Funchal : Starting Location, it can be arranged to be any other point in the island.
Caniço : It is considered one of the most beautiful and pleasant parishes of Madeira, perhaps because it offers visitors a bit of everything: beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, fabulous beaches, unique nature, fantastic conditions practicing various sports, excellent hotels, and restaurants. Caniço is much sought after by tourists visiting Madeira, whether in summer or winter. It is enjoyed as a place of fun but also as a resting place. One of the strengths of this parish is the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve. It is the only exclusively marine reserve in the country, which thanks to its extraordinary biological richness and its crystal blue waters, offers unparalleled conditions for snorkelling and diving.
Machico : We have to go through the pages of Machico’s History to get to the origins of Madeira’s human occupation. This is because it was here that, in July 1419, Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira set ashore when they discovered the island. Therefore, this municipality is specially symbolic for all Madeirans.
Ponta de São Lourenço : It is a peninsula of volcanic origin, mostly made of basalt, but with some limestone sediment formations. At the end of it, there are two islets: Desembrcadouro Islet and Farol Islet.The semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds explain the low vegetation and the absence of trees in this place, contrasting with the rest of the island. It is classified as a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, home to rare plants and a diversified fauna. Besides one of the largest colonies of seagulls in the region, and protected seabirds such as shearwaters and Bulwer’s petrels, at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço you may, with some luck, observe marine species in their habitat, namely the monk-seal.At the end of the walk along Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, enjoy a well-deserved swim at Cais do Sardinha.
Porto Da Cruz : It is a rural parish, where the predominant activity is agriculture. It is famous the “American wine” produced in a very particular way in this parish.The production of sugar cane is also very popular in this parish, but it is the historical Engenho, the only one in Europe.Porto da Cruz is a small, charming town located on the northeastern coast of the island of Madeira in Portugal. This picturesque town sits at the foot of soaring mountains, overlooking the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its rugged natural beauty and laid-back way of life. Porto da Cruz is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and lush greenery providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, surfing, and exploring. In fact, the town became a popular hotspot for surfing in Europe.
Faial : Is a parish of Santana county, located North Coast, at an altitude of about 219 meters. Faial prides itself on its beautiful natural landscapes, its rural environment, Penha de Águia and the fantastic Nature.Located on the north coast of the island of Madeira, in the municipality of Santana, Foz da Ribeira do Faial is a place of special interest in this region, ideal for those seeking natural scenery where to enjoy leisure time. In or out of the water. Here, bathers can enjoy a small pebble beach with a natural pool. The landscape setting could not be more peculiar. Next to this site is an interesting geological structure, a prismatic or columnar disjunction, resulting from lava flows. The view is complemented by the crystal-clear ocean and the surrounding dense green mountains, typical of the north coast of Madeira.
Santana : The ‘casinhas de Santana’ became icons widely known nationally (and beyond) for the peculiar beauty of their architectural style. With a triangular shape and covered in thatch, they are the greater symbol of this municipality on the north coast of the island of Madeira. In fact, these typical houses are a reflection of the isolation of this location, which for a long time was difficult to reach by land and sea. The preservation of unique cultural traits, as a result of that contingency, become a heritage of enormous value for this municipality, which currently has around 8,800 inhabitants.
Funchal : Starting Location, it can be arranged to be any other point ins the island.
Cabo Girão : 580 metres high, Cabo Girão is the highest promontory in Europe. But that is not the only reason why it is becoming increasingly famous all over the world. Viewpoint, with its famous suspended glass platform – called skywalk – is currently one of the most visited (and certainly most photographed) tourist attractions of the archipelago. The Cabo Girão viewpoint offers a unique perspective over the cities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal: an urban scenery framed by a natural amphitheatre facing south.
Camara De Lobos : located on Madeira’s south coast, was the first place inhabited by João Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator who discovered this ‘pearl of the Atlantic’. He stayed there between 1420 and 1424, so this was the first settlement created in Madeira, elevated to parish status in 1430. Its historical legacy is, therefore, very relevant. The name of this municipality comes from the fact that, when the island was discovered, there was a large number of sea lions in the cove that we can still find here today with the same configuration. In this region, various monuments recall this historical period, from the Nossa Senhora da Conceição chapel, founded in the 15th century, to the old convent of São Bernardino, from 1425, and the São Sebastião church, built in the 16th century.
Ribeira Brava : The municipality of Ribeira Brava is located on Madeira’s southwest coast and exhibits a diverse natural and cultural heritage. Its main economic activity is agriculture. From the cultivation of vegetables, cereal, fruit and vineyards.The church of São Bento, built in the fifteenth century can be observed in the village of Ribeira Brava.
Madalena do Mar : characteristic fishing village with a beautiful promenade along the pebble beach. Its location and the corresponding climate have helped it to become the largest banana producer on Madeira Island.
Ponta do Sol: Situated on the southwest coast of the island of Madeira, the municipality of Ponta do Sol is known for generally enjoying the most hours of sunshine per year. It is, therefore, a place much appreciated by those seeking to enjoy sunny days on the beach or in contact with some idyllic spots in Nature, for example.
Paul do Mar : Situated southwest of the island of Madeira, Paul do Mar stands out for the undeniable beauty of its surroundings and its deep-rooted fishing tradition, which mark the daily life and profile of this town to this day.
Jardim Do Mar : Situated on a ‘fajã’ sheltered by imposing rocky cliffs, the parish of Jardim do Mar is a must-see on Madeira’s west coast. Here, the majestic natural scenery matches the town’s picturesque profile.
Calheta : The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and the west end of the island of Madeira. Many points of interest attract a large number of visitors to this municipality, from the countless hiking trails in Nature to the diversity of its beaches, as well as cultural or historically-relevant spaces.
Funchal : Starting Location, it can be arranged to be any other point ins the island.
Cabo Girao : It is the highest cliff in Europe, 580 m high, famous for its suspended glass platform. It offers a vertiginous view on the Rancho and Cabo Girão fajãs.
Ribeira Brava : The municipality of Ribeira Brava is located on Madeira’s southwest coast and exhibits a diverse natural and cultural heritage. Its main economic activity is agriculture. From the cultivation of vegetables, cereal, fruit and vineyards.The church of São Bento, built in the fifteenth century can be observed in the village of Ribeira Brava.
Paul da Serra : Is the largest and most extensive plateau of the island of Madeira with about 24 km², with an average altitude of approximately 1500 meters.
Fanal Forest : At Fanal, the main role is undoubtedly played by the centuries-old Til (Ocotea foetens) forest – with trees that date back to a time before the discovery of the archipelago. They are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which expresses itself here in an impressive state of conservation given its vitality.
Ribeira Da Janela: Ribeira da Janela is famous for the fertility of its soils, whose irrigation is guaranteed by the ‘levadas’ of Lombo Gordo and Cedros. In addition, the mountains of the parish display the dense Laurissilva Forest, which is particularly exuberant in Fanal.
Porto Moniz : Porto Moniz is a mandatory stopover either for its natural beauty, the trails that cross the Laurissilva or the emblematic natural pools, as well as its important historical and cultural heritage.
Seixal : Seixal Beach is one of the best gateways to Porto Moniz for visitors. From here, you can easily reach multiple points of interest, such as the hiking trails that cross the Laurissilva Forest, for example. A black sand beach contrasting with the overlooking green mountains and bathed by a crystal-clear sea: this is how the idyllic setting of Porto de Abrigo do Seixal beach can be described.
Funchal : Starting Location, it can be arranged to be any other point ins the island.
São Vicente : The municipality of São Vicente is home to a vast natural and cultural heritage, where the vivacity of the Laurissilva Forest, the emblematic volcanic caves or its picturesque historical monuments stand out.
Ponta Delgada : The parish of Ponta Delgada, in the municipality of São Vicente, has a special connection to the sea, reflected in its centuries-old fishing tradition. It is not surprising, therefore, that the small bay that borders the coastline of this town became an area of special interest. Here you can find the Ponta Delgada Bathing Complex.
Boa Ventura : Belonging to the municipality of São Vicente, on the north coast of the island of Madeira, this small and peaceful parish is situated in mountainous green surroundings. It is, in fact, considered a true natural sanctuary, where the beauty of the valleys torn by multiple water courses turns this space into a small isolated oasis. If you’re looking for a predominantly quiet place, you’ve found it.
Sao Jorge : The main activity of the population is agriculture.The sugar cane culture in Madeira dates back to the 15th century. Due to the relevance that this agricultural species quickly gained in the territory, the island became a major supplier of sugar to the whole of Europe. In the São Jorge Ruins, visitors have the opportunity to travel through the pages of this history. Located in Calhau de São Jorge, this centre is formed by the ruins of the old sugar cane mills that were installed there in the early days of the island’s settlement process. Of these old buildings, stands out the very well-preserved pebble entrance portico.
Santana : The ‘casinhas de Santana’ became icons widely known nationally (and beyond) for the peculiar beauty of their architectural style. With a triangular shape and covered in thatch, they are the greater symbol of this municipality on the north coast of the island of Madeira. In fact, these typical houses are a reflection of the isolation of this location, which for a long time was difficult to reach by land and sea. The preservation of unique cultural traits, as a result of that contingency, become a heritage of enormous value for this municipality, which currently has around 8,800 inhabitants.
Faial : Is a parish of Santana county, located North Coast, at an altitude of about 219 meters. Faial prides itself on its beautiful natural landscapes, its rural environment, Penha de Águia and the fantastic Nature. Is a parish of Santana county, located North Coast, at an altitude of about 219 meters. Faial prides itself on its beautiful natural landscapes, its rural environment, Penha de Águia and the fantastic Nature. Located on the north coast of the island of Madeira, in the municipality of Santana, Foz da Ribeira do Faial is a place of special interest in this region, ideal for those seeking natural scenery where to enjoy leisure time. In or out of the water. Here, bathers can enjoy a small pebble beach with a natural pool. The landscape setting could not be more peculiar. Next to this site is an interesting geological structure, a prismatic or columnar disjunction, resulting from lava flows. The view is complemented by the crystal-clear ocean and the surrounding dense green mountains, typical of the north coast of Madeira.
Porto da Cruz : It is a rural parish, where the predominant activity is agriculture. It is famous the “American wine” produced in a very particular way in this parish.The production of sugar cane is also very popular in this parish, but it is the historical Engenho, the only one in Europe. Porto da Cruz is a small, charming town located on the northeastern coast of the island of Madeira in Portugal. This picturesque town sits at the foot of soaring mountains, overlooking the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its rugged natural beauty and laid-back way of life. Porto da Cruz is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and lush greenery providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, surfing, and exploring. In fact, the town became a popular hotspot for surfing in Europe.
Funchal : Starting Point, it can be arranged to be any other point ins the island.
Pico Dos Barcelos : With an area of approximately 75 km², Funchal is divided into 10 parishes, which extend virtually from the sea to the mountain. All of them have attractions worth visiting and, although the centre of Funchal is the jewel of the crown, the truth is that some of the most spectacular viewpoints are found in the parishes further away from the centre, at higher altitudes, offering panoramic views over the natural amphitheatre that embraces Funchal.
Eira do Serrado : Located 25 minutes north of Funchal, Eira do Serrado is one of the most beautiful places in Madeira, with its magnificent views of the mountains and the valley of Curral das Freiras.
Curral das Freiras : Is a small parish, surrounded by huge mountains, in the heart of the Island. The cauldron of this village was formed either by erosion, or, as many believe, by volcanic activity. In 1566, the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara, escaped from pirates attacking Funchal, found refuge here, taking with them the treasure of the convent.
Pico do Areeiro : Pico do Areeiro, the third-highest point on the island of Madeira, is located at an altitude of 1,818 metres. From this elevated spot, the ample view allows observers to extend their gaze over the unique grandeurs of Madeira’s Mountainous Massif, with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Besides the wide view over the central mountain range, from Pico do Areeiro you can also see Ponta de São Lourenço, Curral das Freiras and, on clear days, the island of Porto Santo.
Ribeiro Frio ( Balcoes Levada ) : Vereda dos Balcões is a short 1.5 km long trail (+ 1.5 km return), that takes you to enjoy the views from the Balcões Viewpoint. Beginning at regional road ER 103, in Ribeiro Frio, this trail is easy and takes about 1:30 hours alongside Levada da Serra do Faial. The Vereda dos Balcões trail will be an opportunity to come across indigenous and endemic species, offering different shades of green to the Laurissilva forest. While hiking, pay attention to the tree species of the Lauraceae family and the exotic species distributed along the edges of the trail. At the end of Vereda dos Balcões, you will arrive at the Balcões viewpoint, where you can take a glimpse at a magnificent scenery. You will find valleys covered by the dense green area that characterises the Laurissilva.
Terreiro da Luta : The landscape that surrounds the Terreiro da Luta Viewpoint is defined by the colourful mosaic formed by the city of Funchal. In the background, the iconic bay of this Atlantic city stands out with the ocean as a backdrop. A visit to the Terreiro da Luta Viewpoint is highly recommended due to this memorable panorama, of course, but also given the importance of the historical landmark you will find there. We are talking about the Nossa Senhora da Paz Sanctuary, the largest monument on the island, with a total height of five metres.
Monte : Nobly situated in the locality of Monte, on top of a hill with a panoramic view over the bay of Funchal, the Monte Palace Madeira Gardens comprises some 100,000 plant species spread over an area of 70,000 m². And this place, marked by dense exotic flora, is where you can find the Monte Palace Museum.