Looking for unusual activities to do in Madeira? The Island of Eternal Spring offers you from a super cozy capital to a dramatic landscape to gigantic waterfalls.
To discover the island in depth, we wanted to make a selection of the places of interest in Madeira that you should know if you plan to make a trip to this amazing island.
With a variety of wonderful and unique things to do in Madeira, by the time you finish this article, you’ll be booking your island vacation!
10 Unusual Activities to do in Madeira:
1- Whales & Dolphin watching
Dolphins and whales are one of Madeira’s most captivating features, so it makes perfect sense why several tour companies offer dolphin-watching boat trips departing from the main Funchal area to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Note:Dolphins can be seen year-round, sightings are most frequent between May and September, which is also the peak season for whale watching.
Book your tour now, Whales & Dolphins Watching | Bonita da Madeira.
2- Paragliding
Madeira offers many possibilities for paragliding lovers, as there are extraordinary landscapes that you can enjoy. With places around the island like Funchal, Arco da Calheta, and Porto Moniz, you can find adventure companies with top-of-the-line equipment and an experienced guide.
People who do not master this practice can still fly thanks to experienced instructors who will take them on double paragliders. Therefore, this activity is unique and is available to everyone.
3- Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Portugal.
You probably couldn´t imagine, at first glance, neither its interior nor its content. It contains a wonderful clean and very careful interior. A multicultural content that you cannot miss on your trip to Madeira.
The Garden is managed by the José Bernardo Foundation, it is an educational and environmental institution.
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden has exotic endemic plants from various countries in an area of 70,000 square meters.
4- Hike to Pico Ruivo before sunrise
One of the most wonderful activities to do in Madeira is hike to the top of Pico Ruivo, an unforgettable and unparalleled experience that will surely leave you amazed by its beautiful landscape.
This challenging hike takes around 90 minutes to complete, starts in Santana, and requires a good level of physical condition as you will pass through tunnels, narrow paths, and steep sections. But, it will all be worth it when you see the beautiful landscape that Pico Ruivo offers you from what is officially the highest point of the island, 1861 meters.
5- Monte Toboggan ride in Funchal
Monte Toboggan Ride is one of the best experiences you can have in Madeira. It is about letting yourself slide on a wicker sled through the steep streets that connect Monte with Funchal.
Resembling a wicker basket mixed with a shopping cart, Monte’s sleds are as much about sightseeing as they are about adventure and adrenaline.
For around 10 minutes and two kilometers, friendly drivers will push the sled through a series of winding streets through Monte: it’s high-speed, unique and one of the essential things to do in Madeira.
6- Rent a Bike and explore the island
Are you a motorcycle lover and are looking for an adventure in Madeira? Let the wind run through your body and simply enjoy the views, discovering all the incredible roads and views that Madeira offers you with a incredible Motorbike.
If you want to make the most of your holidays, book the Motorbike of your dreams now! Rent a Motorbikes Fleet Motorbike | 7M Rides | Madeira Island
7- Take a dip in Porto Moniz’s volcanic swimming pools
For nature lovers, Porto Moniz is a beautiful and quiet coastal town on the northwestern tip of the island of Madeira that is home to one of the most impressive natural phenomena in all of Europe: natural pools.
With calm and clear waters that contrast perfectly with the sea on the other side of the wall, the natural saltwater pools offer an opportunity for travelers to relax while enjoying the views of the Atlantic.
8- Anjos Waterfall (Ponta do Sol)
The amazing waterfall is located on the outskirts of the town of Ponta do Sol, in the southwest of the island, and drops down a steep rock face on the E.R.101 road and into the sea and is about a 30-minute drive west of the capital of Madeira.
The water flow comes from a Levada – one of the many irrigation canals that carry water on the island for agriculture.
Without a doubt a wonderful experience!
9- Don’t [do] look down at the Cabo Girão viewpoint
Cabo Girão, with more than 580 meters high, is the highest cliff in all of Europe and the second highest in the world, visiting Cabo Girão on your trip to Madeira is highly recommended. A place from which you can see the entire archipelago.
Visit the highest point of Cabo Girão you can find a viewpoint from which we can access spectacular views: an ideal place to take spectacular photographs.
Without a doubt, Cabo Girão is one of the iconic spots in Madeira: one reason alone would be enough to visit this splendid destination.
10- Walk along the Ponta de São Lourenço cliffs
Known as Ponta de São Lorenço, the eastern area of Madeira is one of the most impressive landscapes on the island.
To Travel and Discover the Ponta de São Lourenço, we must have a route of 7.2 kilometers. It is not a difficult route, but it is tiring, you need to be in good physical condition.
Get ready to enjoy the views!
Our Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Madeira is a place of infinite green landscapes and cliffs surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
For some people this remains a hidden gem, however, once they visit Madeira they want an excuse to come back.
Would you like to discover more activities to do in Madeira? Read our article about 10 Best Things to do in Madeira Island in 2023 | Bonita da Madeira.
