Madeira Island

Travel Guide

Ponta do Sol which includes rugged coastline and a coastal town
Funchal showing mountains, a coastal town and a sunset
Camara de Lobos showing a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Camara de Lobos showing rugged coastline, a marina and a bay or harbor
Funchal showing general coastal views, landscape views and mist or fog

Madeira Island Travel Guide Video

Visit this dream-like island, home to lush vegetation, charming towns, haunting volcanic rock formations and mist-covered mountains. 

Madeira Island offers truly spectacular natural scenery and warm temperatures year-round. Follow walking trails that run parallel to man-made irrigation channels and take in views of clear blue waters and green cliffs. Spot brightly colored and sweetly scented flowers in the spring. Chill out on sandy beaches, participate in exhilarating watersports or delve into the island’s fascinating cultural heritage.

One of the best ways to take in Madeira’s idyllic natural scenery is to enjoy a levada walk. The levadas are a series of mini-canals developed by early settlers to distribute water around the island. Explore a network of more than 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) of trails to find waterfalls and lagoons, as well as valleys, mountain ranges and laurel forests.

Brave the glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão, one of the highest ocean cliffs in the world. Standing 1,902 feet (580 meters) above the water, you can spot Funchal and Câmara de Lobos from this dramatic location. 

Visit the gorgeous village of Santana, known for its multicolored A-framed cottages, called palheiros. These charming thatched-roof residences are unique to the island and well worth a visit.

See the ornate geometric patterns decorating the roof of Funchal's cathedral, Sé. Constructed in the 16th century, this Moorish-influenced cathedral also features beautiful Baroque altars, gilded choir stalls and intricate tiling. 

Don’t miss the views over Funchal from Jardim Botanico, a beautiful botanical garden. Walk along the well-labeled paths and admire collections of cacti and anthuriums. Look for the overlapping roots of an ancient heather tree, which is said to be more than 10 million years old. 

Calheta Beach may be man-made, but its golden sands and clear waters are nonetheless scenic. Canoe, windsurf, swim or stop for some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants found along the beach. Be sure to sample the region’s unique white rum called aguardente.

Madeira Island is located about 350 miles (563.3 kilometers) from Morocco. Regular flights leave daily from Lisbon.

Where to stay in Madeira Island

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Old Town Funchal

While visiting Old Town Funchal, you might make a stop by sights like Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market.

Old Town Funchal
Museum of Natural History which includes a city and street scenes

Sao Pedro

Sao Pedro is known for its colorful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Santa Clara Monastery and Holy Trinity Church while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
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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.

São Roque
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Santana

Are you interested in fantastic nightlife, breathtaking beach views, and beautiful gardens? A visit to Santana might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Madeira Theme Park and Santana Traditional Houses.

Santana
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Estrela da Calheta

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Estrela da Calheta and surrounding area, you can visit 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco and Paul do Mar Beach.

Estrela da Calheta
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Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Travelers enjoy Imaculado Coracao de Maria for its gardens and seaside views. Consider checking out Quinta Palmeira while you're in the area.

Imaculado Coracao de Maria
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
The price is P45,988 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P45,988
P48,093 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (581 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
 Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort

5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is P22,994 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P22,994
P24,179 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Calheta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (918 reviews)
"This hotel is really amazing I feel like the pictures don't do it justice the pictures are nice that's why I picked this hotel but staying here was a completely different experience and feeling the staff where great especially the staff in the premium lounge I don't noticed I booked for that package ..."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Saccharum Resort
Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Sitio da Piedade, Machico, Madeira
The price is P23,562 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P23,562
P24,770 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Machico. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions Madeira Whale Museum and Sao Lourenco Point ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"Beautiful! A lovely stay."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Florasol Residence Hotel

Florasol Residence Hotel

3 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 306, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (202 reviews)
"Amazing staff especially Marcia"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Florasol Residence Hotel
Dom Pedro Garajau

Dom Pedro Garajau

3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (450 reviews)
Nice place for a few days
"Nice place. Welcoming/check in was ok, but not exceptional. No explanation on the wifi (just available in the lobby), the pools, and other services available to us. The room was clean but dated. No AC and no Wifi in the room."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Dom Pedro Garajau
Terrace Mar

Terrace Mar

3 out of 5
Travessa do Valente 7, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and room service. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Barreiros Stadium are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
4 star all round
"very helpfull would stay again"

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Terrace Mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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