Madeira Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Madeira, Portugal)

The island attraction of Madeira really does offer something for all ages, with relaxing beachfront resorts suiting both families and seniors alike. Tourists holidaying on the island often find themselves drawn to Madeira's beaches, bathing complexes, golf courses, botanical gardens, marina and yachting attractions, while others prefer the cliff-top hiking trails and wondrous coastal scenery, with arguably the very best panoramic views being available on the westerly shore.

As the capital city, Funchal is where much of the action is centred on Madeira, although all around the island, many further tourist attractions present themselves in the form of charismatic towns and fishing villages, such as Camara de Lobos, Curral das Freiras and Porto Moniz. You can certainly be assured of a very scenic journey as you travel to your chosen destination.

Camara de Lobos

Address: Camara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal, PT
An interesting fishing village next to tall cliff faces and a sheltered harbour, Camara de Lobos was a favourite holiday destination of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill and is located just a short distance to the west of Funchal, standing on Madeira's southerly shore. Camara de Lobos is always a hive of activity early in the morning, when the fishermen arrive with their bountiful catch, after a long night at sea. An afternoon stroll along the harbourfront and rocky beach is hard to beat.

Curral das Freiras

Address: Curral das Freiras, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Finding the village of Curral das Freiras is not difficult and you will simply need to head in a northerly direction along the N-107 road, following the relevant signposts and passing through a couple of mountain tunnels along the way. Curral das Freiras sits just a short distance to the north of Eira do Serrado and lies in the very heart of central Madeira, occupying a beautiful setting within a valley of extinct volcanoes. Expect to find whitewashed period houses, a charming public square, an old church, wonderful mountain vistas, and an interesting Moorish pirate history.

Funchal

Address: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, PT
As the capital of the island, the city of Funchal really is central to life on Madeira and where the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are located. The Municipal Square (Praca do Municipio) is an important part of central Funchal and this spacious plaza is paved with tiles created from lava rock. A number of charming cobbled alleyways are close by and lead towards various museums and churches, with the 18th-century City Hall (Camara Municipal) standing on the east side of the Praca do Municipio and known for its palace tower, which rather dominates this part of the city. Funchal is an excellent base to explore southern Madeira and is home to many of the most popular attractions on this island, such as the 15th-century Sé (Cathedral) on the Rua do Aljube, and the rather splendid Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (Jardim do Monte Palace). The Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botanico) are especially close by and in nearby Caminho do Meio.

Pico do Arieiro

Address: Pico do Arieiro, Madeira, Portugal, PT
The mountain settlement of Pico do Arieiro is little more than 35 km / 22 miles to the north of Funchal and embodies much of the island's volcanic character. The mountain peak itself is almost 1,800 metres / 5,900 feet in height and is Madeira's third tallest, being accessed along a scenic road towards Pico Ruivo, although hiking trails are available if you have the time and inclination. Those who reach the very top will be able to enjoy great views across the village of Curral das Freiras, Pico Ruivo and also the famous site known as the 'Eagle's Rock' (Penha d'Aguia).

Porto Moniz

Address: Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Porto Moniz is to be found on the far north-westerly coast of Madeira and reaching this fishing village will take you along a winding cliff road, with spectacular ocean views and vertical drops. When you arrive at Porto Moniz, you will discover a village with a surprisingly sheltered harbourfront, complete with picturesque cottages and cobblestone alleyways, appearing quite unchanged by time. There are no specific tourist attractions within Porto Moniz, other than the great views of the Ilhéu Mole - a picturesque islet, from its peninsula, and its acclaimed seafood restaurants with ocean views, where both swordfish and tuna steaks make a regular appearance on the menus.

Ribeira Brava

Address: Ribeira Brava, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Lying on the southern coast of Madeira and some 15 km / 9 miles to the west of Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava is approximately 45 km / 28 miles west of Funchal and within easy reach. The appealing village is particularly historic and dates from the middle of the 15th century. Ribeira Brava has a number of attractions, including a 16th-century church, handcraft shops, a busy waterfront market, and the remains of a 17th-century fortress, named the Forte de Sao Bento, which was built to defend the village from possible pirate attacks. However, it is the fine weather that Ribeira Brava is perhaps best known for, since this village is one of the sunniest on the entire island.

Ribeiro Frio

Address: Ribeiro Frio, Madeira, Portugal, PT
A small village within the protected Madeira Forest Park, Ribeiro Frio is surrounded by areas of woodland, waterfalls and tall mountains, enjoying a natural situation, free from development. Ribeiro Frio is roughly 11 km / 7 miles to the north of Poiso and is home to a selection of walks and pathways alongside the various waterways, such as the Levada do Furado, which leads to a viewing platform overlooking the dramatic peaks of the Pico do Arieiro, the Pico Ruivo and the Pico das Torres mountains.

Santa Cruz

Address: Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Santa Cruz is sited on the eastern side of Madeira and has become the island's third-biggest parish, after both Funchal and Camara de Lobos. There are a number of reasons why Santa Cruz is such a popular part of the island, with the Ribeira da Boaventura bathing complex always drawing tourists and featuring two pools, a number of sun decks and a lengthy esplanade. However, it is the recently opened Aqua Park attraction that is now drawing the biggest crowds to Santa Cruz, with its fast water slides, lazy river and exciting toboggan rides.

Santana

Address: Santana, Madeira, Portugal, PT
The village of Santana is situated approximately 40 km / 25 miles to the north of Funchal and some 16 km / 10 miles to the north-west of Ribeiro Frio. Appearing almost as if it has jumped right out of a postcard, Santana its a truly beautiful village, with traditional thatched cottages (palheiros) and brightly coloured houses, with long sweeping roofs often touching the actual floor. Tourists will find it hard to resist photographing the pretty buildings and streets, which are overflowing with character and charm.

Sao Vicente

Address: Sao Vicente, Madeira, Portugal, PT
One of the island's most well-known towns, Sao Vicente stands on the northern coastline of Madeira and is next to the very mouth of the Sao Vicente River.

Tourists come here for the seemingly endless ocean views and remote setting. The town is reached by travelling along the 'Gold Road', which was built in the mid-20th century and carved through the actual cliff face.

Serra de Agua

Address: Serra de Agua, Madeira, Portugal, PT
Situated just over 6 km / 4 miles to the north of Ribeira Brava, Serra de Agua is actually reached by crossing a magnificent canyon and is well located for those wishing to explore the interior of the island. Many natural and extremely scenic attractions surround the Serra de Agua area, including a series of waterfalls and plenty of hiking trails, which lead to some breathtaking vantage points, providing views over both sides of the actual island.