Things to do in Madeira Region

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Madeira Region

Types of activities

Where to stay

Madeira Region travel guide

Camara de Lobos featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Ponta do Sol which includes a coastal town and rugged coastline

Madeira Island featuring a sunset and surf

Ponta Do Sol Beach which includes a pebble beach, general coastal views and swimming

Paul do Mar showing a coastal town and a sunset

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Top places to visit

1. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Formed by volcanic lava, these tranquil pools are sheltered from the strong current of the Atlantic by black basalt rocks. Swim, sunbathe or snorkel at the pools, which are complete with changing rooms, lockers and lifeguard services. There’s also a children’s pool and play area, making the pools an excellent spot for a family excursion.

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Porto Moniz Natural Pools featuring rocky coastline

2. Madeira Botanical Garden

Enjoy the rich collection of more than 2,000 plants at the Madeira Botanical Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking Funchal, this beautifully landscaped garden offers dramatic views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.

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Madeira Botanical Garden which includes flowers

3. Ponta Do Sol Beach

Ponta do Sol Beach is a pleasant pebble beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lined with charming cafés. Known for being one of the sunniest places in Madeira, the beach is a wonderful spot to relax and bask in the warm sun and go for a dip in the calm coastal waters.

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Ponta Do Sol Beach featuring swimming, a coastal town and a pebble beach

4. Town Square

Funchal’s Town Square is a bustling hub of activity, lined with beautiful checkered cobblestones and bordered by grand whitewashed buildings. In addition to being a lovely civic center, the square is an ideal starting point for visiting several attractions, including the Sacred Art Museum, City Hall and the former Jesuit College.

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Town Square showing a small town or village and street scenes

5. Cabo Girao

Plummeting straight down toward the ocean, Cabo Girao is among the tallest cliffs in Europe. Rising 1,900 feet (580 meters) above the water, it is one of the most photogenic points in the region. For extra thrills, follow the glass-floored skywalk to this scenic site, offering a clear view of the steep downward drop below.

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Cabo Girao featuring a small town or village and mountains

What to do in Madeira Region

Popular places to visit

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

4.5/5(124 reviews)

Go for a swim in these unique salt water pools, which are dramatically set amid rugged coastal cliffs and protective volcanic rock.

CR7 Museum

4/5(57 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at CR7 Museum during your trip to Sé. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Funchal Farmers Market

4.5/5(201 reviews)

During your trip to Santa Maria Maior, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Funchal Farmers Market. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Madeira Botanical Garden

4.5/5(207 reviews)

One of Madeira’s most famous attractions is known for its scenic views and fascinating display of colorful flowers.

Ponta Do Sol Beach

4.5/5(42 reviews)

This pretty beach is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll along the coast. It’s also the perfect starting point for diving excursions.

Town Square

4.5/5(401 reviews)

Defined by its striking black-and-white tiling, Funchal’s main square is surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting historic attractions.

Cabo Girao

4.5/5(86 reviews)

Brave the dizzying heights of this striking viewpoint to see some of the most spectacular views in Madeira.

Pico do Ariero

4.5/5(74 reviews)

Enjoy splendid views from the peak of one of Madeira’s highest mountains, the gateway to a very popular hiking trail.

Monte Palace Gardens

4.5/5(174 reviews)

More than just a striking floral display, this beautiful garden is also home to an impressive collection of art.

Areas of Madeira Region

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.

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 Museum of Natural History and Quinta das Cruzes Museum while you're in town.

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.

Estrela da Calheta

Estrela da Calheta might not have many top sights, but Casa das Mudas Arts Center and 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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.

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.