Madeira's must-see landmarks
The seven landmarks that earn a place on every Madeira itinerary, verified, cross-linked and ranked by how often we send first-time visitors. Each opens onto a full guide with opening hours, how to get there and what to pair it with.
1,818 m summit & PR1 ridge traverse to Pico Ruivo.
Madeira's third-highest peak, drivable to the top. Sunrise here is the single most-photographed view on the island.
Glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs.
580 m sheer drop to the Atlantic. Free entry, 10-minute visit, panoramic terraces over Câmara de Lobos.
Volcanic rock pools you can swim in, fed by the Atlantic.
Madeira's signature swim spot: black lava, turquoise water, changing rooms on site. Best on calm-sea days.
Hillside gardens above Funchal with sub-tropical collections.
Cable-car access from Monte, 35,000+ plant species, dragon trees, parrot park: easily a half-day visit.
Cristiano Ronaldo's trophies, shirts and Ballons d'Or.
On the Funchal marina next to the Pestana CR7 hotel. 45-minute visit, a hit with football fans of any age.
Old town, marina, cable car, Mercado dos Lavradores.
The island's capital and your most likely base. Two days covers the city itself; many use it as a hub for day trips.
Churchill's fishing village, now a poncha pilgrimage.
15 minutes west of Funchal. Painted fishing boats, the original poncha tascas, and the path up to Cabo Girão.