Sightseeing

A short, easy walk from Ribeiro Frio through native laurel forest leads to Balcões, one of Madeira's best panoramic viewpoints over the Central Mountain Massif.

The triangular, thatched-roof houses of Santana are one of Madeira's most recognizable icons — some restored as a heritage exhibit, others available to rent as unique holiday cottages.

Step onto a glass platform suspended 580 metres above the Atlantic at Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and one of Madeira's most photographed viewpoints.

Madeira Explorers has run guided levada walks from Funchal since 2003: half-day and full-day routes like 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo and Paradise Valley, with hotel pickup included.

Watch the sun set over the Atlantic from a catamaran leaving Funchal's marina, with VMT Madeira's 3-hour sunset cruise along the island's south coast.