10 Best Things To Do in Madeira, Portugal (2025 Travel Guide)

This post is all about 10 Amazing Things To Do In Madeira Portugal You’ll Love

Whether it’s your first time going to Madeira or you’ve been here before, it can be challenging to figure out what the best things to do in Madeira, Portugal are.

I remember my first trip to Madeira, I had no idea if I should rent a car, where to stay, what to do, or even what to wear!

Well, have no fear. I’ve put together the ultimate guide for the 10 amazing things to do in Madeira, including the best Madeira attractions, secret gems, and your guide to the island’s most incredible attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.

This post is all about 10 Amazing Things To Do In Madeira, Portugal You’ll Love

Is Madeira, Portugal, Worth Visiting?

To be honest, I had little expectations of Madeira, Portugal when visiting; There aren’t many videos online, I didn’t know a single person who has taken a Madeira vacation, and most people just told me to visit Lisbon instead.

However, this was one of the most incredible, if not the best, trips of my life. And I did all of these activities alone!

The gorgeous island offers the most stunning, dramatic cliffs, gorgeous blue waters, stunning landscapes, and a year-round spring-like climate. Whether you love adventure, nature, or food, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Madeira, Portugal, for your visit.

When to Visit Madeira: The Best Time of Year

The best time to visit Madeira, Portugal, is between April and October, when there is little rainfall and the temperatures average from 18-25°C/64-77°F. However, with its spring-like climate, it’s an incredible destination to visit anytime!

How Many Days to Spend in Madeira

If you’re wondering "how many days to spend in Madeira," I recommend 4-5 days minimum to experience the top Madeira attractions in this guide!

I spent 6 days on the island, and it was the perfect amount of time to explore all the major attractions and take some time off to enjoy the gorgeous beaches.

For a comprehensive Madeira experience, I recommend spending 5-7 days on the island.

Explore the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

This was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Madeira, Portugal.

It's a gorgeous series of volcanic rock formations filled with beautiful seawater! The pools themselves are gorgeous, and you can even see plenty of sealife.

It’s a refreshing and stunning experience that only costs 3€ and has to be top of your list of affordable things to do in Madeira! The pools include changing rooms and showers, and there are so many other attractions nearby.

Visitor Tips: Definitely come during low tide for the best experience, otherwise you won’t be able to swim!

2. Going Paragliding Over Stunning Landscapes

Probably one of the most epic things to do in Madeira I never see anyone talking about… paragliding in Madeira. This is the tour I went on, and the views were absolutely stunning.

There is truly nothing like seeing this beautiful island through the perspective of a bird, the lush mountains and deep blue Atlantic - perspectives impossible to appreciate from Madeira hiking trails.

It’s the one thing to do in Madeira, I promise you’ll never forget!

Here is the exact amazing tour I booked for this experience.

3. Gaze at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

While this might be embarrassing to admit, I cried all over the Madeira attractions, marveling at its beauty, but Miradouro do Véu da Noiva was the one place that made me cry the most. It’s the entire reason I came to the island.

This cascading, spectacular water goes directly into the ocean and is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The recently renovated viewpoint also gives you the perfect vantage point and free parking, making it one of Madeira's best places to visit.

Visitor Tips: Come on a sunny day or after rainfall to get the best possible views.

4. Discover the Stunning Black Beach in Seixal, Portugal

This truly has to be one of the best places to visit in Madeira, the picturesque village itself warrants a visit, but it’s known for the stunning natural black sand beach Praia do Porto do Seixal. Now I’ve seen a couple of black sand beaches, but this is truly the most stunning one.

With the dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs, the beautiful waterfalls, and lush green mountains, the volcanic black sand looks (and feels) unreal.

It’s a bit hard to find parking here, so book a tour if you don’t have a car or look for parking early to marvel at one of the best things to do in Madeira.

BOOK A TOUR HERE

Visitor Tips: Come on a sunny day to enjoy the glistening black sand the most!

5. Avista Navios

While you’re visiting Seixal, visit this tiny little shop, Avista Navios! They have delicious coffee, pastel de nata, the friendliest staff, but most importantly, a view that will leave you breathless. I only came here to use the bathroom, but it was one of my favorite places in Madeira. I even took time to sit here, journal, and admittedly) cry.

Visitor Tips: Parking can be quite hard to find in Seixal. Either come early or join a tour! If you see a spot, grab it immediately—it’s better to walk a bit than to miss it.

6. Take in the Views at Miradouro De Ribeira De Janela

You’ve definitely seen this one all over social media when you search one of the best places to visit in Maderia and Miradouro De Ribeira De Janela is a place that shouldn’t be missed!

It’s seriously one of the most stunning places and once you walk up the stairs and see the rocks for the very first time in truly unmatched! This is also a gorgeous place to visit during sunset when the ocean aand rocks are bathed in golden light! Definitely add this one to the top of your list of things to do in Madeira Portugal.

Visitor tips: Since this is in the North, combine this with a stop to visit Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and Miradouro do Véu da Noiva for the best use of your time!

7. Exploring Funchal: Madeira's Vibrant Capital

Your hotel in Madeira is most likely in the capital city, Funchal! It’s a great place to experience local Portuguese cuisine and the charming capital is easily walkable! Some attractions you can’t miss are the Monte Cable Car - a scenic gondola ride from Funchal to Monte, and the gorgeous Old Town (Zona Velha)

BOOK A TOUR HERE

Visitor tips: If you’re not staying in Funchal, another great place to stay is in the cutest little beach town, Calheta. If you’re staying elsewhere, dedicate at least one day to exploring the charming capital, Funchal.

8. Brave the Cabo Girão Skywalk Experience

If you love heights, this is one of the best things to do in Madeira, Portugal. The Cabo Girao Skywalk Experience is Europe’s highest cliff skywalk with clear bottom floors perched 1,900 feet above the ocean. At only 3€ a person, it makes it a thrilling experience and one of the best attractions in Madeira.

Visitor tips: Since this is one of the most popular things to do in Madeira for cruise shippers, make sure to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds!

9. Sunset Views at Pocas Do Governador

This is one of the best places to visit in Madeira, and only the locals know about it! It was completely empty when I arrived but probably because it’s a tiny bit hard to get to. It offers a stunning perspective of Madeira’s north coast with unobstructed views of the coastline. I brought my journal here and it was such a gorgeous and peaceful way to celebrate the end to a day in Madeira.

Visitor Tips: Park at the Zara Parking Lot nearby for free parking ad

10. Visit Ponta Do Tristão for The Best Sunset

If there is one place you HAVE to visit for sunset, its Ponta Do Tristao. Now this place is a bit off the beaten path, but you can get spectacular panoramic views and will feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. It’s truly a local hidden gem thing to do in Madeira that no one knows about, and I was the only person here!

Visitor tips: There isn’t any service when you get here so make sure to download the offline Google Maps so you can be sure you’ll get home.

From swimming in the most stunning volcanic pools to paragliding over mountains you didn’t even know existed, Madeira truly became one of my favorite places in the world after this visit. It’s amazing raw untouched nature, thrilling activities, and beautiful beaches make it one of the best destinations to visit, and these 10 amazing things to do in Madeira will have you coming back for more. I know you will absolutely love it here and I hope you have the most amazing trip!