30 best things to do in Madeira

With a maximum length of 57 km and a width of 22 km, Madeira is a relatively small island, but its only 741 km2 is full of tourist attractions and places not to be missed. In this article, we will explore what to do in Madeira, explaining where to go and why these are the places not to be missed on the island.

Madeira is a tourist destination of excellence, with landmarks, monuments, and attractions for all types of tourists – from the most active to the most sedentary. We have walks and waterfalls, we have natural pools and some beaches, we have cities, towns, and villages, and of course the cable cars, the peaks, the forests, and the famous baskets.

There is so much to see and do in Madeira! It is one of the world’s most beautiful islands to visit.

What to do in Madeira – Funchal

Funchal center

Although sometimes overlooked, the historical center of Funchal is very pleasant to visit and has several historical monuments, old streets, squares, and gardens.

That’s why we always advise you to take a few hours to walk around Funchal and learn more about its history, culture, and historic buildings.

Some of the places not to be missed in the center of Funchal include:

  • Funchal Cathedral – Gothic cathedral from the 15th century with an ornate interior, highlighting the stalls in the chancel. Well worth the visit.
  • São Tiago Fort – beautiful and fascinating fort from the 17th century, built to protect the city from the sea. Its yellow color makes it an icon of the city.
  • Rua de Santa Maria – a beautiful historic street full of outdoor urban art.
  • Praça do Município – Square, where we have the Town Hall, the Jesuit College, and the Church of São João.
  • Avenida do Mar and Marina – Funchal’s waterfront is always pleasant for a walk;
  • Mercado dos Lavradores – See below.
what to do in Funchal Madeira
The marina and the city of Funchal in Madeira

Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores is also in the center of Funchal, but it is so popular that it deserves to be highlighted.

Inaugurated in 1940, it is a testament to the architecture of the Estado Novo (the Portuguese 20th-century dictatorship), with the façade and main door decorated with large tile panels that reflect regional themes.

It was built to be the city’s supply market, but it has become a significant tourist attraction. There, we can find some of the most eye-catching and appetizing regional products, namely fruits, vegetables, and fish.

The diversity, size, and colors of the fruits at the Mercado dos Lavradores are impressive and one of the great attractions of Funchal. However, be aware that there are reports of very inflated prices and even some schemes to deceive tourists (such as putting sugar in the fruit).

Besides having an incredible variety of exotic and tropical fruits, they are beautiful and appetizing. We also have to bear in mind that these fruits are hand-picked to be as striking as possible and naturally more expensive than the average fruit in other markets or supermarkets.

Places to go in Madeira
Delicious and exotic fruit at Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal on Madeira

CR7 museum and statue

The Cristiano Ronaldo Museum and Statue are one of the most recent attractions in Funchal. Located next to Funchal’s marina, they are in a privileged location in the city.

The stroll to the Cristiano Ronaldo statue is pleasant, and if you are going there, you might as well take a photo next to his statue. In the museum, you can learn more about his origins, life, and career.

You will also find many of the medals and trophies won by CR7. It is a place that is not to be missed by fans of Ronaldo and football in general.

Next to the museum is also the Hotel Pestana CR7, one of the best hotels to stay in Funchal.

Things to do in Funchal Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo statue in Funchal Madeira

Monte cable car

The Funchal-Monte cable car is one of the most iconic attractions in Madeira. It takes you to the Monte area, where you will find several points of interest on the island. It also presents you with some of the most beautiful views over Funchal.

We suggest leaving the car in Funchal, taking the cable car to Monte, and enjoying the views and the pleasant journey. At the top, visit several of Madeira’s best attractions, such as the Monte Gardens and Botanical Gardens, and finally descend back to Funchal in the iconic Carreiros do Monte.

This way, you can enjoy several of the best things to do in Madeira in only one morning or afternoon.

unique things to do in Madeira
Monte cable car that goes from the city of Funchal to Monte – something not to be missed in Madeira

Monte Palace Gardens

The Monte Palace Gardens are one of Madeira’s most interesting historical places but also one of the most beautiful.

Occupying an area of over 70,000 square meters, the Monte Palace Gardens are home to a massive collection of exotic plants from the four corners of the world.

Another of the gardens’ most fascinating attractions is the collection of tile panels that decorate the garden walkways. It is considered one of the largest and richest in the country and has Hispanic Moorish examples from the 15th century to contemporary panels.

Perhaps even better known than the beautiful tile collection is the oriental garden, with Japanese and Chinese elements such as Buddhist statues, a marble dragon, ponds with koi fish, and pagodas, among many others.

most beautiful places in Madeira Island
The beautiful gardens of Monte Palace, one of the must-see places in Funchal, Madeira

Botanical Gardens

In addition to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the upper part of Funchal has another fabulous garden, the Madeira Botanical Garden. You must walk about 200 meters from Monte Palace and take another cable car to go there. But don’t worry, it’s well worth it if you’re not tired of seeing Jardins.

With more than 80,000 square meters, the Botanical Garden of Madeira contains more than 2,500 species of plants from all over the world, around 300 exotic birds, and 200 endemic to Madeira.

Initially created by the Reid family in 1881, the Botanical Gardens at Quinta do Bom Sucesso are an extremely popular attraction visited by 300 to 400 thousand people a year. The Gardens also serve as a fabulous viewpoint over the Bay of Funchal.

Carreiros do Monte

Of all Madeira’s attractions, Carreiros do Monte is probably the most exotic. Descending from Monte to Funchal, sitting on a wooden path without wheels pushed and driven by two Madeirans dressed in traditional costumes, is undoubtedly a unique and odd thing to do. Yet, it is fun!

At first glance, this is such an unusual activity that we might think that it emerged only as a tourist activity and for tourists. However, in reality, the mountain trails appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and, at the time, were used as a means of public transport.

So, this tradition of going down from Monte in pushed carts dates back to 1849, making it the most typical transport on the Island and one of the best and most characteristic things to do in Madeira.

So, if you want something unique to do in Madeira, Carreiros do Monte should be your top priority. It will be an unforgettable experience.

unique things to do in Madeira
Going down to Funchal using Carreiros do Monte is one of the most fun things to do in Madeira

Where to go in Madeira – South Coast

Câmara de Lobos

Located on the south coast of Madeira, a few km from Funchal, Câmara de Lobos was the first settlement in Madeira, founded in 1420 by Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator who “discovered” Madeira.

At the time of the discoveries, there was a large colony of sea lions on the cove, which gave rise to the settlement’s name. Given the relevance of the historical legacy, Câmara de Lobos has several historic buildings and monuments that are worth visiting, such as the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the former convent of São Bernardino, and the church of São Sebastião.

Câmara de Lobos is still a fishing village today, and its cove full of fishing boats is probably the most exciting point of the settlement. It maintains the same configuration as 600 years ago when the first caravels arrived there.

Another thing not to be missed in Câmara de Lobos is to go out at night and try poncha – a Madeiran alcoholic drink made from Madeira rum to which orange, tangerine, passion fruit, or lemon juice is added, as well as bee honey.

Fun activities in Madeira
Typical streets of Câmara de Lobos in Madeira

Ponta de São Lourenço

Occupying the island’s eastern end, Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most iconic places in Madeira. About 9 km long, it is a huge peninsula that ends at the islets of Desembarcadouro and Farol.

Ponta de São Lourenço is quite different from the rest of the island. Since it is completely exposed to winds and storms, it has no trees, making it look as beautiful as it is desolate. The enormous cliffs of volcanic origin measuring several tens of meters make the landscape even more epic.

The best way to visit Ponta de São Lourenço is to take the Ponta de São Lourenço footpath, which takes you from the car park in Baía d’Abra to practically the tip of the island, along about 3 km (6 km way and back). The route is quite undulating, with several ascents and descents, but at the end, we have a coffee to recharge our batteries. It is not allowed to go to the islets.

Madeira island attractions
Trail to Ponta de S. Lourenço – Not to be missed in Madeira

Anjos Waterfall

What to do in Madeira? If you like to take epic photos or post your adventures on Instagram, the Anjos waterfall is a must-see destination.

Despite not being a particularly imposing waterfall, Cascata dos Anjos is one of the most famous waterfalls in Madeira because of the peculiarity of the water falling directly onto a road that is still in operation and creating spectacular photo opportunities.

Going to Cascata dos Anjos is relatively simple. Just follow the old route of the ER101 between Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar. Although the road currently has little use, there is usually some traffic as almost everyone stops there to take pictures.

Instagramable places in Madeira
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira – The Angels Waterfall

Garajau

The Garajau area is undoubtedly one of Madeira’s best areas to visit as it combines several very different attractions.

Firstly, we have the marine nature reserve, which is very popular with divers. Its crystal clear and very calm waters allow biodiversity visibility up to 20 meters. This is a place where marine wildlife reigns and where it is possible to see some large fish such as grouper, manta rays, and rays.

Integrated with the nature reserve, we also have Garajau Beach, which, in addition to the clear waters, also includes various support infrastructures. Unfortunately, it is not a sandy beach but a pebble one.

Access to the beach complex is done by car, foot, or cable car. The beach is wedged between the sea and the cliff, which makes going down by cable car a breathtaking experience. We strongly advise.

Finally, in the upper area, Christ the Redeemer of Garajau and the Garajau lookout. Cristo Rei is a statue similar (but much smaller) to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and Almada, and it actually predates the construction of the most famous versions.

From this viewpoint, we have a fabulous view of the beach, the marine reserve, part of Funchal Bay, and of course, a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Family-friendly things to do in Madeira
The statue of Cristo Rei in Garajau – Attraction in Madeira

Ponta do Pargo

Located in the westernmost region of Madeira, Ponta do Pargo is sometimes forgotten but is worth visiting as it offers incredible views of the high cliffs, rock formations, and sea. It is also well known for the strong wind.

The Ponta do Pargo lighthouse viewpoint, located on the westernmost cape of the island, is at a stunning 290 meters in altitude and allows you to see km and km of the island’s coastline, always marked by the cliffs.

As the name implies, this viewpoint is next to a historic 14-meter-high lighthouse that opened in 1922.

Most beautiful places to see in Madeira
Ponta do Pargo Viewpoint in Madeira

Garganta Funda Viewpoint

Relatively close to Ponta do Pargo is another of Madeira’s beautiful waterfalls, Garganta Funda (which translates to Deep Throat). Although lesser known and popular than others mentioned here, it is a glorious waterfall with an incredible height of almost 150 meters.

To see it, you must take a short trail of just over 500 meters along rural paths until you reach a beautiful viewpoint. Just note that this waterfall has a very low flow in times of no rain and sometimes even drys up.

Things to do in Madeira with kids
Deep throat waterfall, with an incredible height of almost 150 meters.

Cabo Girao

Cabo Girão is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Madeira, so I couldn’t miss this list of things to do in Madeira.

At an altitude of 580 meters, this is the highest promontory in Europe, so the scenery is always breathtaking. However, it becomes even more impressive when you enter the Skywalk, the suspended glass platform that serves as a viewpoint. Looking down and feeling the wind and altitude makes anyone’s legs tremble.

From there, we can see the sea, the beach, and the small plots of land formerly used to farm in the fajãs more than 500 meters below.

Relatively close to the viewpoint, a cable car also takes us to the fajãs and the beaches below. It’s worth going there even if you don’t want to go down because the views are also very beautiful.

Madeira where to go
Looking down at Cabo Girao

Jardim do Mar

Located on the south coast of Madeira, this parish of Calheta is a small village but well worth a visit, both for its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere and location.

Seen from afar, it is fabulous as it is located in a fajã nestled between rocky cliffs, seeming isolated from the world. In recent years, it has developed a lot as it has become a popular destination for surfers due to its “swells” that attract advanced practitioners and competitions.

However, Jardim do Mar retains its typical and peaceful atmosphere, with narrow streets, white houses, banana trees, and the church in the center of the village. We also advise you to take a walk along the new promenade, which is, in our opinion, one of the most pleasant places in Madeira.

To get a global perspective of the village, we advise you to stop at the Miradouro do Jardim do Mar or take the PR20 levada – Jardim do Mar, but note that this levada has an altitude difference of 500 meters in less than 2 km. So, it’s steep!

Madeira what to visit
The new promenade at Jardins do Mar is one of the most beautiful places in Madeira.

Paul do mar

Paul do Mar is very close to Jardim do Mar, but it is much more developed and is even considered one of the most important fishing ports on the island. As such, fresh fish is one of the parish’s most popular and served delicacies.

Paul do Mar even had a canning industry, but currently, only the chimney of the old factory remains. Like Jardim do Mar, geography plays a fundamental role for the village, as it is hidden between the massive cliffs on one side and the sea on the other.

In fact, for many years, access to Paul do Mar was extremely difficult and only possible by sea or a small and dangerous road. Today, it is very different, and in addition to the tunnels that serve the locality, the road is wide and safe. However, the slopes and cliffs are still there.

Places to visit in Madeira
Paul do Mar fishing village – What to visit in Madeira.

Machico and Pico do Facho

It was in Machico in 1419 that Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira disembarked when they “discovered” Madeira. Therefore, this city has a lot of history but is also the second-largest city on the island.

The main attractions of Machico are its beautiful historical center, the lovely seafront, and the new artificial beach with yellow sand. This is one of the only two yellow sand beaches on the island, and although it is not natural, it is quite pleasant as it is sheltered from the wind, and the water is relatively warm like everywhere else on the island.

One of the things not to be missed in Machico is going up to the Pico do Facho viewpoint, as its privileged location overlooking Machico offers breathtaking panoramic views that range from the mountain peaks in the center of the island to the tip of São Lourenço in the far east. You can also see the deserted islands at a distance.

In addition to the natural beauty, Pico do Facho is also a historic site, as it was at the top of its 280 meters that huge bonfires were lit, serving as a warning to the population when enemy ships arrived.

Madeira best attractions
Praia de Machico, one of the best sandy beaches in Madeira

Where to go in Madeira – North Coast

Véu da Noiva

Véu da Noiva is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Madeira. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest to visit, or rather, to see from afar, as it is currently not allowed to go next to the waterfall.

This waterfall is a few tens of meters high and has a considerable volume of water in the rainy season. Located on the old route of the ER101 road in Fazenda, next to Seixal, Porto Moniz, this waterfall has the peculiarity of falling from the top of the ravine to the road and then directly to the beach/sea.

Seeing Véu da Noiva couldn’t be easier. Just follow the ER101 and stop at the viewpoint with the same name next to the road. From there, you will have a privileged view of the waterfall and realize how crazy the passage through the old route was. The water (and stones) came from the top of the mountain, fell directly on the passing cars, and then into the sea.

What to do in Madeira
Famous Véu da Noiva waterfall and old road route ER101, Madeira – one of the best things to see in Madeira

Seixal Beach and Pools

Swimming at Véu da Noiva is impossible, but luckily we have the beach and natural pools of Seixal right next door.

Madeira is not really known for its paradisiacal beaches, but it has some good bathing options when the heat sets in. In fact, in Seixal, we have two options: the beach at Laje and the Natural Pools.

Praia da Laje is one of the rare natural sand beaches in Madeira. It will probably be even the best. The sand is volcanic black but fine, forming a pleasant bay when the sea is calm.

On the other side, just 50 meters away, we have the natural pools formed by a set of recovered volcanic stones, creating a crystal clear and calm lake. In addition to being refreshing, it is a pleasant place to take a dip and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Access to the pools is free, but there is no surveillance, so we advise you to be careful.

Madeira Points of interest
Seixal Pool on a turbulent day, Madeira

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Pools are much better known and widespread than the Natural Pools of Seixal. However, contrary to what many people think, there are two sets of pools in Porto Moniz, the natural pools of Porto Moniz and the natural pools of Cachalote.

The most famous and internationally known are the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, one of Madeira’s main attractions, as they attract more and more visitors. Despite being made with a natural base and formed over thousands of years through the cooling of lava, they are “more pools and less natural.”

Despite creating a very attractive place, human intervention is quite apparent, with sun loungers and changing rooms giving the appearance of a developed bathing complex. Their physiognomy allows the constant entry of the sea, allowing their permanent renewal and thus maintaining a very high level of water quality.

The Cachalote Natural Pools are close and slightly different as they have a much more picturesque profile and an almost untouched setting. Its natural configuration allows the renewal of ocean waters, creating a place of excellence for bathers.

Access to these pools is free but is supervised during the bathing season. There are no support infrastructures or sanitary facilities.

Madeira where to go
Cachalote Natural Pools in Porto Moniz – a must visit place in Madeira

Achadas da Cruz

Still, in the municipality of Porto Moniz in the northwest of the island, we have Achadas da Cruz. The Calhau das Achadas da Cruz is one of the most interesting places in Madeira, as it is located between the grandeur of the mountains and the sea, thus creating a scenario that is worth visiting.

The best way to do this is by taking the Achadas da Cruz cable car, which is more than 600 meters long and has a difference in the level of about 450 meters. In addition to allowing us to enjoy the panoramic landscape in a safe but frightening way, it takes us to the fajã da Quebrada Nova and the small pebble beach there.

However, the star here is the journey itself, as we can enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean, the fajã cultivated far below, and, of course, the green hue of the island. This cable car is also known for its extreme degrees of inclination (up to 98%), and it is even considered the steepest in Europe.

Finally, in addition to being a beautiful tourist attraction, the cable car is also used by farmers to transport crops and access agricultural properties in the fajã.

Madeira things to do
Impressive Achadas da Cruz cable car, with extreme degrees of inclination (up to 98%).

Rocha do Navio (Ship’s Rock)

Located on the island’s north coast, in the municipality of Santana, the area of Rocha do Navio has several of the best things to see and do in Madeira. The name Rocha do Navio is due to the sinking of a Dutch boat that stayed there for a long time.

The first point of interest at Rocha do Navio is the viewpoint that allows us to see the entire coast marked by high cliffs cut by the sea. From that viewpoint, you can follow a very difficult and sloping path to the Natural Reserve of Rocha do Navio, where you can see several typical Madeira waterfalls.

If you prefer a more relaxing activity, you can also go down to the fajãs and Rocha do Navio by cable car. Note, however, that access to the islets is not allowed.

Finally, we must point out that if you decide to visit this area of Madeira, we advise you to go to Quinta do Furão, which, in addition to being one of the best restaurants in Madeira, also allows you to take short walks with beautiful views.

best places to visit in Madeira
Rocha do Navio Viewpoint near the Quinta do Furão restaurant in Madeira

Sao Vicente Caves

The São Vicente caves are a unique place to visit in Madeira. With an underground route of about 700 meters, they tell the history of Madeira since its formation almost 1 million years ago.

As it could not be otherwise in Madeira, the caves of São Vicente are of volcanic origin and appeared following an eruption in Paul da Serra. Despite being known by the population for over a century, they only opened to the public in 1996, being the first volcanic caves in Portugal.

In the caves of São Vicente, you will find volcanic stalactites, lakes, and tunnels a few meters high. Next to the caves, we also have the Volcanism Center, which combines interesting information with leisure and entertainment and is, therefore, a great way to learn more about the island and its volcanic origins.

Porto da Cruz

Porto da Cruz is a small village belonging to Machico but on the island’s north coast between Machico and Santana.

This coastal village is known for having the mill of the north (Engenho do Norte), one of the living testimonies of Madeira’s sugar production. It is still in operation today between March and May, and it is possible to visit it and see how the famous Madeira Rum is produced.

This is one of the three old mills still in operation in Madeira, and it offers an opportunity to travel back to the Industrial Revolution and its machines. Although the Engenho was inaugurated in 1927, the machines used were much earlier, from the 19th century.

At the Rum House, right next to Engenho do Norte, you can taste some brandies and buy local products such as Rum, sugarcane molasses, and Poncha, among others. Although clearly touristy, it is one of the best places to buy souvenirs.

Engenho do Norte is one of the fascinating places in Madeira
Engenho do Norte in Porto da Cruz still produces rum in Madeira

What to do in Madeira – Interior

Curral das Freiras and Eira do Serrado

Curral das Freiras and Eira do Serrado are other must-see destinations in Madeira. At least we don’t know anyone who goes to Madeira without visiting them.

Curral das Freiras is a small village located in a deep valley in the interior of Madeira, formerly isolated from the rest of the island. Due to its surroundings, which are characterized by imposing peaks, it is one of the most picturesque places in Madeira.

The curious name of this village comes from the nuns of the convent of Santa Clara, who, in 1566, found refuge there to hide from pirate attacks on Funchal. The valley’s location, hidden by the mountains, means that the Curral is not visible from the sea.

Eira do Serrado is an imposing viewpoint located at an altitude of 1095 meters. From here, you can see the Curral das Freiras far below. The view is monumental and not to be missed.

Tip: When visiting Curral das Freiras, take the opportunity to try the chestnut delicacies, a unique ingredient in Madeira.

Things to see in Madeira
View of Curral das Freiras from Miradouro da Eira do Serrado – What to visit in Madeira.

Footpath and Balcões Viewpoint

The Balcões footpath is possibly the easiest in Madeira – it is undoubtedly the easiest we know – and therefore, it is accessible to everyone! The path is short (1.5 km one way + 1.5 km back) and is entirely flat, so the round trip takes 40 to 45 minutes.

But anyone who thinks that because it is not very challenging is a trail that is not worth it! Along the way, you will notice several indigenous species of Madeira, namely the famous Lauraceae and other exotic species.

However, the highlight of this path is the Balcões Viewpoint at the end of it. There, you will see Madeira in all its splendor, with valleys covered by dense Laurel forests, the various peaks of the central massif of Madeira, including Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo, and the rock Penha D’águia to the other side, with the ocean in the background.

Access to the Vereda and the Viewpoint is via Estrada Regional 103, in Ribeiro Frio, next to a rainbow trout farm. Enjoy and also visit the nursery.

Places to visit in Madeira
Magnificent view from Miradouro dos Balcões in Madeira

Levada and 25 Fontes Waterfall, Rabaçal

The Levada das 25 Fontes is probably the best-known and most popular in Madeira, and as such, it could not be left out of this list of what to do in Madeira.

This levada is a practically flat walk that takes us through the heart of the pristine Laurissilva forest until we reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira.

The source of Levada das 25 Fontes is the small lagoon of 25 Fontes fed by the Cascade of 25 Fontes. This curious name comes from the waterfall, which has several streams of water running down the mountain walls, seeming to form several fountains.

The verdant valleys along the way are impressive and one of the highlights of any trip to Madeira. The return is done similarly, but a detour to visit Cascata do Risco, which is very close by (check the next topic), is possible.

Best things to do in Madeira
What to do in Madeira? Levada das 25 Fontes, a trail we recommend doing in Madeira

Waterfall and levada do Risco, Rabaçal

Also located in Rabaçal, very close to the 25 fountains, we have the levada and Waterfall of Risco. In fact, it’s so close that you can visit both on the same hike, as we explain here.

The Levada do Risco route is not as beautiful as that of the 25 Fontes, and perhaps it is less known for this reason. But the waterfall is much more impressive as it is much taller.

The Risco waterfall is about 100 meters high, and as we approach it, we can see its strength and size, especially after some rain. Unfortunately, it is only possible to access it from the levada in the middle of the fall. Without access, it is impossible to go down to the lower area.

What to do in Madeira
Risco Waterfall in the middle of the Laurissilva forest in Madeira

Peaks of the central mountain massif

The central massif area is composed of the highest peaks in Madeira and is also one of the most beautiful. The majesty of Madeira’s peaks marks the entire landscape and is considered a natural moment.

Pico Ruivo at 1862 meters and Pico do Areeiro at 1818 meters are the highest points in Madeira and two of the most iconic places on the island. This whole region is of volcanic origin, but the incredible profile of the deep valleys and very high peaks was created by the differential erosion caused by the water on the pyroclastic rocks.

Access to Pico do Areeiro is relatively easy. A paved road takes about 40 minutes from Funchal. There, we have one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, which allows us to appreciate this imposing landscape.

From Pico do Areeiro, It is also one of the most beautiful trails in Madeira, the Vereda do Areeiro – PR1. With about 7 km, it takes us from Pico do Areeiro to the top of Pico Ruivo, passing by Pico das Torres. Despite being quite difficult, it is one of the best trails in Portugal and, therefore, something not to be missed in Madeira.

Queimadas Park and Caldeirão Verde

Located in Santana, in the northern interior of the island, Parque Florestal das Queimadas is one of the main attractions of this municipality and one of the best places to explore the richness of the Laurissilva forest.

Parque das Queimadas is also the starting point for one of the most iconic levadas in Madeira, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde – PR9. This stunning levada crosses the primitive forest for almost 9 km (18 round trip) until we reach the imposing green cauldron and its waterfall over 100 meters high. Anyone who enjoys hiking cannot miss this trail.

Finally, you will also find the Queimadas Shelter in Parque das Queimadas, which maintains the original characteristics of the old houses of Santana, such as the original triangular shape and thatched roofs.

most beautiful places in Madeira
Parque das Queimadas – One of the highlights of Madeira

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