Madeira packs mountains, cliffs, forests and fishing villages into a small island. These are the places that deserve a visit, with practical tips and the tours that go there.
Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. 
Seixal Black-sand beach, natural rock pools and terraced vineyards on the north coast. 
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. 
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. 
Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) A village deep in a ring of mountains, with a dramatic viewpoint. 
Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets. 
Ponta do Sol One of the sunniest villages, with a pebble beach and the Anjos waterfall. 
Santana Traditional thatched houses on the green north coast. 
Câmara de Lobos A colourful fishing village where Churchill painted. 
Machico A historic bay with a golden-sand beach, near the airport. 
Calheta Sunny south-west town with a sandy beach and marina. 
Caniço A quiet resort east of Funchal with the Cristo Rei and a marine reserve. 
Ribeira Brava South-coast town at the crossroads to the north. 
Porto da Cruz Eagle Rock, a working rum mill and wild north-coast sea. 
São Vicente Volcanic caves and a chapel in the rock on the north coast. Cabo Girão, a sea cliff about 580 m high with a glass skywalk, is 20 minutes from Funchal. Câmara de Lobos is a colourful fishing village where Winston Churchill painted in 1950. Santana is known for its triangular thatched houses, and Fanal for ancient laurel trees that often stand in the fog.
On the south-west coast, Ponta do Sol and Calheta are among the sunniest places on the island, and Curral das Freiras, the Nuns' Valley, sits deep in a ring of mountains. In the far west, Ponta do Pargo is the best sunset spot; in the east, Machico and Caniço are relaxed bases near the airport; on the north coast, São Vicente has volcanic caves and Porto da Cruz a working rum mill; and Ribeira Brava is the gateway to the road north.
For early risers who want a sunrise above the clouds plus about 5 hours of walking on PR1 and PR3, without a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
from €30 per person
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Day trip in a small group from the south coast over the central plateau to the north, with stops at Ribeira Brava viewpoint, Fanal Forest and the natural pools of Porto Moniz.
from €35.22 per person
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Full-day drive along the west coast for viewpoint and scenic-road fans, including Cabo Girão with its glass skywalk. Pickup details are sent the day before.
from €40 per person
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A 13 km self-guided walk (PR9) from the Queimadas forest park in Santana, through Laurissilva forest and rock tunnels to a waterfall pool. Suits independent walkers.
from €28 per person
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A guided visit starting in Funchal that covers sights and restaurants along the way. Suits anyone after a relaxed introduction to the area by tuk-tuk.
from €39 per person
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Suits travellers who want many island viewpoints in a comfortable half day: Garajau, Monte, Eira do Serrado and Cabo Girão. It ends with a freshly made poncha in Câmara de Lobos.
from €45 per person
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Group hike for walkers who want to see Terra Chã and Pico Branco, areas many visitors never reach. Pickup is offered anywhere on Porto Santo, and you walk with other travellers.
from €44 per person
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A relaxed sunrise at the viewpoints for travellers who want no strenuous activity. Small group, with a start timed to arrive before the crowds. Trails such as PR1 are not included.
from €35 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
