Madeira: The Luxury Adventurer's Guide

Pico do Arieiro

Often referred to as the “Stairway to Heaven,” this dramatic hike is at its most magical at sunrise. The ridge-line views are otherworldly, and although it’s a challenging trail, it’s an unforgettable experience. (Note: Due to the 2024 fires, parts of the trail may be closed—always check current conditions before setting out.)

Levada das 25 Fontes

This lush levada trail winds through dense forest to a series of cascading waterfalls. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Madeira and offers a uniquely tranquil escape into nature.

Wine tasting & 4x4 tour

Madeiran wine is world-renowned, and tasting it at the source is a must. For an adventurous twist, opt for a 4x4 wine tour that takes you off the beaten path through dramatic interior landscapes you won’t find along the coast.

Praia de Machico

One of the few golden-sand beaches on the island, Praia de Machico is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. It’s great for swimming and ideal if you’re craving some beach time in between hikes.

Whale- & dolphin-watching tour

Madeira is one of the best spots in Europe for seeing whales and dolphins. Whether you go with a small private boat or a larger group tour, this is a magical, bucket-list experience for nature lovers.

Sunset at Câmara de Lobos

This charming fishing village is the perfect place to end your day. Take a sunset stroll along the cliffs or enjoy dinner with stunning panoramic views.

Funchal Market & Old Town

Wander through the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal to sample local fruits, spices, and fresh fish. Then explore the colorful street art and charming alleyways of the Old Town. It’s a great way to experience Madeira’s cultural side.

Regional Flavours

A hidden treasure with excellent, very fresh food. The drink selection was slim, so focus on the food. We got the sharing plate for two—a chef’s special that had three types of fish, along with mussels, shrimp, and calamari.

Jarana “Tapas and enchidos”

Since this restaurant is tapas-style, it allows you to order a little bit of everything. Our taste buds were dancing, and I especially recommend the Caesar salad (trust me!), croquettes, and (red) sangria.

Three House Restaurant

They have a beautiful rooftop bar that perfectly sets the mood for your finely crafted cocktails. The food portions were small for our American taste, but the food itself was delicious.

Restaurante Il Basilico Funchal

Italian wasn’t really on my radar, but apparently it should have been! The menu had a little something for everyone—we attempted to try it all and suggest you do the same.

Jin Garden

Beautiful rooftop view for sitting outside and looking over the harbor. The sushi was fresh, and they had some delicious options for land lovers, such as the sticky ribs.

Konsai Sushi

This is a great lunch place if you are looking for some poke bowls or quick sushi. It has a more casual vibe for the times you want to get in and out.