What to do in Madeira Island

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with buildings on a hillside, a beach, and rocky outcrops.
A coastal town with colorful buildings, a steep hillside, and calm sea.
A coastal town with red-roofed buildings, a rocky breakwater, and boats in the water.
A coastal scene with numerous small boats anchored near rocky cliffs and a pier.
A coastal landscape with a prominent cliff and a lighthouse on top.

Madeira Island Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Madeira Island has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Madeira Island is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Madeira Island to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Madeira Island Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Madeira Island.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Madeira Island attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do


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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.
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A rocky coastline with a prominent hill and a small statue on top.

2. Praca do Municipio

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.
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A street with pedestrians, a taxi, and a building with a sign that reads "TATOO".

3. 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.
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A botanical garden with colorful flower beds, a palm tree, and a cityscape in the background.

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.
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A beach with people sunbathing, colorful buildings, and palm trees.

5. Pico do Ariero

Pico do Arieiro offers some of the most stunning views in Madeira. Towering 5,965 feet (1,818 meters) in the air, the mountain’s craggy rocks are frequently veiled with clouds. On a clear day, view Porto Santo in the distance. Pico do Arieiro is linked to the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, by a challenging but rewarding hiking trail.
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A mountain hiking trail signpost with directions to Pico Ruivo (E) 7.0 km and Pico Ruivo (O) 5.6 km.

What to do in Madeira Island


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Day trip destinations from Madeira Island

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