Explore Madeira
Activities in Madeira
Sport, culture, gastronomy — the island offers everything
Paragliding
Take off from the heights of Paul da Serra or Calhau, flying over the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
Surfing
Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar and Porto da Cruz — world-renowned spots for their powerful waves.
Hiking & Trekking
The levadas, coastal trails and UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forests offer unforgettable panoramas for all levels.
Embroidery (Bordado Madeira)
The famous Madeiran embroidery, made entirely by hand, is an art inscribed in Portugal's cultural heritage.
Casa De Colmo (Santana)
The traditional thatched-roof houses of Santana are the emblem of rural Madeiran architecture.
Culinary Tradition (Bolo Do Caco & Espetada)
Bolo do Caco, espetada on bay laurel skewers, bacalhau, tomato soup — Madeira's authentic and generous cuisine.
Rallies
The Rallye Vinho da Madeira, one of the most spectacular events in the Portuguese championship — an impressive show.
Hang gliding
Extreme sensations on a hang glider from the island's highest peaks with unique panoramic views.
Scuba diving
Garajau nature reserve, wrecks and volcanic seabeds — exceptionally rich marine wildlife.
Mountain Biking
Technical descents and scenic routes through forests, mountains and villages for all levels.
Wickerwork (Camacha)
The village of Camacha is the birthplace of Madeiran wickerwork — baskets, furniture and wicker sculptures.
Flora watching (Laurissilva)
The UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest is home to endemic plant species millions of years old.
Passion Fruit Pudding & local sweets
Passion fruit flan, artisanal poncha, Madeira wines and maracujá — the sweet flavours of the island.
International Film Festival (November)
Madeira's International Film Festival in November attracts directors and productions from around the world.
Zip line
Glide at high speed over forests and ravines in a spectacular natural setting.
Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools
Natural pools carved in volcanic lava, supervised and equipped, ideal for the whole family.
Trail Running
Steep trails and levadas for running routes between primary forest and vertiginous coasts.
Azulejo (Tropical Garden)
The Tropical Garden in Monte houses magnificent azulejos depicting scenes of local life.
Farmers' Market (Funchal)
Funchal's covered market is bursting with exotic tropical fruits, spices and local specialities.
Carnival (February)
Costumed parades, samba and street parties — Funchal's Carnival is one of Portugal's most colourful and beautiful.
Whale & dolphin watching
Dolphins, sperm whales and baleen whales in the deep waters around the island — unforgettable encounters year-round.
Climbing & Abseiling
Madeira's volcanic cliffs offer climbing routes with breathtaking views over the ocean.
Typical 'Toboggan'
Take the cable car up to Monte, then slide back down on a wicker sled through the cobbled streets — a unique experience!
Quintas and Gardens (Botanical & Tropical)
The Botanical Garden and Tropical Garden in Monte — an explosion of tropical and exotic flowers on the mountainside.
Nightlife
Bars, clubs and late-night restaurants in Funchal's lively Zona Velha (old town) — until the early hours.
Big game fishing
Blue marlin, tuna and swordfish in Atlantic waters — deep-sea outings departing from Funchal.
Orienteering
Map in hand, set off to discover the island's forests, levadas and spectacular heights.
Churches and Forts
Sé Cathedral, São Lourenço Fortress, 15th-century chapels — a remarkable religious heritage.
Religious Festivals
Feast of Our Lady of Monte, processions and religious festivities — living traditions throughout the year.
Coasteering
Explore the cliffs and rocky coastline by jumping, swimming and climbing at the water's edge.
GeoCaching
GPS treasure hunting in the most remote and wild corners of Madeira.
Monuments and Museums
Museum of Sacred Art, Quinta das Cruzes, Villa Deão — Madeira's history and culture at your fingertips.
Flower Festival (April)
In April, Funchal is covered in flower carpets and floral floats — the island's most beautiful and colourful celebration.
Boat rental
Set out to explore coves and inaccessible coastlines aboard a rented boat from Funchal or Caniçal.
Jeep Safari
4×4 safari through mountain roads, primary forests and isolated villages in the north of the island.
Cabo Girão Viewpoint (580 m)
Europe's highest viewpoint with a glass platform suspended 580 m above the ocean.
New Year's Eve
Funchal is world-famous for its New Year's Eve fireworks display, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world.
Kayaking
Paddle along the northern coastline and discover sea caves and magnificent lava flows.
The São Lourenço Peninsula
A hike to the tip of the eastern peninsula between red cliffs, arid vegetation and turquoise sea.
Windsurfing
The regular Atlantic winds make Madeira an ideal spot for windsurfing.
Peaks & Viewpoints (Pico Ruivo 1,862 m)
Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro, Paul da Serra — vertiginous panoramas above the sea of clouds.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Glide serenely through the calm waters of the island's marinas and natural pools.
Ports and Marinas
Funchal Marina, the port of Câmara de Lobos and the island's typical small fishing harbours.
Cable cars
The Monte and Fajã da Ovelha cable cars offer panoramic views over the coast and mountains.
Karting (Faial)
Indoor karting circuit in Faial for the whole family, open to children and adults, year-round.
Sports Complex (Tennis…)
Tennis courts, indoor pools and modern sports complexes spread across the island.
Wildlife watching
Madeiran petrels, Eleonora's falcons, Trocaz pigeons — unique endemic wildlife to discover.
Paintball
Outdoor paintball grounds in a natural setting, ideal for groups and team-building activities.
Golf
Five internationally renowned golf courses: Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo — breathtaking views.
Map of Madeira
Location
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