fried corn”, “swordfish steak”, “skewers (espetada)”, “passion fruit pudding”, “limpets” and tropical fruits, amongst others.
Madeira’s wine has received several awards throughout time thanks to the region’s natural, unforgettable flavours. The best known grape varieties of Madeira’s wines are Sercial, Boal, Verdelho and Malvasia, but there are many other grape varieties with wines of different degrees of sweetness: dry, half dry, sweet and half sweet. There are several wineries and restaurants offering tastings, traditionally accompanied by Madeira honey cake.
2. Visit the Gardens of Madeira
Madeira offers incredible natural landscapes and really demonstrates how inspiring our Earth can be, making it one of our top sun destinations. Madeira is also known for the variety of its gardens, carefully cared and appreciated by locals as well as visitors.
The subtropical climate allows the survival of a wide variety of flowers, plants and trees from all over the world. Their aromas and colours give the island a natural, exuberant charm and with plenty of gardens to choose from, visiting one should definitely be on your list of things to do in Madeira. Strelicias, magnolias, anthuriums, orchids, there are always flowers blooming in any season, setting the perfect backdrop for your holiday.
3. Take a Trip in a Wicker Sledge
Fun can be found on literally every turn! Originally created in the 19th century, these cars are produced with wicker and wood and have two to three seats. They are led and controlled by two drivers called ‘carreiros’, dressed in white, and with a straw hat on their heads.
The drivers, with great skill and expertise, use thick rubber soles on their boots as brakes during an exhilarating trip of pure adrenaline and emotion. A truly unique activity and one of the best things to do in Madeira, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the capital as well as the excitement.
4. Experience Extraordinary Sunrises & Sunsets
For an incredible sunrise in Madeira, go to the mountain of Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest peaks on the island at 5965 feet. Arrive just as the sun is about to rise above the horizon and as the sky begins to change to a paler shade of starlight. Make sure to take photos of this magnificent landscape at this moment, so you can treasure this memory forever.
If you’re not an early morning riser, you can also admire the sunset in one of the spots by the sea: Praia Formosa, Madalena do Mar or Paul do mar. Sit in one of the bars close to the sea, where you have front row seats for the sun setting into the ocean. It's really amazing!
5. Make Memories at Fajã dos Padres
Although not one of the most popular places in Madeira, this Fajã is special. What makes it different is how to access it, as it is quite particular and unlike what we are used to. One way is to go down the cable car from the top of the slope (where you can leave your car) and travel all the way to the Fajã area by the sea.
The other way is via boat; here, the sea is so clear that it is possible to see the ocean floor when you are out of the water. There is a small pier which gives you direct access to the sea and is where you can dive from. The water temperature can reach about 24.5 °C in summer, can you imagine? You won’t even feel like getting out of the water.
If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira, we’ve got you covered. Discover Madeira’s intriguing history and incomparable scenery with us. We’ll embark on a city tour of Funchal, experience a typical Madeiran evening of food and entertainment, explore the east of the island and much more.
There will also, of course, be plenty of free time to discover Madeira at your own pace. Our holidays to Madeira are now available to book for 2024 and include return flights, the expertise of a local tour guide, accommodation, all transfers and our specially selected excursions and tours.
