Madeira’s Hidden Gems: Travel Tips for Adventures in Madeira
We ran our first retreat in Madeira last year and completely fell in love with it. Dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”, Madeira has plenty of tropical adventure opportunities, from the well-known pico-to-pico hiking trail to more off-the-beaten spots. We share what we found and look forward to you experiencing them with us in 2024.
Enjoy many stunning sunrises and sunsets on hikes above the clouds
Nestled in the Atlantic south of Portugal and west of the African coast, Madeira’s reputation as a destination for retired folks to have a gentle holiday is baffling. What we found on our first few recce trips out there was far from a ‘relax and do nothing’ destination.
Bearing many resemblances to The Aloha State, with its lush green landscapes, volcanic peaks and beautiful waterfalls, Madeira is a European adventure playground waiting to be explored. From vibrant levadas (former irrigation trails many kilometres in length, which often border mountains and can be explored on foot) and scenic trails, to dramatic cliffs and idyllic coastal facades, Madeira is an unexpected haven for those craving outdoor excitement, particularly thanks to its mild year-round climate.
Having received the award of Europe’s Leading Travel Destination in 2023, beating 12 other stunning destinations including Ibiza, Sardinia and the Greek Islands, Madeira also marked a record year for Tourism in 2022, with overnight stays nearly doubling from the previous year. Our insider guide to Madeira, we’ll show you why Madeira is now firmly on the map as an outdoorsy paradise for activities, fitness and adventure.
In short, here’s why Madeira is a no-brainer for an active holiday:
Natural beauty: the island is a haven of breathtaking landscapes, all waiting to be discovered by one of the hundreds of hiking trails on offer.
Unique geography: Madeira’s volcanic origins have shaped a terrain that is as rugged as it is beautiful, making it one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in Europe.
Mild climate: Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate, making it an attractive year-round destination. The moderate temperatures and minimal temperature fluctuations contribute to its appeal for those seeking outdoor adventures and explorations.
Culinary delights: no active holiday is complete without sufficient fuel, and Madeira’s delightful local cuisine features a blend of Portuguese and Madeiran flavours, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, exotic fruits and traditional dishes.
Here’s an MLA version of Madeira travel advice, where we break down our favourite ways to discover the island.
Hiking in Madeira
Let it never be said that Madeira is short of hikes.
With 500+ trails to choose from, of which 450+ take in waterfalls or scenic views en route, you could fill a week with hikes alone. And arguably, for those on a fitness holiday, that’s exactly what they do. As tempting as it is to focus this entire piece on hikes, we’ve selected our favourites below, including of course some of Madeira’s iconic Levadas. A must–do when visiting the island, these walks are incredibly unique in that they take place on irrigation systems built in the 16th century, and with around 2,500km of levadas across scenic parts of the island, they’re one of our top adventure tips for the island.
Pico-to-Pico Hike
This is less of a hidden gem and more of an iconic must-do adventure in Madeira. The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is known for its stunning views and trail through mountains and rugged terrain, as well as a walk amongst the clouds at the highest point on the island.
With Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo respectively being the third and first highest peaks on Madeira, the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are second to none once you’ve climbed the famous ‘stairway to heaven’ (we’ve done it and it’s very achievable, and worth the climb!). At approximately 10 kilometres long, this hike is considered to be moderately difficult and takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
Cascada Ãgua D’alto Waterfall Hike
As this trail is less maintained than it used to be, it’s become less popular with locals and tourists alike, making it a peaceful and pleasant short trek to one of the island’s most impressive waterfalls. The waterfall is at the halfway point of this out-and-back hike, with the total distance being just 3km and less than 100m of incline. Most of the trail follows a levada, however it can be slippery in some parts now it’s pretty wild and overgrown, so we recommend seeking out a local guide (or joining us in April when we’ll have our very own guide throughout the week).
Fanal Forest
Akin to something straight out of a fairytale, Fanal Forest’s mysterious fog creates a magical atmosphere on the north of the island. Due to the subtropical climate of the island and being located high in the mountains, the forest is often covered with a layer of fog and we recommend visiting on a cloudy day to experience the full wonder of this unique place. Whilst not a hike in itself, many of Madeira’s hiking trails can be found as you wander through the forest, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 20 years.
Levada do Rei
For any history fans amongst us, this levada is known as the King’s Levada, and got its name after being built by King D. Carlos I in the late 19th century. Originally created to irrigate the fields of São Jorge and drive water to the water mills, the São Jorge water mill still stands today at 300 years old and is the only one of its kind still in operation. Definitely check out the mill at the end of this impressive and fairly easy hike, which will take you through the laurel forest, a short tunnel AND underneath a small waterfall.
Swimming in Madeira
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Nestled on the northwest coast of Madeira, the Porto Moniz Natural Pools are a captivating natural wonder, with their unique blend of volcanic landscapes and stunning waters. Probably the most well-known of the natural swimming options in Madeira, they are carved into the rugged volcanic rock and offer an extraordinary swimming experience in crystal-clear seawater.
Their seamless integration into the rocks makes these pools incredibly unique, and with a total swimming area of 3800 square metres plus a children’s pool, playground, changing rooms, bar and disability access, they’re an ideal spot for anyone and everyone to soak up pure nature.
Poço Des Chefes
This one is a bit more off the beaten path, but well worth the visit for both the beautiful nature and the cool history of the place. Poço des Chefes is a natural reservoir perfect for swimming, and is located in The Valley of the Nuns, a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano. Its name derives from the 16th Century Santa Clara Convent - which still exists today and is open to visitors - and is where nuns would hide from pirates that were attacking Funchal.
With less of a bathing area than Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Poço des Chefes is a relaxing spot for a peaceful swim and discovering where the locals like to hang out, meaning you’re less likely to find a group of tourists here. Due to its more secluded nature, the closest shops and restaurants are in the nearest village so it’s worth taking water and snacks with you.
Seixal Natural Pools
These natural pools, located only a 10 minute car journey from the Porto Moniz natural pools, are carved into volcanic rock and set amongst lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. There’s many different pools to choose from, however be mindful on a day of big waves and strong seas of veering too close to the edges of the pools. As with a lot of places on Madeira, entry to these pools is completely free, with access to toilets, changing rooms and a small snack stand.
Off-the-beaten path
Desertas Islands
A must-see for nature lovers, the Desertas Islands are a group of uninhabited islands that put wildlife and natural beauty on the map. The waters around the islands are teeming with marine life - bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead turtles have been glimpsed here before - and the islands are a haven for rare and endemic species, including the Mediterranean monk seal - one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. These islands also offer hiking trails with stunning vistas, where you can explore a rugged terrain of volcanic landscapes and hidden coves for a true active holiday in Madeira.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car & Fajã da Quebrada Nova
Isolated by tall mountain cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other, Fajã da Quebrada Nova is a tiny little village and pebble beach at the bottom of some steep cliffs beneath the seaside town of Achadas da Cruz. Previously only accessible by boat until the cable car was installed to help farmers transport their produce, this remote oceanside village is a joy to wander around for bathing in nature, enjoying some tranquillity and seeing local produce being grown across the land.
Cabo Girao Skywalk
At an elevation of 580m, the Cabo Girao viewpoint is the highest skywalk in Europe. Famous for its suspended glass platform and sweeping views of the ocean and towns below, it’s a must-see when in Madeira.
Madeira’s beaches
Calhau da Lapa
Said to have the clearest waters on the island, Calhau da Lapa is a true Madeira hidden gem and high on our list when we’re dishing out Madeira travel tips. As it’s fairly hard to reach, it remains off the main tourist path, so if you’re up for an adventure then this one is definitely for you. Only accessible by boat or on foot (about a 30 minute extremely steep walk from the trailhead at Vereda do Paço), once you arrive you’ll be greeted with a remote pebbly beach, a waterfall, ancient caves and of course a clear blue ocean just waiting to be swum in.
Porto Santo
45km from Madeira lies its neighbouring island, Porto Santo. Featuring 9km of golden sand and idyllic turquoise waters, the mineral content of the sand is known to have healing properties. Aiding with joint and bone issues such as rheumatism, it isn’t uncommon to see people buried up to their necks in the sand here! Whilst doable for a day trip, with the boat leaving Funchal at 8am and returning from Porto Santo at 8pm, as the ferry crossing is a little over 2 hours each way, there’s also the option of stopping overnight. That said, the ferry itself is part of the adventure, with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and even a cinema onboard!
All Things Coffee
Is this even a piece about Madeira travel recommendations without caffeine (and snacks!) recs? Our trips to Madeira haven’t ever been complete without a daily trip to one of the island’s independently owned coffee shops and eateries, so here’s a few local tips of where to head:
This is merely a snapshot of the hundreds of hidden gems on magical Madeira. We’ll be exploring all parts of the island, including a local CrossFit box, of course, in April 2024 and we’d love for you to join us in exploring the lesser known spots that make Madeira a truly exceptional destination. Check out our 6-day itinerary here.