Madeira is a land of dramatic contrasts. The volcanic island rising out of the Atlantic Ocean is often called the “Hawaii of Europe” in foreign climes while in Portugal itself it is known as “the Pearl of the Atlantic”. The birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, it is home to the first organised game of football in Portugal.
From misty laurel forests, waterfalls, sun drenched coastal towns and rugged cliffs, the archipelago is a must-see for those craving a unique Portuguese experience.
PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall has put together 10 things you can’t miss on your Madeiran adventure.
1. Funchal
The capital city, Funchal, is a vibrant mix of historical architecture and modern island life. Check out the exotic fruits at the Mercado dos Lavradores, relax in Jardim Municipal do Funchal and stroll along the waterfront.
Ride the cable car to Monte where you can visit the botanical garden and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city. Drink a Coral, the local beer brewed in Madeira.
Take a trip to the museum of the island’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. The CR7 museum will delight football fans and it is located on the seafront at the marina so it is also a pleasant place to stroll around.
2. Go whale and dolphin watching
The deep waters surrounding Madeira are a permanent home to several species of dolphins and a highway for migrating whales.
You can see whales and dolphins year-round but the peak season generally runs from April to October.
3. Soak in the vibes of Câmara de Lobos
This traditional fishing village was a favourite spot for Winston Churchill who loved sit and paint the picturesque bay. With its brightly coloured Xavelha boats and rows of drying scabbard fish, it remains one of the most photogenic spots on the island.
4. Go hiking
Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, famous for its Levadas which are irrigation channels that double up as walking paths.
Many of the official trails require a mandatory online reservation and a small fee to help with trail maintenance and conservation.
Some of my favourites include Vereda da Lagoa do Vento, Lombada da Ponta do Sol and Pico Ruivo.
Pro Tip: There are hiking trails all over Madeira. Take your time to check all the routes and weather conditions before planning your hike.
5. Chase the waterfalls
Madeira’s vertical landscape means water is everywhere. Visit the Cascata dos Anjos, Cascata do Risco, Cascata das Vinte e Cinco Fontes and Garganta Funda.
6. Walk to Miradouro Ponta do Furado
Head to the easternmost tip of the island for the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. Unlike the lush green interior, this peninsula is a volcanic moonscape of red rock and jagged cliffs.
The hike culminates at the Miradouro Ponta do Furado, offering a breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the Desertas Islands.
Pro Tip: Get to the car park before 9am to beat the crowds.
7. Take a dip in Porto Moniz
On the northwestern tip of the island lies Porto Moniz, home to natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava.
These pools are filled by the crystal-clear Atlantic tide, providing a safe and surreal place to swim while waves crash against the outer rock walls.
8. Eat local specialities
Espetada: You haven’t visited Madeira until you’ve sat down for Espetada. Succulent beef rubbed with garlic and salt, skewered onto a bay laurel branch and grilled over an open fire.
It’s usually served hanging from a stand in the middle of your table with bolo do caco, a warm, circular flatbread made with sweet potato and drenched in garlic butter.
Pro Tip: Enjoy espetada at Restaurante A Fronteira
Lapas: For a true taste of the sea, order a plate of Lapas (limpets). They are served in a hot iron skillet, sizzling in garlic butter and lemon. Perfect with a cold coral and bolo do caco.
Búzios: Another quintessential island snack, Búzios (sea whelk or sea snails) are harvested from the rocky Atlantic shores. Unlike the tiny snails (caracóis) you see on the mainland, Búzios are much larger and meatier.
Pro Tip: Eat lapas and búzios at a waterfront restaurant in Paúl do Mar.
9. Watch Football
While Madeira is famous for being the home of Cristiano Ronaldo, its connection to football goes much deeper. The village of Camacha holds a prestigious title as the birthplace of football in Portugal.
Harry Hinton, born in Madeira to British parents, returned to the island in 1875 with a leather football and a set of rules for a game the locals had never seen. The historic match took place at the Largo da Achada, a picturesque, flat plateau in the centre of Camacha.
Try to catch a game at Estádio do Marítimo or Estádio da Madeira (home of Nacional). There are many more clubs in Madeira including Ribeira Brava, Machico and Andorinha, Ronaldo’s boyhood club.
10. Drink Poncha
Your trip to Madeira isn’t complete without Poncha, the island’s signature drink. Originally made by fishermen to stay warm, it consists of aguardente de cana (sugarcane rum), honey and lemon or orange juice, mixed vigorously with a wooden tool called a caralhinho.
