What to visit and eat in Madeira

The opportunities for things to do in Madeira are endless. Besides the breathtaking scenery and the famous levadas, you can also go dolphin and whale watching, take routes to get to know Madeira's gastronomy, among many other adventures.

Discover what to see in Madeira and what to eat in each place!

Porto do Seixal Beach

Porto do Seixal Beach, elected as the 3rd best beach in Europe 2022, is a small volcanic black sand beach in the north of Madeira Island.

Here you will be amazed by the magnificent landscape of Madeira's north coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy the sunbathing and cool down with a Coral beer or a Brisa Maracujá soft drink, two of Madeira's typical drinks.

Garajau Beach

In the Partial Natural Reserve of Garajau you will find Garajau Beach, which can be accessed by cable car.

This beach is located in a small cove sheltered by a high and rocky coastline, and is very popular with divers, who find excellent visibility conditions in its calm and crystalline waters.

With the 'Dine Around' programme for guests of the Dom Pedro Garajau Hotel, you can sample the delicious Madeiran gastronomy, not only at the hotel's buffet restaurant, but also at a local restaurant.

Machico

On the east coast of Madeira Island is the bay of Machico, the only golden sandy beach on Madeira Island.

Machico has a lot to visit and no shortage of things to do! Besides enjoying Machico beach, you can go to Miradouro da Portela or Pico do Facho (viewpoints), you can go diving or whale watching, or even enjoy a good round of golf at Santo da Serra Golf Course.

At the hotel Dom Pedro Madeira you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea, the Desertas Islands and the Ponta de São Lourenço. In addition to the serenity and well-being that a stay at this hotel will provide you with, you can also choose the option of a holiday with a diving course in Madeira.

Besides all these activities, you can't miss the bar "Chupa" to try the famous Madeiran Poncha, here you will find the real masters of the regional Poncha!

For a taste of typical Madeira dishes, dine at the restaurant "O Casco". If you are in the mood for sea food, "O Muralhas" in Pico da Maré Alta is the ideal restaurant for eating limpets and snails.

Casas de Santana

Casas de Santana are one of Madeira's iconic images: small wooden houses with triangular roofs made of straw. Although it was common in the past to find these houses in rural areas, today they remain in restricted places in memory of local heritage.

You can visit them at the "Núcleo de Casas Típicas de Santana” and at the Santana Theme Park, where you can also see their interiors and traditional decoration.

Still in the municipality of Santana, you can take a short walk along the Levada dos Balcões, in Ribeiro Frio, and make a stop at the Faísca restaurant to enjoy one of the best "pregos em bolo de caco”, a thin steak on a wheat bread typical of Madeira.

Madeira Wine Route

Besides Vinho Madeira, a unique fortified wine appreciated all over the world, excellent table wines are also produced in Madeira, which get their acidity from volcanic soils, the winds, the altitude of the mountains and maturation due to exposure to the sun.

Get to know some of the wine producers in Madeira and book a visit to taste the delicious Madeiran wines.

Madeira Sugar Cane and Rum Routes

Sugarcane has been cultivated in Madeira since its colonization and it is from this product that Madeira Rum, known as "Aguardente de Cana", is made. It is obtained exclusively through alcoholic fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice and is the only agricultural rum produced in Europe.

Through the partnership of the Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Culture with public and private entities in Madeira, it is possible to visit the sugar cane mills, museums and shops distributing and tasting sugar cane derivatives.

Câmara dos Lobos

Câmara dos Lobos is a must-see in Madeira. Here you can climb up to the Ilhéu de Câmara de Lobos, a prominent island-like rock in the sea and enjoy superb views over the city, the sea and Cabo Girão.

In Câmara de Lobos you must try one of Madeira's most famous dishes; the espetada with small cubes of meat on a laurel wood skewer. One of the best-known restaurants for this delicacy is Adega da Quinta Restaurant, the best in Madeira for espetadas, and you can count on a breathtaking view while you enjoy this dish.

Serra de Água

Serra de Água in Ribeira Brava municipality is a picturesque place and one of Madeira's secret places, from where you can see the south coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava and Campanário, surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna.

Take the opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying the fabulous views from Levada da Serra de Água, which offers a choice of a 5-to-6 hour walk or a 3-to-4-hour walk.