10 reasons to visit Madeira, from sensational views to wine festivals and more

Historically strategic as a trading post between Africa, Europe and the Americas, this sub-tropical haven is a draw for hikers, walkers and nature fans as much as food and wine lovers.

1. For the sensational views

A trip in Funchal’s famous cable car is the best way to take in the island’s extraordinary topography and glorious vistas. 

Reassuringly solid and very new-looking, it glides effortlessly while climbing to a height of 560m. 

The ride is utterly breathtaking as it carries you up, up and away into the clouds, over the city and outlying neighbourhoods, always with the ocean in your eyeliner. 

The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs €12 per adult one way or €18 return.

• madeiracablecar.com

2. For tropical tranquillity

Just a few minutes’ walk from the cable car station is Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a beautiful place to while away a few hours amongst the cool, lush greenery. 

Following a series of guided paths, you can enjoy oriental gardens, ceramic tile exhibits, lakes, waterfalls, museums, the palace and of course, more wonderful views.

€12.50 per person. 

• montepalace.com

3. For an adrenalin rush

When you’ve had your fill of mountaintop delights, you could take a toboggan back to town. 

A popular tourist attraction, the ‘vehicles’ are of the traditional wicker basket variety which were used by residents in the early 19th century as a means of getting to Funchal. 

Guided by two ‘runners’ in straw boaters, the 10-minute ride travels at the surprising speed of 30kmph.

€15 per person.

• madeira.best/product/madeira-toboggan-ride-on-traditional-wicker-basket-sledges

4. For a little tradition

You don’t have to be a seamstress to have an interest in Bordal de Madeira, the embroidery factory which was established in 1962 and is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of the famous Madeira Embroidery, boasting both celebrity and royal clients. 

Tours take around 20 minutes and it’s very interesting to see the women still working the machinery with methods which have been used for generations and to see the hard graft which lies behind the beautiful finished product.

• bordal.pt

5. For culinary highs

Located in the centre of Funchal, the capital, Mercado dos Lavradores is a market specialising in vegetables, fruit, flowers and fish and, although quite modest in size, is a riot of colour, smells and sounds. 

Don’t be surprised to find some unfamiliar produce that you may never even have heard of, let alone tasted before. 

There is also a fantastic bakery for coffee and an obligatory delicious pastel de nata. 

And when lunchtime comes around, make a point of seeking out Espada com banana (black scabbard fish with banana), espetada Madeirense (beef on a skewer) and bolo de mel, a traditional sponge cake with nuts and spices.

6. For the ultimate nature walk

Madeira’s an island of waterfalls, cascading down lush green valleys and creating an Eden-like environment. 

Lace up your hiking boots and explore via Madeira’s famous network of levadas. 

These irrigation canals, crisscrossing the interior, have been adapted into wonderful walking trails, opening up dense forests, rugged peaks and coastal curves to intrepid walkers and nature lovers.

It’s a wonderful way to experience nature.

7. For wandering and watching

Pinned between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Funchal is compact and relaxed, making it an easy city to explore by foot. 

Start with an al fresco breakfast at A Bordadeira, followed by a morning of window shopping and people-watching. 

Try Noz Café for a delicious lunch while watching the world go by at the perfect ‘do-nothing’ kind of place.

8. For sipping (and harvesting)

Madeira is famous for fortified wine, its eponymous export, and there is always something going on to celebrate that fact. 

From winery tours to wine festivals and tastings, it’s a fun way to learn about the island’s favourite tipple, even if it’s not to your taste. 

One of the island’s best-known winemakers, Blandy’s, runs several unusual events throughout the year, such as a moonlight dinner and harvest. 

In a magical setting overlooking the city, dinner is served on the lawn under soft lighting with live jazz. 

After good food and wines, guests are given headlamps and cutters and guided through a series of dark tunnels to the vineyard where using only their lamps for light, the entire vineyard is harvested. 

It might seem like hard work, but it is one way to earn your supper and is great fun.

• blandyswinelodge.com

9. For the sea life

What better way to experience life in and around an island than heading out to sea on a boat to try and catch sight of wildlife? 

Of course, catching a glimpse of whales and dolphins is never guaranteed, but it is still a memorable experience with fresh sea air and plenty of sea birds and gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see.

From €30 per person. 

• venturadomar.com

10. For off-road antics

Jeep safaris are a smart way to take in the best and most remote highlights of this precipitous island. 

Driving through valleys, over mountains, down dirt tracks, through dense woodland, to coastal towns, banana plantations, mango groves and remote dwellings, it also includes lunch at the remote Quinto de Barbarosa to sample the aforementioned traditional beef dish, espetada Madeirense. 

If you do nothing else when you visit Madeira, make sure to book a day out with Bravelanders.

Shared tours from €27.50 per person.

• bravelanders.co