Madeira Sightseeing

What is essential Madeira sightseeing? Probably the entire island, and some more on top of this. There are so many things to be seen and so different that even the people living there for years haven't had the chance to see the Madeira Islands entirely. So make a very serious plan and even if you don't have the chance to see all the places shown here, you can always come back. Actually, there are people who come back on the island year after year because of the nice weather and the diversity of the landscapes of Madeira. From the high mountains of Madeira to small villages, valleys, forests, levadas, Funchal and its port, the beautiful waters of the Atlantic or the completely different islands easy to reach, you can try them all and you won't regret it.

Madeira Sightseeing

Let's start with the capital, Funchal. You will find there all the touristic activities and you will see a much more active city than the rest of the island, where there are mainly villages. Start from the port where you can go to a cafe or to have lunch and often see the cruise ships coming and leaving. If you are in that part, have a walk in Santa Catarina Park and then head to the Municipal Garden. Of course, walk on the small streets of the old city centre and check the Sao Tiago fort as well. And don't forget about the market, with fishes, lots of fruits and vegetables, and local flowers.

From Funchal, head towards Monte for more Madeira sightseeing. Monte is very close and you can get there easily with the cable car, it offers you a complete view over the capital. If you want an alternative way to get back to Funchal, you can always try the carro do cesto, a traditional toboggan the Madeirenses used so to get to Funchal.

Nun's Valley is a short trip of a few hours from Funchal. It is situated 19 km from the capital of Madeira, at an altitude of 633 meters. This village is located in a valley and surrounded by high and steep mountains that seem to always watch over the isolated place. The beautiful views are well worth the visit. Madeira Tour operators provide excursions to Nun's Valley.

The South East coast of Madeira can be visited in a day if you take a Madeira sightseeing tour (you can register for them online and you will also find many offices around Funchal where you can buy tickets). Renting a car is even better as you can stop where you want and you have no time limit. The best picks would be Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Machico and Cabo de Sao Lourenco, the last being also the single arid place on the island, very much alike the Desertas, Selvangens and Porto Santo.

Santana is also a must see for the tourists coming to Madeira, for its very small, colorful and cozy houses. The locals do not use the old traditional houses anymore, but you can still visit them. Also, spend some hours in the Madeira Theme Park, which gives you some more traditional images about the island through attractive methods and where you can also enjoy the extreme sports area.

Once you get to the North Coast you will get (again!) the feeling of being in a completely different place. Firstly, because of the clouds which cover the sky more often than in the south and which also bring a colder weather from the mountains. And secondly, the abrupt cliffs and big mountains that the waters of the Atlantic hit and the almost disappearance of the villages makes the area perfect for walks.

Try the old roads that get you through the mountains and get to the highest peaks in Madeira - Pico Ruivo and Pico Areiro - and you could also make some stops in Portela and Ribeiro Frio.

Every time you have the opportunity, don't miss the chance to see Madeira's parks. The rich, extravagant vegetation, sometimes close to the African one, is a breathtaking experience. Also, the Laurissilva is a must - the forests are part of UNESCO World Heritage.

And if you can afford it and you are in a desperate need for a beach with golden sand, take the boat to Porto Santo island. You can have this Madeira sightseeing trip in only one day.