10 TOP Things to Do in Madeira Region August 2026

A coastal town with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent church, and a cliff overlooking the sea.

A coastal town with buildings on a hillside, a beach, and rocky outcrops.

A sunset over the ocean with waves crashing onto the shore.

A beach with people sunbathing, thatched umbrellas, and a rocky cliff in the background.

A coastal town at sunset with houses, a clear sky, and the sea.

Things to do

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

£22

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Picture 26 for Activity Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal Jeep Tour

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

£59

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

£30

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

£38

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Plus 2 extra Hiking Trails

£29

per adult

Nuns Valley Tour

£21

per adult

Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven

£28

per adult

Madeira Walks - Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains

£41

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

£30

per adult

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Top places to visit

1. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Formed by volcanic lava, these tranquil pools are sheltered from the strong current of the Atlantic by black basalt rocks. Swim, sunbathe or snorkel at the pools, which are complete with changing rooms, lockers and lifeguard services. There’s also a children’s pool and play area, making the pools an excellent spot for a family excursion.

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A rocky coastline with a prominent hill and a small statue on top.

2. Praca do Municipio

Funchal’s Town Square is a bustling hub of activity, lined with beautiful checkered cobblestones and bordered by grand whitewashed buildings. In addition to being a lovely civic center, the square is an ideal starting point for visiting several attractions, including the Sacred Art Museum, City Hall and the former Jesuit College.

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A street with pedestrians, a taxi, and a building with a sign that reads "TATOO".

3. Madeira Botanical Garden

Enjoy the rich collection of more than 2,000 plants at the Madeira Botanical Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking Funchal, this beautifully landscaped garden offers dramatic views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.

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A botanical garden with colorful flower beds, a palm tree, and a cityscape in the background.

4. Ponta Do Sol Beach

Ponta do Sol Beach is a pleasant pebble beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lined with charming cafés. Known for being one of the sunniest places in Madeira, the beach is a wonderful spot to relax and bask in the warm sun and go for a dip in the calm coastal waters.

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A beach with people sunbathing, colorful buildings, and palm trees.

5. Pico do Ariero

Pico do Arieiro offers some of the most stunning views in Madeira. Towering 5,965 feet (1,818 meters) in the air, the mountain’s craggy rocks are frequently veiled with clouds. On a clear day, view Porto Santo in the distance. Pico do Arieiro is linked to the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, by a challenging but rewarding hiking trail.

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A mountain hiking trail signpost with directions to Pico Ruivo (E) 7.0 km and Pico Ruivo (O) 5.6 km.

What to do in Madeira Region

Stay near popular Madeira Region attractions

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

9.0/10 (854 reviews)

Go for a swim in these unique salt water pools, which are dramatically set amid rugged coastal cliffs and protective volcanic rock.

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Where to stay in Madeira Region

Find the best Madeira Region areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Madeira Region

A historic church with a prominent bell tower and a white facade.

Old Town Funchal

If you're spending some time in Old Town Funchal, Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market are top sights worth seeing.

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A cobblestone street with historic buildings, a clock, and people walking.

Sao Pedro

Sao Pedro is known for its colourful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu while you're in town.

A traditional thatched-roof house with a red door and blue shutters, surrounded by a garden with pink and purple flowers.

Santana

Visitors to Santana rave about its fantastic nightlife, breathtaking beach views and beautiful gardens. You might also want to make some time to see Madeira Theme Park or Maze while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Toboggan riders pushing wooden sledge downhill in Funchal, Madeira island, Portugal

Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Visitors to Imaculado Coracao de Maria like its gardens and seaside views, and Quinta Palmeira is a sight worth a stop.

Calheta marina and cliffs, Madeira Island, Portugal

Estrela da Calheta

Estrela da Calheta might not have many top sights, but Paul do Mar Beach and 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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