What to do in Madeira Island

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Madeira Island

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Madeira Island, Portugal while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Madeira Island attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Madeira Island tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 487 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Madeira Island. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Formed by volcanic lava, these tranquil pools are sheltered from the strong current of the Atlantic by black basalt rocks. Swim, sunbathe or snorkel at the pools, which are complete with changing rooms, lockers and lifeguard services. There’s also a children’s pool and play area, making the pools an excellent spot for a family excursion.
Learn more
Porto Moniz Natural Pools showing rocky coastline

2. Madeira Botanical Garden

Enjoy the rich collection of more than 2,000 plants at the Madeira Botanical Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking Funchal, this beautifully landscaped garden offers dramatic views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.
Learn more
Madeira Botanical Garden which includes flowers

3. Cabo Girao

Plummeting straight down toward the ocean, Cabo Girao is among the tallest cliffs in Europe. Rising 1,900 feet (580 meters) above the water, it is one of the most photogenic points in the region. For extra thrills, follow the glass-floored skywalk to this scenic site, offering a clear view of the steep downward drop below.
Learn more
Cabo Girao which includes a coastal town

4. Ponta Do Sol Beach

Ponta do Sol Beach is a pleasant pebble beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lined with charming cafés. Known for being one of the sunniest places in Madeira, the beach is a wonderful spot to relax and bask in the warm sun and go for a dip in the calm coastal waters.
Learn more
Ponta Do Sol Beach featuring swimming, a coastal town and a pebble beach

5. Town Square

Funchal’s Town Square is a bustling hub of activity, lined with beautiful checkered cobblestones and bordered by grand whitewashed buildings. In addition to being a lovely civic center, the square is an ideal starting point for visiting several attractions, including the Sacred Art Museum, City Hall and the former Jesuit College.
Learn more
Town Square which includes a small town or village and street scenes

What to do in Madeira Island


Discover the most popular places to visit in Madeira Island

Explore areas of Madeira Island

A view across the North Atlantic Ocean from Funchal, Madeira

Old Town Funchal

If you're spending some time in Old Town Funchal, Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Funchal
Museum of Natural History featuring a city and street scenes

Sao Pedro

5/5(1 area review)

Sao Pedro is known for its colourful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Museum of Natural History and Quinta das Cruzes Museum while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
Default Image

Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Visitors to Imaculado Coracao de Maria like its gardens and seaside views, and Quinta Palmeira is a sight worth a stop.

Imaculado Coracao de Maria
Default Image

Estrela da Calheta

Estrela da Calheta might not have many top sights, but Casa das Mudas Arts Center and 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Estrela da Calheta
Traditional village in Santana

Santana

Visitors to Santana rave about its fantastic nightlife, breathtaking beach views and beautiful gardens. You might also want to make some time to see Madeira Theme Park or Santana Traditional Houses while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Santana
Funchal, as seen from the sea #lifeatexpedia

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Madeira Island

Explore a world of travel with Expedia