Things to Do in Madeira — Levadas, Hikes & Funchal

Madeira’s activities divide into outdoor and urban. The outdoor options — levada walks, mountain hikes, whale watching, natural pools — require a car and some planning. The Funchal-based options (cable car, market, wine lodges) are walkable from the city centre.

Levada Walks

The island’s 2,500km network of irrigation channels (levadas) provide flat walking paths through otherwise steep terrain. The maintenance paths alongside the channels are the best way to reach the interior forest without technical hiking.

PR1 Levada do Caldeirão Verde — 16km return, starting from Queimadas (a park of traditional thatched houses at 890m). The trail runs through mature laurissilva forest (a UNESCO World Heritage habitat of ancient laurel and heather trees) and passes through four rock tunnels — carry a torch. This is the most atmospheric levada walk on the island; allow a full day and start before 9am.

PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes — 8km return from Rabaçal, ending at a pool fed by 25 separate springs. Easier and shorter than PR1, but popular — midday crowds are heavy from June to September. Start by 8am or arrive after 3pm.

PR4 Levada dos Balcões — 3km return, almost entirely flat, accessible to all fitness levels. The payoff is a viewpoint over the central valley with Pico Ruivo visible when clear. Trailhead at Ribeiro Frio. Allow 1 hour.

Mountain Hikes

Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira — the easy route to Madeira’s highest point (1,862m). The trailhead is at 1,592m, so the altitude gain is modest. The path is 3km (1h30 up), mostly stone steps, well-marked. The summit views on a clear day extend across the entire island. Go early; clouds arrive by noon most days.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo traverse — 9km, approximately 5 hours one-way. This is a serious mountain day: exposed ridgeline, metal chain sections, significant drops. The route requires reasonable fitness and is not suitable in wet or windy conditions. Drive both ends (leave a car at each) or arrange a taxi pickup at Achada do Teixeira. The traverse is one of the best ridge walks in the Atlantic islands.

Pico do Arieiro summit drive — you can drive to the car park at 1,818m and walk to the summit viewpoint in 10 minutes. At sunrise, the peaks emerge above a sea of cloud. There is a café at the summit. No hiking required.

Funchal

Teleférico do Funchal — cable car from Zona Velha (Funchal’s Old Town) up to Monte, 560m above. The ride takes 15 minutes. Return ticket: €18. From Monte, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a 5-minute walk (entry €12.50, worth visiting for the azulejo tile panels and extensive gardens).

Monte Toboggan — from Monte’s main square, the wicker sledge taxi takes passengers 2km back down towards Funchal on wooden runners, pushed by two men in white suits. It has operated since the 19th century. Cost: €30 for two passengers. The ride ends at Livramento, not in the city centre — you’ll need a taxi or bus the last stretch.

Mercado dos Lavradores — the covered market in central Funchal. Tropical fruits (custard apple, passion fruit, papaya, tamarillo, pitanga), dried herbs, fresh orchids, and the fish hall where espada (scabbard fish, unique to Madeira’s deep waters) is sold. Open Monday–Friday 7am–7pm, Saturday 7am–2pm. Go before 10am for atmosphere.

Zona Velha painted doors — the eastern quarter of Funchal has had its street doors painted as public art since 2010. Over 200 doors, each unique. The surrounding neighbourhood has the best restaurants in Funchal. Walking it takes 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Porto Moniz Rock Pools

The northwest coast, 2 hours from Funchal by car. Natural basalt lava pools filled and refreshed by Atlantic waves — one of the few swimming options on the island outside of hotel pools. Entry costs €2. Facilities include changing rooms and a café. The drive around the north coast (ER101) is itself worthwhile — sheer cliffs, waterfalls spilling across the road.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and loggerhead turtles are all sighted regularly. Seasonal visitors include fin whales and pilot whales. Tours depart from Machico (east coast) and Calheta (west coast); trips run 2–3 hours, costing €45–65 per person. The best season is April–October.

Madeira Wine Tastings

Blandy’s Wine Lodge — the most accessible wine cellar in Funchal, on Avenida Arriaga in the city centre. Free guided cellar tour runs throughout the day; wine tastings from €10 (3 wines) to €25 (5 wines including vintage). The 10-year and 20-year Malmsey and Bual are the best introduction to aged Madeira.

Festivals

Madeira Flower Festival — May. A weekend parade through Funchal followed by a carpet of flowers laid in the Sé Cathedral square. Hotels book up well in advance.

Atlantic Festival — June. Friday-night fireworks over the bay for the entire month, visible from the seafront.

New Year’s Eve — December 31. The Guinness World Record fireworks display. Funchal fills with visitors; accommodation must be booked 3–6 months ahead, with New Year’s Eve prices typically 3–5× normal rates.