Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel in Madeira offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the ocean and lush gardens. The rooms are elegantly designed, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat for guests. From spacious suites to cozy villas, there is a variety of options to suit every traveler's needs. With top-notch amenities and impeccable service, staying at Reid's Palace is like experiencing a slice of paradise on this beautiful island.

Carwave in Madeira is the perfect car rental solution to explore the magnificent island of Madeira in style. With an outstanding selection of vehicles, full insurance and unlimited mileage included, this family-run business provides the ultimate car rental experience with no hidden costs or surprises.

Using my affiliate link you'll get not only free delivery within Funchal, but also free pick up and drop off in the airport.

All the cars are new and include full insurance, no security deposit required and they don't hold credit card numbers. You can make a reservation and only pay upon arrival with debit/visa/credit card or cash.

The cars are all equipped with a navigation system, air conditioning and bluetooth and all have 100 horse power or more.

24/7 assistance and special offer (promo code CARWAVE) on Madeira Interactive Travel guide + Map with offline navigation included to ensure you make the most of your trip.

Carwave leaves nothing to chance – book it to enjoy a worry-free and unforgettable Madeira adventure :)

Seixal Beach is an idyllic spot on the north coast of the island of Madeira. It offers a beautiful landscape with its black sand beach contrasting with the overlooking green mountains and crystal-clear water. It's a perfect destination for sea lovers, providing good accesses and the possibility of renting kayaks or doing some water sports like bodyboarding, canoeing or stand up paddle. With its peaceful atmosphere, Seixal Beach is a great gateway to Porto Moniz, giving visitors the chance to explore the Laurissilva Forest, with various hiking trails, or just relax and soak in the sun.

Make sure to check the weather and cloud conditions in the area via a webcam 1 before heading out

Ribeira da Janela is a small parish southwest of Funchal in Madeira with a population of less than 300 and mystical rock formations located off the coast.

This location on the north of Madeira has 3 islets:

🪨 Ilheu Zinho, the smallest, 🪨 Ilhéu da Rama, the middle sized one, 🪨 Ilhéu Alto (or Ilhéu Comprido) the largest one.

The islests lie about 200m off the shore of Madeira (650ft), near the mouth of River Ribeira da Janela. They are composed of volcanic rocks.

Praia Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela beach - sea stacks The largest one is the most famous. It is 40m high (131ft), the equivalent of a 13 storey-building. At the top of this large one, there is a small hole, called Window. This is what gave the name to the village, river and valley.

It is actually difficult to see the hole from the beach, but you can visit this place in your trip on Madeira and find it from the left side hill of the coast 😉

Ribeira da Janela means “creek or river of the window” 💁

A visit to this remarkable destination should not be missed!

Fanal Forest, located on the north-western side of Madeira Island is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting its alluring beauty and eerie atmosphere.

This ancient laurel forest is home to a unique variety of subtropical plants, animals, and laurel trees which give the forest its distinctive appearance. With numerous hiking trails, from leisurely walks to more challenging point-to-point treks, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

An extra special treat comes as night falls, when the tree tops and forest floor are blanketed in mist and moonshine - a mystical and ethereal atmosphere that's truly enchanting. It's the perfect place to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature.

Fanal is a must-see location for visitors to Madeira. It’s the ideal location to get back in touch with nature and get away from the stresses of everyday life.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable transfer with a reliable company here.

If you prefer a more private transfer, you can book it through this link.

Achadas Da Cruz Promenade is located in the municipality of Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal. It features some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, with clear and lively seas, rugged cliffs, and wild beaches – providing an enchanting spot for a leisurely stroll. Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz can take you down from a huge cliff to an incredibly unique spot on Madeira, which is the traditional village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova.

Nestled away on the north-western coast of Madeira, the small parish was once home to hundreds who tended to their livestock and agriculture. Today, many of the small, traditional homes have been unoccupied for years.

Keep in mind that the cable car operates from 8:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00, and the last descent is at 16:30. However, it may not operate during strong westerly winds, so it’s a good idea to call +351 291 852 951 ahead before your visit. The operator speaks excellent English and can inform you if the cable car is running and how long the current wait time is for the descent. Lately, the area has become very popular, and especially after lunch, the queues for the descent can be quite long, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours.

You can also reach the promenade by hiking down a trail instead of waiting in line for the cable car. This way, you’ll enjoy a more unique experience. Follow my route to stay on track!

I recommend doing this hike at sunset to avoid crowds and witness an unforgettable view with your own eyes.

NOTE! To experience the same light here, you need to arrive just before sunset. This is only possible in December and January, as the sun sets quite early and in a specific location, allowing the green slopes to be painted in such a stunning shade.

Don’t miss this unique spot exploring Madeira.

Rota dos Cetáceos is all about getting up close and personal with whales and dolphins in Madeira Island. Their tours are led by a team of marine biologists who know their stuff, making sure you have an unforgettable experience. From swimming with dolphins to spotting different cetacean species, they've got you covered. Plus, their fast boats and expert guides make it a fun and safe adventure on the sea. Get ready for some magical moments with Rota dos Cetáceos!

Visiting Madeira's Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto viewpoint is an experience like no other. Situated at the easternmost point of the island, it provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views along the tail-shaped coastline, and is perfect for watching a stunning sunrise. You can drive all the way to the viewpoint, or even join nearby Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço for an extended adventure. If you are looking for a shorter trail, there’s a 3-kilometer loop that skirts around the cliff edge, providing more breathtaking views of the Dragons Tail path! Once at the peak, you can marvel at a majestic view of the cliffs, where erosion has sculpted the landscape over many years. A trip to Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto promises a unique and enjoyable experience you won't forget.

Miradouro do Guindaste is a stunning viewpoint on the east coast of Madeira, Portugal. Located minutes away from the village of Faial, this incredible sunrise spot attracts photographers and early risers alike. The arched cliff acts as a perfect catwalk for those looking for the best shots and taking in the scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. With astounding views of Porto da Cruz and Penha D’Aguia landmarks to spots even further like Porto Santo Island given clear skies, Miradouro do Guindaste will never fail to delight visitors. Additionally, glass walkways suspended over the vast ocean have been recently added offering unforgettable perspectives! Consider a trip to the Miradouro do Guindaste for an amazing experience.

PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo park is an amazing hike, offering unmatched views of the highest peak of the Madeira archipelago. This moderately challenging trail begins in Achada do Teixeira, and takes approximately 3 hours to complete round trip. Along the journey, visitors are treated to unparalleled sightseeing, with plenty of shelters available in case of sudden climate changes. With a maximum altitude of 1862 meters, this journey will take you above the clouds and offer lasting impressions of beauty of the Central Mountain Range and Laurissilva forest. Whether it's for an adventure or peaceful nature exploration, this heavenly trail has something to offer for everyone.

Before driving there check the official website to verify if the trail is open or closed. This information is reliable and ensures a safe hiking experience.

And make sure to check the weather and cloud conditions in the area via a webcam before heading out.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable transfer with a reliable company here.

If you prefer a more private transfer, you can book it through this link.

IMPORTANT: Starting November 2024, this trail will require advance booking and a 3€ fee to support Madeira’s ecosystem. The funds will go toward conservation, trail maintenance, and sustainable tourism efforts. To reserve your visit, please follow this link.

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak of Madeira, rising at an altitude of 1862 meters.

Did you know that you don't have to take a ‘Pico to Pico’ hike to visit this place? 👉🏼 You can just come to a place called Achada do Teixeira and walk 2.7 km to the Peak (5.4 km round trip).

Nevertheless, I would not call even such a short hike easy, rather it is an average level, because from the parking lot to the peak you will have to climb to a height of about 350 meters, but this walk is worth it, believe me :)

With panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, Pico Ruivo is a great place to both watch the sunrise above the sea of clouds or set in the evening as it lights up the sky with a spectacular show of colors.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable group transfer with a reliable company here.

If you prefer a more private transfer, you can book it through this link.

Be Local Madeira is a company that specializes in adventure sports activities, offering unique experiences for all levels of thrill seekers. With a range of services from canyoning and costeering, to biking and hiking, they provide access to fascinating places with breathtaking views. Clients can rest assured knowing that the guides are certified professionals, always prioritizing safety. Reviews rave about how much fun it is and encourage others to book with Be Local Maderia. From beginners to more experienced adventurers, there is something for everyone, promises an unforgettable experience.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is situated high in the mountains of Funchal, Madeira and is a paradisiacal vision of Asian and African influences brought together in one grand, picturesque park. With red bridges, waterfalls, a river, statues, a museum of artifacts from around the world, colorful tropical plants, and various water features, visitors to Monte Palace Tropical Garden can explore its enchanting façade and discover the unique beauty held within. For the adventurous traveler, there’s an option to take a thrilling toboggan ride back down the hill, or simpler alternatives such as cable car or taxi ride can descend them back to Funchal town. No matter how they get back, visitors are sure to leave Monte Palace Tropical Garden with memories that will last forever.

The Miradouro Eira do Serrado is a must-see for any visitor to the island of Madeira. With a breathtaking view stretching over the Câmara de Lobos Valley, this panoramic lookout has become one of the most romantic spots on the famous island. Visitors can marvel at the lush green hills and impressive mountains along with the ocean views in all its glory. Taking photos or simply enjoying the fresh air and watching the sunset from this unique location will definitely make for an unforgettable experience.

Make sure to check the weather and cloud conditions in the area via a webcam before heading out.

For those seeking adventure, the Nun’s Path hike is a must-try! It’s a relatively easy downhill trail with stunning views, perfect for a half-day experience.

Here’s how you do it: take bus 81 from Funchal up to Eira do Serrado. Start by visiting the viewing platform, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. From there, the real adventure begins—a 2.5 km downhill hike leading you to the picturesque village of Curral das Freiras.

Once at the bottom, you can hop back on bus 81 to return to Funchal. The whole trip, including the bus ride, costs just €5.20—easily one of the best ways to spend your time and money on Madeira.

For the more experienced hikers looking for an extra challenge, you can opt to hike back up the Nun’s Path. Trust me, it’s a workout, but the views and sense of accomplishment are worth it!

Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira's highest peaks at 1,818 meters, offers breathtaking views of the island's rugged landscape. Accessible by car, it's a popular spot for sunrise and sunset hikes. The trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point, is a challenging yet rewarding adventure, featuring dramatic ridges and stunning vistas. With its unique flora and fauna, Pico do Arieiro is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Whether you catch the sunrise or soak in the sunset, this viewpoint promises an unforgettable experience that will make you feel on top of the world!

Make sure to check the weather and cloud conditions in the area via a webcam 1 before heading out.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable transfer with a reliable company here for sunrise and here for sunset (I recommend sunset)

If you prefer a more private transfer, you can book it through this link.