Madeira Bucket List – Top Things to Do on Madeira Island

Madeira, Portugal’s “Island of Eternal Spring,” is a paradise for nature lovers and explorers. With lush levadas, dramatic cliffs, colorful gardens, and charming towns, it’s a destination full of rich experiences. Add these must-do adventures to your Madeira bucket list and start planning today.

Hiking and walking Trails

Explore the famous levada walks that wind through forests and waterfalls.

Coastal Drives & Viewpoints

Drive along the scenic northern coast or reach the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão.

Charming Towns & Local Culture

Ride the wicker toboggan in Monte, taste local poncha and explore traditional villages.

Gardens & Botanic Beauty

Visit beautiful gardens like Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Botanical Garden Funchal.

Madeira bucket list

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My Personal Recommendations for Madeira

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My Personal Recommendations

During our trip to Madeira, we had the chance to experience some unforgettable places and activities that I can wholeheartedly recommend:

    • Accommodation: We stayed at Dorisol Buganvilia Studio Hotel – a simple 3-star hotel with an excellent location and great value for money. It was a perfect base for exploring Funchal and the island. If you prefer a self-catering stay, I can also recommend the Sunset Sea View of Cabo Girão apartment based on our own experience. It’s an excellent choice for families or small groups of friends, offering two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, stunning ocean views, and free private parking.

    • Car Rental & Transfers: We rented our car through Funchal Easy and were very satisfied with their service. If you prefer to compare options, Discovercars is also a great platform. For airport transfers, we used Madeira Low Cost Transfer, which was punctual and convenient.

Our best Experiences

      • Hidden Gem – Fajã da Achadas da Cruz: Don’t miss visiting at least one fajã! Our favorite was the Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, located on Madeira’s remote northwestern coast. The cable car descends 452 meters over a 600-meter track with an incredible 98% gradient — making it the steepest in Europe!

      • Most Memorable Experience: Watching the sunrise above the clouds was absolutely magical. Whether you join a Sunrise Tour or simply drive up to one of the viewpoints, it’s an unforgettable way to start the day.

      • Boat Excursion: One of our favorite activities was the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise. We loved this experience — calm seas, beautiful scenery, and incredible wildlife sightings. We chose the Rota dos Cetáceos boat trip.

      • Gardens & Views: Visit at least one of Madeira’s famous botanical gardens! We visited both the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Madeira). You can reach them by cable car or even take a fun tuk-tuk ride for a local twist.

      • Dining: Our favorite restaurant was Pipa Restaurant & Bar, near Porto da Cruz — cozy, authentic, and full of local flavor. For drinks, don’t miss Poncha do Emanuel, where we had the best traditional poncha on the island.

      • Favorite Hike: Hike to Pico Ruivo — either via the PR1 trail (Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo) or PR1.2 (from Achada do Teixeira). We completed both routes, but the PR1 was our favorite for its dramatic scenery and rewarding summit views.

Seasonal Tips & Local Festivals

If you’re planning your trip around local events, Madeira offers some truly special celebrations throughout the year.

  • Madeira Flower Festival (May): The streets of Funchal come alive with colorful parades, floral carpets, and live music.

  • Madeira Wine Festival (September): A tribute to the island’s famous wine, featuring tastings, folk dances, and traditional grape treading.

  • Festival do Atlântico (June): Weekly fireworks over Funchal Bay mark the beginning of summer in a spectacular way.

More Experiences to Consider

If you have extra time, here are a few activities that were on our list but we didn’t manage to fit in — all of them come highly recommended if you’re looking for more adventure or local experiences:

  • Canyoning – Boost your adrenaline with an unforgettable canyoning adventure through Madeira’s lush valleys and waterfalls. Book your tour here

  • Surfing & SUP – Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of the Atlantic” for its world-class waves. The rugged coastline and rocky seabed create perfect conditions for surfing. Check surf lessons and rentals

  • Toboggan Ride (Carreiros do Monte) – Don’t miss this iconic Madeira experience! Glide down the steep streets of Monte to Funchal in a traditional wicker sled, guided by two local “carreiros.”

Why do I recommend Get Your Guide? Because it offers free cancellation, meaning you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

Best time to go to Madeira - Madeira Bucket List
Pico Ruivo sunrise - Madeira Bucket List
Where to stay in Madeira - - Madeira Bucket List
Pico Ruivo PR1 hike - - Madeira Bucket List
Madeira Cable Car - - Madeira Bucket List
Praia do Garajua - - Madeira Bucket List

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Looking for more inspiration? These Madeira guides will help you plan your trip in detail, from the best hikes to hidden gems.

Source: Wandering Linda 
Photos: Wandering Linda
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