25 Best Activities (on sea and land) in Madeira

On Madeira, contrary to popular belief, you only get stuck to the hotel’s pool if you are really tired. And even there you have several activities.

Surrounded by the sea and with a large part of its surface covered by a Natural Park, Madeira hides a surprising and varied offer of nature activities. The boat rides appear at the top of the visitors favourite activities, but this sea of tempered waters also invites diving, surf and the more recent trend of stand up paddle.

While on firm land, the Laurel forest, Unesco’s Natural Heritage, deserves to be travelled, either in a walk through a “levada”, or in a vehicle or maybe in a bycicle. But, mandatory for all, adventurers and sports people, nature enthusiasts and even the “tired”, is the trip, fun and always unique, down a hill, in the wicker sledge basket.

ON THE SEA

Aboard the modern Lagoon 42 catamaran, Atlantic Pearl provides unforgettable tours. Perfect for corporate events, friends' meetings, romantic get-togethers or a special celebration, Atlantic Pearl programs showcase the coast of the Madeira Archipelago in pre-defined courses or custom tours tailored to the wishes of clients. The regu... READ MORE
Going on this trip is like returning to the era of the Discoveries in a 15th century ship. Santa Maria de Colombo is a real size replica of the ship which led the Spanish discoverer Christopher Columbus to the discovery of America. Cut in mahogany, it is 22 m long, having three masts, the biggest with 16 m, and it can carry up to 100 ... READ MORE
Aboard one of the two catamarans held by the company, one can enjoy the beauty of Madeira’s coast. Sea Born and Sea Born II allow you to explore the Island with comfort and safety. The most recent recreational ships in Madeira, as these, are all equipped with bars and bathrooms. The passenger can enjoy a trip outside with panoramic ... READ MORE
VMT Madeira provides leisure trips off the coast of Madeira. Working from one of the most attractive points in Madeira – the ocean – the company not only presents the beauty of this coast, but also the opportunity of watching dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. In Summertime, the programs are also completed with the poss... READ MORE
This 75-foot long and 99 ton weight genuine wooden schooner recreates a charming atmosphere, where one can take advantage of the crystal blue ocean through three different programs: a tour by some of the most beautiful bays in Madeira; a visit to the Desertas’ Natural Reserve; or yet still, a ... READ MORE
Departing from the Marina of Funchal, the “Gavião” takes us for a sailing ride. The luxury yacht with a capacity for 20 passengers proposes from adventures in search of dolphins, whales and turtles, with a pause in Cabo Girão for sunbathing, or a full-day expeditions to  the deserted I... READ MORE
Cetaceans Route offers boat trips for the observ... READ MORE
At the Madeira Aquarium one can enjoy the opportu... READ MORE
Located in Porto Santo marina, Porto Santo Sub is ... READ MORE
Situated in the middle of the Natural Reserve of G... READ MORE

ON SOLID GROUND

Unique transportation, this type of basket-ware sleigh, held by two men, goes down from Monte to Livramento, in a mind blowing trip which can reach up to 80 km per hour.Price: 45€ (3 pax), 30€ (2 pax), 25€ (1 pax)... READ MORE
Attraction in the council since 2004, Madeira Theme Park holds many icons of local culture, such as the typical Santana houses or a replica of the train in Monte.Price: 10€; 6€ (6-14, >65); 2€ (4-5), free (<4)... READ MORE
Adventureland is a tourism animation company dedicated to revealing the best secrets that Madeira island has to offer. In six different four-wheel drive tours, with off-road incursions and routes established along old municipal and forest paths, Adventureland proposes goods moments in sites of rare beauty. To these half-day and full ... READ MORE
A tour agency and tourism consultant, Intertours provides several options to get to know Madeira Island. Its several tours of the island offer real-life experiences and unique themed circuit packages, based on sustainability. ... READ MORE
This company specializes in mountain bike (BTT) t... READ MORE
Located in Quinta do Palheiro, Palheiro Golf is th... READ MORE
Three 9-holes layouts called Machico, Desertas and... READ MORE
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Porto Santo Gol... READ MORE

IN THE AIR

Located in Quinta Bom Sucesso, seven minutes from Funchal centre, this cable car connects the Botanic Garden to Monte borough, in a 10-12 minute ride over the gorgeous valley of Ribeira de João Gomes, with the city of Funchal and the blue sea on the background. In comfortable eight-seat cabins, the passengers experience the vertigino... READ MORE
Above all, an experience to remember. Funchal Cable Car carries passengers from the city centre to Vila do Monte, in comfortable seven-seat cabins. In a harmonious 15-minute trip, the cable car flies over downtown, Largo das Babosas and the valley of Ribeira João Gomes, offering a different and... READ MORE
The Fajã cable car makes a journey of 300 metres in two minutes and a half, offering not only the fastest trip to the beautiful Fajã bay but also an unforgettable tour that allows a magnificent view of the south coast of Madeira. Price: 10 € (free for children under 12 years old)... READ MORE

SERVICES

This boat connects Madeira to Porto Santo. It is a means of transport but also an enjoyable boat trip. Designed to carry passengers and cargo, the Lobo Marinho also guarantees comfort, due to its Rolls-Royce stabilizers. The 2h15-journey becomes a unique ex­perience due to the high quality of its service but also because of the mini-... READ MORE
Madeira is charming for its natural beauty, for its attractions, gastronomy, and history. There are many secrets to figure out and an entire island to explore, as well as the surrounding deep ocean. Ensuring that nothing remains unknown, hop aboard the Yellow Bus sightseeing tours that travel through the city of Funchal and all its f... READ MORE
They share a similar name with the traditional taxis, as well as the fact that they are a means of transportation. The tukxis are Ape Calessino convertible tricycles from Piaggio, equipped with an electric engine, that circulate through Funchal’s old city streets and introduce the tourists to the ... READ MORE
In downtown Funchal, as well as just three minutes from the airport, the WhyNot Car Rental has available a very diversified and recent fleet of vehicles, including economic models, family SUVs, special versions, automatic gear box versions, luxurious models, convertibles, 7 and 9 passengers mini... READ MORE

 

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The Best Of selection is based on the opinions and experiences of our community‘s journalists and editors, as well as interviews with local people and suggestions from readers validated by our editors. It also includes research of information, comments, and ratings on social networks.

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