Madeira Island Things to Do Tips by AndreSTGT

Pico do Areiro

With an elevation of 1838m, Pico do Areiro is one of Madeira's highest peaks, and the only one whose summit is accessible by car.
While the lower parts of the island were often overcast when we visited in December, we had beautiful sunshine up there, simply because we were above the clouds. Standing on the summit and looking down on a carpet of white clouds is absolutely awe-inspiring!!!

Cabo Sao Lourenco

The unique landscape of this peninsula is untypically barren for Madeira, but nevertheless extremely beautiful. Red rocks of bizarre shapes, palm trees and the blue ocean.
A two hour walk (return) leads to a fantastic view point on a hill.
Just before the peninsula starts, you will see Prainha, Madeira's only sandy beach, which is actually just a small cove.
Cabo de Sao Lourenco is the western-most point of Madeira.

North Coast

The narrow old coastal road between Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz is absolutely spectacular with waterfalls plunging down on your car, dark old tunnels and magnificent views behind every bend. Be sure not to miss this fantastic drive, even though the new road that runs parallel is much faster, but mostly through uninspiring tunnels.

Funchal

Madeira's capital is a pleasant mid-sized city with an attractive historic center and a beautiful harbor promenade.
There are beautiful gardens to visit, an interesting fish and fruit market and the city's location is spectacular, below green mountain ranges.

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a small harbor town on Madeira's North-Western tip.
The main attraction here are several natural swimming pools that were created through the flow of lava.
Madeira's only official campground is also here.