Logótipo Madeira Tourismus

Roundtrips in Madeira Island

Arriving Madeira you already will see at the airport that your holidays have to be somewhat active. There is so much to see and so much to do. To get around the island, you can rent a car, take a taxi or busses or travel with some tourist excursions.

Taxis can be found all over the island, and just negotiate the price in advance. The tourist excursions are daily and can be booked in most of the many travel agencies. Here you can also book an airplane or boat ticket to Porto Santo.

With the rent a car you are on yourself. There is so much to see, and take your time.

Some suggestions.

Drive up to Pico do Arieiro. Here you first reach Poiso, and then climb up with the car to the top. From her you can walk all the way to the highest top, Pico Ruivo, or just take a part of the road. The view is great night and day.

From Pico do Arieiro, take the short trip down to Poiso, turn left and go down to Ribeirofrio. From here you have a nice and easy trip along the levada, 3 km, to Balcões.

Another trip that is a must is to go to the valley of the nuns or Curral das Fereiras. Here you have to drive up from São Martinho in Funchal to Eira do Serrado. You will have the most breathtaking view into the valley that once was one of the main volcanic craters of the island. If you feel like it, you can walk down the old road to the village, a trip worth the struggle.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira is well worth a stroll around. Do not forget the botanical garden, The municipal square, the different parks and churches.

Camacha is the village where the traditional baskets are made. Here is also the place where the first foot ball match was played in Portugal. Just to remember, our most famous Madeiran is the foot ball player Cristiano Ronaldo.

The most eastern point of Madeira is Ponta do São Lourenço, near Caniçal. This part of the island is dry and very different from the rest of the island. Go first to Machico, and then to the east towards Caniçal.

From Machico you can go north to Porta Cruz. Then go to Santana and visit the theme park. Later go on to São Jorge and then to Arco São Jorge. Here you will find the biggest Rose Garden In Portugal, in Quinta do Arco.

Further on you have Boa Ventura, Ponta Delgada with its church that have a fantastic roof painting, until São Vicente. In this village you have the volcanic center that is a great fun. From São Vicente you can continue to Seixal and Ribeira da Janelas and via Porto Moniz to Lamaceiros with a fantastic levada and view back to Seixal.

You can also turn south via Encumeada to Ribeira Brava. From there you can go west via Ponta do Sol to Paúl do Mar and Jardim do Mar.

If you turn east to Funchal, you must pass Cabo Girão, the highest cape in Europe.

Activities