10 EPIC things to do in Madeira

Madeira is the perfect place to visit if you like a jam-packed holiday filled with adventures. The island is stunning, with incredible Levada walks, some of the most spectacular views and unforgettable experiences. If you’re ready to have the best trip ever, here are 10 EPIC things to do in Madeira…

Here are the best things to do in Madeira

1. Explore the east of the island

I can’t recommend heading on a day tour of the east of the island. On this tour, you’ll experience;

• Drive to the Pico do Arieiro to experience Madeira’s third highest peak
• Visit Santana, known for its small, thatched triangular houses
• See Ponta de São Lourenço on the eastern part of Madeira

I did a tour very similar to this tour, and it was so much fun, and the scenery on your journey between the stops is incredible.

2. Have a go on the traditional wicker toboggan’s in Monte

The toboggan rides were so much fun. You slide down the hill for about 10 minutes in these traditional wicker baskets. The tour includes;

• Journey through the green mountains and valleys of the west of Madeira
• Get breathtaking views from one of Madeira’s most stunning lookout points
• Try some of the traditional foods of Madeira, including chestnut cake
• See where the remains of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor lie in Monte
• Take a thrilling toboggan ride and experience one of Madeira’s oldest modes of transport

This trip is brilliant value for money, as a toboggan ride alone starts at £30.

3. A MUST thing to do in Madeira : Levada Walks

You can’t come to Madeira and not to a Levada walk – it’s a must!! There are plenty of guided tours you can do, and I really recommend a guided tour to learn more about the area you’re exploring.

Whilst I was in Madeira, I did the Levada du Rei and Balcoes walks, and both were brilliant. It seems like every single one of these walks is picturesque, and there are different ones for different abilities.

If waterfalls are your thing, the Levada das 25 Fontes looks incredible as you pass 25 natural spring cascades!

4. Full day Jeep Tour to explore Madeira

When I go back to Madeira, I’m booking myself straight onto this tour! The tour includes;

• Skywalk and explore the offroad trail Trompica until Ribeira Brava
• A Madeira Wine and traditional sugarcane cookies taste at Fanal Forest
• Swimming at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming pools

I’ve heard so many great things about the Skywalk and I’m dying to visit there! Also, swimming in the natural swimming pools sounds idillic and one of the brilliant things to do in Madeira

5. A walking tour on Funchal Old Town

There’s no better way to explore a new place than a walking tour. They help you get your barings, and also learn about the history of a place.

Madeira has such an interesting history, and I loved the walking tour we went on, and visiting some of the iconic places such as the market, the cathedral and city hall.

6. Canyoning in Madeira

If you’re looking for a true adventure, then canyoning is for you! Madeira is one of the top places in the world to do canyoning, and it’s a really unique way to see the island

Whilst I was in Madeira, some of the group I travelled with went canyoning and absolutely loved it. It’s definitely not something for the fainthearted, but if an adrenalin rush is what you’re after, then this is the perfect thing to do in Madeira for you!

7. Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Another experience I can’t wait to go back and do is see sunrise at Pico do Arieiro – the third highest peak in Madeira, and the highest accessible by car.

I did get to visit here, but it was after sunrise and it was sadly very poor visibility.

However, it’s meant to be absolutely stunning up there, and you can get some brilliant cloud inversions as well. The trip includes;

• Pick up at your hotel at around 6:00 AM and drive to Pico do arieiro (1800 mts)
• Beautiful views and scenery as you watch the Sunrise from the highest point
• Hot drinks and Breakfast sheltered from the cold or in the open air in warm days
• A short Levada Walk

This trip even includes breakfast and a Levada walk! I mean, this is the perfect way to start your day in Madeira!

8. Food and Wine Walking Tour

Madeira has a brilliant food scene, and is known for their Madeiran wine.

Whilst I was there, I didn’t have a bad meal – everywhere I ate was incredible, and the island has a really exciting food scene.

To really get to experience the food and drink scene, I can’t recommend booking on a food and wine tour enough! The tour takes in 11 different food places, and 6 drink places, as well as a tour of Funchal!

9. Watch the sunset from a traditional Madeiran boat

After a day of activities, it’s nice to relax, unwind and watch the sun set. This is a perfect tour for watching an incredible sunset, and discover the amazing protected area of Cabo Girão. Although if you are looking for a bit of an adventure, you can go snorkelling on this trip too!

10. A hike at Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning location – at this point you can see the northern and southern tip of the island, and it’s just incredible.

This 8km walk will take in the rugged landscapes, the roaring Atlantic Ocean and the epic views. You won’t be disappointed!

There are some absolutely incredible things to do in Madeira, and it’s safe to say you won’t be bored when exploring this gorgeous island. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay when you’re visiting, be sure to check out my Madeira Hotel Review. I also have the perfect 4 day itinerary to help give you a flavour of Madeira!