The magical island of Madeira lured us to its shores with fascinating landscapes, abundant nature and rich history. Rugged and remote – yet readily welcoming travelers with a slew of attractions – there are an astounding number of fun things to do on Madeira Island!
As much as we were intrigued, we were concerned about driving on Madeira. Generally, we prefer not to rent a car while traveling – and the island’s winding roads, steep inclines and congested parking lots made us even more uneasy about getting behind the wheel.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Instead of agonizing over it, we shifted our focus to Madeira things to do without a car. Even though most travelers contend a vehicle is necessary for exploring the island, we didn’t find that to be true at all.
We walked, used public transport and joined tours to get to top Madeira sights. Now we are sharing our honest tips for a car-free trip.
Want more advice for planning your daily adventures? Our 7 Day Madeira Itinerary is a great place to start!
10 Best Things To Do on Madeira Island, Portugal
Based on our personal experiences, we are highlighting the top 10 ways to take a Madeira vacation – sans car. In this article we share attraction information, transit options along with a helpful map.
#1 Have Fun in Funchal
Serving as the archipelago’s capital city, Funchal is a hub of activity. Partaking in wine tastings, boat tours and toboggan rides – as well as visiting tropical gardens and historic sights – are some of the Fun Things To Do in Funchal.
The city’s best restaurants showcase the island’s unique cuisine. You can read about all our Favorite Places to Eat in Madeira.
We believe Funchal is the best place to stay on Madeira – especially if you don’t plan on driving. Not only is the city easy to discover on foot, but there are tons of public transportation routes and organized tours that depart from here.
Finding a central place to stay in Funchal will make getting around so much easier. We highlight our top picks for accommodations on our list of Madeira Travel Tips!
#2 Visit Camara de Lobos Fishing Village
Ranking as the first inhabited town on Madeira Island, Camara de Lobos boasts a renowned fishing culture. It also happens to be the biggest producer of Madeira wine grapes.
We easily planned a relaxing half-day trip to Camara de Lobos using public transportation. Once there, we were content to slowly soak up the charm of the village.
We watched the colorful Xavelhas – traditional boats – that bob in the marina. Then stopped by Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, a beautiful little chapel just steps from the water.
Of course, we couldn’t resist snapping a selfie with the life-size Winston Churchill Statue. It marks the spot where the British Prime Minister sat and painted during his visit to Madeira.
With a little effort, we climbed up to Jardim do Ilheu. The elevated green space overlooks the sea with views that extend to the astounding Cabo Girao cliff face. The park is also a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch.
Below the viewpoint you might notice the long stretch of black pebbly shoreline called Praia de Vigario. It’s a popular Madeira beach to go swimming, but it’s best to wear water shoes!
Another point of interest in Camara de Lobos is the Press Museum (Museu de Imprensa da Madeira). It details the history of printing on the island. You can also check out Henriques and Henriques Winery, where they offer tours and tastings!
Getting To Camara de Lobos
From Funchal, Camara de Lobos can be reached by tourist bus, tuk-tuk tour or public bus. For very ambitious travelers, it can even be reached on foot.
We used the public bus, which was fairly convenient and affordable. Just be aware that it does not take you all the way into the village.
Passengers disembark along a main road and then need to walk 15 minutes along the coastline (and past a cement factory) in order to reach the marina.
#3 Embark on a Madeira Coastal Walk
The southern coastline of Madeira Island is exceptionally beautiful. Even better, it’s lined with a pedestrian path that extends from Funchal all the way to Camara de Lobos.
More than once, we set off on seaside walks. In our opinion, it’s the best way to experience the coastal scenery along this section of Madeira.
The route follows the shoreline, passing unique rock formations, black sand beaches and natural swimming pools.
A highlight of the trek is the Tunel das Pocas do Gomes – a 100-meter-long tunnel with a cave that opens to the ocean.
Top Travel Tip
The stretch between Camara de Lobos and Pocas do Gomes Tunnel is the most beautiful. We recommend starting at Camara de Lobos, then catching a bus back to Funchal at the Sao Martinho Sunset Viewpoint.
#4 Go Swimming in Madeira
Praia Formosa is the best beach near Funchal – at least in terms of scenic beauty. The beach itself consists mostly of volcanic rocks and some black sand, which we did not find very comfortable for sunbathing or swimming.
Aqua shoes, a beach chair and an umbrella will help immensely, but we would only swim here if there were lifeguards on duty. Formosa Beach, however, is an excellent place for sunset!
A more comfortable place to swim and sunbath is at the nearby Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools. An entry fee is required – and an additional charge for sun beds and umbrellas – but we feel it’s well-worth it.
Alternatively, the Lido Bathing Complexes at Ponta Gordo and Balnear offer saltwater swimming pools and easy access into the sea – plus loungers and umbrellas – for one flat fee.
Transit Tip
Several Funchal buses follow the coastline to the beaches we suggest. Rides are inexpensive and will take about 30 minutes.
#5 Dare to Look Down from Cabo Girao
The Cabo Girao Cliff, located to the west of Funchal, rises an astounding 1,900 feet above sea level. It is often touted as the highest sea cliff in Europe – and the view is completely mesmerizing.
Despite my dizzying fear of heights, I was compelled to step out onto the Cabo Girao Skywalk. The glass-bottomed platform extends over the edge, allowing you to look straight down to the sea crashing on the rocks far, far below.
Get There Without a Car
There are several ways to reach the Cabo Girao Viewpoint. We visited as part of a tour – but it’s also possible to take a taxi or the Funchal Hop On Hop Off Bus.
A cable car – called the Teleferico das Fajas do Cabo Girao – can also be used by locals and visitors alike to travel to the base of the cliff.
#6 Travel to the Valley of the Nuns, Madeira
One of the most beautiful places we visited was the Valley of Nuns – or Curral das Freiras. Nestled in a gorge surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, we believe this spot is a must-see on your Madeira trip.
There are a couple theories about how Valley of the Nuns earned its unusual name. The first is that, in 1480, after the land was donated to the Santa Clara Convent, the valley was named in honor of the sisters taking up residence.
The other belief is a much more tantalizing tale. As the story goes, in 1566, Funchal was invaded by pirates. Nuns living in the city fled to the valley. They were successful in outsmarting the pirates and the area was named for their witty evasion.
Today, the town itself consists of little more than a smattering of houses, a church and a cemetery. However, it is famous for its chestnut products.
You can order the local delicacy in a variety of forms – from chestnut cream soup to tofu with chestnut puree to chestnut cake.
While the village is fun to visit, it’s also quite the sight from afar. The Miradouro Eira do Serrado viewpoint offers the most magnificent vista.
Getting There
For our trip to the Valley of the Nuns, we started at the viewpoint. There is a handy bus from Funchal to Miradouro Eira do Serrado.
After taking in the sweeping views, we used a cliffside trail to hike down into town. The trek took us about an hour (which allowed for plenty of time to savor the scenery).
To return, this bus stop in the center of town is where you can catch a ride back to Funchal. Half day tours also visit the viewpoint and village.
#7 Walk to Balcoes Viewpoint from Ribeiro Frio
The Ribeiro Frio to Vereda dos Balcoes Hike (Trail PR11) is a must-do in Madeira! The flat, shaded, out-and-back route is less than 2 miles roundtrip.
It’s an easy path that traverses through a forest of trees – and culminates at an outstanding vista. With several rocky peaks encircling the space, the mountain views are jaw-dropping.
How To Get There
Although somewhat inconspicuous, the trailhead is actually not that difficult to reach. We were allotted time to make the jaunt while on this tour. It’s also possible to get there using the public bus.
#8 Hike Madeira from Ribeiro Frio to Portela
The Levadas da Madeira are an ancient – but still functioning – aqueduct system. The island is home to 500 miles of the irrigation channels – and the narrow paths alongside the canals are ideal for walking.
The Levada PR10 walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela was our favorite. Stretching about 7 miles through the Laurissilva Forest (a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site), the mostly flat hike can be completed in about 4 hours.
Using Madeira Buses for this Hike
We used one bus to get from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio, where the trailhead was just steps from the stop.
Once completing the trek, we admired the coastal view from Miradouro da Portela (which encompasses the famous Eagle Rock) – then rode the next bus bound for Funchal. The Levada do Furado trail can also be completed on a fun guided tour.
#9 Adventurous Day Trip to Madeira East
The eastern sights on the Island of Madeira are simply spectacular. The best things to see in East Madeira are the top of Pico do Arieiro, the view from Miradouro do Guindaste in Faial and the traditional houses in Santana.
It’s also worth stopping at Ponta de Sao Lourenco, which marks the easternmost point. You can also visit Machico to cool off with a swim. The town is known for its yellow sand beach (which was imported from Morocco).
How To Get to East Madeira
Although we generally prefer to plan our own day trips, the public buses in this area are quite limited.
Organized tours make it possible to see multiple attractions in a single day. Plus, the local guides have a wealth of information about the sights and the culture.
As budget-conscious travelers, we looked for small-group, affordable tours and this East Madeira Organized Trip ticked all the boxes and we had a wonderful day!
#10 West Madeira Excursions from Funchal
The west side of Madeira is equally enthralling and a looping tour around the area is a fabulous way to spend a day!
Ribeira Brava, a coastal village where you will find a 15th century church and local market, makes a great first stop. The absolute highlight, however, is Porto Moniz, with its natural volcanic rock swimming pools.
Other top attractions are Veu da Noiva Waterfall, Sao Vicente Village and Encumeada’s Viewpoint.
Note that the Cabo Girao Skywalk Viewpoint (#5 above) is a western Madeira point of interest, as well. A stop here is included on most tours of west Madeira from Funchal.
How To Get to West Madeira
While it is slightly easier to get around West Madeira using public transportation, it can still be quite time consuming.
Those who want to see multiple sights in one day will definitely make the most of their time by joining an Organized West Madeira Tour.
We felt this tour was 100% worth the cost – as we were able to spend time in places on Madeira that we would have not otherwise been able to reach without a vehicle.
More Madeira Things To Do
Above, we outlined the things to do in Madeira that we personally experienced – but there is more to see without a car!
Additional Madeira Hiking Trails
Hiking in Madeira is one of the top island activities – and it’s possible to plan trekking adventures from Funchal with public buses or by joining organized tours.
Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco (Trail PR8)
This rugged 4.35-mile roundtrip trek is one of the most popular hikes from Funchal. However, be aware that there is zero shade and parts of the trail can be challenging (especially in this notoriously windy area).
The trailhead is reached on a guided tour or by Bus 113 (although it’s a rather slow and long bus ride from Funchal!).
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hiking Trail (PR1)
One of the most challenging – and rewarding – hikes on Madeira is the 6.25-mile one way Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route.
It starts at Pico do Arieiro (the third highest peak on the island at 5965ft) and ends at Pico Ruivo (the highest peak on Madeira at 6109ft).
Noted for its steep staircases, narrow trails and sheer cliffs, the Madeira Peak to Peak Hike is not for the faint of heart…but the views are out of this world.
Most opt to trek one-way, as travel agencies in Funchal arrange drop off and pick up – and some offer the option to join a guided peak to peak tour. A new limited bus service is also available twice daily.
25 Fountains Trail
Another popular hike is the Levada Rabacal and 25 Fountains Trail. This trek was initially on our list, but we simply ran out of time! The hike is only accessible by car or organized tour.
Day Trip to Porto Santo from Funchal
Visiting Porto Santo is touted as a top Funchal day trip. Travelers can reach Porto Santo – the island just to the northeast of Madeira – by ferry boat or an incredibly short flight.
The island is best known for having a powder sand beach – but you can also go hiking, biking, snorkeling and kayaking!
Madeira Cristo Rei
Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, the Cristo Rei Statue stands 49 feet tall. Built in 1927, the art deco piece actually pre-dates the famous Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the Cristo Rei in Lisbon.
From the vista, you are treated to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and southern Madeira coastline. A cable car at the site transports guests from the cliff to the quiet beach below.
You can reach the Cristo Rei Statue in Funchal by organized tour or by bus (but it requires bit of a walk from the bus stop).
Things To Do: Madeira Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Map of Madeira Island Things To Do below.
Tips for Madeira Without a Car
We thought we might regret not renting a car for Madeira – but it all worked out for us! Our list of things to do in Madeira without a car proves that you can experience the island without having to drive.
We have some additional advice for fellow car-free travelers that will help in planning your vacation to Madeira!
Research Madeira Tours
There are so many amazing tours on Madeira Island. From thrilling-seeking adventures, like canyoning, to private 4×4 Jeep trips to whale watching cruises, there is truly something for everyone!
Before booking, make sure to read the complete details of each excursion. We prefer to book through Viator, where we can read fellow traveler reviews, too.
Get Familiar with Madeira Buses
Public buses are a good option for getting around Madeira without a car. Madeira bus routes are extensive…although some are not that frequent and schedules can be confusing.
Traveling around Madeira by bus can be challenging to some spots, but hopefully our tips will make it a little bit easier.
Madeira Bus Station
There is not a formal Funchal bus station. Many routes originate along the waterfront, either on Avenida do Mar or near the Teleferico Funchal-Monte Cable Car Station.
Madeira Bus Company
There is not one, but rather three bus companies that serve Funchal and the island: Horarios do Funchal, CAM (formerly SAM) and Rodeste.
In the past, each company has had its own pricing and payment options. However, they are now working towards a universal ticket and app. Regardless, fares for all rides can be paid in cash to the driver.
The Funchal Tourist Information Office does not have the best reputation for helping visitors understand the buses.
So, we are providing a basic Madeira by Bus Guide with a quick rundown and links to each company’s website.
Horarios do Funchal
The bus routes by Horarios do Funchal are the most useful for tourists. They run through Funchal City Center and to nearby sights, like Valley of the Nuns, Botanical Gardens and Monte.
- Bus 21 – Funchal to Monte Palace Gardens
- Bus 31 – Funchal to Botanic Gardens
- Bus 81 – Funchal to Valley of the Nuns (and Miradouro Eira do Serrado)
- Bus 56 – Funchal to Santana via Ribeiro Frio
- Bus 1 – Funchal to Camara de Lobos (short walk required into town)
CAM Bus Company
CAM runs most of the routes on the eastern side of Madeira – such as Ponta de Sao Lourenco and Portela. Additionally, CAM operates the Funchal Airport Bus.
- Bus 113 – Funchal to Baia D’Abra (Ponta de Sao Lourenco)
- Bus 20, 53 and 78 – Funchal to Portela
- Aerobus – Funchal to the Airport
Rodoeste Buses
Rodoeste serves the west side of Madeira, including places like Porto Moniz and Ribeira Brava.
- Bus 80 – Funchal to Porto Moniz
- Bus 7 – Funchal to Ribeira Brava
Siga Website
One of the biggest struggles with using buses in Madeira during our trip was that there was not one resource for timetables.
Recently, a new tool has been developed to merge all bus routes into one place. Although the Siga Website it is not fully functional, it will eventually be a good resource for Madeira bus info.
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Portugal Travel Guides
- 10 Days in Portugal and a 2-Week Portugal Itinerary
- Sao Miguel, Azores Itinerary
- Things To Do in Ponta Delgada, Azores
- 3 Day Lisbon Trip
- Essential Lisbon Travel Tips
- Best Porto Itinerary
- Self Guided Porto Walking Tour
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
