Location: Madeira
Top Things to do in Madeira
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Madeira, Madeira Islands
Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.
Restaurants in Madeira
1. Pico Ruivo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 542 reviews
Reviewed By 205karolinar - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
I loved the hike - the views are stunning, so if You like taking pictures this is beautiful hike - especially if You start early and catch the sun rise????We started at 6 am from pico de Arieiro and reached Pico de Ruivo at 9:30. The hike was challenging at times as there was some steep hikes plus I was almost 6 months pregnant but it was definitely worth it. I loved the experience.
2. Laurissilva Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
This type of wild and scenic forest landscape is fast becoming a rare sight along the Mediterranean, and Madeira is one of the few places where they still exist.
Reviewed By Lily-Worldtraveler - The Netherlands, null
The laurissilva is a beautiful and mystical part of Madeira. From Ribeiro Frio you can do a really easy (flat) and relaxing levada walk to Balcoes (balcony) that will end at a 'balcony' overlooking the surrounding area. I definitely recommend doing that walk when you are in the neighborhood.
3. Lagoa do Vento
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By kristofkesteloot - Zottegem, Belgium
What a perfect walk! Starting at the parking lot of rabacal. But instead of following the herd of people, we took the road to Alecrim. After some time the trail splits in half. Either you follow the levada do Alecrim, or you go way down to lagao do Vento. We´ve chosen the way down, and it was worth it! It´s a lot of stairs to go all the way down. But what you see is one of the most amazing places in Madeira. It is like a fantasy spot... The way back you can choose to go back up or take the path to the rabacal house.
4. CEM - Clube Equestre da Madeira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
At Madeira Equestrian Club you will find a diversity of activities associated with equestrian practice. The Club has excellent facilities, with large riding stables, well-kept stables and conditions that guarantee the well-being of all horses. Our horses are mainly Lusitanos. It is our goal to promote a harmonious relationship between horse and rider through the different equestrian practices.
Reviewed By KiiraT4
I can recommend CEM with a pleasure for everyone interested in riding! I have had a long break from riding and got a suggestion to try it at CEM again after many years. I took 3 private lessons from Iisa and that was definitely the highlight of my 2 week holiday in Madeira. Iisa is a very professional instructor. She is very patient, supportive and clearly enjoys her job. What made me very happy was that the horses were very well taken care of, the stable and the surroundings were clean. The stable is only about 20minutes from Funchal, so very easy to go to!
5. Palheiro Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,165 reviews
The gardens at "Quinta do Palheiro" are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Madeira has long been called the "Garden Isle" and it seems that almost anything will grow in its fertile soil.The Palheiro gardens are situated at about 500 meters above sea level and were started in 1801 by the original owner the Conde de Carvalhal. He introduced Camellias to the Island, hence our vast collection. The gardens, some 14 hectares (with about 650 species of plants),include the Camellia avenue, Main Garden, Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Long Border and the Ladies' Garden where you find the tea house. There is also the Ribeiro do Inferno, a deep valley with treeferns and indigenous plants.
Reviewed By MarleneB261 - Durham, United Kingdom
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish, so many unusual plants and trees, colours and shapes of leaves, well worth a visit, Entrance fee 11 euros. Has a cafe but we didn’t use it, as our men had gone on ahead as they did not want to walk round. If you love gardens it is worth a visit
6. Valley of the Nuns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,153 reviews
The "Nuns Valley" is a small village situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, which has kept its 16th-century Santa Clara Convent where the nuns used to hide from pirates who were attacking Funchal.
Reviewed By bryanmg141 - Oldbury, United Kingdom
Our trip (with Lido Tours) included going to the top Pico de Arieiro so we could look down on the village, then onto the village itself where we enjoyed some chestnut bread and chestnut cake and had a sample of chestnut liqueur.. And we visited the chestnut museum! We didn't actually have time to eat anything in the restaurant itself, but did see people eating - you guessed it - roasted chestnuts! It's only a small place, but nice for a gentle wander - and don't miss the church, it's also pretty spectacular, especially given the size of the village. Our trip then went on to Camara de Lobos, another beauty spot where we thoroughly enjoyed a glass of poncha.
7. Monte Palace Madeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,480 reviews
Open to the public since 1991, the Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses a huge exotic plant's collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans,duck's and Koi fish. The Monte Palace Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world. Monte Palace Madeira, also includes one of the most important tile collections in Portugal. The tiles exhibited amidst the tropical vegetation represent several ages, coming from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses throughout the former Portuguese empire. We are open everyday except 25th of December. Our prices are: Adults - 12,50€ Children younger than 15 years old: Free Entrance as long as they are accompanied by adults. Check our new facebook page montepalacetropicalgarden
Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom
These are much more than just great tropical gardens: there are sculptures, great displays of tile-work, exhibitions (gem stones and Zimbabwean sculptures, when we were there), koi carp in profusion, a superb display of hundreds of orchids, a romantic Romeo and Juliet balcony and strand, waterfalls and fountains everywhere. A couple of cafes too. Absolutely excellent and really well worth a visit - just remember it’s a lon way above the town and often a fair bit cooler. Thoroughly recommended.
8. Madeira Explorers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Reviewed By anndannd
I did a "WIND LAGOON - LEVADA DO ALECRIM" walk and it was really fantastic! We were lucky enough to have an excellent bus driver Tony and a great guide Miguel. Miguel provided us with lots of interesting information and cared for our safety and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The walk itself passed through varied terrain and was a bit demanding at times, but the beautiful views were absolutely worth some effort. I highly recommend!
9. 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By melissaads - South Africa, null
One of the most beautiful and memorable hiking trails I've done. The vegetation among us is green and the actual 25 waterfalls are with the walk.
10. Cabo Girao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,144 reviews
Reviewed By cliffm445 - Slough, United Kingdom
Popular spot. Good place for picking up buses, taxis or the great Green Train down to the coastal resort of Camara dos Lobos You will pay through the nose at the cafe - tea, coffee and custard tarts @ €15 would almost buy a meal for two with wine locally
