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.
Frequently asked
Which Madeira landmark should I visit first?
If you only have one day, drive to Pico do Arieiro at sunrise then visit Cabo Girão on the way back to Funchal. Add Câmara de Lobos for lunch.
Are Madeira's landmarks free to visit?
Most are free: Cabo Girão skywalk, Funchal old town, Câmara de Lobos and Pico do Arieiro (parking only). Paid: Madeira Botanical Garden, CR7 Museum, Porto Moniz pools (a small fee). PR trails on Pico Arieiro/Ruivo now require a paid timed-slot booking — see our trail booking guide.
Can you visit all of Madeira's landmarks in one trip?
Yes — a 5-day trip covers every landmark on this page comfortably, with rest time. See our 3-5-7 day itinerary for a route-tested plan.