Madeira: Scenic Drives, Levadas & Coastal Villages

Funchal, the island’s capital and cultural heart: Spend the morning exploring Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha), known for its historic streets, painted doors, tiled buildings, and relaxed café culture. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, where you’ll find local fruits, flowers, seafood, and Madeiran specialties.

East Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço in East Madeira are home to some of the island’s most dramatic viewpoints. Start early with a visit to Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest peaks in Madeira, offering breathtaking views above the clouds. Visit Santana, famous for its traditional triangular houses, before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged peninsula with striking coastal views and walking trails unlike anywhere else on the island.

West Madeira: Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, and the scenic coastlines (actually my fave!) Begin in Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village just outside Funchal. Continue to Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, famous for its glass skywalk and panoramic views. Drive north toward Porto Moniz, stopping at waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. Porto Moniz is best known for its natural volcanic swimming pools, a highlight for many travelers visiting Madeira. As you return south, enjoy sunset views over the Atlantic—a defining experience of western Madeira.

Dedicate one day to Madeira’s famous levada walks, choosing a trail that suits your pace and comfort level—from gentle forest paths to more dramatic cliffside routes. Alternatively, enjoy a slower day exploring botanical gardens, relaxing at your hotel, or indulging in a spa experience. Madeira rewards travelers who allow time to pause and take in the scenery.

Quinta do Barbusano is one of Madeira’s most respected wineries, beautifully set among rolling hills and vineyards in the island’s interior. Family-owned and focused on quality over quantity, the estate produces elegant Madeiran table wines that reflect the island’s unique terroir. A visit here offers a deeper look into Madeira’s modern winemaking scene, with tastings that highlight indigenous grape varieties and the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The setting itself is serene and scenic, making Quinta do Barbusano a wonderful stop for travelers interested in wine, local agriculture, and a quieter side of Madeira beyond the coastline.

Golf in Madeira offers a unique experience, combining world-class courses with dramatic island scenery. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira’s mountainous landscapes, the island’s golf courses are known for their spectacular views, varied terrain, and well-maintained greens. Courses such as Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra provide a challenging yet enjoyable round for players of all levels, with elevation changes and coastal vistas that make each game memorable.

Avista (Funchal): A beautiful oceanfront restaurant, known for its relaxed sophistication, excellent seafood, and sunset views over the Atlantic.

Kampo, by Chef Júlio Pereira (Funchal): A contemporary restaurant highlighting Madeira’s terroir through inventive dishes, bold flavors, and a stylish, modern atmosphere.

Akua, by Chef Júlio Pereira (Funchal): Seafood-forward and refined, Akua celebrates Madeira’s connection to the ocean with elegant presentations and excellent technique.

Casa Velha do Palheiro: A fine-dining restaurant set within a historic manor house, offering elegant cuisine in a romantic, garden-filled setting—ideal for a special evening.

Villa Cipriani (Funchal): Classic Italian dining with sweeping views over Funchal, beloved for its refined service, timeless menu, and terrace overlooking the city.

Nikkei (Savoy Palace / The Reserve): Nikkei blends the refined techniques of Japanese cooking with the vibrant flavors and ingredients of Peruvian cuisine, resulting in a culinary experience that’s both innovative and deeply satisfying.