Madeira Island

Travel Guide

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

... Madeira continues

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 street scenes and a city

Sao Pedro

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Sao Pedro is known for its colorful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Santa Clara Monastery while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
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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
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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
Funchal, Madeira Portugal

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
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature

5 out of 5
Avenida do Infante, 25, Funchal
The price is ¥54,757 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
¥54,757
per night
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (636 reviews)
"Lovely in every way - great and friendly service, excellent pool, fabulous food, and very comfortable rooms. Would definitely recommend"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
 Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort

5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is ¥34,984 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
¥34,984
per night
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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! (960 reviews)
"Only drawback would be for"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025

Saccharum Resort
The Vine

The Vine

5 out of 5
Rua Dos Aranhas, No. 27A, Funchal
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfasts were always excellent. We particularly enjoyed visiting the rooftop (terrace) bar, especially during its "happy hour"! Mixed feelings about our room. Although undoubtedly stylish, it was surprisingly dark and we thoroughly disliked the needlessly complex ..."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2025

The Vine
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.
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! (461 reviews)
"Great customer service, breakfast options and balcony views. They also seem to take care of the stray cats on the property so that's a definite plus for animal lovers!"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025

Dom Pedro Garajau
Village Cabo Girao

Village Cabo Girao

4 out of 5
Rua 1º de Julho, nº 2, Camara de Lobos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (204 reviews)
"Very satisfied. Thank you"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Village Cabo Girao
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! (205 reviews)
"Good breakfast and good location."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

Florasol Residence Hotel
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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Cities near Madeira Island