Things to do in Madeira

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch

Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise. After setting out from the port in Funchal, you'll head up the coast to Cais da Lapa for some swimming. The best part is that with a maximum of 52 guests on board, you'll have all the space and attentive service you need.

Atlantic Festival boat trip from Madeira

Enjoy the Atlantic Festival fireworks booking this boat tour departing from Madeira

Madeira wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

Discover the flavours of Madeira and enjoy the fauna of the island booking this wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

Dolphin and whale watching in Funchal with luxury catamaran all inclusive

Book now a luxury cruise in Funchal and discover the best locations to see and learn about the local wildlife.

Madeira 4x4 Tour and Wine Tasting Experience

Why stick to the usual roads when Madeira's wilder side is calling? On this off-road adventure, you'll start with ocean views at Cabo Girão – one of Europe's highest sea cliffs – before snaking through the scenic São Vicente Valley, where quiet trails wind between red-roofed farms and lush peaks. The grand finale is a visit to Quinta do Barbusano, where you'll tour the vines with an expert, enjoy a selection of local wines and nibbles – and take in views that make every sip even sweeter.

Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour with local breakfast

Seeing sunrise from the top of one of Madeira's highest peaks will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. And this exclusive morning trip to Pico do Arieiro promises just that – views over Madeira during the mystical first light of the day, followed by a warming breakfast.

Madeira Northern Wonders 4x4 Tour

The hidden beauty of Madeira is best uncovered by 4x4 vehicle. This off-road safari takes you to some of the island's most stunning locations, including São Vicente, the volcanic pools of Seixal and Porto Moniz, the ancient forests of Fanal, the Paul de Serra plateau and Cabo Girão.

Maroços Walk

Winding through the picturesque terraces above Machico, you'll come even closer to Madeira's breathtaking beauty on this 6km guided hike. This two-and-a-half-hour walk kicks off in Maroços and follows a flower-lined irrigation channel, complete with views over Machico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira 4x4 tour with ecological park visit and local tastings

On this tour, you'll dive into Madeira's wild side, giving you a taste of the island's nature, traditions and local life all in one trip. First up is the Parque Ecológico do Funchal, where you'll explore the island's sustainability efforts. Depending on the month, you'll either plant a tree to help restore Madeira's ecosystem or check out the Interpretation Centre to see how this landscape has been protected over time. Riu, one of our local expert guides, says, “this is the kind of experience that lets you give something back to Madeira while discovering what makes the island so special.”After this, you'll head up to Santo da Serra for a 4x4 adventure that winds through hidden trails you'd never stumble across on your own. Then, things slow down with a walk along the Levada Serra do Faial, following Madeira's historic irrigation channels through dense greenery and streams. If the weather isn't playing ball, you might swap to the equally picturesque Paradise Valley Levada instead – either way, you'll get a feel for the island's deep connection to water and nature.To wrap it all up, you'll stop at a bar for a proper taste of local life. You'll be welcomed with a regionally-crafted sidra and carne vinha d'alhos – marinated pork with a garlicky sauce – followed by sopa de trigo, Madeira's oldest traditional soup, cooked over a wood fire and served with a glass of red wine. After some live folklore music, you'll make your way to Ribeira de Machico, a valley lined with terraced farms that show just how much care locals have poured into this land for generations.

Madeira Fado experience with a glass of wine

At Fado & Fado, music and tradition come together as you step into the soundtrack of Madeira. In an intimate setting, performers guide you through the past and present of this emotional art form, sharing the stories behind each song. As you savour the music, enjoy a glass of Madeira wine, included with your ticket. It's an unhurried evening that feels less like a show and more like a shared moment of Portuguese culture.

Madeira Monte Palace Tropical Gardens with optional toboggan ride

The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens float a thousand metres above Funchal, so breathe deeply and enjoy the fresh mountain air on this half-day tour. You'll begin with a visit to the village of Monte, before heading to the main event – 70,000 square metres of themed gardens, sculptures, wildlife and water features.There's something new around every corner of this sprawling garden. Head to the lake to see koi carp, a waterfall and swans paddling by, stroll through the forested area to appreciate Madeira's native plants and make sure you visit the Japanese and Oriental gardens for intricate bridges, Buddha statues and incredible city views from the pagoda. There're also paths you can follow to see hundreds of sculptures and traditional azulejo – intricately painted ceramic tiles that tell the story of Portugal's history and culture. In Monte village, you'll have the option to pick up the pace with an experience that screams Madeira – a ride back down the hill in a wicker toboggan. It's the traditional way down and quite an adrenaline rush. The toboggan ride is an added cost, but if you choose not to take it, you'll enjoy a slower, yet equally scenic route down the mountain and back to your hotel.

2-hour snorkelling boat tour at Ponta de São Lourenço

Explore the untouched coasts of Madeira Island on a thrilling speedboat ride. Dive into clear waters for a guided snorkelling adventure at Baia D'Abra.