Our Personal Favorites: A Guide for Nature Lovers
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Madeira, you are in for a treat. This island is a giant, green garden in the middle of the Atlantic. When we first landed, we knew we had to explore every corner. We rented a motorcycle, packed our drone, and started driving.
We prefer places that are wild, authentic, and sometimes a little challenging to reach. We love nature more than cities. If you are like us—seeking adventure but valuing your time—this list is for you.
Here are the Top 10 interesting places that gave us the best memories (and the best photos), along with the reasons why they are worth your time. We chose the Best places to visit in Madeira based primarily on the uniqueness of the landscape.
Best places to visit in Madeira
1. Ponta do Tristão
Most tourists flock to the eastern tip (Ponta de São Lourenço). While beautiful, it is often crowded. That is why we headed to the northernmost tip of the island—Ponta do Tristão.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
This place defines “raw beauty.” The drive here takes you through steep, winding roads that discourage the big tour buses. Once you arrive, you stand on the edge of massive green cliffs that drop vertically into the churning Atlantic. It feels isolated and wild. There are no ticket booths or souvenir shops here—just you, the wind, and the endless ocean. It is the perfect spot to launch a drone and capture the dramatic contrast between the lush grass and the dark blue water.
2. Pico do Arieiro & The “Stairway to Heaven”
You cannot visit Madeira without seeing its central peaks. Pico do Arieiro is accessible by car (which is great for lazy mornings), but the real magic happens when you leave the parking lot.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
The hike towards Pico Ruivo features the famous “Stairway to Heaven”—a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides. Walking here feels like you are flying. On a good day, you are literally walking above the clouds. It is a physically demanding trail, but the adrenaline and the views are unmatched. This is definitely a one of the Best places to visit in Madeira.
- Our Tip: If you aim for sunrise – arrive at least 30 minutes before, it gets quite crowdy. Watching the sun come up over the layer of clouds may be an experience that justifies the early alarm
3. Fanal Forest
Stepping into Fanal Forest feels like stepping into a movie set or a fairytale. This is part of the ancient Laurisilva forest (a UNESCO site).
Why it’s a TOP pick:
It is not just about the trees; it is about the atmosphere. The ancient Til trees are twisted into strange, magical shapes. While many photographers chase the fog here for “moody” shots, we found it equally stunning in the sun. It is a place where time stands still. You will often find cows grazing peacefully among the roots. It is perfect for a slow walk and a picnic, far away from the noise of Funchal.
4. Natural Pools in Porto Moniz (The Free Ones!)
Porto Moniz is famous for its lava pools. However, there are two sets: the paid, concrete-reinforced Lido, and the wild, free pools near the Cachalote restaurant.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
As “Comfort Adventurers,” we appreciate smart spending. The free pools offer a much more authentic experience. There are no tiles, just natural black basalt rock. Swimming here while the Atlantic waves crash against the outer rocks is a rush. It connects you directly with the volcanic origin of the island. It is raw, exciting, and completely free. Just be careful with the tide!
5. Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova
Madeira has hundreds of levadas (irrigation channels). We love this specific loop because it offers variety without being overcrowded.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
This trail gives you a bit of everything: panoramic valley views, a walk through a tunnel, and the highlight—a waterfall that you actually walk behind. The trail is carved directly into the cliffside. Looking down into the valley from Levada Nova gives you a thrill of height, but the path is secure enough to feel safe. It is a peaceful hike where the only sound is the flowing water and the wind in the eucalyptus trees.
You can find all these Best places to visit in Madeira and more in a ready-to-use navigation map in our [Complete Madeira Itinerary].
6. Jardim do Mar
When we needed a break from hiking boots and backpacks, we drove to this village. “Jardim do Mar” translates to “Garden of the Sea.”
Why it’s a TOP pick:
This is one of the few places where you can truly slow down. Cars are not allowed in the village center, creating a silent maze of narrow, stone-paved streets full of flowers. It has a laid-back, surfer vibe that we loved. We walked along the promenade, watched the surfers tackle big waves, and drank excellent coffee at a local bar. It is the best place to catch a sunset on the south coast.
7. Miradouro do Guindaste
We are visual storytellers, so we always hunt for the best viewpoints. Miradouro do Guindaste, on the north coast, blew us away.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
This viewpoint offers one of the most aggressive and spectacular coastal panoramas without any hiking effort. You simply park the car and walk to the edge. There is a glass platform extending over the ocean, which enhances the sense of space. From here, you can see the Penha d’Águia rock formation and the rugged coastline stretching for miles. It is a low-effort, high-reward stop.
8. Levada do Risco
Located in the Rabaçal valley, this is often overshadowed by the “25 Fontes” trail. However, we think Levada do Risco deserves its own spotlight.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
It is a very accessible, flat walk, making it great for a “rest day.” The path is wide and surrounded by lush, green jungle. The reward at the end is the Risco Waterfall—a massive vertical drop of water that looks like a white line painted on the dark cliff. Standing at the viewing point, you feel small against the sheer scale of nature. It is less chaotic than 25 Fontes and offers a more relaxing communion with nature.
9. Ilhéus de Ribeira da Janela
This spot is a quick stop, but visually, it is one of the most striking places on the island.
Why it’s a TOP pick:
The massive rock formations (sea stacks) rise straight out of the ocean like ancient guardians. The beach here consists of large, round pebbles, which makes walking tricky but sounds amazing when the waves roll back. We visited at sunrise, and the silhouette of the rocks against the colorful sky was surreal. It is a photographer’s dream and a powerful reminder of Madeira’s volcanic history.
10. Cascata do Lombinho
While everyone queues up for the famous waterfalls, we looked for something hidden. Cascata do Lombinho is our “secret spot.”
Why it’s a TOP pick:
Finding it requires a bit of effort, which keeps the crowds away. It is a tranquil oasis. The waterfall isn’t the biggest, but the setting is intimate and secluded. You can sit by the water, cool off, and enjoy the silence. It feels like you have discovered a piece of the island that belongs only to you.
Map
On the map beneath you can find all the mentioned Best places to visit in Madeira above and locate them easily e.g. on Google Maps.
For official trail status and safety updates, check the [Visit Madeira] official portal.
Madeira is amazing, but planning it is hard.
Don’t waste hours on Google Maps. Get our complete 10-day itinerary with every secret pin, parking spot, and authentic restaurant we found.
Want to explore Madeira the smart way?
Reading about these places is one thing; planning the logistics to reach them is another.
- Where is the safe parking for the levadas?
- Which restaurants near these spots are actually good?
- How do you fit this and moreinto 10 days?
We poured all our research, map markers, and experience into our Complete Madeira Ebook. It includes ready-to-use Google Maps layers and day-by-day itineraries that balance adventure with comfort presenting you the Best places to visit in Madeira.
