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How to Get to Madeira
Being an island, you will obviously be arriving by plane (unless you are brave enough to take a boat!), however flights are somewhat limited to just a few airlines, primarily TAP Air Portugal and all of your favorite European low cost carriers. If you are arriving late in the evening like we did, there are some great hotels close to the airport (and the beach!) such as the Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel. There is no better way to start your island adventure on Madeira than with breakfast with a view like this.
Top 7 Amazing Things to do in Madeira
You may be able to drive all around in Madeira in one day, but the island is packed full of beauty and activities so we highly recommend spending more time on the island to explore as much as possible! Read on for our top 7 amazing things to do in Madeira. Our expectations were high for our trip to Madeira, and it easily met and exceeded them!
Hike to Ponta de São Lourenço
This was one of our favorite spots on Madeira and well worth taking a half day or more to complete. It's a 2-hour hike one way with incredible scenery.
We stopped along the way multiple times to snap a picture or two. Also, learn from our mistake and bring your bathing suit and a towel on your hike. There are a few great places to take a refreshing dip in the ocean along the way. Another plus is that there is a small café at the end if you’re a bit thirsty or hungry after your hike out!
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
So if you didn’t take our advice above and swim in the ocean on your hike to Ponta de São Lourenço, there is an easier and more convenient place for a swim on the complete opposite side of the island. Porto Moniz is a city at the north-western most corner of Madeira and has a huge swimming pool full of fresh seawater. How fresh you may ask?
Well while we were there, the waves were coming up over the rocks and pathway into the “pool.” Admission is a few dollars to enter, but it is well worth it for a nice relaxing swim and a shower to rinse off afterwards. They have restrooms, showers, and lockers there. Make sure you bring your own towels though.
While in the area, be sure to check out the islets of Ribeira da Janela rising from the ocean. Watching the waves here is mesmerizing, and a must-see on the list of things to do in Madeira.
Don’t Miss the Viewpoints of Funchal
Being an island with steep cliffs and mountains, there is never a shortage of views, equally when looking out over the main city. Funchal is the sixth largest city in Portugal, and has been the capital of Madeira for over 500 years. Cabo Girão is a spectacular sea cliff with the highest cliff skywalk in Europe – if you can stomach the walk out over the glass, it is well worth the views!
A bit closer to Funchal, Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos doesn’t disappoint and also provides a beautiful panoramic view over Funchal.
Stop by Lighthouses for More Amazing Views
One of Bettina's favorite things to do in Madeira was visit the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse. Situated high up on a cliff, it provides spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is easily accessible by car and the viewpoint is only a short walk from the parking lot. The lighthouse itself is as picturesque as they come and also houses an exhibit.
Where to Stay in Madeira
While Madeira is a relatively small island, depending on how much time you have for your trip, it may make sense to stay in more than one location while on the island exploring the best things to do in Madeira.
We love the Hotel Quinta do Furao on the northern side of the island for authentic Madeira vibes, the Palace of Zinos on the southern coast for impressive views in a relaxed setting, or the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal for great style and an impressive location.
2. Rent a car.
While Madeira isn’t that large, and does have public transportation around the island, the freedom of having your own car is highly worth the cost so that you can visit what you like at your own pace. The roads can be narrow, twisty, and steep, but for us that just adds to the adventure!
Is Madeira on your bucket travel list? Tell us about the places you want to travel to in the comments below!
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