Looking for the Best things to do in Madeira Island? We will present you with a list of activities that you can do and explore while on holiday in Madeira.
Why Madeira Island?
The island of Madeira has many reasons to be the preferred destination for many travellers. When choosing Madeira, you can explore and be in the middle of nature, discover unique landscapes, and be on an island full of history, unique events throughout the year, and a wide variety of flavours.
These reasons make it difficult to choose which ones are the Best Things to do in Madeira Island. But, we have tried to compile a list of the 10 best activities.
Our suggestions for the 10 Best Things to do on Madeira Island:
1 – Deserta Islands Boat Trip
Desertas Islands
Our first suggestion is to explore the Desertas Islands, they are three islands located 15 miles from Madeira Island, a nature reserve. On these islands, you will find some species of monk seal and some sea birds.
On this boat trip to Desertas island, you will be able to admire the coastal views, go ashore with a guided tour and swim.
You can book your tour to Desertas islands onboard our Wooden Gulet, Bonita da Madeira.
2 – Levada Walks
Levada Walks
Levada walks are one of the main attractions for visitors to the island. As such, it is still important to do at least one of the Levadas that are available. If you don’t know, Levadas are irrigation canals that transport water to different parts of the island.
There is a wide variety of Levadas to choose from and with different difficulties. Some of them can take a whole day while others only take a few hours. You can find the recommended list of Levadas here.
3 – Canyoning
Canyoning in Madeira Island
If you like adrenaline, canyoning in Madeira is one of the options for things you can do. You’ll be able to explore the island’s streams and waterways and overcome the various obstacles they have. In this activity, you will be able to climb, jump, rappel and swim.
Currently, it is possible to practice this sport in several properly equipped places such as Ribeiro Frio, Ribeira das Cales, Ribeira da Pedra Branca, Ribeira da Hortelã, Ribeira do Passo or Ribeira do Inferno.
Undoubtedly an excellent activity for those who like to be active.
4 – Whales & Dolphin watching
Whales & Dolphin Watching in Madeira
Marine life lover? On the island of Madeira, you will be able to observe the marine life aboard our Wooden Gulet, Bonita da Madeira.
Around the year, you will be able to observe a wide variety of marine mammals such as dolphins, Bryde’s whales, Fin whales, sei whales, blue whales, and minke whales. Occasionally you might see other types of whales like blue whales, humpbacks and killer whales.
If you are interested, you can book your Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour with us here.
5 – Bird Watching
Birds Watching Madeira
If you like to watch birds, the island of Madeira is also a perfect place to do some bird watching.
On the most varied tours you can find sea and land birds, some of them unique and rare. The variety and specificity of its ecosystem make some places excellent observation points for nesting and migrating birds, such as:
- Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis),
- Bis bis (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis),
- Papinho (Erithacus rubecula rubecula),
- Lavender (Motacilla cinerea schmitzi),
- The Nun of Madeira (Pterodroma Madeira).
6 – Explore Unique bays in Madeira
Beautiful Madeira Bays
If you’re looking for something different, our boat tour through the island’s beautiful bays is perfect for a different day.
In our tour, you will have the opportunity to start your trip in the bay of Funchal, then go to Machico and then to Baía D’Abra, the latter being a natural reserve.
Along the way, you will be able to observe the south and east coast of the island.
You will be able to enjoy a delicious meal on board our ship, and dive and swim in the calm waters of this bay.
7 – Jeep Safaris
Jeep Safaris in Madeira
Another way to explore the island of Madeira is with 4×4 cars. It allows you to have a unique experience and visit spectacular places that can only be seen in the mountains of Madeira.
There are different types of tours, some can be full-day and others half-day.
8 – Taste Good Food
Great Food in Madeira Island
In Madeira, you can find a wide variety of food and drinks that you can enjoy.
In terms of drinks, you can drink Madeira wine, the traditional Poncha and much more.
To accompany your drink, you can choose different traditional dishes, such as Espetada Madeirense, Filete de Espetada, Lapas, Bolo do Caco, Carne de Vinho Garlic and much more.
The best-known sweets are honey cake, honey bread, fennel candies and many more.
Everything you need to make your stay unique.
9 – Explore the cable cars
Cable Cars in Madeira
Madeira island has several cable cars. One of the most famous starts in the Old Town of Funchal and ends at top of a hill in Monte. At the end of this cable car, you will have several activities to do here. For example, you can visit Monte Palace Tropical Gardens Park, or take another cable car and visit another botanical Garden on the other hill.
Choosing the cable cars of Funchal, you will have amazing views over Funchal bay for a few minutes.
You can also find other cable cars in Madeira with amazing views and places, like for example Fajã dos Padres, Garajau Beach, Fajã da Rocha do Navio and Fajã da Quebrada Nova.
10 – Visit Botanical Gardens
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
In Madeira you can find several botanical gardens, for example in Funchal you have two main botanical gardens.
One of them is Madeira Botanical Garden, where you can find 2500 exotic plants, and the other one is Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, where you can find a combination of architecture, geology, exotic plants and art. In addition to these two, the city of Funchal has other gardens as well as several places on the island.
Our conclusion about the things to do on the Island
We gave you 10 ideas for things you can do while on holiday on Madeira Island. You can explore nature, explore the sea, taste really good food and many more things.
Have a look at our boat tours in Madeira to start exploring the best maritime life that Madeira has to offer you.
If you also need a car, you can go to 7M rent a car and rent your desired car for the full time of your holiday.
