Madeira and Porto Santo Travel Guide
What to see and do near each of our homes: from Funchal's historic centre to the levadas of Calheta and Porto Santo's golden beach.
Funchal
The capital combines history, markets, gardens and the sea, almost all within walking distance.
Old Town and Rua de Santa Maria
Narrow streets with artist-painted doors, restaurants and bars by the sea.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Tropical fruit, flowers and the fish market, home of the famous black scabbardfish.
Cable car and Monte
Ride the cable car up to Monte, visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and ride down in a traditional wicker toboggan.
São Tiago Fort and the Cathedral
The yellow seaside fort and the 15th-century Funchal Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Where to stay in this area
East of the island
Rugged landscapes, pebble beaches and Madeira's earliest settlements.
Ponta de São Lourenço
A walk along the island's easternmost tip, with cliffs and sea views on both sides.
Machico
Madeira's first town, with a golden sand beach and the Pico do Facho viewpoint.
Palmeiras Beach and Santa Cruz
Sea swimming and a seafront promenade a few minutes from Gaula.
Where to stay in this area
Mountains and peaks
The mountainous interior is home to Madeira's best-known hikes.
Pico do Arieiro
One of the island's highest points, popular for watching the sunrise above the clouds.
Pico Ruivo
Madeira's highest peak, linked by a trail from Pico do Arieiro.
Cabo Girão
One of Europe's highest sea cliffs, with a glass skywalk suspended above the ocean.
Where to stay in this area
Calheta and the west coast
The sunniest part of the island, perfect for sunsets and levada walks.
Calheta Beach
A sheltered golden sand beach with a marina and restaurants.
25 Fontes and Risco levadas
Trails in Rabaçal through Laurisilva forest and waterfalls.
Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar
Fishing villages known for surfing and seaside evenings.
Ponta do Pargo and Porto Moniz
The lighthouse at the western tip and the natural volcanic lava pools in the north.
Where to stay in this area
Porto Santo
The golden island, famous for its fine sand beach of about 9 km.
Porto Santo Beach
Golden sand and calm water along almost the entire south coast.
Pico de Ana Ferreira
A geological formation of basalt columns, one of the island's landmarks.
Vila Baleira and Columbus House
The island's centre and the museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus's time on Porto Santo.
Portela Viewpoint
Views over the bay and the traditional windmills.
Golf and water sports
Golf course, diving, windsurfing, snorkelling and boat trips.
Where to stay in this area
Practical tips
- Rent a car: it is the easiest way to explore the island and reach viewpoints and levada trailheads.
- Weather changes quickly between the south coast, the north and the mountains. Bring a jacket for the peaks, even in summer.
- Before hiking, check Madeira's official walking trails website to see whether the trail is open and whether a fee applies.
- Porto Santo is served by a daily ferry from Funchal and short flights from Madeira Airport.