Things to Do in Madeira

Lush Japanese gardens, brilliant tropical flowers and scenic river bridges may be part of what draws travelers to this botanical destination, but what makes a trip to Monte Palace Tropical Garden unique is its extensive collection of historic tiles that decorate the landscape. These handmade artifacts have traveled from palaces, chapels, homes and churches across Portugal, and some date as far back as the 18th century. More than 150 of these ceramic tiles tell the story of Portuguese visitors in Japan, and include details on the trade relationships and cultural ties between the two countries that inspired portions of this garden.

A three-floor museum is also tucked within the garden grounds. It displays more than 1,000 sculptures from countries such as Zambia, as well as a rare collection of minerals from every corner of the world.

Formed by volcanic eruptions more than 890,000 years ago, the Sao Vicente Caves are a network of underground lava tubes beneath the north coast town of Sao Vicente on Madeira island. Follow pathways around the caverns, rocks, and lakes before exploring the Volcanism Centre with explanatory audio-visual displays.

The Portela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela), situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, especially with a lunch at Restaurante Miradouro da Portela right on the road.

Many choose to take the bus or to drive to Portela from Funchal, while others take the hiking trail from Ribeiro Frio in Santana. In fact, the Ribeiro-Frio-to-Portela walk is one of the most popular levada routes, and in fact can be quite crowded in the high season as its medium level of difficulty is attractive to a wider variety of hikers.

Surrounded by steep mountains, the village of Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) seems like an impossible place to access when viewed from the Eira do Serrado lookout point. But its remote location is exactly why it was embraced by the escaped slaves and nuns who fled from pirates in Funchal.

The city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira rises gently from the coast back into the hills. As such, just a short way back from the shore there are fantastic views not only of Funchal, but the surrounding mountains and the sea. As any local can readily tell a visitor, the best point from which to survey this vast domain is the Miraduro Pico dos Barcelos.

Despite Madeira being a hiker's dream, the Pico dos Barcelos is accessible to all and not a “trek” in the traditional sense. From the car park to the observation point is about a 15-minute walk, and the promontory is well-paved and includes safety fences. Recently the city has also built a cafe, restrooms, and other facilities there for visitors, making it more than just a ride up the hill and back. It's a wonderful place to have a lunch with a view; shutterbugs will want to head there at sunrise or sunset for some calendar-worthy shots.

One of the many reasons why visitors come to Europe is to steep themselves in history. But the Portuguese island of Madeira is home to a piece of history that goes beyond the ruins of Rome and the battlefields of France – the Laurel Forest. Vegetation such as the kind found here used to carpet southern Europe, and it is believed that the forest is at least 15 million years old! Now it is a rare sight, and those going to Madeira put it high on their list of things to see.

The Laurel Forest, also called Laurisilva, holds a bounty of flora and fauna that astounds visitors – as well as a subtropical mist that gives it an ethereal ambience and makes the views from certain observation points that much more incredible. There are several long- and short-range hiking trails through this UNESCO World Heritage site that can accommodate various levels of ability. However, proper shoes and attire should be brought for the adventure, as well as food and drink.

On the way to Curral das Freiras from Funchal is a popular spot for many visitors: The Eira do Serrado, an observation point, is high up in the craggy mountains at a whopping 3,200 feet in altitude. It's a bit of a walk, and there are some steps involved, so it's not immediately accessible and takes some work.

But once at the Eira do Serrado, the view is absolutely breathtaking. From the mountain peaks to the isolated village in the valley below, it is a dreamscape that every hiker and experienced walker hopes to find at the end of the trail. The large terrace, complete with safety railings, provides ample room for a panoramic view that is one of the highlights of any visit to Madeira.

Rare fish and examples of unique Madeira plant life are on display at this historic museum located in the former residence of the Count of Carvalhal. Since about 1850, botanists and biologists have collected species and artifacts that demonstrate the diversity of Madeira’s fauna, flora and mineral reserves. While visitors say the tired taxidermy displays look far past their prime, collections of marine species, geological rock samples and a slightly more-modern aquarium promote the museum’s message of environmental protection and preservation.

This modern museum pays homage to Madeira’s rich history and colorful culture. Visitors can begin their chronological journey through the island’s history at the entrance level, where the Madeira’s volcanic beginnings are outlined before guests journey to the panoramic terrace. Here, travelers can explore the vibrant flora unique to the archipelago before entering the main exhibit floor. This final passage tells the story of Madeira’s discovery, its history of trade and success as a society. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the multi-media experience, which includes interactive games, smell boxes and audio, too.

Skip shopping for ordinary souvenirs and instead head to Funchal’s Armazém do Mercado, or Market Warehouse. The cultural and commercial hub is located in Funchal’s old quarter, and allows visitors to check out a unique and historic space that is home to equally unique products.

Situated on a side street near the produce- and out-of-towner-filled Mercado do Lavradores, the Armazém do Mercado is very much a different breed of market. This is where you’ll find everything from tasty eats, to events, and artisan crafts that definitely aren’t your run-of-the-mill tourist trinkets. While there, you can also visit the market’s Toy Museum, or just appreciate this brilliantly renovated building that once served as an embroidery factory.

The three Ilhas Desertas, or "Deserted Islands," stretch slender and mysterious off the Madieras' southern shore toward the Canarias. The hazy silhouettes of Deserta Grande, Bugio and Ilhéu Chão, just visible from the Funchal Marina, only hint at their rocky majesty, rising to sudden heights from the foaming waves.

They famously beckon birders with their protected and isolated populations of Cory's and manx shearwaters, Madeiran storm, Bulwar's, and Fea's petrels, canaries, linnets, and several types of terns. But you'll also find a breeding population of monk seals, as well as whales, dolphins, and other sea life offshore.

The mountainous interiors of these steeply pitched volcanic islands are draped with a unique and lush ecosystem, the Laurisilva Rainforests of Madeira. Named for its flowering laurels, these forests are marbled with waterfalls and home to hundreds of endemic species, many endangered though this was once one of Europe's most common biomes.

This type of subtropical humid forest begins at an elevation of around 300 meters (984 feet), reaching its cool, misty pinnacle atop Pico Ruivo (1,861m / 6104ft). Well-worn hiking trails and winding roads wend through these rich forests, some specifically protected as biogenic and natural reserves with admission fees, such as Vale da Ribeira da Janela and the Deserta Islands. Others are less formally accessible, such as those around Santana and on the Selagem Islands. All are protected as part of Madeira Natural Park.