Discover the Natural Wonders of Madeira Archipelago, Portugal
Madeira is an archipelago full of stunning landscapes, lush forests, volcanic mountains, exotic and colorful flower gardens, delicious local flavors, and crystal clear Atlantic blue waters, perfect for swimming and exploring. One of the sunniest places in Europe, Madeira has long been a favorite destination for those seeking a warm-weather getaway with unparalleled hospitality coupled with gorgeous nature.
Dubbed the "island of eternal spring", Madeira Island is the perfect setting for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and experience the extraordinary. Boasting mild weather and equally mild ocean temperatures year-round, Madeira is a unique destination offering an endless array of activities for you to discover the island’s stunning natural beauty by land or by sea. Explore the surrounding seas by kayak, sailboat, jet-ski, or surfboard, or explore what lies beneath these pristine blue waters with a snorkel or scuba diving excursion. Go hiking and biking through the island’s extensive natural reserve and discover stunning coastal cliffs with mesmerizing views, cascading waterfalls, and lush laurel forests protected by UNESCO. Madeira Island is home to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, a Biogenetic Reserve, 5 Natural Reserves, and several other places of indescribable natural beauty. A one-of-a-kind destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers, whether for its natural landscapes, warm temperatures, and sunny skies all year round, its cuisine, or its lovely people, the archipelago is often described as the ''Archipelago of Experiences''.
Our Top Picks for Must-See Landscapes and Points of Interest in Madeira Island:
1. Pico Ruivo: Hiking to the Top of Madeira Island
Sitting at an astonishing 1,862m (6,100ft) tall, Pico Ruivo is Madeira's highest peak. You can access the summit via the Achada do Teixeira trail, or by driving up the mountain to the tourist viewpoint. If you encounter this peak on a cloudy day, you'll have some truly magical photos of the steep mountaintop jutting up and through the clouds.
2. Pico do Arieiro: Witnessing the Magnificent Landscapes of Madeira Island from Above
Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak of Madeira at 1,818m (5,964ft) high, and from there, you get the most incredible panoramic views over the central mountains of the island. You can easily access this viewpoint by car or tour, but for those who seeking a trekking adventure, there’s an amazing alternative: One of the most visually stunning hiking trails of the island starts here and ends in Pico Ruivo, so if you’re not afraid of heights go for it.
3. Cabo Girão: The Spectacular Cliff on Madeira Island
A popular lookout point located on Madeira's sunny south coast, the beautiful Cabo Girão boasts breathtaking views over Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. Visitors can opt to enjoy the view from the suspended platform, or partake in a paragliding or base-jumping experience from Cabo Girão as your starting point!
4. Discover the Natural Beauty of Porto Moniz Swimming Pools on Madeira Island
The natural saltwater swimming pools of Porto Moniz were formed by lava rock and are one of the most beautiful places to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the village of Porto Moniz on the northwestern side of Madeira Island, this popular spot was selected as one of the world's 52 best beaches by CNN Travel.
5. Explore the Mysteries of Volcanic Caves of São Vicente on Madeira Island
Descend underground into an 890,000-year-old lava tube, a result of the ‘’Paul da Serra’’ volcanic eruption, and get an up-close look at the raw beauty of the Earth’s interior. The Grutas (Volcanic Caves) of São Vicente was the first of its kind to open to the public in Portugal in 1996. The caves are divided into 3 distinct parts that you can visit: walk among its tunnels and discover the crystal waters of the underground lakes.
6. Seixal Beach: A Hidden Gem of Madeira Island for Nature Lovers
Located next to Seixal Harbor, the Praia do Seixal is the island's most popular beach for visitors and locals alike. One look at the stunning scenery of this beach and you'll understand why. The natural black sand beach is something straight out of a painting, with its crystal blue waters and green cliffs jutting up along the rocky coast. This unsupervised beach offers its visitors access to the toilet facilities, showers and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, right next to it, which is a free access facility with a natural pool and sun loungers. Here you can rent kayaks and diving equipment.
7. Monte Palace Tropical Garden: A Paradise Oasis on Madeira Island
A beautiful tropical garden located in the heart of Funchal, with an area of 70,000m², the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is home to a huge collection of exotic plants and also to one of Portugal’s most important tile collections spread all over the garden describing moments of Portuguese historical significance. You'll find exotic flora and fauna from all across the globe, along with animals like swans, peacocks, ducks, chickens, and even Koi fish. You’ll also come across two oriental-inspired gardens that are a reflection of the social, commercial, and cultural relationship between Portugal and Japan at the time.
8. Madeira Botanical Garden: A Horticultural Wonderland on Madeira Island
First opened in 1960, the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden spans an area of 80,000m² and is home to a collection of over 2,000 exotic plants. Through its harmonious shapes and contrasting colors there are 5 different gardens to be visited and appreciated: endemic plants; arboretum; succulent; tropicals/medicines and Loiro Parque, where you can find some of the most exotic and rare birds. Walk among the colorful flowers of the garden, visit the on-site Museum of Natural History, hop aboard a cable car to Monte Parish, and take in the wonderful views over the city of Funchal below.
9. Cascata dos Anjos: Discover the Majestic Beauty of Madeira Island's Waterfall
Playfully referred to as "Madeira’s famous car wash", the Cascata dos Anjos is a beautiful waterfall cascading right into the middle of the street. You can get there via a short drive through the old road between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar (highway ER101). Well worth the visit even if it is just to take the famous photo under the waterfall!
10. Ponta de São Lourenço: A Nature Lover's Paradise in Madeira Island
The Easternmost point of Madeira Island is said to have earned its name from one of the three discoverers of the island, who shouted "São Lourenço, that’s enough!" upon nearing the peninsula with his ship. The peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço is of volcanic origin and classified as a partial natural reserve. Enjoy beautiful views over the ocean to the nearby islets, and on a clear day, be sure to scan the horizon for the Desertas Islands which can be seen in the distance.
11. Véu da Noiva: The Majestic Waterfall of Madeira Island's Laurissilva Forest
Located between Seixal and São Vicente, the stunning Véu da Noiva viewpoint offers visitors picture-perfect, postcard-like views of the Véu da Noiva waterfall cascading from the tall green cliffs of the Northern coastline, straight down into the deep blue Atlantic. The waterfall and its viewpoint earned the name "Véu da Noiva" for the waterfall taking on the cascading shape of a bride's veil falling into the ocean.
12. Traditional Houses of Santana: A Glimpse into Madeira Island's Rich Cultural Heritage
Nestled on Madeira's beautiful North coast in the municipality of Santana, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you'll find the small village of Santana and its cute-as-a-button traditional houses. Built of natural stone and thatched with straw roofs, these small, colorful houses served as dwellings for local families for centuries. Although most local residents no longer live in these small houses and most of the traditional houses have since been modernized, you can still find a few in the area that have been maintained to preserve this unique heritage.
13. Ribeira da Janela Islets: A Natural Wonder of Madeira Island's Dramatic Coastline
You’ll find these three amazing rock formations emerging from the Atlantic Ocean of the coast of Porto Moniz. Also known as "The Three Sisters", these islets were named for the unique shape resembling the opening of a window, or janela.
14. Curral das Freiras: Discovering the Hidden Gem of Madeira Island's Countryside
The Curral das Freiras, otherwise known as "Nuns Valley", is a tiny little town located in the heart of Madeira Island, completely surrounded by steep mountains on all sides. The town earned its name for being a sanctuary and hiding place for the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara during pirate attacks. Nestled deep in the mountains of Madeira, this village is almost completely hidden from the outside and was nearly inaccessible during the 16th century. Visitors can head to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint for spectacular panoramic views over this village and the island's steep peaks and valleys.
Porto Santo: A Beach Lover's Paradise
Located just 50km (31 mi) from Madeira Island, the dreamy little island of Porto Santo is the smallest inhabited island of the archipelago. Boasting miles of long, beautiful, golden sand beaches, this is the island to visit if you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing beach getaway. Voted “Best Dune Beach” on the list of “7 Marvels – Beaches of Portugal”, Porto Santo’s golden sands and crystal clear waters stretch along 9km (5.5 mi) of the island’s coastline. Aside from its breathtaking beauty and appeal, Porto Santo’s beach boasts many health benefits that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after your visit.
Our Top Picks for Must-See Landscapes and Points of Interest in Porto Santo Island:
1. Explore Zimbralinho Beach: A Hidden Gem on Porto Santo's Coast
This hidden gem is a part-beach, part-ocean pool and is tucked neatly away inside a small cove, surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs that protect it from any harsh winds. Visitors must descend a steep set of stairs to get to this beach, but the hike is well worth it. Zimbralinho Beach's deep turquoise waters keep their dreamy Caribbean shade of blue in any weather. When visiting this beach, be sure to bring your snorkeling mask so you can fully appreciate the thousands of fish in what feels like your own personal aquarium.
2. Ponta da Calheta Beach: The Perfect Family Getaway on Porto Santo Island
The western point of the island is home to another magical golden sand beach known for being a fabulous place to watch the sunset. Although it is a bit of a rocky beach, the gorgeous views of the Ilhéu da Cal can't be beaten and they can be enjoyed from the shore or while enjoying a fresh seafood meal in a nearby restaurant.
3. Pico de Ana Ferreira: A Breathtaking Geological Wonder in Porto Santo
The former quarry site of Pico de Ana Ferreira is also Porto Santo's highest point, with columnar jointings reaching 283m (928ft) in height. This light grey structure was caused by the contraction stresses generated during the cooling of magma inside a volcanic duct. The resulting consolidated magma rock - mugearite - being more resistant than the surrounding rocks, survived erosion, while the material around it disappeared over time. It was an old quarry whose stones were being used in the construction of a hotel until this type of geological formation was noticed and safeguarded.
4. Porto dos Frades Beach: A Tranquil Oasis for Beach Lovers in Porto Santo
Another ocean retreat at Porto Santo Island is Porto dos Frades, a small sand and rock beach with the same sense of peace and tranquility as the others-- or maybe a bit more. The path Serra de Fora, where it is located, is a favorite among the island's hikers and cyclers. Aside from a refreshing swim in the Atlantic, visitors can also visit the old salt pans for a better understanding of the ancient lifestyle on the island.
5.Salema Beach & Natural Pools: A Unique Coastal Experience in Porto Santo
In the opposite direction of Porto Santo Beach lies one of the island's greatest gems. Head to Salemas Beach in Porto das Salemas to enjoy the most breathtaking natural pools in this small, charming bay, where the locals claim the water is bluer than anywhere else in the archipelago. Visitors can only access this beach by foot through an old dirt road that can get quite steep on the way back up.
6. Discover the Charm of Moinhos da Portela
Though the island of Porto Santo is quite small, warm, and dry, it is very hilly in places that can cause it to be pretty windy. The island's first settlers took advantage of their climate by building many windmills across the island. Some of the moinhos (windmills) of the island are small wooden or tin structures, but the larger ones were built of stone. Three of the island's remaining windmills stand proud along the coast in Portela, where visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery from the nearby viewpoint.
If you have fallen in love with Madeira, take a look at our hassle-free packages that allow you to plan your dream trip to this beautiful destination. Our team of local experts has thoughtfully designed all our packages, ensuring that you don't have to worry about any arrangements. Simply sit back, unwind, and make the most of your vacation!
