Madeira Island

Travel Guide

Ponta do Sol which includes a coastal town and rugged coastline
Funchal showing mountains, a coastal town and a sunset
Camara de Lobos showing a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Camara de Lobos showing a marina, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
Funchal showing landscape views, general coastal views and mist or fog

Visit this dream-like island, home to green jungle,quaint villages, haunting volcanic rock formations and misty mountains.

Madeira Island hasstunning natural landscapes and hot temperatures all year-round. Get on thehiking trails that run alongside the man-made irrigation channels. Enjoyunforgettable views over clear blue waters and cliffs covered in greenvegetation. Spot brightly coloured and sweetly scented flowers in the spring.Chill out on sandy beaches, try out thrilling water sports or delve into theisland’s enthralling cultural heritage.

Take in Madeira’sidyllic natural scenery with a levada walk: the levadas are a series ofmini-canals developed by early settlers to distribute water around the island.Explore a network of more than 870 miles (1,400 kilometres) of irrigationcanals and follow them to waterfalls and lagoons, as well as valleys, mountainranges and laurel forests.

Brave the glass-floored skywalk at CaboGirão, one of the highest ocean cliffs in the world. Standing 1,902feet (580 meters) above the water, you can spot Funchal,the island’s largest city, and Câmara de Lobos from this dramaticlocation.

Visit the gorgeous village of Santana,known for its multicoloured A-framed cottages, called palheiros. These charmingthatched-roof residences are unique to the island and well worth a visit.

See the ornate geometric patterns decorating theroof of Funchal's cathedral, Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção. Constructedin the 16th century, this Moorish-influenced cathedral also features beautifulBaroque altars, gilded choir stalls and intricate tiling.

Don’t miss the views over Funchal from JardimBotanico, a beautiful botanical garden. Walk along the well-labelled paths andadmire collections of cacti and anthuriums. Look for the overlapping roots ofan ancient heather tree, which is said to be more than 10 million yearsold.

Calheta Beach may be man-made, but its golden sandsand clear waters are nonetheless scenic. Canoe, windsurf, swim or stop for somefresh seafood at one of the restaurants found along the beach. Be sure tosample the region’s unique white rum called aguardente.

Madeira Island islocated about 350 miles (563.3 kilometres) from Morocco. Regular flights leavedaily from Lisbon.

Where to stay in Madeira Island

Default Image

Old Town Funchal

If you're spending some time in Old Town Funchal, Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Funchal
Museum of Natural History featuring a city and street scenes

Sao Pedro

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

Sao Pedro is known for its colourful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Santa Clara Monastery while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
Default Image

São Roque

São Roque is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Funchal area, you might plan a trip to Madeira Congress Center or Monte Palace Gardens.

São Roque
Default Image

Santana

Visitors to Santana rave about its fantastic nightlife, breathtaking beach views and beautiful gardens. You might also want to make some time to see Madeira Theme Park or Santana Traditional Houses while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Santana
Default Image

Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Visitors to Imaculado Coracao de Maria like its gardens and seaside views, and Quinta Palmeira is a sight worth a stop.

Imaculado Coracao de Maria
Default Image

Estrela da Calheta

Estrela da Calheta might not have many top sights, but 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco and Paul do Mar Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Estrela da Calheta
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

5 out of 5
Avenida do Infante, 25, Funchal
The price is €391 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
€391
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
 Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort

5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is €310 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
€310
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Calheta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Saccharum Resort
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
The price is €764 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
€764
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua da Casa Branca, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing ...
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel
Pestana Casino Studios

Pestana Casino Studios

4 out of 5
Av. do Infante, nº9, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Estádio ...
Pestana Casino Studios
Dom Pedro Garajau

Dom Pedro Garajau

3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Dom Pedro Garajau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do