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Madeira Viewing points

Our most recommended Madeira Viewing points

From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

1. From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Funchal on a full-day scenic tour of the west of Madeira. Admire the unspoiled natural beauty of the area and visit the charming villages of Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz. Following pickup from selected hotels in Funchal, pass through the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Continue to Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe's highest cliff skywalk at 589m. Next, head towards the Ribeira Brava and go north through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D'Água. Upon arrival at Encumeada, enjoy an incredible view of the south and north coast of the island. Cross a mountain pass, and witness the rugged beauty of the north coast, where Atlantic rollers deposit white surf on the cliffs. Traverse Madeira's highest plateau, and enjoy more spectacular panoramas. Continue to São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast. Visit the beautiful village of Porto Moniz and take 1 hour for lunch, as well as time to admire the volcanic swimming pools. Finish your tour at Paul da Serra to see one of the biggest natural reserves in the world.

Funchal: Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

2. Funchal: Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Experience the most amazing natural scenery as you walk from mountain to mountain on a hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Walk at your own pace with total freedom as you enjoy the fantastic views. Start with pickup from your accommodation in central Camara de Lobos, Funchal, or Caniço. Before your hike, receive instructions from your host regarding schedules and where you will pass by. The day before the hike, you will receive the exact pickup time and a weather forecast, in order for you to be as prepared as you can be. On the way back to your accommodation, pass through the city of Santana for close-up views of the traditional triangular homes.

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

3. Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Discover the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a day-long tour. Wander charming towns, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area from your expert guide. Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through the forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a viewpoint where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

From Funchal: Roundtrip Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Trail

4. From Funchal: Roundtrip Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Trail

Enjoy an affordable and flexible transfer to Pico do Arieiro to enjoy the famous hike all the way to Pico Ruivo. Trek up to the highest and second-highest mountains on Madeira at your own pace and enjoy pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. Instructions will be given by the host, regarding schedules and where you will pass by. The day before the hike, you will receive the exact pickup time and a weather forecast, in order for you to be as prepared as you can be. Get picked up at your accommodation in Funchal and dropped off at the entrance to Pico do Arieiro to begin your self-guided hike. Experience the most amazing natural scenery as you walk from mountain to mountain on the #1 hiking trail on Madeira Island. Once you're finished exploring, the end of the hike and pick-up location is at Achada do Teixeira, in the parking lot area. On the way back to your accommodation, pass through the city of Santana for close-up views of the traditional triangular homes and you will have a tasting and the end of the hike, produced by locals.

Hike Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

5. Hike Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The sun rises over your hotel as you set out on your walking tour adventure. Leaving from the comforts of your room in Funchal on the Madeira Islands, we'll drive you up to the third highest peak in Madeira - the magnificent Pico Arieiro. You'll sip coffee or a drink on your way up to the base of the peak, looking out at all the stunning beauty this place has to offer. As we head from sea level up to the base at 5,964ft (1818m), you'll pass beautiful flora and fauna. Finally, we'll begin our mighty walk up the mighty Pico Arieiro up to the highest point on the island, the Pico Ruivo peak at 6107 ft (1862m). Finally, we'll walk down to Teixeira where you'll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel. And of course, no day of hiking is complete without a drink at a traditional bar, so we'll make sure to stop at one with a spectacular view to enjoy the closing of your day!

From Funchal: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with Breakfast

6. From Funchal: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with Breakfast

After pickup, travel to Pico do Arieiro where you will enjoy the sunrise. This is the highest viewpoint of the island at 1818 meters of altitude. See the sunrise while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast of sandwiches, homemade cake, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham. Then, travel back to Camacha and go for a lovely walk in the Paradise Valley area. Admire the views of some endemic trees from the Laurissilva forest. Then, head back to the city center with drop-off at your hotel or at a central point.

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

7. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

Porto Santo: Pirates and Corsairs Guided Island Tour

8. Porto Santo: Pirates and Corsairs Guided Island Tour

A tour around the island, where you will learn the story of Porto Santo, and why it was so important for the Portugueses and Human kind. We will help you discover how the people of the island would live on those days with the constants attacks of the pirates and corsairs. A fun an excited way to visit all the island for all members of the family. Discover the most beautiful and well know places on Porto Santo and get to know about their history. You may visit: Calheta beach, Miradouro das flores, Zimbralinho, Morenos, miradouro dos morenos, sand dunes, Fonte da areia, Pedregal, miradouro da Portela, miradouro do Pico Castelo.

Funchal/Caniço: Pico Do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Hike Transfers

9. Funchal/Caniço: Pico Do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Hike Transfers

Benefit from a morning transfer service from Funchal or Caniço to embark on your self-guided hike of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. After pickup from your accommodation, drive to Pico Do Arieiro in the late morning where the hike starts. Your driver will provide a briefing with all the information needed about the route and the timings. You can walk on your own or join other people in the group. Walk from Pico Do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain on Madeira Island with 1862 meters of altitude. You will have 4 and a half hours to complete the hike, which is plenty of time even for slow hikers. Admire breathtaking views along the trail and feel as if you are walking above the clouds. On the challenging path, you will find a few tunnel walks and the famous stairs to heaven. Finally, arrive at Achada Do Teixeira, the ending point of the hike. Your driver will be waiting there to bring you back to your accommodation.

Tour of Eastern Madeira

10. Tour of Eastern Madeira

Start with pick-up from the hotel and drive through Funchal's steep roads. Pass the Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests overlooking the Christmas pines, into the breathtaking mountains of Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters. The centenary Forest covered by the old trees (Laurisilva) is a must and a short walk along the Levada Madeiras water channels can be taken as an option. Taking the old road of Faial overlooking the eagles rock mountain, Santana will be the next stop. Visit the town's traditional thatched houses and vines. Make a stop for lunch (not included in the price). After the lunch stop in Santana, continue to Porto Cruz, passing the sugar cane fields. Visit the only steam rum factory in Europe (with rum tasting) and explore the village. See the rough black sandy beach popular for surfers. In July and August, enjoy the chance to swim in the famous saltwater. Then, travel along the North Coast where sugar cane terraces are still visible. See the old capital of Madeira, Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century, before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern point cape of the island.  The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel. 

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What people are saying about Madeira

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,748 reviews

We had a great experience and highly recommend it! We booked the trip just one day in advance and were imitatively contacted by Elizabeth, who provided us with all the details and map of the upcoming hike. We were picked at the hotel by a friendly and punctual driver Luis. Luis is a nice person to talk too; on our way up and down he shared some interesting stories about the places we were passing. The ride was fun. We got lucky with the weather and enjoyed the hike a lot. It was not easy but definitely worth it.

The tour was fun and astonishing! Although the weather was not the best, we have the opportunity of enjoying and admiring amazing spot of this amazing island. Special thanks to the guide Diogo Pinto for the tour and to all the other traveler I’ve shared this peculiar day with!

The tour was amazing we had the opportunity to see a lot of the east in one day. Our guide Carlos was perfect couldn't wish for a better guide, we were a small group which was even vetter !

We had a great day with Francesco as our guide. The trip felt well planned and well paced. Francesco’s passion and knowledge for Madeira made the day even better.

The tour with Rui was great! We had so much fun! I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a fun way to explore the island :)