Exploring the Natural Beauty of Madeira – Top Things to See
Monica Tindall
Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean known for its verdant forests, dramatic coastline, and volcanic peaks. The island’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws, and many activities are available for visitors who want to experience it.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Madeira is with a local driver. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and scenic viewpoints without the nerve-racking task of navigating steep, windy roads and single lanes curving around cliff edges on your own. With a knowledgeable guide at the wheel, you can enjoy the rugged terrain, dramatic forests, spectacular coastlines and towering mountain peaks without concern for your life. At the same time, you can learn about the island’s geology, flora, fauna and culture from a local. We discovered the island’s natural wonders with a kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and gracious guide, Mr Ramos, from Madeira Island Tours. Here are some of the top things to do in Madeira – natural highlights that took our breath away.
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Madeira – Top Things to See
Poiso
Poiso is a picturesque mountain village embraced by stunning natural landscapes. Situated at approximately 1,400 meters, Poiso offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This tranquil hamlet is a starting point for numerous hiking trails, including the renowned Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, diverse flora, and endemic species while immersing themselves in the peaceful ambience of this mountain retreat. A glass balcony view point has just been constructed this year giving thrill seekers the opportunity to “step off the cliff” and see what lies below through a glass floor.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is a majestic mountain peak offering breathtaking vistas and an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. Standing at approximately 1,818 meters, it is the third-highest peak on the island. Accessible by a well-maintained road (although we’re thrilled we’re not driving!), Pico do Arieiro provides panoramic views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean. You can even see the capital city of Funchal from here on a clear day. The summit is often enveloped in mist, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Hiking trails, such as the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro, allow adventurers to explore the surrounding rugged terrain and discover this mountainous region’s unique flora and fauna.
Ribeiro Frio & Levada Balções
Madeira is famed for its hiking trails that follow water canals, “levadas”, through the mountains. Some are short and flat, while others are challenging and require a commitment of several days. Ribeiro Frio is a tranquil village renowned for its natural beauty and access to the Levada Ribeiro Frio Balções hiking trail. Situated amidst lush forests and surrounded by mountains, it’s a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts. This reasonably easy trail provides an opportunity to appreciate the island’s unique flora and fauna, including laurel forests and endemic bird species. We took around an hour to complete it, allowing some time to stop and admire the surroundings. It’s flat all the way, has a small café at the halfway point and offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. We arrived late afternoon, but photography lovers might consider timing their arrival for either sunrise or sunset – the photo ops are amazing.
Santana
On the northern coast, Santana is a charming village known for its traditional triangular-shaped houses, known as “palheiros.” These unique structures, made of thatched rooves and wooden beams, provide insights into the island’s rural heritage. Santana offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life, with its agricultural activities and rustic atmosphere. Santana is an excellent destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Madeira’s rich history.
Fortunately, our stop here coincided with Santana’s Regional Folklore 24-hour Dancing Festival! They were in full swing when we arrived, dressed in traditional outfits, music booming, toes tapping, and all aided by large jugs of unidentified liquor freeing flowing amongst the crowd.
Lunch at Quinta do Furão
Quinta do Furao, located on the cliff top of Achado do Gramacho in Santana, Madeira, boasts stunning views of the island’s wild coastline. This restaurant, part of a larger complex with vineyards and a luxurious hotel, offers local recipes and a notable Portuguese wine selection. We recommend starting with their signature cocktail, Poncha, made with Madeiran rum, fresh juices, and a touch of honey. The menu features hearty and comforting dishes such as Traditional Homemade Wheat Soup and Gratinated Azeitao Cheese, perfect for sharing. For mains, the Sauteed Black Scabbord Fish Fillet and Beef Tenderloin “Caldeirao Verde” impress with generous portions and flavourful accompaniments. After the meal, stroll along the scenic path showcasing awe-inspiring heights and views of the coast. Read a more detailed description of the restaurant, including the menu and prices, here.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço, situated on the eastern tip of Madeira, is a rugged and dramatic peninsula known for its stunning natural landscapes. It’s distinctly different from the lush greenery of the mountains we witnessed earlier. This area showcases impressive cliffs, sharp rock formations, and a unique blend of volcanic and coastal features. The contrasting colours of the land and sea create a striking visual spectacle. Arriving as the sun sets is particularly magical when the rocks glow a deep golden orange. The peninsula offers several well-marked hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and observe endemic flora and fauna.
Final Thoughts
These are just the tip of the iceberg (or mountain, in this case) of the top things to do in Madeira regarding discovering the island’s natural highlights. We squeezed all of this into a full day, and the more we explored, the more we realised a whole month might not even be enough to fully experience the magical wonder of Madeira. If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique place to visit, I highly recommend Madeira. The island’s natural beauty is truly stunning, and many activities are available for visitors of all ages.
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It is indeed a very beautiful place.