Madeira: 25 tips on what to see and do

Madeira is a unique island of volcanic origin, which, thanks to its pleasant climate—with temperatures between approx. 15–25°C for most of the year—earned the nickname Island of Eternal Spring. This small piece of the Atlantic Ocean offers breathtaking nature, dramatic cliffs, deep forests, green levadas, as well as cultural monuments and hidden treasures that tourists often overlook. For me, Madeira is one of the TOP European vacation spots. Let’s discover them all together.

Best flights to Madeira

I prefer searching flights on Skyscanner and Pelikán because they often have better prices than the carriers themselves. You can find out how to get cheap flights in this article.

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Accommodation in Madeira

Although I camped most of the time, there are plenty of accommodation options along the route. For example, the luxury villa Cais da Gaivota right at the start. In divine Ribeiro Frio, you’ll also find a nice hotel. In the mountains, you can stay at Casinhas da Laurissilva. In Rabaçal, you’ll also find a beautiful cabin. In Porto Moniz, there are several options.

When is the best time to go to Madeira

Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring – the weather is pleasant all year round and extreme fluctuations are rare. Still, each season has its pros and cons depending on what you plan to do on the island.

• 🥾 Hiking & crossings: April–June, September–October
• 🏖️ Beaches & swimming: June–September
• 🌸 Nature & photography: spring
• 😌 Peace & minimum crowds: November–February

Madeira’s mountains and viewpoints

Pico Ruivo – the island’s highest mountain

Most commonly accessible via the PR1.2 Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo route. In good weather, there are views of both the north and south coasts.

Pico do Arieiro – PR1

The legendary mountain crossing PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo. Tunnels, stairs to heaven, exposed ridges, and dramatic scenery. It’s among the most beautiful hikes in Madeira, but requires good weather. It will reopen around April 2026. Note that a reservation is required.

Pico Grande – a lesser-known peak

A prominent mountain above Curral das Freiras, often overlooked, yet it offers a powerful experience without the crowds and a view into the island’s central caldera. It’s one of the most interesting mountain destinations for more experienced hikers.

Levadas, walking trails, and crossings

PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Waterfalls, tunnels, and a deep green valley in the north of the island. One of the most beautiful levadas ever.

PR6 – Levada 25 Fontes

A classic in the Rabaçal area. Very popular, but thanks to the waterfalls, it’s still worth it.

PR18 – Levada do Rei

A quieter alternative to the most famous routes. Fewer people, lots of greenery, and a pleasant length.

Fanal – laurel forest

A magical place with ancient trees, mist, and open pastures. Most beautiful in misty weather.
💡 Away from the main parking lot, you’ll find quiet parts of the forest almost without people or fences.

Please respect the uniqueness of the ecosystem here, don’t climb the trees, and follow the established rules!

Crossing Madeira

I visited most of the interesting places in Madeira during my crossing, about which I wrote a separate article here.

Waterfall Lombinho

An inconspicuous waterfall in the north of the island, a great alternative to the overcrowded Anjos at Ponta do Sol. An ideal short stop during a road trip.

Cliffs and coastal scenery

Ponta de São Lourenço

A dry, windy peninsula with a completely different character than the rest of the island. The PR8 route is among the most photogenic.

Ponta do Bode

A lesser-known viewpoint on the north coast. A great place for sunset without the crowds.

Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela

Imposing rock towers rising from the ocean – one of the most dramatic coastal sceneries in Madeira.

Beaches and natural pools of Madeira

Black sand

• Seixal Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, ideal when the ocean is calm
• Prainha do Caniçal – a small natural beach on the east coast

Pebble beaches

• Praia Formosa (Funchal) – the largest beach near the city
• Praia da Ribeira Brava – local atmosphere

Lava pools

• Porto Moniz – safe swimming
• Seixal Natural Pools – a quieter alternative

💡 Tip: when there are waves, the south of the island is better; the north is wilder.

Porto Santo Island – an even quieter alternative

The small neighboring island with a long golden beach and a relaxing atmosphere is often less visited than Madeira – ideal for a seaside vacation.

Camping in Madeira

Wild camping is prohibited. Overnight stays only in official campsites or with a permit from the IFCN. However, there are many wild campsites on the island crossing; permits are requested online via SIMplifica. Only light fires in designated areas!

Rules and changes for 2026

Mandatory reservations for PR routes

Due to overtourism, Madeira has resorted to an inevitable solution – reservations. From January 1, 2026, for some official hiking trails marked PR (Percursos Pedestres), it is mandatory to:

• 📌 book an entry time online in advance, not just show up at the start;
• 🕒 the reservation is time-blocked (e.g., half-hour slots);
• 💻 reservation and payment are done through the official portal SIMplifica;
• 💶 the fee is usually €4.50 per person (in some cases lower via a tour operator); children under 12 and residents of Madeira do not pay, but must still register and book a slot;
• 🔎 without a valid reservation, a visitor may be fined.
• Applies to e.g.: PR1, PR1.2, PR6, PR8, PR9, PR18 and others

Note that some routes are closed; follow the current situation here.

Planning a trip?

Save time with a ready-made map and plan your trip to measure.