Things to do in Madeira

East Madeira tour with lunch, rum tasting and Pico Areeiro

The knockout natural beauty of eastern Madeira is in the spotlight on this full day tour. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

Madeira west coast tour with Cabo Girao and lunch in Porto Moniz

Madeira's magnificent scenery takes centre stage on this full day tour. You'll visit a selection of highlights including Cabo Girao Cliff and it's glass-floored platform, Porto Moniz and Paúl da Serra. Mariana, one of our expert local guides, says "you'll get to know the true drama of Madeira's landscapes. You might be lucky enough to see the ocean both to the north and the south, but the highest points on the island do sometimes catch the clouds."Your first destination will be the Cabao Girao Cliff, where you can step out onto its glass-floored platform that stretches out over the edge. The coastal views here are some of the best around, so don't forget your camera. Mariana adds, "the cliff is around 580 metres high, making it one of the tallest in Europe. The views from the skywalk are really something else, and its experience that'll stick with you." Then, you'll head to the coastal town of Riberia Brava, before a stroll through a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar.Next, we'll head up the 1,500m-high Paúl da Serra plateau before descending on Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. A typical lunch freshly prepared with local produce awaits in the village. Rounding off the day is a poncha drink demonstration and tasting in Câmara de Lobos – a favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill. Mariana says "be careful – poncha is so fruity and refreshing, but it hides a serious brandy kick."

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 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.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden with cable car tour

The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it an ideal spot for a dazzling array of plant and flower life. Be charmed by the exotic gardens of Monte Palace on this half-day excursion, and take in fantastic views high above Funchal from a cable car.As you soar up above the capital in a cable car, you'll witness special views of the city below – and of the Atlantic beyond. And, as you enter the palace's world-renowned gardens, you'll be struck by the aroma of exotic species – planted in immaculately landscaped gardens. There are fountains, follies and grottoes aplenty and oriental-inspired sections.Wander among the beautiful blooms, and soak up the serenity of the swans wading in the many ponds. And, for a fun extra why not take an optional toboggan ride down the mountain on a wicker sled. It's the traditional way to travel down, with two ‘carreiros' – or drivers – manning the brakes. Your guide will pick you up at the bottom.

Rabaçal Valley Walking Tour

One of the most popular walks in Madeira, the 11 km-long ‘25 fountains' levada walk will lead you through magical landscapes to waterfalls, a small lake and flowing springs. You'll journey from Paul da Serra into the Rabaçal Valley and along the levada to Risco waterfall and the 25 natural springs.

Paradise Valley Walk

The uplands behind Funchal provide gentle and panoramic walking trails. This morning walking tour will start at the appropriately named Paradise Valley, trekking along the beautiful Levada Serra do Faial trail, taking in the charming hillside villages of Camacha and Rochão.

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.

Serra de Agua Walk

You'll need to have your camera on hand for this easy half-day hike from Campanario in southern Madeira. As you follow the levada across the Serra de Agua, you'll be treated to view after view over the south coast, Encumeada pass and the small town of Ribeira Brava. The area is one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.

Northwest Madeira 4x4 Tour with Laurisilva forest and tastings

Taking in coastal gems, wild forests and sustainable producers, this 4x4 tour showcases Madeira's adventurous side. You'll experience the drama of Madeira's scenery from up close and get an insight into the island's culture, too. Ruben, one of our expert local guides, says, "Get ready to learn the secrets of mixing poncha, the much-loved island tipple made with sugar cane rum, fresh juice and local honey. Be careful, though – poncha's fruity, refreshing taste hides a serious kick."Starting off in Ponta do Sol, you'll get great views of the south coast from Paul da Serra, 1400m above sea level. Then it's on to Fanal, where some of the oldest Laurel trees on the island grow. Ruben says, "Madeira's laurel forests are the largest surviving area of primary laurisilva woods anywhere. Some of the trees are thought to be around 800 years old, and the ecosystem is largely intact. These forests host around 100 endemic species, and they are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site."Rumble past typical ‘poios' terraced farmland en route to Seixal beach for a swim. After this, we'll head to Chão da Ribeira to savour a tasty local lunch. Chef Sérgio will show you how to make the classic grilled beef skewer, known in Portuguese as ‘espetada', while you enjoy a glass of Madeira Wine as an apéritif. There's also a vegan burger option. To wrap up your tour, we'll visit São Vicente to meet an organic honey producer. Here, you'll learn all about honey production, and you'll try your hand at making Madeira's traditional drink, poncha.

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.

Pico Ruivo hiking

Ready to conquer Madeira's highest peak? This trail kicks off at Miradouro do Picarouto in Santana, taking you to Pico Ruivo – towering 1,861 meters above the island. You'll get to soak up wow-factor views of rugged peaks like Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro along the way, plus glimpses of Penha d'Águia and the Ponta de São Lourenço rock formations. Pause at cosy shelters for a snack before continuing the climb. It's steep, but those 360° views from the summit? Pure Madeira magic.