18 Best Things To Do in Madeira: Travel Guide + Extra Tips

Madeira quickly became one of those destinations that completely surprised us. We came expecting scenic viewpoints and a few nice hikes, but what we found was an island packed with variety — dramatic mountain trails, peaceful levada walks, wild coastlines, and small, quiet spots that felt far from the usual tourist path.

We spent our time moving around the island at a relaxed pace, mixing longer hikes with easy stops, beaches, and slower days — all while travelling with our baby, which forced us to be a bit more selective (and honest) about what’s actually worth doing.

This guide is based entirely on our own experience and focuses on the best things to do in Madeira if you enjoy nature, scenic drives, and active days.

Whether you’re here to hike above the clouds, explore ancient forests, or simply slow down by the ocean, these are the experiences that stood out most to us and made our trip to Madeira truly memorable.

Top Things to do in Madeira

Map of all the attractions

1. Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

We planned our Pico do Arieiro hike with the idea of doing the full route to Pico Ruivo, but while preparing for the trip we learned that the PR1 trail was still partially closed after the 2024 wildfires. With only a short section open, we adjusted our plans and decided to experience the trail at sunset instead.

Even that limited stretch was enough to show why this area is so special. From the first steps, the scenery feels dramatic — sharp volcanic peaks, narrow ridgelines, endless stairs carved directly into the rock, and clouds drifting below your feet. It’s completely different from Madeira’s lush levada walks and feels raw and exposed in the best way.

As the sun dropped, the light softened, the crowds thinned out, and the landscape took on that quiet, almost unreal atmosphere Madeira is known for. Despite not completing the full hike, this experience easily stood out as one of the best things to do in Madeira.

The big advantage here is flexibility — whether you come for sunrise, sunset, or just a short walk when time is limited, the views start delivering almost immediately.

2. Explore Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest was one of those places we were especially curious about before visiting — mainly because it’s so well known for its foggy, moody atmosphere. When we arrived, the ancient laurel trees were exactly as we’d imagined: wrapped in mist, quiet, and almost unreal, like stepping into a fairytale.

The fog is usually part of the experience here, and when it suddenly clears, it feels more like a bonus than the norm, briefly revealing wide views across the plateau.

We found the best time to visit Fanal Forest was either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light softens, and most people have already left. We didn’t feel rushed here at all — wandering slowly between the laurel trees, stopping for photos, and just soaking in the atmosphere easily filled one to two hours without any real plan.

We also noticed several hiking paths branching off from the main area, so it’s easy to stay longer if you feel like exploring beyond the obvious spots.

There’s no entrance fee, parking is free in a large open lot close to the forest, and there are public toilets on site.

What caught us a bit off guard is that there are no cafés or shops nearby, so bringing water or snacks is a good idea. Even with minimal planning, Fanal Forest ended up being one of our favourite nature stops in Madeira.

3. Hike Levada das 25 Fontes

Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the best hikes in Madeira, and after doing it ourselves, we understand why. The trail takes you deep into lush laurel forest and leads to the waterfall, with the option to continue to the impressive Risco Waterfall along the way.

We were a bit hesitant before going because of its reputation for crowds, but we ended up hiking it with our three-month-old baby and still felt it was absolutely worth it. The path is well maintained, easy to follow, and visually rewarding almost the entire way.

The twisted trees reminded us slightly of Fanal Forest, and the steady presence of water along the levada keeps the walk feeling calm and scenic.

The hike is roughly 10 kilometres round trip, with an optional detour of about 1.5 kilometres to reach Risco Waterfall.

There’s around 300 metres of elevation gain in total, mostly from stairs and gentle ups and downs, plus the final climb back toward the parking area. We’d rate it as a medium-difficulty hike — manageable for most people, but you’ll definitely feel it by the end.

In terms of timing, it took us around three to four hours in total, not counting longer breaks. The walk from the parking area down to the café is easy and downhill, but the return up takes noticeably longer.

4. Walk Levada do Moinho

This was one of those hikes we didn’t expect to love as much as we did. Levada do Moinho turned out to be one of our favourite levada walks in Madeira — the kind that quietly delivers everything you want without feeling overhyped.

We hiked the full loop with our three-month-old baby, Ema, and it ended up being the perfect balance of easy, scenic, and genuinely memorable.

The loop starts near the peaceful village of Lombada and follows two different levadas, each with its own feel. The full circuit is around 8 kilometres and took us about three and a half hours at a relaxed pace, including photo stops and a short snack break.

The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, which made it very manageable even with a baby carrier, while still offering plenty to look at along the way.

What really stood out were the small highlights that kept coming — walking behind a waterfall, passing through a tunnel, sections carved into dramatic cliffs, and quiet views over Madeira’s lush green valleys.

5. Hike Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco

This was one hike we really wanted to do — but ended up skipping. After parking at the trailhead, it became immediately clear why this walk has a reputation for strong winds.

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço sits on the exposed eastern tip of the island, and it’s almost always windy. With our three-month-old baby, Ema, that was enough for us to call it and turn back.

We kept checking the wind forecast throughout the trip, hoping to squeeze it in on a calmer day, but conditions never really improved. It’s still considered one of Madeira’s highlights, but it’s definitely worth knowing what you’re signing up for — especially if you’re travelling with a baby or simply don’t enjoy walking in strong wind.

The trail itself is around 7–8 km round trip and usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and stops. It’s rated as moderate, mostly because of exposure rather than technical difficulty.

There’s little shade, the terrain is rocky and dry, and the hike feels very different from Madeira’s green levada walks. The views over the Atlantic and the rugged coastline are spectacular.

If you’re planning to do this hike, checking the wind forecast is just as important as checking the weather. On a good day, it looks incredible — but in windy conditions, it can quickly become uncomfortable, especially with kids or if you’re not used to exposed coastal trails.

6. Hike Vereda do Larano

We did hike Vereda do Larano, but only partially. We started from the official trailhead near Porto da Cruz and walked as far as the Boca do Risco viewpoint, which for us was the perfect stopping point.

The full hike is quite long and not a loop, so finishing it properly would mean arranging public transport or a taxi back to the starting point — something we decided to skip this time.

The section to Boca do Risco is around 4.5 km one way and took us roughly one and a half hours at a relaxed pace. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, carved into the cliffs with constant views over the Atlantic.

Even without continuing further, the scenery feels impressive almost the entire way, and reaching Boca do Risco already feels like a real highlight.

For us, doing the shorter out-and-back section worked perfectly — minimal planning, no transport logistics, and still one of the most scenic coastal walks we did in Madeira.

7. Visit Madeira’s Best Viewpoints

Madeira has a lot of beautiful viewpoints, but not all of them are worth going out of your way for.

What we loved is that most of the good ones are easy stops — perfect to combine with drives, hikes, or quieter parts of the day. These are the viewpoints we personally visited and would recommend, each for a slightly different reason.

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Standing on the glass platform was slightly nerve-racking because of the sheer drop below. It’s impressive, but also very busy and touristy, so we didn’t stay long.

Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

Miradouro do Veu da Noiva was a quick stop with a clear view of the old coastal road and the waterfall below. It’s not a place where you need to spend a lot of time. We just parked the car, enjoyed the view for a few minutes and continued to the next attraction.

Miradouro da Eira do Serrado

Looking down at Curral das Freiras surrounded by steep mountains really puts Madeira’s landscape into perspective. We stopped here briefly and felt it was well worth it.

Miradouro do Guindaste

One of our favourite coastal viewpoints. The open views over the cliffs and ocean felt raw and expansive, and it was noticeably quieter than many other stops.

Miradouro do Cristo Rei

This viewpoint felt calmer and less commercial than Cabo Girão. We liked it as a relaxed stop with open ocean views.

Miradouro da Boa Morte

A quieter viewpoint overlooking green hills and valleys. It’s not dramatic, but it made a nice, peaceful break during our drive.

Miradouro da Eira da Achada

Miradouro da Eira da Achada felt more remote, with wide coastal views over Seixal and no people around.

Bica da Cana

This quickly became one of our favourite viewpoints in Madeira. The wide-open mountain scenery and sense of space made us stay much longer than planned.

8. Swim In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

We decided to stay three nights in Porto Moniz so we could explore the west and north-west coast without constantly driving back and forth, and having the natural pools right there was a big bonus. Being able to walk down whenever we felt like it made the experience much more relaxed.

We visited both the paid and the free pools, and while we enjoyed both, we were honestly a bit more drawn to the free pools. They feel almost completely natural, with waves crashing in and water flowing freely through the rocks, which gave the whole place a more raw, authentic vibe.

The paid pools are more controlled, with built paths and defined swimming areas, which makes them easier and calmer, especially for families — but they also feel more “designed.”

That said, the paid pools are cleaner, safer in rougher conditions, and have facilities like changing rooms and lifeguards, which can be a big plus depending on the sea state. The free pools feel wilder and more exposed, so we were more mindful of waves and timing there.

If you’re in Porto Moniz anyway, we’d recommend checking out both and seeing which one suits you better. For atmosphere and a more natural feel, the free pools won us over. For comfort and ease, the paid pools make more sense — especially if the ocean is rough.

9. Relax at Seixal Beach

Seixal Beach ended up being one of those places we appreciated more the longer we stayed. Tucked beneath steep green cliffs on Madeira’s north coast, this stretch of soft black volcanic sand feels completely different from most beaches on the island — and it quickly became one of our favourites.

One of the first things we noticed was how rare it is in Madeira to find a beach where you can actually walk barefoot on sand instead of navigating slippery rocks. The contrast between the black sand, lush cliffs, and open Atlantic is striking and makes the beach incredibly photogenic from almost any angle.

We visited Seixal twice during our stay. The first time, we arrived early hoping to catch sunrise, since it’s often mentioned as one of the island’s best spots for it. That visit didn’t quite work out for us, but coming back later in the day completely changed our impression.

Around midday, the beach felt brighter, calmer, and much more inviting — a good reminder that timing really matters here.

Swimming here felt comfortable, and we were also curious about the surfing, as Seixal is often recommended for beginners, but during our visits, the waves were very small and broke close to shore.

There’s limited free public parking just above the beach, along with toilets, showers, and a restaurant nearby, making it an easy stop for a few relaxed hours.

10. Visit Praia do Garajau

Praia do Garajau felt completely different from most beaches we visited in Madeira. Sitting at the base of a massive cliff, with the Cristo Rei statue towering above, it has a dramatic setting that immediately stands out.

We arrived early, around 9 AM, and found the beach almost empty. At that time, it was still shaded by the surrounding cliffs, which actually worked in our favour. It was calm, quiet, and not too hot — perfect for settling onto a sunbed and taking things slow.

Later on, it became clear why: the sun only reaches the beach after about 10 AM, once the cable car starts running.

What really makes Garajau special is how easy it is to spend several comfortable hours here without any planning. The beach has everything in one place — a restaurant, toilets, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas, and even a diving centre right on the shore.

There’s also a cable car that glides down from the cliff above, adding a slightly surreal touch as it passes overhead while you’re sitting on the beach.

The water is clear and inviting, making it a great spot for swimming or snorkelling, and the overall atmosphere felt clean, relaxed, and well looked after.

11. Spend Time at Praia de Machico

Praia de Machico felt different from other beaches we visited around Madeira. Set right in town, it’s busy, lively, and clearly popular with both locals and travelers. When we arrived, there were plenty of people on the sand and in the water, with kids playing along the beach, giving it a very active, everyday atmosphere.

The beach itself is wide and flat with golden sand, and it’s easy to access straight from the promenade. There’s no climbing down cliffs or navigating rocky paths, which makes it convenient — especially if you’re already in the area.

That said, during our visit it was quite windy, and with our three-month-old daughter, Ema, that made it less comfortable for us. We ended up not staying very long because of it.

What Machico does well is convenience. Everything you might need is close by — cafés, restaurants, toilets, and showers — and the promenade makes it easy to combine a short beach stop with a walk or a meal in town.

We wouldn’t come here looking for a peaceful escape, but as a practical, central beach with easy access, Praia de Machico still makes sense.

12. Stop at Cascata do Anjos

Cascata do Anjos is one of those places that clearly became popular thanks to Instagram. It’s a cool stop, but timing really makes or breaks the experience. During the day it gets very crowded, and because the waterfall is small and drops directly onto the road, the atmosphere can feel a bit chaotic rather than special.

We visited knowing this, so we treated it as a quick stop and didn’t spend much time there. The old road where the waterfall flows is permanently closed to cars, which means you have to park a bit further away and walk in. That part was easy enough, but it’s worth knowing in advance so you don’t expect to pull up right next to it.

If you want to actually enjoy Cascata do Anjos, coming at sunrise or around sunset makes a huge difference. With fewer people around, it feels calmer and more fun, and you can actually take in the setting.

One of the main things people do here is stand or bathe under the waterfall, which is genuinely enjoyable for a few minutes — but beyond that, there isn’t much else to do. It’s best seen as a short, well-timed stop rather than a destination you plan your day around.

13. Wander Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden felt like a welcome change of pace after days filled with hikes and coastal stops. We came here when we wanted something slower and more relaxed, and it delivered exactly that.

The garden is large and beautifully maintained, with winding paths, exotic plants, sculptures, and plenty of quiet corners where you can take your time and explore without rushing.

What we enjoyed most was how varied it feels as you move through the garden. One moment you’re surrounded by dense tropical greenery, the next you’re looking at panoramic views over Funchal or detailed artworks tucked between plants.

Even though it’s a popular place, it never felt crowded. We ended up spending around three hours walking around and exploring almost every corner.

Getting up to Monte is part of the experience too. You can take the cable car, but driving up is an adventure on its own — the road is extremely steep and feels a bit crazy at first. If you’re not afraid of steep roads, it’s actually a lot of fun (believe us).

14. Ride the Monte Toboggan

While driving up to the botanical gardens, we kept seeing groups of people laughing their way down in traditional wicker toboggans — and honestly, it looked like a blast. The Monte toboggan experience is one of those quirky Madeira traditions that’s fun, simple, and totally different from anything else on the island.

You start near Monte (usually around the top of the cable car station) and ride down the steep paved streets in a two-person wicker sled steered by a pair of drivers in straw hats. It’s quick, a bit silly, and feels far more fun than you’d expect — especially once you realise you’re literally sliding downhill through town.

We didn’t do it ourselves (babies and fast downhill rides don’t mix well), but watching people come down with big smiles made it clear why this is such a classic Madeira experience.

If you’re up for something light, unique, and a bit playful between hikes and viewpoints, this toboggan ride is worth adding to your itinerary.

15. Visit Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima

Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima was one of those quiet stops that ended up surprising us the most. Sitting above São Vicente, it offers beautiful 360-degree panoramic views over the valley, surrounding hills, mountains, and the ocean in the distance.

It’s an incredibly photogenic spot and, when we visited, noticeably less busy than many other viewpoints on the island.

The chapel itself is simple, but the setting is what makes this place special. We took our time walking up, taking photos, and just enjoying the scenery, and in total spent around 30 minutes here without feeling rushed. It felt calm, open, and very different from Madeira’s more dramatic cliffside viewpoints.

It’s not a place you plan your day around, but as a short, peaceful stop — especially if you’re already exploring the north of the island — it’s absolutely worth it.

The combination of wide views, quiet atmosphere, and lack of crowds made this one of our favourite small discoveries in Madeira.

16. Go Whale & Dolphin Watching

Whale and dolphin watching was one experience we really wanted to do, but ended up skipping. With our three-month-old daughter, Ema, we weren’t fully sure how she’d handle being on a boat for around three hours, so we decided not to risk it this time. Still, it’s something we’d absolutely put at the top of the list for a future visit.

Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for spotting whales and dolphins, and from everything we researched and heard from other people, the experience is genuinely unforgettable. Seeing these animals in the wild, often very close to the boat, is one of those moments people remember long after the trip ends.

In particular, this Ecological catamaran whale and dolphin watching tour from Funchal stood out to us as a great option thanks to its responsible approach, comfortable catamaran, and consistently strong reviews.

This is one experience we’d strongly encourage you not to skip.

17. Join an Off-road Buggy Adventure

If you’re looking for a more playful, adrenaline-fuelled way to explore Madeira’s landscapes, an off-road buggy adventure is a great option.

We didn’t get to do this experience ourselves, but it was high on our list — it looks like a genuinely fun way to see parts of the island you’d never reach on foot or by car.

This specific buggy tour heads into Madeira’s rugged landscape toward Funduras and lasts around 2.5 hours, with you driving your own buggy along forest tracks, hillsides, and off-road trails.

It’s not about rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint — it’s more about the experience itself: getting dusty, having fun, and seeing a wilder side of the island.

This off-road buggy adventure is well-reviewed, guided, and easy to book in advance, making it a good fit if you want something different without overthinking logistics.

We see this as a great half-day break from levadas and beaches — especially if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline.

18. Enjoy Canyoning in Nun’s Valley

Canyoning in Madeira is one of those experiences we were genuinely sad to skip. I personally did canyoning in Slovenia a few years ago, before I met Nika, and it was easily one of the best adventures of my life — so knowing this island offers something similar made the decision even harder.

This beginner-friendly canyoning tour takes place in Nun’s Valley and runs for around 4 hours, combining short hikes with abseiling, slides, and jumps into natural pools. Everything is guided, and all equipment is included, which makes it approachable even if you’ve never tried canyoning before.

If you love adrenaline and want to experience Madeira in a more hands-on, adventurous way, this is absolutely a must-do. It’s the kind of activity that stays with you long after the trip — and one we’d be first in line to do on our next visit.

Where to stay

After exploring Madeira, we put together a where to stay in Madeira guide to help you choose an area and hotel that actually fit how you want to travel.

We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Madeira, focusing on places we’d genuinely book again ourselves, based on location, comfort, and how practical they are as a base for exploring.

During busy periods like summer and popular spring months, prices rise quickly and availability drops. Booking early makes a big difference, both in price and in having real choice.

Once you find a place that works for your itinerary, we recommend sticking with it. Waiting or changing plans later often means fewer options or ending up in a location that makes exploring Madeira more time-consuming than it needs to be.

Here are our top picks:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Porto Mare – PortoBay (our top pick) – We stayed here during our trip, and it quickly became one of our favourite bases in Madeira. The tropical gardens make it feel calm and spacious, the pools are great for slow afternoons, and everything from breakfast to service felt genuinely well thought out. It’s comfortable without feeling over-the-top, and the location in Funchal worked perfectly for exploring the island.
⭐️ Best for: Couples or families who want a relaxed, high-comfort stay with resort-style facilities.
👉 Check current deals →

⭐️⭐️ Aqua Natura Bay – We also stayed here and loved waking up right by the ocean. The infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic was a real highlight, and having the natural lava pools just steps away made it incredibly easy to enjoy Porto Moniz without any planning. It’s modern, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring the west and north coast.
⭐️ Best for: Ocean views, swimming in natural pools, and exploring western Madeira.
👉 Compare prices →

⭐️ Quinta das Vinhas – A charming countryside stay set among vineyards above Calheta, offering a completely different side of Madeira. The atmosphere is peaceful and authentic, with beautiful views over the hills and plenty of space to slow down.
⭐️ Best for: Travelers looking for quiet surroundings, nature, and a slower pace away from busy areas.
👉 See latest prices →

Where to eat and drink

• Restaurante Alta Vista – A relaxed spot with solid food and a nice setting, ideal for an unhurried dinner after a day of exploring.
• Cantinho dos Petiscos – A Funchal favourite known for its sharing-style dishes and lively atmosphere.
• Rustikus – A cozy, rustic restaurant serving hearty, traditional-style food in the north of the island.
• Planalto – Simple, local cooking and the best octopus we ever had! Very friendly owners.
• Bolo do Caco Grill & Pizza – Incredibly tasty meal, you have to try Bolo do Caco and pizza too, you won’t regret.
• VanScape Gastrobar – They serve amazing cocktails, and we had the best Nikita here.
• Mauro’s Pizzaria – Local pizzeria with fresh ingredients and amazing pizza.

How to get around

By Car (the way we explored Madeira)

Exploring this island by car was hands down the best option. It gave us complete freedom to move at our own pace, stop at viewpoints whenever we wanted, and reach trailheads and beaches that would be difficult or time-consuming otherwise.

Many of the highlights are spread across the island, and relying on schedules would have seriously limited what we could see.

Driving here is generally straightforward, but you should be prepared for very steep roads, sharp turns, and narrow village streets — especially in the mountains. That said, once you get used to it, it’s actually fun and incredibly rewarding.

For car rentals, we always use DiscoverCars, and Madeira was no exception. We booked with full coverage insurance, which is consistently cheaper than what rental desks offer on arrival and gives us peace of mind on steep roads and tight parking spots. We’ve used it many times in different destinations and have always been satisfied.

If you’re planning to drive, renting a car in Madeira is the most convenient option by far and something we’d recommend without hesitation.

By Public Transport

Public transport in Madeira works reasonably well within cities and along main coastal routes, especially around Funchal. Buses are affordable and reliable for short trips, but once you want to explore the mountains, levadas, or more remote viewpoints, they quickly become limiting.

For travelers sticking mostly to towns or not planning many hikes, buses can be enough — but for a full Madeira itinerary, they’re not ideal as your main mode of transport.

By Tours

Guided tours are a good alternative if you don’t want to drive, especially for places like mountain viewpoints, levada walks, or west-coast loops. They’re easy, require no planning, and work well if you’re short on time.

The downside is flexibility — you’re tied to someone else’s schedule, and stops are often rushed. We personally preferred exploring independently, but tours can make sense for specific days or one-off experiences.

If you want to see a lot of Madeira in one day without renting a car, we highly recommend this 4WD Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal & Fanal tour — it’s a full-day adventure cruising in a 4×4 Land Rover with a guide, stopping at the Skywalk, black-sand beaches, lava pools, Fanal Forest, and more. 

Best time to visit Madeira

Madeira is a year-round destination, but the experience changes noticeably with the seasons, so timing really matters depending on what you want to do.

Spring (March–May) is one of the best all-round periods to visit. The island is green, flowers are in bloom, temperatures are comfortable, and hiking conditions are excellent. It’s a great balance if you want to mix levadas, viewpoints, and sightseeing without peak summer crowds.

Summer (June–September) brings the warmest and most stable weather. This is the best time for beaches, swimming, and natural pools, but it’s also when it’s busiest and hottest, especially along the coast. Hiking is still possible, but starting early becomes more important.

Autumn (October–November) is slightly quieter and still warm enough for outdoor activities. The ocean stays relatively warm, crowds thin out, and it’s a nice shoulder season if you want a slower pace while still enjoying good weather.

Winter (December–February) is the least predictable season. Temperatures stay mild, but rain and clouds are more common, especially in the mountains. That said, it’s also the quietest time and can work well if you’re flexible and don’t mind adjusting plans.

If you want a deeper breakdown by month, crowds, and prices, we’ve covered everything in detail in our full guide on the best time to visit Madeira, which helps you choose the right season based on your travel style.

Quick Tips & Local Insights

• Start early when hiking. Popular levadas and mountain trails get busy quickly, and starting early makes a huge difference — both for parking and for actually enjoying the walk.
• Expect steep roads everywhere. Even short drives can involve very steep climbs and descents. It’s normal in Madeira, but it can be surprising if you’re not prepared.
• Don’t underestimate wind exposure. Some coastal and eastern hikes are extremely exposed, and wind can affect the experience more than rain or clouds.
• Viewpoints are best treated as short stops. Most are worth seeing, but few need more than 5–10 minutes unless you really want to linger.
• Plan fuel stops ahead in the mountains. Petrol stations are common near towns but sparse in higher or remote areas.
• Bring layers, even on sunny days. Temperatures can change quickly with elevation, especially when moving between the coast and the mountains.
• Facilities aren’t always nearby. Many nature spots have no cafés or shops, so carrying water and snacks is always a good idea.

Final Thoughts

This island surprised us in the best possible way. Between dramatic mountain hikes, peaceful levada walks, raw coastal scenery, and slower moments by the ocean, the island offers an incredible amount of variety in a relatively small space.

If we had to narrow it down, the Pico do Arieiro area, the levada walks, and the contrast between Seixal Beach and Porto Moniz were the experiences that really stayed with us, and we’d happily come back.

Madeira is the kind of destination that works for many travel styles — active, relaxed, or a mix of both — and it’s a place we’d recommend without hesitation, especially if you enjoy nature, scenic drives, and getting a bit off the usual tourist path.