Madeira is an evergreen island that boasts the nickname “Pearl of the Atlantic”. Take a look at the most beautiful things to visit on the island of eternal spring and why you are guaranteed to enjoy your holiday in Madeira.
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Why vacation on Madeira?
- Pleasant and stable weather, which is reminiscent of spring all year round, thanks to which Madeira is still green and blooming.
- Endless possibilities for exploring and activities – hiking, monuments, botanical gardens, boat trips, golf…
- Excellent gastronomy delights the typical wine from Madeira, which will probably appeal to everyone who tastes it.
Read also our Madeira’s essential guide >>
What to see in Madeira?
Santana with its iconic indigenous houses, the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, loved by Winston Churchill for its beauty, the metropolis of Funchal with its historic buildings and steep streets nicknamed “Little Lisbon” and one of the tallest and most impressive sea cliffs in the world Cabo Girão – These are the main attractions that will recommend you to visit every Madeiran guide and article about this island. We have put together with other tips for the most beautiful places to see and visit in Madeira.
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The best place to admire the beauty of Madeira’s nature is the local botanical gardens. The steps of all flower lovers must definitely lead to Funchal, which boasts many parks and several beautiful botanical gardens, including the famous Jardim Botánico. It is also worth seeing the Monte Palace Tropical Garden on the hill, where you will be taken by a comfortable cable car. Then you can take advantage of the local attraction in the form of a historic sleigh.
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Pico Arieiro / Pico Ruivo
Madeira also offers experiences for able-bodied tourists. Here you can try a challenging hiking trek along the ridge of Madeira’s highest peaks – Pico do Arieiro or Pico Ruivo (over 1,800 m above sea level) – and enjoy beautiful views of the east coast of Madeira along the way.
Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
And now something for sports fans. The CR7 Museum exhibits all the trophies of the famous Madeiran native Cristiano Ronaldo and his wax figure. You can see the achievements of this exceptional football player next to the port in Funchal.
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Levades
The island of eternal spring, the Pearl of the Atlantic – these are the most famous nickname of Madeira. But it could also be called the “island of Levad”. Madeira is riddled with a unique system of irrigation canals – so-called levades – along which hiking trails run. Visiting Madeira and not seeing the levades would be like visiting Paris and not looking at the Eiffel Tower. The local hiking trails are of varying difficulty, suitable for both easy walks and more demanding hikes. Some can only be visited with a local guide. Either way, it is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Madeira.
Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras)
There are two good reasons to visit the Madeira Valley of the Nuns. Not only is it a historic place hidden in a deep valley, where in 1566 the nuns fled from the monastery of St. Klara before the pirates’ attack, but mainly incredible goodies are made here. Do you like a chestnut liqueur or even chestnut candy? In the village of Curral das Freiras, in addition to chestnut delicacies, you can also taste typical cherry liqueurs and other sweets. True connoisseurs should come here in November when the chestnut festivities are held here. The village has a wonderful view from the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado.
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Mys Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço – it’s a bit different Madeira. Compared to the rest of the island, which boasts lush vegetation, the easternmost tip of Madeira is dry and abundant. Ponta de São Lourenço is characterized by a wild rocky coast and steep cliffs falling into the ocean and is rightly one of our selection of the most beautiful places in Madeira. We recommend a walk to the top of Pico do Furado, from where there is a fascinating view of the island of Ilhéu do Farol with a lighthouse – the easternmost point of Madeira.
Read also our Madeira’s essential guide >>
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